Honey’s Healing Power: 5 Science-Backed Benefits

Honey, often enjoyed for its sweetness, possesses remarkable medicinal properties that extend far beyond a simple sugar substitute. Historically revered and now scientifically validated, honey offers a range of health benefits. This article explores five key ways honey can contribute to your well-being, supported by research.

1. Nurtures Good Gut Bacteria

Honey is more than just a source of energy; it’s a prebiotic that can foster a healthy gut environment. Research published in PLoS One highlights the diverse population of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in honeybees’ honey crops, suggesting a long evolutionary association. Studies have also demonstrated honey’s ability to stimulate the multiplication of good bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum in in vitro conditions, increasing their counts significantly compared to sucrose.

2. Fights Harmful Bacteria, Including MRSA

The antibacterial properties of honey are well-documented, with numerous reports in medical literature showcasing its effectiveness against challenging infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Honey has been shown to kill biofilm-associated MRSA isolates from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and human research indicates a 70% effectiveness rate in destroying MRSA in chronic venous ulcers. Furthermore, Manuka honey, a potent variety, can synergize with conventional antibiotics, making MRSA bacterial isolates more susceptible to their action.

3. Battles Dental Plaque-Causing Bacteria

Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial, and honey can play a role. Manuka honey has been found to be as effective as chlorhexidine gluconate, a common ingredient in mouthwash, in reducing plaque formation. This suggests its potential as a natural agent for oral care.

4. Superior to Pharmaceutical Treatments for Herpes

A notable 2004 study in the Medical Science Monitor revealed that topical honey application was significantly more effective than the antiviral drug acyclovir (Zovirax) in treating both labial and genital herpes lesions. Honey treatment resulted in better outcomes for duration of attacks and pain, occurrence of crusting, and healing time. Importantly, no side effects were observed with repeated applications of honey, unlike acyclovir, which caused local itching in some patients.

5. Provides Protection Against Gastric Damage

Honey has demonstrated protective effects on the stomach lining. Studies have shown its ability to prevent gastric lesions induced by substances such as alcohol, indomethacin (a NSAID pain-killer), and aspirin. This indicates honey’s potential to support digestive health and mitigate the damaging effects of certain irritants.

The evidence for honey’s profound medicinal value continues to grow. These five facts represent just a fraction of the research highlighting its diverse health benefits.

References:

Vásquez, A., Forsgren, E., Fries, I., Paxton, R. J., Flaberg, E., Szekely, L., & Olofsson, T. C. (2012). Symbionts as major modulators of insect health: lactic acid bacteria and honeybees. PLoS One, 7(3), e33188. PMID: 22427985
Shamala, T. R., Jyothi, Y. S., & Saibaba, P. (2000). Stimulatory effect of honey on multiplication of lactic acid bacteria under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 30(6), 453-455. PMID: 10849275
Natarajan, S., Williamson, D., Grey, J., Harding, K. G., & Cooper, R. A. (2001). Healing of an MRSA-colonized, hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with honey. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 12(1), 33-36. PMID: 12171686
Alandejani, T., Marsan, J., Ferris, W., Slinger, R., & Chan, F. (2009). Effectiveness of honey on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 141(1), 114-118. PMID: 19559969
Gethin, G., & Cowman, S. (2008). Bacteriological changes in sloughy venous leg ulcers treated with manuka honey or hydrogel: an RCT. Journal of Wound Care, 17(6), 241-244. PMID: 18666717
Jenkins, R. E., & Cooper, R. (2012). Synergy between oxacillin and manuka honey sensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 67(8), 1840-1845. PMID: 22382468
Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Mythili, R. (2010). Effect of Manuka honey, chlorhexidine gluconate and xylitol on the clinical levels of dental plaque. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 1(4), 214-217. PMID: 22114423
Al-Waili, N. S. (2004). Topical honey application vs. acyclovir for the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex lesions. Medical Science Monitor, 10(8), MT94-98. PMID: 15278008
Gharzouli, K., Amira, S., Gharzouli, A., & Khennouf, S. (2002). Gastroprotective effects of honey and glucose-fructose-sucrose-maltose mixture against ethanol-, indomethacin-, and acidified aspirin-induced lesions in the rat. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 54(3), 217-221. PMID: 12484559