Manuka honey is well-known for its culinary uses, but it has many other usages that you may not know. Holistic health practitioners recommend Manuka honey not only as a daily supplement to boost the immune system, but as a topical remedy for a variety of complaints. From wound healing to burn care, Manuka honey has healing properties that hasten healing and prevent infection from becoming a problem. And applying just a small amount of this liquid gold is all that's needed!
What Makes Manuka Honey a Good Remedy for Burns and Open Wounds?
Manuka honey has a thick consistency that is soothing to the skin. It also has antibacterial properties that fight infection and keeps the skin moist and protected. Manuka honey is considered to be a superfood because it has more nutritive value than other types of honey and when it’s applied to the skin, its nutrients are absorbed very similarly to when the honey is consumed in food.
Kitchen Burns
Kitchen burns can range from very mild to severe. Mild or first-degree burns are characterized by reddish, irritated skin that is sensitive to the touch. Second-degree burns are identified by blisters that tend to grow bigger as time passes. Third-degree burns are quite severe and often appear to have blackened skin around an open wound. For mild burns and some less severe second-degree burns that can be treated at home, applying a small amount of Manuka honey and an adhesive bandage to it can be helpful in starting the healing process.
Sunburns
Sunburns are different from kitchen burns in that they normally don't penetrate deep into the skin. Mix one part Manuka honey with three parts lotion or facial cream, blend well, then apply the mixture evenly to your sunburnt areas. Do not rub it on, instead apply gently by blotting on the skin. As the skin absorbs the mixture, you will need to apply more. Continue to apply to the skin for two or three days to ensure it stays moist.
What Does “Medical Grade” Mean?
The term “medical grade” means that a food or supplement meets the strict standards required to be used for medicinal purposes. Manuka honey is graded by a specific scale called the UMF rating. The Unique Manuka Factor determines the purity of the honey, as well as its potency. Manuka Honey with a high UMF rating may qualify as medical-grade if it is manufactured under the right conditions. Because some burns may cause open blisters or lesions, it's important that you only use medical-grade Manuka honey on severe burns. If in doubt, always seek medical advice.
Getting any type of burn can be irritating and extremely painful. Applying Manuka honey will soothe the burn and allow the damaged skin to start healing almost immediately. Its antibacterial properties will protect against infection while the nutrients begin to nourish and strengthen the skin. You can apply it as often as you like to keep the skin supple and elastic, while also reducing the risk of scar tissue.
