A 2000 year old jar of honey was among the archaeological finds in King Tutankhamun’s tomb discovered in 1922. Amazingly, according to the archeologists, the honey was perfectly preserved and still tasted like honey. Due to its acidic pH and low water content honey is one of the few foods that never spoils. Not only does honey taste good and never spoils, but it has been used for centuries by various cultures around the world to treat wounds. Its low water content and acidic pH are a couple of the reasons honey is beneficial in wound care and treatment.
Due to antibiotic resistance there has been a resurgence in the clinical use of honey in wound treatment. One of the more beneficial varieties of honey in wound care treatment is Manuka. In 2007 medical-grade manuka honey was approved by the FDA as an option for wound treatment. It is used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns and traumatic or surgical wounds.
Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum Scopartum shrub found almost exclusively in New Zealand. It contains a unique component called methylglyoxal which gives it enhanced antibacterial properties as compared to other honey varieties. Manuka honey has also been shown to possess antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as a humectant which makes it a superb moisturizer.