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How Do I Use Manuka Honey for Wounds?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

If you have a wound such as a cut, burn, or abscess, you may want to try manuka honey to help it heal. Make sure to use plenty of honey so that the wound is completely covered and also fills any deep cuts or ulcers, particularly if there is a large amount of drainage. When using manuka honey for wounds, keep a clean dressing such as a bandage or pad over the area, preferably one that is waterproof so the honey is not absorbed by the bandage. The area should be kept clean, and sterile instruments should always be used to apply the honey before a sterile dressing is placed over it.

When using manuka honey for wounds, you need to use a sufficient amount of it for healing. Manuka honey promotes healing because it destroys bacteria with its acidity and ability to absorb fluid within the wound. In order to do this, it needs to cover the entire wound, and also get inside of deep wounds so it covers all of the open area to the bottom. You may need to apply it more thickly and frequently if the wound is seeping heavily, as more will be needed to absorb all of the fluid. As you heal and the wound exudes less fluid, you should have to apply less honey, less frequently.

Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help heal wounds.
Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help heal wounds.

In order to keep the honey in contact with your wound, you will likely want to cover it with a dressing of some type. You may even want to apply honey to the dressing and then press it to the wound, or buy dressings infused with honey; this can be less messy and also help you prevent additional damage to the wound. Use a pad or bandage large enough to cover the whole injured and infected area to keep the honey in contact everywhere it is needed. It is best when using manuka honey for wounds to keep as much of it directly against the injuries as possible, so a waterproof bandage that will not absorb the honey and draw it away is usually best.

Honey is a natural antiseptic.
Honey is a natural antiseptic.

Cleanliness is critical both before and while using manuka honey for wounds. Before you apply the dressing, make sure the wound is thoroughly cleaned. In the case of burns, run cool water over the area first as well. Use a sterile spatula or other instrument to apply the honey generously to the wound, then cover it with a sterile pad or bandage. Follow the same procedure each time you change the dressing, and always make sure your hands are washed first.

Discussion Comments

anon1003474

It's a higher content of honey that most others.

Lostnfound

@Grivusangel -- I'm sure the expense comes in part from transportation costs. The honey is usually imported from New Zealand, so that explains the price, at least in part.

As I understand it, the only place the manuka plant grows is in New Zealand, so manuka honey is only made in one place, which also contributes to the cost.

I don't know if regular honey would help with wound care or not. You might ask the proprietor of the health food store. He or she might know. A doctor who is open to alternative medicine might also know whether any kind of honey is good for wounds.

Grivusangel

I saw this in a health food store and it was something like $40 for about 17 ounces! Why on earth is it so expensive? Will local honey not do as well for wounds -- to say nothing of costing a third of the price?

Is regular honey acidic enough to help wounds heal, or is it just manuka honey? What makes it so special? I couldn't believe it when I saw that stuff was $40! That's a tank of gas, and then some, for my car. That stuff had better have gold flakes in it to be worth that kind of money. I just can't understand why it's so pricey. Does anyone have any idea?

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    • Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help heal wounds.
      By: Pasi Välkkynen
      Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help heal wounds.
    • Honey is a natural antiseptic.
      By: monticellllo
      Honey is a natural antiseptic.
    • Manuka honey refers to honey made from bees that mostly feed on manuka plants.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Manuka honey refers to honey made from bees that mostly feed on manuka plants.