Honey has instinctively been used for centuries as medicine due to both its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for treating colds and soothing coughs for ages, too. Its unique properties allow it to be used as a barrier for wounds, speeding the growth of healthy tissue, killing bacteria and germs, reducing pain and inflammation and treating burns, scrapes, skin ulcers and sores.
According to WedMD:
'Several recent studies show manuka honey is effective when used on top of wounds and leg ulcers. Studies also show it's effective in fighting infection and promoting healing.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as being "possibly effective" to treat burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey may shorten healing times in mild burns compared with traditional dressings.
Another possible benefit of honey is that, unlike antibiotics, it has not been reported to cause development of resistant bacteria. These so-called "superbugs" develop after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. They require special antibiotics to treat them.'
And then I discovered Manuka Honey, a therapeutic-grade honey that is made by bees in New Zealand that pollinate the native Manuka bush. I started using Manuka honey as part of a homemade face wash when I was struggling with another bout cystic acne and very frustrated with over-the-counter cleansers that only aggravated the problem. I was at my wits end and really not wanting to leave my house - but still determined to avoid prescribed medication. I stumbled onto Tracy's website, The Love Vitamin, and tearfully decided to give Manuka honey a try. I am forever grateful that I did.
According to The Love Vitamin:
'It has a unique function of drawing the moisture out of bacteria in an affected area, essentially killing it.
It can prevent future breakouts by drawing impurities out of pores.
It nurtures, protects, and moisturizes the skin.'
When looking for Manuka honey, look for OMA, MGO or UMF ratings on the bottle. And look for one that is actually packed and labeled by a New Zealand company. Personally, I use a MGO 400+ honey by Manuka Health for my face wash (and occasionally take internally) and it worked wonders. My face felt softer and less oily and the painful cysts began to shrink and finally disappear. Minor scars, even older ones, began to fade as well.
Manuka Honey Face Wash
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1/8 cup Manuka Honey (MGO 400+)
- 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
Mix all of the ingredients in a small glass mason jar, with lid. To use, lightly wet the hands first then scoop about 2 teaspoons of the mixture onto the hands. Rub hands together to soften the honey slightly before using it on the face. Rinse your face with warm water and gently pat dry.
Have you tried Manuka honey?
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