Let’s first point out that not all manuka honey is the same. This cannot be emphasised enough. There is now a lot of research showing beneficial properties for both wounds and general health from manuka honey. However, this research is based on that manuka honey which has been correctly tested and proven to contain sufficient levels of antibacterial activity. A lot of it does not contain these antibacterial properties (or not at sufficient levels). Please take care. There has been quite a bit of hype in various parts of the world, and there are now many manuka products, most of which use only the ordinary version.
The rest of this page refers only to proper medical grade manuka honey or that which has been UMF® accredited.
Here are some of the reasons medical grade antibacterial manuka honey is very good for using on wounds:
- Antibacterial properties fight any infection in the wound.
- Is sterilising on the wound (the importance of using sterilised / medical grade honey).
- Creates a barrier stopping new infection from entering.
- Keeps the wound moist, which aids the healing process, aiding faster tissue growth.
- Reduces the bad odours common in wounds in leg ulcers.
- Reduces the level of scarring.
- Is natural.
- Easier and less painful changing of dressings - the dressing peels of against the layer of honey.
This is much better than traditional wound dressings that tend to stick to the wound surface, so that removing them causes much ripping off of the tissue that is trying to regrow. Using honey greatly reduces this ’step backwards’ of disturbing new tissue growth.
Good examples of suitable manuka honey products for wounds use can be found at
The New Zealand Honey Shop - Independennt experts in manuka honey.ManukaCare is a tube of sterilised 100% antibacterial manuka honey that has a European medical devices license.
Medihoney is a range of specialist wound care products, some of which have had FDA marketing approval. Includes the ready to use Apinate honey dressings.