Honey Can Help Beat Killer Hospital Bugs

It Fights Infection Better Than Antibiotics
By Michelle O'Keeffe, The Mirror (Eire Edition), 6/23/2009

HONEY may be more effective than antibiotics in tackling superbugs in hospitals, a study has revealed.

As many as 800 patients die from MRSA and C.Difficle every year, but scientists believe honey is the bees knees when it comes to fighting the deadly virus.

Dr Teresa Graham, who set up Stop Infections Now group after her husband died of MRSA, said some people who have contracted a superbug are already using it to beat the killer infection.

Dr Graham added: "Honey is very effective in treating the MRSA infection in a wound. If patients who have contracted the superbug eat honey or use it in an ointment it can be very effective in treating MRSA - but only when the infection is in a wound.

"Manuka honey from New Zealand is being used but Irish beekeepers claim Irish honey is just as good at treating MRSA…

Scientists from the University jelly bush honey from Australia - successfully attacked MRSA.

They said honey may be more effective that antibiotics in providing a solution to the worldwide problem.

One of the researchers said: "Most bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one antibiotic, and there is an urgent need for a new ways to treat and control surface infections.

Our research clearly shows that honey could, in many cases, replace antibiotic creams on wounds and equipment such as catheters. Using honey as an intermediate treatment could also prolong the life on antibiotics…