Honey Useful for Treating Wounds in Earthquake, War Zones

A Cheap Fix in a War Zone
By Karen Dente, Los Angeles Times, 9/10/2007

Honey is cheap, making it potentially useful for treating wounds in earthquake-stricken and war-torn areas where running water is scarce and often contaminated. It is being used in Iraq to treat burn wounds in children.

When Col. Dr. Craig Lambrecht, an emergency physician working at the MedCenter One Health Clinic in Bismarck, N.D., served in Iraq for his second mission late last year as part of the National Guard, he was involved in overseeing a makeshift civilian outpatient care center to treat Iraqi children suffering from burns. The Smith Gate Burn Clinic, an hour south of Baghdad, is the only service in the country offering such burn care to children.

The center was supplied with Medihoney, now produced by the company Comvita in New Zealand, to fill the need for a cost-effective wound-dressing solution. The sterile, medical-grade honey was paid for by donations.

Patients' wounds were dressed with honey instead of the silver sulfadiazine gauze dressings usually used to treat burn wounds. The children were sent home with the honey, and their parents told to reapply it.

"We were seeing great results," Lambrecht says. "Patients were following our instructions and reapplying honey to dress their wounds. There were no problems with allergies. The [edges of the wounds] were healing, there were less infections." In fact, he says, "observations were that it worked better than the silver dressings."…

Photo from: Airborne Honey Ltd

Honey's Healing Touch

Antibacterial properties could make the nectar an effective treatment for sores that refuse to mend.
By Karen Dente, Los Angeles Times, 9/10/2007

With the rise in cases of diabetes, more and more people will suffer from foot ulcers that do not heal and may end up needing amputation because treatment of chronic wounds is so difficult.

Today, an alternative treatment based on a remedy used since antiquity is getting increased attention -- smearing wounds with honey.

Manuka Honey, a medicinal honey harvested from beekeepers in New Zealand, is now being marketed for application on wounds. In June, Health Canada approved it under the brand name Medihoney for use as a wound dressing and antimicrobial. In July, the Food and Drug Administration cleared it for use in wounds and burns in the U.S.

The effects of treating wounds with honey have been noted mostly in anecdotal reports and case histories, making it hard for scientists to know whether the remedy compares favorably with standard wound dressings such as hydrogels, silver-impregnated gauzes or topical antibiotics.

But in recent years, larger studies have shown promising results, and more are underway…

Allergic Reaction to Royal Jelly Mistakenly Attributed to Antibiotic

Severe Anaphylaxis to Royal Jelly Attributed to Cefonicid
J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol, 2007; Vol. 17(4): 277-285

Royal jelly, a secretion of the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera), is a creamy yellow–white, acidic material made up of proteins, free amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins, and some minerals.

It is the only food of female bee larvae during early stages of development, but once other larvae have developed into sexually immature worker bees, only the queen bee continues to receive this diet.

Although imprecisely defined chemically and generally not standardized, royal jelly is widely used as a health tonic and “alternative” medicine but its beneficial effect in humans is unproven and severe allergic reactions, especially asthma, have occurred following its ingestion.

We report the case of a 28-year-old man who presented with a 25-year history of asthma that had worsened in recent months to a level of 2 attacks per week and frequent use of salbutamol (up to 15 inhalations per day)…

Five months later, the patient was referred to our department in order to identify a safe alternative antibiotic drug. He underwent skin prick tests with standard aeroallergens (Stallergénes S.A., Antony Cedex, France) and positive results were obtained with grass pollen, house dust mite, Alternaria, and cat dander.

Negative results were obtained in immunoassays to determine the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) E specific to penicilloyl G and V, ampicilloyl, and amoxicilloyl (UniCAP Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) and in a homemade assay of serum specific IgE to cefonicid using epoxy-activated Sepharose as the solid phase [3].

Total serum IgE concentration was 346 kU/L. However, it emerged during the diagnostic procedure that the patient had ingested royal jelly after each injection of cefonicid. In light of this information, further tests were planned in order to investigate the role of royal jelly in producing the systemic reaction.

A prick-to-prick test with royal jelly gave a positive result with a wheal diameter of 10 mm. The same test was negative in a group of 10 healthy subjects who never ate royal jelly. The presence of serum specific IgE to royal jelly was demonstrated with a homemade radioallergosorbent test using nitrocellulose as the solid phase [4]…

Many people who have experienced an adverse reaction while taking an antibiotic are classified as allergic to the drug without any further investigation. However, over diagnosis is common due to a fear of anaphylaxis, and as a result, nonallergic patients may be deprived of potentially useful drugs. It is therefore important to diagnose allergic reactions to antibiotics.

The findings in the described case show that when an adverse drug reaction is suspected a thorough clinical history and allergy evaluation is needed, and that this should not only include drug allergy tests but also assessment of other allergens such as food…

Propolis Has ‘Potentially Useful’ Role in Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease Therapy
Pharma Investments, Ventures & Law Weekly, 9/16/2007

New research, "Semisolid systems containing propolis for the treatment of periodontal disease: in vitro release kinetics, syringeability, rheological, textural, and mucoadhesive properties," is the subject of a report.

"Formulations containing poloxamer 407 (P407), carbopol 934P (C934P), and propolis extract (PE) were designed for the treatment of periodontal disease. Gelation temperature, in vitro drug release, rheology, hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, mucoadhesion, and syringeability of formulations were determined," investigators in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil report…

The researchers concluded: "The data obtained in these formulations indicate a potentially useful role in the treatment of periodontitis and suggest they are worthy of clinical evaluation."

Bruschi and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Semisolid systems containing propolis for the treatment of periodontal disease: in vitro release kinetics, syringeability, rheological, textural, and mucoadhesive properties. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2007;96(8):2074-89).

Honey Antioxidants May Lower Risk of Atherosclerosis, Diabetes, Cancer

Antioxidant and Radical Scavenging Activity of Honey in Endothelial Cell Cultures
Planta Medica, 2007 Sep 7

The therapeutic properties of honey, once considered a form of folk or preventive medicine, are acquiring importance for the treatment of acute and chronic free radical-mediated diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer).

The aim of this work was to study the protective activity of a honey of multifloral origin, standardized for total antioxidant power and analytically profiled (HPLC-MS) in antioxidants, in a cultured endothelial cell line (EA.hy926) subjected to oxidative stress…

Native honey (1 % w/v pH 7.4, 10 (6) cells) showed strong quenching activity against lipophilic cumoxyl and cumoperoxyl radicals, with significant suppression/prevention of cell damage, complete inhibition of cell membrane oxidation, of intracellular ROS production and recovery of intracellular GSH.

Experiments with endothelial cells fortified with the isolated fraction from native honey enriched in antioxidants, exposed to peroxyl radicals from 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (AAPH, 10 mM) and to hydrogen peroxide (H (2)O (2), 50 - 100 muM), indicated that phenolic acids and flavonoids were the main causes of the protective effect.

These results provide unequivocal evidence that, through the synergistic action of its antioxidants, honey by reducing and removing ROS, may lower the risks and effects of acute and chronic free radical induced pathologies IN VIVO.

Honey Recommended to Treat Dry Skin, Acne

A Honey for All Skins
National Honey Board (USA)

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. It's also an anti-irritant, making it suitable for a number of sensitive skin issues.

Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician who cares for some of Hollywood's most famous faces, including Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, suggests the following homemade honey-based regimens for today's most common skin problems:

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a prevalent issue. Watt suggests applying the following dry skin honey moisturizer to the face:

Dry Skin Moisturizer
Makes 2 Applications

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons cocoa butter, melted
2 drops bergamont oil (optional)
1 drop lavender oil or tea tree (optional)

Directions
Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean, dry face. This all-natural moisturizer can be covered and kept in a cabinet, but it will solidify. For a second application, heat in microwave for 10 seconds, stir and apply to skin same as before.

Acne

Contrary to popular opinion, acne can occur at any age. It is a disorder caused by a bacterial inflammation of the skin's glands and follicles. Because honey has anti-bacterial properties, Watt recommends washing the face with a honey-based cleanser twice weekly for acne-prone skin:

Gentle Honey Cleanser
Makes 1 Application

Ingredients
1/4 cup honey
1 Tablespoon liquid soap
1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)

Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until fully blended. Pour onto clean face sponge or soft cloth and gently rub onto face, wash away with warm water and pat face dry….

Study: Bee-Collected Pollen a Good Source of Minerals

Concentration of Selected Elements in Honeybee-Collected Pollen
Journal of Apicultural Science, Vol.51 No.1 2007

Summary: The objective of the study was to investigate the macro- and micro-nutrient composition of the multifloral pollen harvested in different countries (Poland, South Korea and China)…

Potassium followed by magnesium, sodium and calcium occur in the highest concentrations. Potassium accounted for as much as 59% of total assayed minerals, magnesium for 18%, sodium for 12%, calcium for 8% and the remaining elements jointly about 3%...

Pollen samples harvested in Poland, as compared to those from other countries, were characterized by a significantly higher content of calcium, samples from China had a significantly higher content of sodium, potassium and manganese and samples from South Korea were significantly higher in zinc and iron.

Of all the minerals under investigation manganese showed the highest variation. Pollen harvested by bees as pollen loads, due to its high content of minerals, can be used by man as a natural source of minerals.

Full Text

Study on the Sugar Composition of Honeybee-Collected Pollen

Journal of Apicultural Science, Vol.51 No.1 2007

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the sugar composition in bee pollen collected in different countries (Poland, South Korea and China)…

The study showed that sugar content of pollen loads dry matter averages 40%. Fructose to be the sugar occurring in the greatest amounts. It accounted for 46% of the total sugar content of the examined samples. The second highest sugar content - 37% - was that of glucose. Monosaccharides expressed as total fructose and glucose accounted for about 83% of the carbohydrate fraction of pollen.

Of the assayed disaccharides sucrose accounted for 8% and maltose for 7%, and the remaining disaccharides (trehalose and turanose) for about 1% each.

Chemical composition of bee-collected pollen varied substantially with regard to saccharide content which was probably due to its different botanical origin. As compared to pollen loads samples from South Korea and China those collected in Poland had a significantly higher fructose to glucose ratio.

Full Text

Indonesians Use Beeswax ‘Ear Candles’ to Treat Hearing Impairment

Ear Candling Therapy Getting Thousands Out of Sticky Situations
By Kanis Dursin, The Jakarta Post (Indonesia), 9/5/2007

An attendant inserts the pointy end of a candle into the auditory canal of her patient's ear and immediately lights the blunt end.

And, for the next 15 minutes or so, she holds the candle steady and upright, while the patient, eager to get rid of his earache, lies motionless on the bed, listening to the crackling sound of the wick burning down.

By the end of the ritual, which lasts for up to one-and-a-half hours and takes six candles -- three for each ear -- the patient declares he is feeling much better and is looking forward to the next treatment session.

If this sounds like magic to you it is because the therapy, called ear candling or auricular candling, has worked wonders for the more than 12,000 people who have resorted to the alternative treatment for persistent hearing impairments.

"Those who come here are hopeless cases, medically speaking," said Susanna Budiman, who has been administering ear candling therapy for the last four years at her drugstore in West Jakarta.

Ear candling, known also as coning, refers to various procedures that involve placing a burning cone-like device in the ear canal in order to remove ear wax and other impurities in the ear.

At Harapan Indah drugstore, Susanna uses hollow candles made from linen soaked in pure beeswax. The candles contain, among other things, natural antibiotic sage, chamomile, rosemary and yucca root.

As the candle burns down, the smoke goes into the ear canal, causing it to warm up and loosen the wax and other impure materials. The heat and vacuum draw out the wax and other materials from the ear canal into the base of the candle.

The origin of ear candling therapy is obscure, but Ancient Tibet, China, Egypt, the pre-Columbian Americas and even the mythical city of Atlantis are cited as possible contributors…

Honey Recommended for Skin Problems

A Honey for All Skins
National Honey Board (USA)

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. It's also an anti-irritant, making it suitable for a number of sensitive skin issues.

Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician who cares for some of Hollywood's most famous faces, including Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, suggests the following homemade honey-based regimens for today's most common skin problems:

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a prevalent issue. Watt suggests applying the following dry skin honey moisturizer to the face:

Dry Skin Moisturizer
Makes 2 Applications

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons cocoa butter, melted
2 drops bergamont oil (optional)
1 drop lavender oil or tea tree (optional)

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean, dry face. This all-natural moisturizer can be covered and kept in a cabinet, but it will solidify. For a second application, heat in microwave for 10 seconds, stir and apply to skin same as before…

Hawaiian Honey First ‘Carbon Neutral’ Food

An Hawaiian honey company has launched what it describes as the nation’s first certified carbon neutral food product. The carbon neutral certification of Royal Hawaiian Honey is being carried out in cooperation with the Washington-based CarbonFund.org.

All carbon emissions generated in the production and shipping of the honey are off-set by investments in carbon-reducing projects.

Honey May Be Better Than Table Sugar

APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 9/3/2007

Honey is sweeter, has lesser calories, healthful antioxidants and pre-biotic properties.

Scientist said it might be better than table sugar for people who want to lose weight, a private radio reported.

They investigated claims that certain types of honey have a better glycemic index than others and found that one honey is as good as another at least as far as glucose content is concerned.

The researchers found very little difference in the Honey's glycemic indices. They ranged from 69.13 to 74.14. All were very close to table sugar's glycemic index of 68. The researchers note that honey is sweeter, but consumes fewer calories.

Honey Used to Treat Horse’s Wound

Honey Does Trick For Horses
By Rebecca Harper, Hawke’s Bay Today (New Zealand), 9/1/2007

A nappy and manuka honey have proved to be secret weapons in the recovery of a neglected horse.

Copper and Fantasy featured in Hawke's Bay Today after concerns were raised the pair were not receiving adequate feed or care.

Both were underweight, particularly Copper, who was badly emaciated and had a terrible wound on her wither from an ill-fitting cover…

Copper still had a long way to go, but received four feeds a day and had her wound dressing changed daily.

"The nappy was the perfect shape and size for her wither and the manuka honey has good healing properties," she said…

Propolis Recommended for Acne

Get Rid of Acne: Guaranteed Results
By Peter Rodrick, Articlesbase, 9/1/2007

If you really want to get rid of acne then you are at the right place. In next 10-15 minutes I will tell you how to heal acne with simple but best home remedies.

These home remedies will gives you good results but if you still not get good results from these remedies then you should consult your doctor…

Another lotion that uses bee propolis extract may also be helpful. Merge eight ounces of water and 11 drops of bee propolis extract. One of the acne home remedies which has been proven successful with many people…

Propolis Showed Minimal Effect on H. Pylori Infection

Green Propolis on Helicobacter pylori Infection. A Pilot Clinical Study
Helicobacter, Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 572-574, October 2007

Abstract: Recent in vitro studies suggest that propolis and some of its phenolic components are able to inhibit Helicobacter pylori growth. To date, there are no clinical studies.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of Brazilian green propolis on H. pylori-infected individuals.

Patients and methods: Eighteen (11 females, 7 males, mean age 47 years) participants were included. Before treatment, all participants were submitted to gastroscopy, and H. pylori infection was confirmed by histology, urease test, and 13C-urea breath test (UBT). Participants with UBT showing a delta over baseline (DOB) value higher than 4‰ were considered positive for H. pylori infection. Twenty drops from an alcoholic preparation of Brazilian green propolis were administered three times a day for 7 days. Clinical evaluation and UBT were performed at 1–3 days and at 40 days after the end of therapy to evaluate H. pylori suppression or eradication, respectively.

Results: All participants took all medication and completed the study. Eighty-three percent of the subjects did not succeed in suppressing or eradicating H. pylori. Two participants reached partial suppression after treatment, but became positive again at UBT performed 40 days after treatment. Another participant presented negative at UBT 40 days after treatment, not confirmed by a second UBT performed 100 days after treatment.

Conclusions: Brazilian green propolis used in popular dose showed minimal effect on H. pylori infection. Larger studies with longer duration, larger dose, and different frequency of administration of propolis extract should be undertaken to define its role on H. pylori therapy.