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Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective medicinal dose for honey in adults. Commercial preparations of honey are available, and honey is typically taken by mouth or applied on the skin. Doses for topical use are often unspecific, but 15-30 milliliters is a common dose for Fournier's gangrene, burns, radiation induced mucositis, skin ulcers and other wounds. Various types of honey and honey products have been studied, including honey from wildflowers, Camellia sinensis honey, Medihoney dressings, Manuka honey, and Honey-Soft (honey medicated dressing).

For dermatitis and dandruff, a diluted solution of honey and warm water containing 90% water has been rubbed gently into the scalp for 2-3 minutes and then left on scalp for three hours. For type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension (high blood pressure), honey solutions with 30-90 grams of natural unprocessed honey with 250 milliliters of water have been studied.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for honey in children, and use is not recommended. However, for neonatal post-operative infected wounds, 5-10 milliliters of commercial, unprocessed, non-pasteurized and non-irradiated honey applied locally to the wound and covered with a sterile gauze dressing has been used. Dressings were changed twice daily. Do not use honey in infants under 12 months of age due to potential toxicity of contaminated honey.

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