Honey


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Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Burns
Early evidence suggests that honey may reduce burn-healing time. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation. 		C
Dermatitis (dandruff)
The evidence supporting the use of honey in the treatment of dermatitis and dandruff is limited. Further investigation is needed to make a firm recommendation. 		C
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Early evidence suggests that honey may help lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Additional study is warranted in this area. 		C
Fournier's gangrene
Currently, there is insufficient available evidence for the use of honey in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene. Additional study is needed. 		C
Gastroenteritis (infantile)
Currently, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend honey for the treatment of infantile gastroenteritis. 		C
Herpes
Preliminary study found honey effective in treating labial but not genital herpes. More research is needed in this area to draw a firm conclusion. 		C
Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
In general, the evidence supporting the use of honey to treat high cholesterol is weak. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation. 		C
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Currently, there is preliminary evidence that suggests benefit in the use of honey in the treatment of high blood pressure. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation. 		C
Leg ulcers
Honey dressings have been used on leg ulcers with no apparent clinical benefit. Additional study is needed to make a firm recommendation. 		C
Plaque / gingivitis
Currently there is limited study showing a small benefit in the use of honey in the treatment of gingival plaque and gingivitis. Further study is needed. 		C
Radiation mucositis
Currently, there is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of honey for radiation mucositis. 		C
Rhinoconjunctivitis
Currently there is insufficient human evidence to recommend honey for the treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis. Early study suggests no benefit. 		C
Skin graft healing (split thickness)
Currently there is insufficient human evidence to recommend honey for the treatment of split-thickness skin graft. 		C
Wound healing
The primary studied use of honey is for wound management, particularly in promoting rapid wound healing, deodorizing, and debriding necrotic tissue. The types of wounds studied are varied; most are non-healing wounds such as chronic ulcers, postoperative wounds and burns. Although honey has apparent antibacterial effects, more human study is needed in this area. 		C

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acidosis (excessive acidity), antacid, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycotic (antifungal), antioxidant, antiparasitic, antitumor, asthma, atopic dermatitis, breast ulcers, cancer prevention, cataracts, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cough, dental caries, dental surgery adjunct, diarrhea, edema (swelling), expectorant, eye infections/inflammation, fever, Helicobacter pylori infection, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), immunostimulant, infections, leprosy, oral rehydration, pain, postherpetic corneal opacities, skin care, skin disorders, pressure sores, psoriasis, respiratory infections, septicemia, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei.

Dosing Related terms
NS_patient-honey Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 1, 2012

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)

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