jarrah honey for the skin

Due to its high antioxidant levels, Jarrah honey may support active skin cell renewal and stimulate collagen and elastin production, along with fighting acne. Studies show that when applied topically, its antioxidants support skin-cell turnover as well as collagen and elastin production. It can be applied as an ointment to burns and scrapes; and it can even be used as an all-natural treatment for infections like methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Honeys that are rich in antioxidants, such as Jarrah honey, are likely to increase the antioxidant capacity of burn wounds and mop up free radicals leading to reduced oxidative stress. The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of honey may also positively encourage the wound healing process in burn wounds.

There is a large body of evidence to support the use of jarrah honey as a wound dressing for a wide range of types of wounds. Its antibacterial activity rapidly clears infection and protects wounds from becoming infected, and thus it provides a moist healing environment without the risk of bacterial growth occurring. It also rapidly debrides wounds and removes malodor.

Its anti-inflammatory activity reduces edema and exudate and prevents or minimizes hypertrophic scarring. It also stimulates the growth of granulation tissue and epithelial tissue so that healing is hastened. Furthermore, it creates a nonadherent interface between the wound and the dressing so that dressings may be easily removed without pain or damage to newly regrown tissue.

The skin healing ability of honey has been attributed to its antimicrobial properties, its ability to modulate the skin’s immune system and promote tissue repair. In vitro studies have revealed that honey from diverse floral origins can kill a wide range of wound pathogens, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii

Honey has been shown to stimulate cytokine production by skin cells such as keratinocytes and other immune cells such as monocytes. It has been proposed that increased cytokine production in an early wound could enhance wound healing. It has also been suggested that the immunomodulatory properties of honey may contribute to enhanced tissue repair or reduce chronic inflammation in the wound, leading to enhanced healing.

Many studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of honey from a variety of sources against S. aureus. As well as wound infections S. aureus is an important cause of furuncles, styes and impetigo and super-infection with S. aureus is common in atopic dermatitis.

In conclusion, in vitro studies have revealed that jarrah honey has some remarkable scientific properties that, plausibly, could promote the healing of wounds.

References:

Molan P (2006) The evidence supporting the use of honey as a wound dressing. The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. 5(1), 40-54.

Irish J, Blair S, Carter DA. The antibacterial activity of honey derived from Australian flora. PLoS One. 2011;6(3):e18229. Published 2011 Mar 28. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018229

Manning, R J. (2011), Research into Western Australian honeys. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report.

Brady N, Molan P, Bang L (2004) A survey of non-manuka New Zealand honeys for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Journal of Apicultural Research 43(2), 47-52

Davis C (2005) The use of Australian honey in moist wound management. Project No. DAQ-232A. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia.