Honey: The Antibiotic Of The Future


By Nora Belfedal

30/08/2001

In the Qur'an, Allah says that in paradise will be "rivers of honey pure."

"Then
to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the
spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a
drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a
Sign for those who give thought"(16:69).

Although honey's
healing benefits were known to Muslims more than a thousand years ago,
scientists are just now beginning to research it's amazing powers.
Indeed, Peter Molan, biochemist at the University of Waikato (New
Zealand) has - for the past 17 years - researched into the healing
properties of honey and has shown scientifically that all honeys have
varying degrees of such properties (Molan, p.1). Honey contains many
minerals and vitamins beneficial to man. However, one of the most
important properties seems to be its antibiotic action.

Each drop
of honey contains many minerals (potassium, sodium, phosphate, copper,
iron, calcium, manganese), enzymes, trace elements, vitamins (A, B1, B2,
B3, C, D, K), as well as beta-carotene. Honey also contains glucose,
fructose and saccharine (70%) and is very preservative just by itself
(billybee.com). Of course honey from a supermarket, which has been
heated and filtered, may not be as therapeutic as one taken directly
from the comb (Ifas, p.4).

Molan's favorite story about honey
makes reference to a 20-year-old wound in a British woman. Bacteria had
been festering in an abscess in her armpit for years, resisting all the
antibiotics she had taken. Nothing seemed to help her and she could
barely use her arm. In August 1999, she heard about honey's healing
effects and convinced her doctors to put some in her dressing. At that
point they were willing to try anything and were not very hopeful that
anything would work. However, they were quite surprised when one month
later the wound finally healed and the woman could use her arm again.

Since
then, honeys have been tested on the different species of bacteria
responsible for wound infection (Molan, p.2). The State Medical Society
of Wisconsin announced," It is only a matter of time before antibiotics
lose their effectiveness because their overuse creates ever-stronger
germs."

Thus, we may have to go back to the to the old fashioned
remedy. However, "old fashioned", is not as bad as it sounds.
Effectively, the potency of honey was found to be superior to all types
of antibiotics. Two years ago, Australia approved honey as a medicine
and began selling it in pharmacies (Whichman, p.1).

Honey is now
known for its antibiotic, antioxidant and antiviral capabilities. In
fact, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is
believed to be the main reason for its anti-microbial activity. If one
wants to use it as a dressing, the best way is to use sterilized honey.
However, the only way to sterilize honey without destroying its
antibacterial agents is through gamma-irradiations. Honey is also used
for sore throats, colds, heartburn, fever blisters, cuts, acne, skin
disorders, ulcers, stomach inflammations and cataracts… and its flavor
excites the appetite (The National Honey Board).

The advantage of
the honey used externally is that during the healing process the
re-growth of the sick part of the body is enhanced by honey's
moisturizing properties. Molan explains the mechanism of this process:

1.
The nectar, being made of glucose and fructose, is very attracted by
water. When put on a wound, it absorbs water and body fluids, taking and
destroying bacteria and inhibiting their growth too.

2. Raw
honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that produces a mild
antiseptic when mixed with a bit of water. This enzyme is destroyed by
heat and pasteurization. That is why it cannot be found in commercial
honeys (Molan, p.3)

Of course raw, unprocessed honey, which is
usually darker, has the most medicinal and nutritional value and is even
the most flavorful. Particularly active, Manuka Honey from New Zealand
has all the healing antibacterial properties of other honeys, with some
additional components. "All honey is not created equal, however certain
types such as "active" Manuka from New Zealand and perhaps Honeydew from
Central Europe are more effective for infections," says Molan (Molan,
p.2).

While the healing properties of honey may be news to modern
science, Prophet Mohammad (saws) commented on its value 1400 years ago.
Indeed, once a man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has got
loose motions." The Prophet said to him, "Let him drink honey
(Bukhari)." Furthermore, the work of Molan has provided substantial
evidence that honey holds promise in the treatment of peptic ulcers and
upper gastroenteritis disorders. Despite its high acid concentration,
the nectar is very digestible and tones the kidneys.

The Prophet
(saws) also said, "If there is any healing in your medicines, then it
is in cupping, a gulp of honey or branding with fire (cauterization)
that suits the ailment, but I don't like to be (cauterized) branded with
fire." Indeed, honey also nourishes, regulates and purifies blood
circulation. Its fructose is the only natural inert sugar and it goes
straight into the blood, nourishing nerves and providing the brain with
extra energy.

In case of first-degree burns, "the raw wild
flower honey formed a flexible protective barrier which prevents
infections, absorbs pus and reduced pain, irritation and odor" writes
Leigh Broadhurst (Healthwellexchange.com). A Romanian doctor stated that
he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 of his 2094 patients
recovered completely (Islamweb.net).

Another function has been
found for honey too: an Oklahoma allergist has said that raw honey is an
excellent treatment for 90% of all allergies. A person who is suffering
from an allergy to a certain plant should eat honey made from this
plant (Reallyrawhoney.com).

Honey can also help heal Tinea, for
it has anti-fungal activities; but not many species of fungi have been
tested. Mycoses are quite difficult to treat, for they need both
anti-fungal and antibacterial treatment. However, Manuka honey showed
that its hydrogen peroxide factors inhibit the growth of fungi.
Although, the concentration of honey needed to treat Mycoses is higher
than that needed to treat bacteria (Molan, p.3).

However,
paradoxical, sweet honey can also protect the teeth. Its anti-microbial
activity has been tested on several species of dental plaque bacteria. A
study shows that honey has been proven to sharply reduce acid
production, thus killing the bacteria responsible for dental caries.
Researchers believe that it also makes a difference in fighting
inflammatory infections of the gums (Cbshealthwatch.com).

One
Companion of the Prophet reported, "In our holy battles, we used to get
honey (Bukhari)." According to what we now know, this was a logical
choice for travelers and soldiers, as honey is a supersaturated sugar
and is easy to digest because of the monosaccharides; it is also a
superior antibiotic. The natural carbohydrates contained within honey,
when combined with proteins, help maintain a good glycaemia - which is
important for recovering after a hard-days efforts. By maintaining a
good glucose level, honey also maintains a good insulin level and helps
people to avoid hypoglycemia. Some studies showed that this nectar could
thus boost endurance performance in athletes (Cbshealthwatch.com).

However,
although honey is a very safe and natural remedy, it should not be
given to infants under one year-old. Honey is a source of bacteria
spores that product a toxin which can cause infant botulism, even though
it is rare (a risk of botulism exists in the ingestion of any uncooked
food!). Botulism is a rare disease that affects the nervous system and
can lead to palsy. Nevertheless, it can still be use as a dressing for
burns and cuts (Manukahoneyusa.com).

"And your Lord taught the
honey bee…" (16:68). This verse explains the excessive production of the
bees. They have been taught to produce not only for themselves but also
for human beings! The excellent organization within the hive is also
proof of this "teaching."

So, honey should be the first choice
in cases of health problems as it is natural and has a high nutrient
value; it does not have the side effects of drugs and is more affordable
than most other kinds of therapy.


References:

Molan, Peter, MD. "Honey Research."

Sahih Bukhari. "Book of Medicine."

Ifas. "APIS Newspaper." University of Florida. August 2000.

The National Honey Board.

Whichman, Julie. "Honey." Health Watch. Vol 21:12. March16 2000.

www.billybee.com

cbshealthwatch.com

University of Waikato Honey Research Unit

MANUKA HONEY USA

Shepherd-express

http://www.islamonline.net/english/Science/2001/08/article17.shtml