For a wound to heal quickly, it needs to remain clean and free from any dead or damaged tissue.
Clinical studies have shown that Mānuka honey promotes a very important action called autolytic debridement where it works in harmony with your body to help keep the wound clean naturally, flushing out bacteria, debris and dead tissue, while protecting the new healthy tissue.
Protect
With a rich, thick, and sticky texture, Mānuka honey works to form a physical barrier between the wound and the environment, protecting against bacteria and reducing the risk of infection. It also contains powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities.
Mānuka honey is an ultra-saturated medley of about 80% sugar; thanks to this sugary composition and the lack of water, the honey creates a hostile environment for bacteria and other microbes ensuring they are unable to grow or thrive.
Hydrogen peroxide gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But the major antibacterial component in Mānuka honey is a bioactive compound called methylglyoxal or MGO. In Mānuka honey, it has been found to have levels of MGO up to 100x higher than ordinary honey such as Clover. Although several studies have been undertaken to understand why MGO is responsible for the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, the chemistry behind this phenomenon remains unclear!
Heal
Honey supports fast and healthy wound healing by creating a moist, low pH environment. This low pH works to provide oxygen to regenerating tissue which in turn promotes new tissue formation.
Mānuka honey also has a very high level of phenolics which act as antioxidants. These are super important in wound care because they decrease inflammation, while working to soothe the damaged area and minimise scarring.
Finally, honey is what they call a “humectant”, which means it works to draw vital moisture into the skin while helping fortify skin’s barrier which increases skin’s ability to recover and bounce back from damage.