Cleaning
When cleaning an open wound, avoid antiseptic solutions such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide because they can slow the healing process. They are not only toxic to dead cells, they are also toxic to healthy cells, thus interfering with the repair of tissue.
A better method of cleaning an open wound is to use a saline solution. Normal saline contains the same concentration of sodium chloride and water as blood (99.1% water and 0.9% sodium chloride). This protects healthy cells, allowing the wound to heal more effectively.
Moist Healing
This wound healing method speeds up recovery time and results in less scarring. A moist environment, compared to dry, allows tissue to regrow at a faster pace, is not as painful, requires less dressing changes, prevents the dressing from adhering to the wound, and helps prevent the formation of scabs. When using the dry method, a scab will form to keep the wound moist, causing skin under the scab to result in a pitted scar.
Honey
Honey has been used to heal open wounds naturally by the Ancient Egyptians for thousands of years. During World War I and World War II, honey was used to treat wounded soldiers. It was an excellent remedy used by many until antibiotics came along. However, because of some bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, honey is making a come back.
Not only can honey (a natural antiseptic) treat bacteria resistant to antibiotics, it has no side effects that antibiotics can have, including skin rashes, yeast infections, and diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, thus slowing the wound healing process.
Honey:
- keeps the wound moist
- does not damage healthy tissue surrounding the wound or new tissue forming during the healing process
- stimulates white blood cells, new blood vessel growth, and tissue regeneration
- lifts dirt out of the wound
- has a debriding effect
- provides nutrients
- draws oxygen and nutrients to the wounded site
- forms a protective barrier.
Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain.
Guidelines for Using Honey for Wound Healing
Diet
Protein and vitamin C are important nutrients during natural wound healing.
Protein is needed to rebuild damaged tissue. Eat foods high in protein, including lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates collagen production when treating open wounds. Foods high in vitamin C include red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, strawberries, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, cantaloupe, and oranges.
Disclaimer
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