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

The viscosity of honey provides a protective barrier to prevent wounds

becoming infected.
 Honey creates a moist healing environment that allows skin cells to
regrow across a healing wound flush with the surface of the wound,
preventing deformity of the skin. (If a dry scab forms on a wound, the skin
cells can only grow across the wound deeper down where it is moist.)
 Honey causes scabs and dead cells to lift off the surface of the wound,
leaving a clean healthy wound bed in which regrowth of tissue can occur.
 Honey stimulates the regrowth of tissue involved in the healing process. It
stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of
fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin
and produce the collagen fibers that give strength to the repair. In addition,
honey stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin cover
over a healed wound. Honey thus prevents scarring and keloid formation,
and removes the need for skin grafting even with quite large wounds.
 Honey does not stick to the underlying wound tissues, so there is no
tearing away of newly formed tissue, and no pain, when dressings are
changed.
 Honey has an antiinflammatory action, which reduces the swelling around
a wound. This improves circulation and thus hastens the healing process. It
also reduces pain. The amount of fluid exuding from wounds is also
decreased by the antiinflammatory action.
 The high sugar content of honey draws lymph out of a wound, which lifts
dirt out of the wound bed.
 Honey prevents the odor that is commonly associated with serious
wounds and skin ulcers, by clearing bacterial infection, and more
immediately, by providing sugar to any bacteria present. In this
environment, lactic acid is produced instead of the smelly byproducts of the
degradation of protein.
 Honey rapidly clears infection from wounds. It is fully effective even with
antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Unlike antiseptics and antibiotics,
there is no impairment of the healing process through adverse effects on
wound tissues.

Honey and Wound Healing

Topical application of honey is beneficial in the treatment of wounds and burns, according to a
review article in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (2002;29:295–300).
Honey is a highly concentrated sugar solution produced by honey bees, primarily from the nectar
of plants. It is composed of carbohydrates (sugars), water, enzymes, amino acids, pigments,
pollen, wax, and other trace constituents from both bees and plants. Honey has been used in the
treatment of burns and wounds for many centuries, with documents describing this use dating
back to 1700 BC.
A number of properties inherent to honey might contribute to its ability to fight infection and
promote healing. Its high sugar content allows it to draw infection and fluid from wounds by a
process called “osmosis.” Honey prevents bacterial growth through its acidic pH and through the
work of an enzyme that produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Its ability to keep the
area around a wound moist and protected promotes fast healing and prevents scarring.
Honeys also contain components from the specific plants used by the bees in their production,
and it is speculated that some of these components might further add to the antibacterial and
wound-healing effects of certain honeys. The process of pasteurization, used to sterilize
commercial honeys, destroys the enzyme involved in the production of hydrogen peroxide,
rendering these honeys less antibacterial. Raw honeys maintain their enzymes, and honeys
produced for therapeutic use are sterilized through an irradiation process that does not damage
their constituents. There are currently two therapeutic honeys available: Medihoney of Australia
and Active Manuka Honey of New Zealand. Both are derived from bees using the flowers of tea
trees (Leptospermum spp.) as their source.
A number of studies have confirmed the antibacterial effects of honey in test tubes. One study
found that different honeys had different levels of activity against specific bacteria. Studies on
humans have reported that honey used as a wound dressing reduced infection, inflammation,
pain, and odor, and promoted easy removal of dead tissue and rapid healing with little scarring.
Fifty-nine people with chronic wounds and ulcers participated in one preliminary study described
in this review. The group included people with diabetic ulcers, burns, traumatic ulcers, gangrene,
and other types of wounds. All had been treated with commercial wound dressings and
antibiotics for periods of between one month and two years without results. Although 51 of the
59 wounds had been infected prior to honey treatment, all were free of infection within one week
of starting honey dressing applications. In addition, inflammation and odor were markedly
reduced and healing rapidly ensued.
Other studies have compared honey with other wound treatments. In one such study, honey was
found to be as effective as, or more effective than, silver sulfadiazine (SSD), one of the most
common topical treatments for burns. Fifty participants with superficial burns were randomly
assigned to have their burns dressed with honey or SSD. Those treated with honey experienced
faster reduction in inflammation and better infection control. Eighty-four percent of those treated
with honey had satisfactory healing within 7 days and 100% by day 21, whereas 72% of those
treated with SSD had satisfactory healing after 7 days and 84% by day 21. In another controlled
trial, 900 participants with partial-thickness burns were randomly assigned to receive either
honey dressings or other dressings. Honey was applied directly to the burns and covered with
sterile dressings on alternate days. Those whose burns were treated with honey had faster healing
and less scarring than those treated with other dressings. In the case of full-thickness burns,
however, honey has been found to be inferior to other treatments.
This comprehensive review describes the enormous potential for honey as a therapeutic tool in
the treatment of wounds and burns. It is nontoxic and inexpensive, and, despite theoretical
concerns about introducing infection through the application of honey, no infections or other
negative side effects have been noted. Further studies may help elucidate which specific honeys
are most effective for the various types of wounds and burns.
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania
and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a
private practice in Quechee, Vermont, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine
in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Beeswax
• Sweet almond oil
• Double boiler
• Small saucepan
• Blender
• Vitamin E capsules
• Orange blossom essential oil
• Vanilla essential oil
• Small jars with tight fitting lids
1. Step 1
 Measure 2 oz. of beeswax and 1 cup extra virgin or cold pressed sweet almond oil in the
top of a double boiler. Heat the mixture slowly until the wax melts, but don't overheat the
oil; excess temperatures destroy the healing elements. The mixture should never get too
hot to touch.
2. Step 2
Warm 1 cup of water in a separate saucepan. Pour the water into a blender and cover with
the lid. Remove the small circular cap in the lid and turn the blender on to it's lowest
setting.
3. Step 3
Squeeze the oil from four 400 IU vitamin E capsules into the churning blender. Vitamin
E is a natural moisturizer, an antioxidant that will nourish and protect your skin and a
natural preservative for your hand cream .
4. Step 4
Pour the warm wax and oil mixture into the blender slowly as it mixes. Add 6 drops of
orange blossom and 4 drops of vanilla essential oil. Orange blossom and vanilla make a
soft citrus mix that enlightens the senses and soothes the skin.
5. Step 5
Keep the blender churning until your citrus hand cream cools and thickens. Turn off the
blender and carefully spoon your cream into small glass
jars with tight fitting lids. Make sure that the hand cream
has cooled completely before you seal the jars.
6. Step 6
Store your natural citrus hand cream in a dark and cool
location to prolong the shelf life. If you live in a hot
climate, it may be best to keep your cream in the
refrigerator

Basic Method for Making all Creams

1. Fat Stage: Heat the Fat Stage ingredients in a double boiler
until all of the ingredients have melted and the temperature has
risen to 75 - 80°C. There is no need to use a whisk at this stage.
2. Water Stage: After boiling the Spring Water in a Kettle,
measure it according to the Recipe and pour it over the MF
Emulsifier and the Glycerine, Sorbitol and Preservative, which
you have put into a separate double boiler.
3. Whisk the Water Stage ingredients well together, making sure
that the MF Emulsifier powder is fully dissolved in the water
and that you don’t have any lumps. Then allow the mixture to
heat to 75 - 80°C.
4. When both Fat and Water Stages are over 75°C (check with the included Thermometer),
remove both double boilers from the hob, keeping the Water Stage mixture hot by leaving it on
the top half of the double boiler.
5. Now pour the melted Fat Stage into the Water Stage in a thin, steady stream, while
continuously whisking the mixture from side to side for 5 minutes. If necessary, use a spatula to
scrape the mixture from the sides of the saucepan (or bowl).
6. Allow the mixture to cool, stirring all the time. You can speed up by the cooling process by
replacing the hot water in the double boiler with very COLD water. In the process of cooling
down, the mixture becomes a Cream and will reach its thickest consistency when it is has cooled
down to room temperature.
7. Third Stage: Stir in the Third Stage ingredients when the mixture has cooled to under 40˚C.
8. Fourth Stage: Continue stirring until the mixture has cooled to under 25°C, then thoroughly
mix in the Essential Oils.
9. Pour the Cream into one big jar or smaller jars and label.

Cream Recipes can be adapted in a variety of ways, for instance with the addition of Hydrolates
or Herbal Tinctures. However the amount of spring water used at the Water Stage must be
reduced accordingly. Tinctures, however should only be added at the end when the temperature
will not damage their properties. Infused or Macerated Oils such as Calendula can be added at
the Fat Stage instead of, or as a proportion of, the Vegetable Oils. By adding different Essential
Oils you not only change the aroma of your Cream but also the therapeutic action. The latter
allows you to make Creams for very specific purposes.

 Step 3
Recipe #2 - Beeswax Hand Cream Lotion

* 1/4 cup Beeswax

* 1/4 cup Petroleum Jelly
* 1/4 cup Almond Oil (or your favorite oil)
* 1/4 cup Honey
* 1/4 cup Glycerin
* 1 tablespoon Bee Pollen
* 2 tablespoons Liquid Lecithin

Melt the beeswax and petroleum jelly together until well blended. Add in the OIl, Honey,
Glycerin, Bee Pollen, and Lecithin. Mix and melt until the hand cream lotion is smooth and
thoroughly blended. Transfer mixture to a container let cool completely before putting the lid on.