A recent study has shown that honey reduces purulent discharge and inflammation in chronic perianal fistulas.

A case study published in the International Wound Journal followed a 55-year-old male who had been suffering from ongoing perianal fistulas for the past 10 years.  Local γ-irradiated honeydew honey was applied with a syringe either diluted with sterile physiological solution or undiluted. The patient tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli.

After 10 days of treatment, purulent discharge was reduced, and after 24 days, epithelisation had begun. After five months, fistulas in the left region of the buttocks had disappeared.

To see the study, click here.

Image: Honey bee. Credit: wwarby on Flickr.