Although honey has been medicinally used for a long time, not many people know the extent of its healing properties. In ancient times, honey was applied on wounds to promote healing. There are many factors that give honey its wound-healing ability. For one, most types of honey can produce hydrogen peroxide, which provides antibacterial activity. It can also maintain moist wound conditions, and has high viscosity that acts as a protective barrier, which prevents foreign material from infecting the wound. Lastly, honey has a low pH level and high sugar content, which hinder microbial growth. These properties make honey suitable for wound healing and so much more.
Clinical usage of honey for treating eye disorders is becoming more prevalent. The following list includes some eye disorders that can be treated using honey:
- Dry eyes – This condition occurs when the eyes are not able to produce enough tears, which serve as lubrication. People who have this condition experience pain, itchiness, and reddening of the eye, as well as blurring of vision. To treat dry eyes, dilute some honey in warm water and use this as an eyewash every other night.
- Corneal edema – People with this condition experience a delay in recovery of vision after undergoing ocular surgery. Honey's ability to promote wound healing plays a big role in reducing edema. One-time use of honey will elicit a temporary reduction of edema, but continuous use can lead to complete elimination.
- Tired eyes – Many people tire out their eyes by looking at screens all day. To refresh the eyes, try applying honey over closed eyelids then rinsing it off with cold water after 30 minutes.
- Macular degeneration – Macular degeneration is an incurable disease wherein the retina deteriorates, causing vision to worsen. Although incurable, macular degeneration can be prevented with honey. Antioxidant-rich honey maintains the healthy eye muscle functions.
- Glaucoma – When fluids build up in the eye, there is an increase in ocular pressure that can damage optic nerves. This condition is known as glaucoma, and if it progresses, there is a high chance of vision loss. Studies have shown that using honey as an eye drop can reduce the occurrence of this disease by 50 percent.
- Poor vision – Using honey eye drops can prevent vision from worsening. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in honey work together to maintain good vision. One especially beneficial mineral found in honey is zinc, which is important for optical nerves to function.
- Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is a condition wherein the tissue lining the inner portion of the eyelids is inflamed. This can be caused by various factors, such as bacteria or virus. The antimicrobial property of honey makes it effective for treating bacterial conjunctivitis.
Treating eye disorders is just a small portion of the many health benefits that honey has, making it an all-around superfood. (Related: Raw honey: Exploring the benefits of this ancient superfood.)
Learn more about the use of honey and other foods as natural cures by reading FoodCures.news.
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