Honey on a graze
Linen, fat and honey: the wound dressing of the ancient Egyptians, in a simple version for a graze.
Traditional use
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Makes
- 1 dressing
The Edwin Smith Papyrus (around 1600 BCE) describes how honey protects a wound against infection, and the Ebers Papyrus names dressings of lint, animal fat and honey. Honey is still a folk remedy for small grazes and burns. For wounds there is special medical-grade honey, which is sterilised.
Ingredients
- Medical-grade honey (pharmacy), or pure honey
- A sterile gauze pad
- Clean water and a plaster or tape
Step by step
- Rinse the graze clean under lukewarm running water and pat it dry.
- Spread a thin layer of honey on the gauze.
- Place the gauze honey side down on the graze and tape it in place.
- Change the dressing every day.
Tips
- Medical honey in a tube is easier to apply and is sterile.