Medicinal Uses of Honey: Results of a Survey of Patients Visiting Family Doctors at a Teaching Hospital in Karachi
Author(s): Qidwai W, Waheed S, Ayub S, Syed, IA
Vol. 5, No. 6 (2009-01 - 2009-02)
Qidwai W, Waheed S, Ayub S, Syed, IA
Dr. Waris Qidwai, Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Medicine (waris.qidwai(at)aku.edu),
Syed, Iqbal Azam (Assistant Professor), Department of Community Health Sciences (Iqbal.azam(at)aku.edu),
The Aga Khan University, Karachi.
Shahan Waheed (docshahan83(at)hotmail.com) and Salma Ayub (slmayub(at)yahoo.com), Medical Students (2007), Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi
Correspondence: Dr Waris Kidwai, Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Medicine, The Agha Khan
University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box: 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. [Fax: (9221) 493-4294, 493-2095; Phone: (9221)
48594842/ 4930051Ext. 4842; E-Mail: waris.qidwai(at)aku.edu]
ISSN: 0973-516X
Abstract
Background: The use of honey for its nutritional and medicinal properties is common among the general public. It is important to study knowledge, attitude and practices about medicinal uses of honey among patients visiting family doctors.
Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Family Practice Centre, Aga Khan
University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in July and August, 2006. The Questionnaire included data on the
demographic profile of the patient and questions in line with study objectives. Ethical requirement including the
administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software
was used for data management.
Results: 400 patients were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 33 years, having an equal gender
distribution, a majority with above grade X education and consisting of labourers, students or housewives. 327 (82%)
respondents believed in the use of natural products for their medicinal properties, and honey has medicinal uses
according to 370 (92.5%). 327 (81.8%) respondents favoured use of honey due to religious reasons, and honey was
used in disease prevention and treatment according to a respective 202 (50.5%) and 326 (81.5%). 225 (56.3%)
respondents received advice to use honey for its medicinal uses, while 242 (60.5%) advised others. Honey was easily
available to 347 (87%) respondents and 256 (64%) had used honey as part of their diet. 42 (10%) respondents believed
that the use of honey had problems. Pregnant woman, diabetics and newborn children were required to use honey
according to 249 (62%), 156 (39%) and 248 (62%) respondents, respectively. Family members, friends and television
were the sources of information on honey for 194 (48.5%), 147 (37%) and 129 (32%) respondents, respectively.
Cough and cold, constipation, eye diseases and tonsillitis were the main reasons for use of honey by 96(24%), 37
(9.2%), 26 (6.5%) and 25 (6.2%) respondents respectively.
Conclusion: We found widespread use of honey for a variety of medical conditions. It is important that further research is conducted into its use as well as its effectiveness, tolerability and safety for various medical conditions.
Key words: Honey, herbal remedies, complimentary therapy, alternative therapy
Background
The use of medicines of plant origin has
been in practice for well over 5000 years1. Honey
has been used for centuries for its nutritional as
well as medicinal properties. The use of such
products for their medicinal properties is still
widely practiced, and, despite modern
advancements of allopathic medicine, has not
decreased to this day, but is instead increasing in
the developing as well as developed countries2,3.
The use of honey for its medicinal
properties is widespread and has been well
documented in literature. The indications for its
medicinal uses are several; the uses reported in
literature include wound healing4, oral ulcers5,
recurrent herpes simplex infection6, and
gastrointestinal and ophthalmologic conditions7.
There are reports indicating its beneficial
use in burns and post-operative wound healing.7
In case of burns it is useful in bringing early
relief as well as healing7. It has been used as a
wound barrier against tumour implantation in
laparoscopic oncological surgery7. This shows
the potential benefits of honey in modern day
surgical procedures. Its use has been found to be
therapeutically useful in patients with anal
fissures8.
The remarkable spectrum of indications
for the use of honey is not, however, without
risks. Botulism is a life threatening condition
reported to be associated with its use, particularly
in infants9. Cardiotoxicity including rhythm
disorders and myocardial infarction have been
reported as a result of use of contaminated honey
used in Turkey10.
The use of honey for its medicinal
properties is reported among Pakistani
population11. A need existed to study the
knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to
medicinal uses of honey among them; therefore,
we decided to undertake a study with regard to
medicinal uses of honey among the family
practice patients visiting a teaching hospital for
treatment in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
A questionnaire-based, crosssectional
survey was conducted at the Family
Practice Centre, Aga Khan University Hospital,
Karachi, Pakistan, in July and August, 2006. 150 family practice patients are seen daily by twelve
family physicians at the centre. A questionnaire
was developed by the principal investigator after
extensive literature search including inputs from
colleagues and patients. The questionnaire
included data on the demographic profile of the
patient including age, sex, marital status, and
education. Questions were directed at opinion
and practices about medicinal uses of honey
among the respondents. The questionnaire was
administered in both “English” and “Urdu”
languages, depending on patient’s convenience.
The co-investigators interviewed
the patients and filled out the questionnaire. A
pilot study was conducted before the start of the
administration of the final questionnaire. An
agreement was reached between the coinvestigators
on how to administer the
questionnaire in order to ensure uniformity.
The questionnaire was
administered in the waiting area outside the
physician’s office, prior to the consultation.
Patients interviewed were those who agreed to
participate in the study. The interviews were
conducted throughout the study period and no
specific timings were followed. Since a
descriptive study was planned and the data was
not to be subjected to statistical tests, sample size
based on statistical calculations was not
considered. Ethical requirement including the
administration of written informed consent and
the provision of confidentiality were ensured.
Patients were interviewed according to their
availability and convenience. A systematic
random selection of study subjects was not under
taken. SPSS computer software was used for data
management.
Table I: Demographic Characteristics of Study Population (n=400)

Results
A total of 400 patients, with an equal
gender distribution, were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 33 years; a majority
was literate (above grade
X) and consisted of
labourers, students or
housewives (Table 1). 327
(82%) respondents
believed in the use of
natural products for
medicinal properties, and
according to 370 (92.5%) honey had medicinal properties. 327 (81.8%)
respondents favoured the use of honey for
religious reasons. According to 202 (50.5%) and
326 (81.5%) respondents, respectively, honey
was used in disease prevention and treatment.
225 (56.3%) respondents received advice to use
honey for its medicinal uses, while 242 (60.5%)
advised others to use it medicinally. Honey was
easily available to 347 (87%) respondents. 256
(64%) respondents were using honey as part of
their diet. 42 (10%) respondents believed that
use of honey had problems. According to 249
(62%), 156 (39%) and 248 (62%) respondents,
respectively, pregnant woman, diabetic and
newborn babies need to use honey regularly
(Table 2). Family members, friends and
television were the sources of information on
honey, respectively, for 194 (48.5%), 147 (37%)
and 129 (32%) respondents (Table 3). Cough and
cold, constipation, eye diseases and tonsillitis
were the main reasons for use of honey by
96(24%), 37 (9.2%), 26 (6.5%) and 25 (6.2%)
respondents, respectively (Table 4).
Discussion
The majority of our study population had
a good educational background and represented
all walks of life, with labourers at one extreme to
professionals at the other. Since we interviewed a
population visiting a teaching hospital for
treatment, the results cannot be generalized to the
rest of the population. Because an educated
population visiting a specialized modern hospital
for treatment was interviewed, we expect a
greater use of honey for
its medicinal properties in
the community.
Nonetheless, we gained
valuable information on
the subject that can form
the basis for further larger
studies in the community leading to
educational interventional
programs to promote use
of honey for its medicinal
properties.
A majority of the
respondents (82%) believe
in the use of natural products for medical
benefits and even a larger
number (92.5%) in the
medicinal properties of
honey. This finding
translates into the use of
honey for disease
prevention and treatment
by a substantial number of
respondents. A review of literature does not give an exact prevalence figure
on the use of honey but there are reports of its
widespread use for nutritional as well as
medicinal uses.12
Table 2: Study Participants Responses About Medicinal Uses of Honey

Table 3: Sources of Information on Medicinal Uses of Honey for the Respondents (n=400)
Sources
Number (percent)
Family Members
194 (48.5)
Friends
147 (37)
Television
129 (32)
Books
109 (27)
Hakim
98 (24.5)
Doctor
88 (22)
Newspapers
77 (19)
Table 4. Diseases for Which Honey is Used by Study Participants (n=400)
Diseases
Number (percent)
Cough and cold
96 (24)
Constipation
37 (9.2)
Eyes diseases
26 (6.5)
Tonsillitis
25 (6.2)
Obesity
18 (4.5)
Peptic ulcer
17 (4.2)
Skin diseases
15 (3.7)
Indigestion
15 (3.7)
Hiccups
14 (3.5)
Burns
11 (2.7)
Blood disorders
09 (2.2)
Jaundice
07 (1.7)
Tumors
07 (1.7)
Liver disorders
05 (1.2)
Wound healing
04 (1.0)
Hair problems
04 (1.0)
Heart burn
04 (1.0)
Sores
04 (1.0)
Diabetes Mellitus
02 (0.5)
Allergies
02 (0.5)
Weakness
01 (0.25)
Mouth ulcers
01 (0.25)
Asthma
01 (0.25)
Varicose veins
01 (0.25)
It is known that the use of honey has a
very special place among the Muslims because it
was used by the Holy Prophet, and the Holy
Quran as well as the Prophet’s traditions support
its use.13 Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim
country and it is because of this reason that a
majority of the respondents favour the use of
honey due to religious reasons. This fact can be
used for evidence-based promotion of the use
honey for its medicinal properties. We earlier
reported use of honey in the treatment of cough
and cold, sore throat and to improve general
health11. Eye diseases, constipation and obesity
are other earlier reported indications for the use
of honey, according to patients11. The findings of
our study with regards to the indications for the
medicinal uses of honey are not different from
those found in the earlier study.
It is very interesting to learn that not only
a majority received advice from others to use
honey for its medicinal properties, but an even
greater number advised others to use honey for
medical benefits. It is important for health care
providers not only to educate the general
population about the use of honey but also
conduct clinical trials to prove the therapeutic
benefits of honey in different medical conditions.
Honey is a freely available food; it is however
important to ensure the availability of honey free
from all contamination. A substantial number of
respondents report using honey in their diet. It is
again important to ensure that we educate our
general public with regards to the side effects
such as botulism and anaphylaxis that can occur
with the use of honey. The message under the
present circumstances should be to use
uncontaminated honey, and with caution,
particularly in infants.
The respondents advocated use of honey
during pregnancy, neonatal period and by
diabetic patients. It has been reported that honey
can be used as a sweetener for diabetic patients
since it minimally raises the blood sugar. There is
a need for further research into the safety,
efficacy and tolerability of honey in these
patients.
It is unfortunate to find that family
members, friends and television are the main
sources of information on the use of honey
among the respondents. This demonstrates the
low contribution of health workers in health
education and a need for family doctors to
educate patients about the use of honey so that
correct information is given to where it matters.
A need for evidence-based information on the
nutritional as well as medicinal uses of honey is
warranted to provide proper information to the
population.
Conclusion
The researchers have documented the use
of honey for its medicinal properties in Pakistan
and have found its common usage for a variety of
medical conditions. It is important that we
conduct further research into its use as well as its
effectiveness, tolerability and safety for various
medical conditions. Such evidence-based
information should then be disseminated to health
care providers for promoting use of honey for its
medicinal properties.
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge, with thanks the patience, time and
information provided by the study participants.
References
- Babic D. Herbal medicine in the treatment of
mental disorders. Psychiatr Danub. 2007;
19(3):241-4.
- Roosita K, Kusharto CM, Sekiyama M,
Fachrurozi Y, Ohtsuka R. Medicinal plants
used by the villagers of a Sundanese
community in West Java, Indonesia. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2007.
- Smith TC, Ryan MA, Smith B, Reed RJ,
Riddle JR, Gumbs GR, et al.
Complementary and alternative
medicine use among US Navy and Marine
Corps personnel. BMC Complement Altern
Med. 2007; 7:16.
- Blaser G, Santos K, Bode U, Vetter H, Simon
A. Effect of medical honey on wounds
colonised or infected with MRSA. J Wound
Care. 2007; 16(8):325-8.
- Worthington H, Clarkson J, Eden O.
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis
for patients with cancer receiving
treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2007 ;(4):CD000978.
- Telles S, Puthige R, Kalkuni Visweswaraiah
N. An Ayurvedic basis for using honey to
treat herpes Comment to: Topical honey
application vs. acyclovir for the treatment of
the recurrent herpes simplex lesions. Med Sci
Monit. 2007; 13(11):LE17-17.
- Khan FR, Ul Abadin Z, Rauf N. Honey:
nutritional and medicinal value. Int J Clin
Pract. 2007; 61(10):1705-7.
- Al-Waili NS, Saloom KS, Al-Waili TN, Al-
Waili AN. The safety and efficacy of
a mixture of honey, olive oil, and
beeswax for the management of hemorrhoids
and anal fissure: a pilot study.
Scientific World J. 2006; 6:1998-2005.
- Brook I. Infant botulism. J Perinatol. 2007;
27(3):175-80.
- Akinci S, Arslan U, Karakurt K, Cengel A.
An unusual presentation of mad honey
poisoning: Acute myocardial infarction. Int J
Cardiol. 2007.
- Qidwai W, Alim SR, Dhanani RH, Jehangir
S, Nasrullah A, Raza A. Use of folk remedies
among patients in Karachi Pakistan. J Ayub
Med Coll Abbottabad. 2003; 15(2):31-3.
- www.tga.gov.au/docs/pdf/cmec/honeysr.pdf
- www.islamicresearch.org/bees%20hidden
%20miracle.htm
Qidwai W, Waheed S, Ayub S, Syed, IA
Dr. Waris Qidwai, Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Medicine (waris.qidwai(at)aku.edu),
Syed, Iqbal Azam (Assistant Professor), Department of Community Health Sciences (Iqbal.azam(at)aku.edu),
The Aga Khan University, Karachi.
Shahan Waheed (docshahan83(at)hotmail.com) and Salma Ayub (slmayub(at)yahoo.com), Medical Students (2007), Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi
Correspondence: Dr Waris Kidwai, Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Medicine, The Agha Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box: 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. [Fax: (9221) 493-4294, 493-2095; Phone: (9221) 48594842/ 4930051Ext. 4842; E-Mail: waris.qidwai(at)aku.edu]
ISSN: 0973-516X
Abstract
Background: The use of honey for its nutritional and medicinal properties is common among the general public. It is important to study knowledge, attitude and practices about medicinal uses of honey among patients visiting family doctors.
Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Family Practice Centre, Aga Khan
University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in July and August, 2006. The Questionnaire included data on the
demographic profile of the patient and questions in line with study objectives. Ethical requirement including the
administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software
was used for data management.
Results: 400 patients were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 33 years, having an equal gender
distribution, a majority with above grade X education and consisting of labourers, students or housewives. 327 (82%)
respondents believed in the use of natural products for their medicinal properties, and honey has medicinal uses
according to 370 (92.5%). 327 (81.8%) respondents favoured use of honey due to religious reasons, and honey was
used in disease prevention and treatment according to a respective 202 (50.5%) and 326 (81.5%). 225 (56.3%)
respondents received advice to use honey for its medicinal uses, while 242 (60.5%) advised others. Honey was easily
available to 347 (87%) respondents and 256 (64%) had used honey as part of their diet. 42 (10%) respondents believed
that the use of honey had problems. Pregnant woman, diabetics and newborn children were required to use honey
according to 249 (62%), 156 (39%) and 248 (62%) respondents, respectively. Family members, friends and television
were the sources of information on honey for 194 (48.5%), 147 (37%) and 129 (32%) respondents, respectively.
Cough and cold, constipation, eye diseases and tonsillitis were the main reasons for use of honey by 96(24%), 37
(9.2%), 26 (6.5%) and 25 (6.2%) respondents respectively.
Conclusion: We found widespread use of honey for a variety of medical conditions. It is important that further research is conducted into its use as well as its effectiveness, tolerability and safety for various medical conditions.
Key words: Honey, herbal remedies, complimentary therapy, alternative therapy
Background
The use of medicines of plant origin has been in practice for well over 5000 years1. Honey has been used for centuries for its nutritional as well as medicinal properties. The use of such products for their medicinal properties is still widely practiced, and, despite modern advancements of allopathic medicine, has not decreased to this day, but is instead increasing in the developing as well as developed countries2,3.
The use of honey for its medicinal properties is widespread and has been well documented in literature. The indications for its medicinal uses are several; the uses reported in literature include wound healing4, oral ulcers5, recurrent herpes simplex infection6, and gastrointestinal and ophthalmologic conditions7. There are reports indicating its beneficial use in burns and post-operative wound healing.7
In case of burns it is useful in bringing early relief as well as healing7. It has been used as a wound barrier against tumour implantation in laparoscopic oncological surgery7. This shows the potential benefits of honey in modern day surgical procedures. Its use has been found to be therapeutically useful in patients with anal fissures8.
The remarkable spectrum of indications for the use of honey is not, however, without risks. Botulism is a life threatening condition reported to be associated with its use, particularly in infants9. Cardiotoxicity including rhythm disorders and myocardial infarction have been reported as a result of use of contaminated honey used in Turkey10.
The use of honey for its medicinal properties is reported among Pakistani population11. A need existed to study the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to medicinal uses of honey among them; therefore, we decided to undertake a study with regard to medicinal uses of honey among the family practice patients visiting a teaching hospital for treatment in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
A questionnaire-based, crosssectional survey was conducted at the Family Practice Centre, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in July and August, 2006. 150 family practice patients are seen daily by twelve family physicians at the centre. A questionnaire was developed by the principal investigator after extensive literature search including inputs from colleagues and patients. The questionnaire included data on the demographic profile of the patient including age, sex, marital status, and education. Questions were directed at opinion and practices about medicinal uses of honey among the respondents. The questionnaire was administered in both “English” and “Urdu” languages, depending on patient’s convenience.
The co-investigators interviewed the patients and filled out the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted before the start of the administration of the final questionnaire. An agreement was reached between the coinvestigators on how to administer the questionnaire in order to ensure uniformity.
The questionnaire was administered in the waiting area outside the physician’s office, prior to the consultation. Patients interviewed were those who agreed to participate in the study. The interviews were conducted throughout the study period and no specific timings were followed. Since a descriptive study was planned and the data was not to be subjected to statistical tests, sample size based on statistical calculations was not considered. Ethical requirement including the administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. Patients were interviewed according to their availability and convenience. A systematic random selection of study subjects was not under taken. SPSS computer software was used for data management.
Table I: Demographic Characteristics of Study Population (n=400)
Results
A total of 400 patients, with an equal gender distribution, were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 33 years; a majority was literate (above grade X) and consisted of labourers, students or housewives (Table 1). 327 (82%) respondents believed in the use of natural products for medicinal properties, and according to 370 (92.5%) honey had medicinal properties. 327 (81.8%) respondents favoured the use of honey for religious reasons. According to 202 (50.5%) and 326 (81.5%) respondents, respectively, honey was used in disease prevention and treatment. 225 (56.3%) respondents received advice to use honey for its medicinal uses, while 242 (60.5%) advised others to use it medicinally. Honey was easily available to 347 (87%) respondents. 256 (64%) respondents were using honey as part of their diet. 42 (10%) respondents believed that use of honey had problems. According to 249 (62%), 156 (39%) and 248 (62%) respondents, respectively, pregnant woman, diabetic and newborn babies need to use honey regularly (Table 2). Family members, friends and television were the sources of information on honey, respectively, for 194 (48.5%), 147 (37%) and 129 (32%) respondents (Table 3). Cough and cold, constipation, eye diseases and tonsillitis were the main reasons for use of honey by 96(24%), 37 (9.2%), 26 (6.5%) and 25 (6.2%) respondents, respectively (Table 4).
Discussion
The majority of our study population had a good educational background and represented all walks of life, with labourers at one extreme to professionals at the other. Since we interviewed a population visiting a teaching hospital for treatment, the results cannot be generalized to the rest of the population. Because an educated population visiting a specialized modern hospital for treatment was interviewed, we expect a greater use of honey for its medicinal properties in the community.
Nonetheless, we gained valuable information on the subject that can form the basis for further larger studies in the community leading to educational interventional programs to promote use of honey for its medicinal properties.
A majority of the respondents (82%) believe in the use of natural products for medical benefits and even a larger number (92.5%) in the medicinal properties of honey. This finding translates into the use of honey for disease prevention and treatment by a substantial number of respondents. A review of literature does not give an exact prevalence figure on the use of honey but there are reports of its widespread use for nutritional as well as medicinal uses.12
Table 2: Study Participants Responses About Medicinal Uses of Honey
Table 3: Sources of Information on Medicinal Uses of Honey for the Respondents (n=400)
Sources | Number (percent) |
---|---|
Family Members | 194 (48.5) |
Friends | 147 (37) |
Television | 129 (32) |
Books | 109 (27) |
Hakim | 98 (24.5) |
Doctor | 88 (22) |
Newspapers | 77 (19) |
Table 4. Diseases for Which Honey is Used by Study Participants (n=400)
Diseases | Number (percent) |
---|---|
Cough and cold | 96 (24) |
Constipation | 37 (9.2) |
Eyes diseases | 26 (6.5) |
Tonsillitis | 25 (6.2) |
Obesity | 18 (4.5) |
Peptic ulcer | 17 (4.2) |
Skin diseases | 15 (3.7) |
Indigestion | 15 (3.7) |
Hiccups | 14 (3.5) |
Burns | 11 (2.7) |
Blood disorders | 09 (2.2) |
Jaundice | 07 (1.7) |
Tumors | 07 (1.7) |
Liver disorders | 05 (1.2) |
Wound healing | 04 (1.0) |
Hair problems | 04 (1.0) |
Heart burn | 04 (1.0) |
Sores | 04 (1.0) |
Diabetes Mellitus | 02 (0.5) |
Allergies | 02 (0.5) |
Weakness | 01 (0.25) |
Mouth ulcers | 01 (0.25) |
Asthma | 01 (0.25) |
Varicose veins | 01 (0.25) |
It is known that the use of honey has a very special place among the Muslims because it was used by the Holy Prophet, and the Holy Quran as well as the Prophet’s traditions support its use.13 Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country and it is because of this reason that a majority of the respondents favour the use of honey due to religious reasons. This fact can be used for evidence-based promotion of the use honey for its medicinal properties. We earlier reported use of honey in the treatment of cough and cold, sore throat and to improve general health11. Eye diseases, constipation and obesity are other earlier reported indications for the use of honey, according to patients11. The findings of our study with regards to the indications for the medicinal uses of honey are not different from those found in the earlier study.
It is very interesting to learn that not only a majority received advice from others to use honey for its medicinal properties, but an even greater number advised others to use honey for medical benefits. It is important for health care providers not only to educate the general population about the use of honey but also conduct clinical trials to prove the therapeutic benefits of honey in different medical conditions. Honey is a freely available food; it is however important to ensure the availability of honey free from all contamination. A substantial number of respondents report using honey in their diet. It is again important to ensure that we educate our general public with regards to the side effects such as botulism and anaphylaxis that can occur with the use of honey. The message under the present circumstances should be to use uncontaminated honey, and with caution, particularly in infants.
The respondents advocated use of honey during pregnancy, neonatal period and by diabetic patients. It has been reported that honey can be used as a sweetener for diabetic patients since it minimally raises the blood sugar. There is a need for further research into the safety, efficacy and tolerability of honey in these patients.
It is unfortunate to find that family members, friends and television are the main sources of information on the use of honey among the respondents. This demonstrates the low contribution of health workers in health education and a need for family doctors to educate patients about the use of honey so that correct information is given to where it matters.
A need for evidence-based information on the nutritional as well as medicinal uses of honey is warranted to provide proper information to the population.
Conclusion
The researchers have documented the use of honey for its medicinal properties in Pakistan and have found its common usage for a variety of medical conditions. It is important that we conduct further research into its use as well as its effectiveness, tolerability and safety for various medical conditions. Such evidence-based information should then be disseminated to health care providers for promoting use of honey for its medicinal properties.
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge, with thanks the patience, time and information provided by the study participants.
References
- Babic D. Herbal medicine in the treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatr Danub. 2007; 19(3):241-4.
- Roosita K, Kusharto CM, Sekiyama M, Fachrurozi Y, Ohtsuka R. Medicinal plants used by the villagers of a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007.
- Smith TC, Ryan MA, Smith B, Reed RJ, Riddle JR, Gumbs GR, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use among US Navy and Marine Corps personnel. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007; 7:16.
- Blaser G, Santos K, Bode U, Vetter H, Simon A. Effect of medical honey on wounds colonised or infected with MRSA. J Wound Care. 2007; 16(8):325-8.
- Worthington H, Clarkson J, Eden O. Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 ;(4):CD000978.
- Telles S, Puthige R, Kalkuni Visweswaraiah N. An Ayurvedic basis for using honey to treat herpes Comment to: Topical honey application vs. acyclovir for the treatment of the recurrent herpes simplex lesions. Med Sci Monit. 2007; 13(11):LE17-17.
- Khan FR, Ul Abadin Z, Rauf N. Honey: nutritional and medicinal value. Int J Clin Pract. 2007; 61(10):1705-7.
- Al-Waili NS, Saloom KS, Al-Waili TN, Al- Waili AN. The safety and efficacy of a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax for the management of hemorrhoids and anal fissure: a pilot study. Scientific World J. 2006; 6:1998-2005.
- Brook I. Infant botulism. J Perinatol. 2007; 27(3):175-80.
- Akinci S, Arslan U, Karakurt K, Cengel A. An unusual presentation of mad honey poisoning: Acute myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol. 2007.
- Qidwai W, Alim SR, Dhanani RH, Jehangir S, Nasrullah A, Raza A. Use of folk remedies among patients in Karachi Pakistan. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2003; 15(2):31-3.
- www.tga.gov.au/docs/pdf/cmec/honeysr.pdf
- www.islamicresearch.org/bees%20hidden %20miracle.htm