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topical · for wound healing & tissue repair

Manuka Honey (Topical Wound Dressing)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Wijesinghe 2009 NZ Med J (PMID 19648986) - meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=624) found honey healed burn wounds approximately 6-7x more often at 15 days vs standard dressings (OR 6.1, 95% CI 3.7-9.9); Gethin 2008 J Wound Care (PMID 18666717) - RCT found Manuka honey eradicated MRSA in 70% of venous leg ulcers vs 16% with hydrogel after 4 weeks.$15-$40 per dressing pack depending on size and brand

How to use

Apply medical-grade Manuka honey wound dressings (such as Medihoney or L-Mesitran) directly to clean, superficial wounds and cover with a secondary dressing. Change every 1-3 days or as directed on the product. Only use products specifically formulated and sterilised for wound care - do not apply raw grocery honey to open wounds. Continue until the wound is fully closed.

How it works

Manuka honey exerts antimicrobial activity through hydrogen peroxide release, its unique methylglyoxal (MGO) content, low pH, and high osmolarity. These properties disrupt bacterial biofilms, draw fluid from the wound bed, and create an environment that promotes autolytic debridement and granulation tissue formation. It is active against MRSA and many drug-resistant pathogens.

Where to buy

Medical-grade Manuka honey dressings (Medihoney, L-Mesitran) are available at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online. Look for products bearing a CE mark or medical device certification. Standard grocery Manuka honey is NOT suitable for wound use.

Typical cost: $15-$40 per dressing pack depending on size and brand

Safety notes

Use only medical-grade, sterilised wound-care honey products - never apply raw honey from a jar to open wounds due to contamination risk including Clostridium botulinum spores. Do not use on deep or infected wounds without medical supervision. People with bee product allergies should avoid. This is a topical dressing only - eating honey does not replicate these wound-healing effects.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Wijesinghe 2009 - NZ Med J (PMID 19648986)

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.