Foods are more than appetite pleasers; they nourish the body, provide energy and deliver vitamins and minerals that keep our immune systems strong. Some foods, however, have been found to be beneficial to the outside of the body as well, especially when it comes to wound healing and the skin.
Honey
While it may seem strange when you first hear about it, honey is a very effective wound-healing food. It has been used as a wound healer for centuries, and according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, there are three main ways that honey works as a skin healer. First, it stops the growth of microorganisms in and on the skin. Second, when honey combines with the substances that are oozing from the wound, a reaction takes place in which hydrogen peroxide is produced, and this has an antibacterial affect. Lastly, along with the hydrogen peroxide produced from the reaction, honey has its own antimicrobial and antibiotic properties from the phytochemicals it naturally contains. It is advised to use medica- grade honey, from a natural health-food store, rather than just any honey off the grocery store shelf. As a skin healer, honey is applied to a dressing and then directly onto the skin, for as long as is needed.
Garlic
We are aware that garlic provides many health benefits when taken internally, but there is also scientific evidence that garlic is another efficient wound healer. A 2009 issue of "Drug and Chemical Toxicology" reports a study that shows that applying aged garlic extract to chicken skin for six days had a dramatic effect in wound healing. Some of the wounds completely healed over, while the others were at least partially healed. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant, which means it protects cells from damage, so consuming garlic in the diet is a good way to build up the immune system, which helps with wound healing as well. Aged garlic extract can be found at most health food stores.
Papaya
Papaya is more than just a delicious fruit; it is found to have wound-healing properties as well. The December 2003 issue of the "West Indian Medical Journal" reports on a study in which papaya fruit, including the pulp, skin, and seeds, was mashed and then applied to plates that contained common organisms that often infect wounds and inhibit healing. It was found that papaya, especially the seeds, contain antibacterial properties against these organisms, and the researchers concluded that papaya could be of use in treating chronic wounds and skin ulcers.
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