Evidence supporting the use of: Honey Bee
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honey bee products, particularly honey, have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin infections and boils for centuries. Historical texts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Ayurveda document the topical use of honey for wound healing and as a remedy for skin abscesses, including boils (furuncles). The primary rationale is honey’s natural antibacterial properties, largely attributed to its high osmolarity, low pH, and hydrogen peroxide content, which can inhibit the growth of various pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of boils.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that certain types of honey (especially medical-grade Manuka honey) possess antibacterial and wound healing properties. However, while honey itself is supported by some laboratory and clinical evidence for wound healing, there is limited direct scientific research specifically on "honey bee" as an ingredient for treating boils. The majority of the documented use is based on tradition and historical practices, rather than robust clinical trials targeting boils specifically. Therefore, the evidence is rated as moderate (2 out of 5), primarily grounded in traditional use with some supporting laboratory data for honey in general, but not for whole honey bee or bee venom products for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Honey Bee
AbrasionsAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Cuts
Eye Infections
Fever