Honey between traditional uses and recent medicine.

Abstract

From ancient times, honey was not only used as a natural sweetener but also as a healing agent. Many health-promoting and curative properties attributed to it are the basis for some traditional folk medicine treatments throughout the world today.  Its beneficial effects in different disorders, rediscovered in recent decades , varying from its antibacterial effects and benefits in wound healing to its safe role in peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and dental hygiene. This will be discussed in this review on the basis of a series of scientific studies conducted to investigate the therapeutic properties of this natural product.