I discovered yesterday that my tragus piercing was infected. I took out the bar and the infection covers the entire left side of my face! Inner ear is infected, glads, sinus's, ugh! Went to doctor, got antibiotic. Any ideas on home remedies to help the healing process? Or ease the pain?

I know my Nana would have good advice. The only thing popping into my head is honey. Local honey. On the wound and a teaspoon in you. Nature's medicine, fantastic stuff.

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For those interested in using honey to help promote good health, here are some tips that will be of value.

Don't give unpasturized honey to infants. It contains bacteria that may prove harmful. While it doesn't have negative effects on older children or adults, infant's bodies are often unable to deal with these bacteria.

Honey can be applied externally to wounds to promote healing. It contains a substance called inhibine, which is a germicidal chemical and helps to prevent infection in a wound. Honey also helps to draw excess fluid from a wound, therefore reducing swelling.

Honey can help Hay Fever sufferers deal with their condition during the peak hay fever season. Eating honey from local apiaries helps the system adjust to the pollen found in the area and therefore lessens the allergic reaction to those pollens.

Honey can be used in conjunction with other herbal remedies to help prevent or treat respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and coughs. By mixing the honey with these herbs, the airways are soothed and inflammation is reduced.

Honey has been used to help with relaxation. Add honey to the bathwater and it will not only help relieve tension, but is said to help combat insomnia as well.

Honey is said to help resolve problems with indigestion. It soothes the stomach and helps prevent discomfort.

Honey is said to cure stomach ulcers. Researchers from the University of Waikato in New Zealand studied whether honey could benefit those afflicted with the H. pylori bacterium known to cause gastric ulcers. Within three days, honey is reported to have stopped the growth of bacterium colonies.

Research has shown that honey promotes the healing of burns. In studies from India, it is reported that 87% of people treated with honey coated dressings on burns recovered in 15 days, compared with 10% of those treated traditionally with silver sulfadiazine.


As we celebrate National Honey Month in September, remember that there are many other uses for honey besides as a food. Because of this, honey really can be called one of natures most perfect substances.

Remember, these tips are based on reported findings by various individuals and clinicians. They are not intended as medical advice. If you have any physical condition, contact your physician before trying these "home remedies".