From quieting a cough to calming a sore throat, folk remedies using honey have existed for centuries.

Honey’s antioxidant properties have also boosted its reputation for cardiovascular health. Now the medical world is taking its cue from Egyptian medicine, which utilized honey to heal wounds and fight infection.

While a jar of store-bought honey might provide quick first aid for a minor cut or abrasion at a family picnic, it’s the very potent manukah honey, from the nectar of New Zealand’s tea tree plant, which is getting attention in the medical world.

This honey is believed to be effective at killing germs and speeding healing. A bandage-type dressing of the honey is being used to help hard-to-heal wounds among diabetic patients.

A report from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix said that MediHoney, a recognized product using manukah honey, has produced positive results for about half of the patients with diabetic foot ulcers who have used it.

Honey has the ability to absorb fluids and reduce swelling from wounds, which is more than most people expect from the sweetener sitting in the tea cabinet.