The widespread development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has generated an increasing interest in the use of alternate therapies for the treatment of infected wounds. In 1989, an editorial in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, referring to reports on the successful use of honey in wounds, stated: 'The therapeutic potential of uncontaminated, pure honey is grossly underutilized.' This paper examines how the chemical and physical properties of honey may facilitate wound healing and offers guidance on practical issues related to clinical use.