Honey bee products, particularly honey itself, have a well-documented history of use in wound care, including the treatment of abrasions. Modern scientific research supports this traditional practice. Honey possesses natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Its high sugar content, low pH, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide and other bioactive compounds inhibit the growth of many pathogens. Several clinical studies and reviews have shown that topical application of medical-grade honey (such as Manuka honey) can accelerate healing, reduce infection, and minimize scarring in minor wounds and abrasions. For example, systematic reviews published in journals such as Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Wounds have found that honey can be effective for superficial wounds, burns, and abrasions, although results can vary depending on the type of honey and wound.

While honey is the primary bee product used for this purpose, some studies also explore bee propolis and royal jelly, which have demonstrated antimicrobial and healing-promoting effects in preclinical and limited clinical studies. However, the bulk of scientific validation pertains to honey. It is important to distinguish between raw and medical-grade honey; the latter is sterilized and specifically prepared for clinical use, reducing the risk of contamination.

In summary, there is strong scientific evidence supporting the topical use of honey for abrasions and minor wounds, though users should seek medical-grade products for safety and efficacy.