Many cultures in the ancient world feature honey in their remedies. The ancient Egyptians prized honey so much as an all-purpose healer that more than half their remedies contained honey. Healers in China used to encase smallpox sufferers with honey because it hastened healing and prevented scars. The Koran, the Bible and the Jewish Talmud all talk about the health benefits of honey. It's easy to dismiss ancient remedies as superstitious cures but honey as a healer does have some scientific basis.
Honey actually stops bacteria from growing.
Hydrogen peroxide in honey and the antioxidants in honey also help to inhibit bacterial growth. So there could be an element of truth in folk remedies that recommend honey for ulcers and abscesses and combinations of honey and lemon for coughs and colds. Scientists also found that honey promotes healing and prevents scarring. Honey is hygroscopic, which means it can draw moisture. But you don't have to be sick to get health benefits from honey.