Although the term is barely used, ‘iodized honey’ may refer to pure honey that has been mixed with a povidone-iodine solution for medical treatment – particularly for wound care.

The Indonesian Journal of Orthopaedics notes a study at The Medical Faculty of the Padjadjaran University in Indonesia that compares the would healing process in a small sample of patients with feet lacerations. Patients were either treated with a mixture of 5% povidone iodine solution and pure honey (so-called ‘iodized honey’), while the other group was treated using 5% povidone iodine only.

Researchers noted more effective wound healing in patients treated with the povidone iodine and pure honey mixture. Povidone-iodine liquid and ointments, such as Betadine, are sold over the counter. Mixing it with raw honey at home for dressing wounds is a simple natural addition which may increase effectiveness.

Additionally, iodine is used in starch testing to determine if honey has been artificially adulterated with inverted sugar syrup. Pure honey does not contain starch. Adulterated honey will turn purple or red when a solution of iodine, potassium, and water is mixed in, indicating unnatural starch content. Testing honey with iodine is only for the presence of starch. Not for other adulterants.

In short, ‘iodized honey’ may refer to honey with added iodine due to wound treatment or starch testing purposes.