for their therapeutic properties the honeys may be derived from the australian or new zealand leptospermum species the honeys may include a combination of two or more honeys selected for differing but preferably complementary physiological therapeutic action including those with peroxide and non peroxide antibacterial activity this combination may ensure a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity there are many known types of honey illustrative examples are described in publications such as honey and pollen flora clemson a inkata press pty ltd melbourne 1985 and similar reference works honeys may be selected on the basis of the presence of flavonoids which may act as an anti oxidant resulting in inflammation reduction honeys may also be selected for the presence of growth factors which can assist with granulation epithelialisation and the growth of new tissue to ensure a progressive and satisfactory healing process the honeys may also be selected on the presence or levels of physiologically active compounds including but not limited to flavonoids alkaloids growth regulators and compounds that cause stimulation of tnf alpha release the surfactant is preferably a low irritant mild chemical preferably the surfactant is non ionic as in general this class of compounds is milder than ionic surfactants a preferred surfactant is an ethoxylated triglyceride and in particular sweet almond oil or a derivative thereof alternatively it is possible to substitute ethoxylated castor oil or ethoxylated evening primrose oil preferably in non ionic form an example of a commercially available product is crovol a70 which is derived from sweet almond oil in an ethoxylated form the international nomenclature for cosmetic.