A local woman's research may one day have you closing the medicine cabinet and heading to the kitchen to treat infection.

Harrisonburg High School graduate and James Madison University student Chelsea Cockburn says honey isn't just for your toast anymore. She spent seven weeks in Ghana this summer studying the medicinal properties of honey.

Cockburn's research centered around sting-less bees found only in tropical regions. She says honey may be a great alternative to modern medicines.

"Anti-biotics we use against bacteria aren't as affective because the bacteria is gaining resistance to it. So if you're using a natural substance such as honey that has these natural antibiotic like properties in it, there's a much higher chance the bacteria won't be resistant to it," says Cockburn.

Cockburn will soon submit her research for publication in science journals.