The use of honey for medicinal purposes was common before the arrival of antibiotics and traditional medicines. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties made it the perfect healing agent. In New Zealand, manuka honey has been used as a source of healing for decades, and Dr. Peter Molan, senior lecturer of the biochemistry department at Waikato University in New Zealand, has been researching its potential for over 20 years. A major finding of his was the ability of manuka honey to eradicate staph, strep and H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), "superbugs" that have become resistant to antibiotics.
Types
Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the flower from the manuka bush, a plant indigenous to New Zealand. Manuka honey comes in two types, regular and active. The regular type contains hydrogen peroxide, the antibacterial agent found in all honey. Although it has some healing properties, its therapeutic potential is limited. The active type contains hydrogen peroxide with additional antibacterial activity, making it more effective in treating wounds, bacterial infections and other conditions. The specific substance that makes active manuka honey so potent has yet to be determined, which is why it's described as having a unique manuka factor (UMF).
UMF Rating Function
The UMF registered trademark established by the Active Manuka Honey Association and Molan was put in place to differentiate between regular and active types, verifying and informing consumers of the honey's authenticity and medicinal properties. The strength of the UMF manuka honey is determined via a rating scale beginning at 10 and going up to 25-plus. Although higher-rated manuka honey is more expensive, this is not an indication of a superior grade. The rating provides guidelines for intended use pertaining to internal or external applications and specific ailments.
External and Internal Uses
Active manuka honey that is rated between 16 and 19 is effective in treating internal conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, strep throat, H. pylori and gastritis. When treating external conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, burns, scars, wounds, ringworm, acne and ulcers, use a topical application of manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10 to 16. Manuka honey USA recommends a rating no higher than 18-plus, and warns that anything higher than 20 used for external and internal purposes can lead to a stinging and burning sensation. A variety of products containing UMF manuka honey, such as acne treatment creams, bath salts, anti-wrinkle creams and mud masks, offer an alternative to the raw product.
MRSA Treatment
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highly infectious staph skin condition Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is on the rise and has become increasingly difficult to treat due to its resistance to antibiotics. Classified as a multidrug-resistant organism, or superbug, MRSA can lead to pneumonia and even death. Nursing home, hospital and health care facility patients with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to this infectious disease. Manuka honey is very effective in preventing and treating MRSA and unlike antibiotics, its use doesn't compromise the immune system.
Benefits
As well as having antibacterial and antiseptic properties, active manuka honey has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant value. It helps to heal scars, assists in skin cell growth, accelerates healing and acts as a barrier over wounds, protecting them from infections and bacterial invasions. It can also eliminate wrinkles and relieve cough and cold symptoms. As it is natural and organic, the risk of side effects common to traditional medicines are significantly reduced.
Adverse Effects
Although there are no known major side effects, when using UMF active manuka honey on wounds, you may feel tingling, stinging or even burning. If these sensations last for more than five to 10 minutes, wash off the honey with saline solution and opt for a milder strength. Children younger than 18 months should not be treated internally with manuka honey. Diabetics should consult their practitioners before including manuka honey in their diets.
Member Comments