Manuka honey is known for its exceptional antibacterial properties, according to Professor Peter Molan from the University of Waikato's Honey Research Unit. The honey is from bees from New Zealand that feed on the flowers of manuka trees. The manuka tree is also called the tea tree, but manuka honey is not related to tea tree oil, which also has antibacterial qualities. Tea tree oil is made from another New Zealand tree, called the melaleuca.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The bees collect the nectar from manuka flowers, and with their enzyme-rich saliva turn the sucrose into glucose, fructose and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is not a friendly environment for bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella or helicobacter pylori (the bacteria in stomach ulcers). The hydrogen peroxide also promotes protein-digesting enzymes that stimulate the growth of blood vessels and create new connective tissue. When you apply manuka honey on a wound, it draws moisture out of bacteria cells and makes them shrink and die. Manuka honey removes dead tissue from a wound and helps to regenerate new skin tissue. According to Dr. Molan, manuka honey works on hard-to-heal wounds when other conventional methods have failed.
Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)
Manuka honey contains an unusual nonperoxide component called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which describes the level of antibacterial activity in the manuka honey. The UMF was developed by Dr. Molan, who created a scale comparing manuka honey to standard disinfectants. He discovered that manuka honey is effective against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ordinary manuka honey has a UMF of approximately 4 to 5. Honey with a UMF over 10 has an antibacterial quality equivalent to at least a 10 percent phenol solution. Honey with a UMF of 18+ has more than double the antibacterial strength of standard antiseptic, but is still safe to consume orally.
Antibacterial Quality in Wound Healing
The UMF penetrates the skin easily and can reach bacterial infections that are rooted deeply. The higher the UMF rating, the deeper an infection that can be healed.
You can use manuka honey to heal many skin conditions, such as skin ulcers, pressure sores, chronic or surgical wounds, cuts and scrapes, and even 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The antioxidant activity in manuka honey decreases the amount of destructive free radicals (unstable molecules responsible for aging, disease and tissue damage). When you apply manuka honey on your wounds, you will create a moist, sterile environment that allows rapid healing without formation of scar tissue. The honey reduces swelling, relieves pain and protects the wound from additional infections.
Anti-Aging Skin Care
As you grow older, your skin becomes more susceptible to all kinds of infections. Instead of using antibacterial soaps and hand lotions, you can use cleansers containing manuka honey. The enzymes in manuka honey have high antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important for preventing and reducing wrinkles in aging skin. Manuka honey also assists in the formation of stronger collagen, a protein that makes the skin strong and firm. Manuka honey also helps to heal blemishes and acne.
Eating Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is darker than other honeys and has a very rich and intense flavor. The higher the UMF, the darker the honey is. You can use manuka honey in cooking as a sweetener just like any other honey. Dr. Molan's research has shown that manuka honey aids digestion, can help to fight throat infections and reduces gum disease. Eating manuka honey regularly supports memory, improves well-being and increases energy levels, according to a study by Dr. Lynne Chepulis at the University of Waikato.
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