Manuka honey is collected from beehives that surround manuka bushes. The honey has medicinal uses because of many of the chemical constituents in the honey. In fact, honey has been known to be an antibacterial agent for many centuries, according to DermNet NZ. Maunka honey, though, has been shown to have a greater antibacterial effect than many other honeys. Before using manuka honey to improve your health, consult with a qualified health professional.
Wound Healing
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in manuka honey may make it effective in promoting wound healing and preventing infections. Until antibiotics were widely available the honey was commonly used for just that purpose, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Today, that use is again sparking interest. Manuka honey is thought to be effective in healing wounds because of its high hydogren peroxide content as well as because its acidity and osmolarity. Among the wounds often treated with manuka honey are bedsores and pressure wounds, leg ulcers and burns. Before using manuka honey to encourage a wound to heal, consult with a medical professional who can advise you on its use.
Treating Infections
Similar to its use in healing wounds, manuka honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties may also make it useful in treating bacterial and fungal infections. In particular, studies have demonstrated that it may be effective against potentially life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, also known as MRSA. A study conducted by the University of Wales Institute-Cardiff demonstrated that the honey can inhibit several proteins necessary for the microbe's biosynthesis. Infections such as MRSA can be deadly. Do not self-treat with manuka honey. Instead, consult with a trusted health practitioner who can help you decide on a proper course of treatment.
Ulcers
Research has also demonstrated that manuka honey may be effective in treating infections caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. H. pylori infection is the cause of peptic and gastric ulcers. Studies have shown that the honey is able to prevent the bacteria from growing and thriving in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Stomach ulcers are often easily treated with antibiotics and other medications. Speak with a medical professional before attempting to use honey to treat ulcers.
Cancer
Manuka honey may also have properties that make it useful in treating or preventing cancer, although more research is still needed in this area. The flavonoids prevent in the honey have shown anti-cancer properties when studied in in vitro experiments, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Also, in animal studies manuka honey was shown to increase antioxidant activity, which can be useful in cancer prevention. Cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that should not be self-treated. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before using makuna honey to treat or prevent cancer.
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