Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that feed on the manuka bush, Leptospermum scoparium, which grows uncultivated throughout the country. According to the University of Waikato, all honey has anti-bacterial properties but manuka honey has additional ones which may benefit certain health conditions such as periodontal disease and ulcers. This extra anti-bacterial property is called unique manuka factor, or UMF. Manuka honey that has been tested and shown to have a UMF rating of 10 or more is referred to as "active."
Periodontal Disease
Infections of the gums and bones, which support and surround the teeth, cause periodontal disease. In the early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, gums become red, swollen and may bleed. In the later stage of the disease, teeth become loose and may fall out. Typical signs of periodontal disease include pain when chewing, bad breath, sensitive teeth and red, swollen or bleeding gums.
In a study published in a 2004 issue of the "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology," researchers studied the effect of manuka honey on gingivitis and periodontal disease. They found that manuka honey with an antibacterial activity rated UMF 15 was an effective treatment for gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Non-healing Chronic Superficial Ulcers
An ulcer is any open sore or wound; chronic ulcers are slow to heal and are susceptible to inflammation and infection.
In a study published in a 2008 issue of "The International Wound Journal," researchers studied the effect of Manuka honey on patients with non-healing chronic superficial ulcers. The authors comment that chronic non healing wounds have a high alkaline environment. The acidic pH of manuka honey may make it a potential treatment for lowering wound pH and helping with wound healing. The team found that using a manuka honey dressing for two weeks significantly decreased wound pH and improved wound healing.
Helicobacter Pylori
According to Mayoclinic.com, Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that infects your stomach and small intestine, can be found in half the world's population. Many people have no symptoms or signs of a Helicobacter pylori infection but for others it can lead to serious conditions such as ulcers and stomach cancer. Some symptoms of a Helicobacter pylori infection include, vomiting, bloating, burning pain in the stomach, burping and nausea.
In a study published in a 1994 issue of the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," researchers studied the effect of manuka honey on Helicobacter pylori. The authors found that manuka honey was effective in reducing the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
Ecthyma
Ecthyma, a skin infection, is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. The condition is characterized by sores, beneath which ulcers form. The areas most affected include feet, ankles, legs and buttocks. To help treat ecthyma, the New Zealand Dermatological Society recommends applying manuka honey three times a day to the affected areas and surrounding skin.
References
- University of Waikato: What's so Special about Manuka Honey.
- "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology": The effects of manuka honey on plaque and gingivitis: a pilot study: English HK, Pack AR, Molan PC: 2004
- "The International Wound Journal": The impact of Manuka honey dressings on the surface pH of chronic wounds: Gethin GT, Cowman S, Conroy RM: 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Helicobacter pylori infection
- "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine": Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to the antibacterial activity of manuka honey: N al Somal, K E Coley, P C Molan, and B M Hancock: 1994
- New Zealand Dermatological Society: Ecthyma
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