Manuka Honey & Stomach Ulcers

Manuka honey comes from the manuka bush, which grows in Australia and New Zealand. Medical-grade manuka honey has antibacterial properties that may help cure stomach ulcers. You can buy medical-grade manuka honey in the United States. Honey, placed on wounds, helps speed healing and treats infections. Honey can also kill bacteria if you take it internally. Manuka honey is more potent than other honeys, due to the unique chemicals it contains. This honey may even kill bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey contains the antibacterial chemical methylglyoxal, also known as MGO. Manuka honey takes about 24 hours to kill bacteria, including Escherichia coli. According to research published in "PLos One" in March 2011, manuka honey kills bacteria because of several factors. These factors include the chemical MGO, the honey's high acidity and its high sugar content. To use this honey to destroy bacteria, you should get the medical-grade manuka honey.

Ulcers

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, causes stomach ulcers. This bacteria interferes with the mucous that protects the lining of the stomach. An ulcer results when stomach acid comes into contact with the stomach lining. Occasionally, the ulcer will bleed. Under some circumstances, acid eats through the wall of the stomach, leading to a serious infection. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of stomach ulcers include stomach pain, vomiting and blood in your stool.

Research

According to an experiment published in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" in January 1994, manuka honey kills H. pylori bacteria. The study shows you only need a concentration of 5 percent manuka honey to kill lab samples of this bacteria. Therefore, the researchers say, you only need to take a half a teaspoon, or 2.5 ml, of manuka honey before a meal to get the same effects in your stomach. A more recent study, published in "African Health Sciences" in December 2007, also found that manuka honey could kill H. pylori.

Conclusion

If you suffer from stomach ulcers, speak to your doctor about using medical-grade manuka honey. Research suggests this honey is effective against the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Keep in mind that certain medications and alcohol can worsen stomach ulcers. Only use manuka honey with the recommendation of your doctor.