Manuka honey is manufactured from flowers grown on the manuka bush. This bush, also known as the tea tree bush, grows only in New Zealand. The honey has long been touted as having healing properties. A study conducted in 2003 in Ireland suggests that this is true. In addition, the honey is said to combat the growth of certain bacteria; a 2006 study from the University of Wales Institute-Cardiff seems to back up these claims.
Wound Healing
A study by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland used manuka honey to treat leg ulcers, an often painful and chronic condition. Using medical-grade manuka honey, they found that wounds and ulcers had more dead tissue removed, which can harbor infection, than those in the control group. At 12 weeks, the group using manuka honey was three times more likely to have fully healed wounds.
Combat MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a difficult bacterial infection to combat, and can be toxic. It is most often found in health-care environments, such as hospitals, and is resistant to most antibiotics. The University of Wales Institute-Cardiff studied the use of manuka honey in combating MRSA. The study found that manuka honey was effective in combating MRSA, and that the honey increased in strength the longer it was stored before use.
Treat a Bacterial Infection
The Welsh study further found that manuka honey effectively prohibits the cell growth of many types of bacteria, making it effective for combating common bacterial infections. The honey is acidic, making a less alkaline environment that is hostile to bacterial growth. This supports the idea that manuka honey can help heal common bacterial infections, such as a cold or sore throat.
First Aid
Because manuka honey prohibits the growth of bacteria, it can be used as a salve for a minor cut, burn or scrape. In Ireland, the honey is now available as a wound treatment. However, the Irish study notes that the honey must be sterile and medical grade to be effective.
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