Manuka Honey Uses

Uses of manuka honey

For thousands of years, honey has been a popular folk medicine around the world for ailments ranging from ulcers to infected wounds. Recent studies have reinforced honey's superiority to standard medical treatments. Researchers have focused on one type of honey with an exceptionally high level of antibacterial activity. They have found that this special type of honey, known as Manuka Honey is even powerful enough to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and capable of clearing Staph infections.

All types of honey have some antibacterial properties, partly due to the combination of a high concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) and acid. In addition, scientists have come to understand that honey's antibacterial properties are also due to hydrogen peroxide which is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey. Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF as well as a compound known as Methylglyoxal.

Studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey hastens the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with traditional medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage, and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations cause tissue damage. However, the moist environment created by Manuka Honey is not only essential for tissue re-growth but Manuka Honey also reduces pain and cell damage. In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey has a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue growth.

The recent outbreak of Staph infections, MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are making doctors and other medical professionals rethink the use of antibiotics and explore more natural alternatives such as the use of Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is the only honey that is rated and tested for its antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey's high potency comes from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the tea tree known as the Manuka bush which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Honeybees carry twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey.

Manuka Honey also has the ability to retain its potency, more so than other types of honey, even when diluted or exposed to heat. For example, hydrogen peroxide is diminished or destroyed by contact with the catalase enzyme present in the blood and other bodily fluids. A similar destructive scenario occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water. In other words, taking honey with hot tea for a sore throat might be counterproductive. However, Manuka Honey retains a high degree of its antibacterial activity in both of these scenarios.

Studies have been conducted around the world demonstrating that honey produces faster results with fewer complications in comparison to traditional forms of medicine and pharmaceuticals for everything from eczema to ringworm. In addition to antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been determined to have natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it effective for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, athlete's foot and other fungal conditions.Most common medical uses for Manuka Honey are as follows.