Manuka Honey for Health
Manuka honey is a remarkable honey from New Zealand that has been shown to have significant health benefits. Honey has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes, and continues to be used today. Active Manuka honey has been shown to have higher levels of antibacterial properties and other medically beneficial properties. The Waikato Honey Research Institute in New Zealand has conducted extensive research on the active properties of Manuka honey and determined that all Manuka honey is not alike.
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey comes from the flowers of the Manuka bush in New Zealand. Some Manuka honey has been shown to have high levels of antibacterial agents. It is used externally to prevent and heal infections and inflammation. Internally, it is taken to reduce stomach upsets and reduce inflammation.
Unique Manuka Factor Activity
The Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand developed a rating system to determine the strength of the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF of the Manuka Honey. The UMF rates the strength of antibacterial properties of the honey. A rating of 10 or more is considered medically "active" and beneficial. Manuka honey with ratings less than 10 is often found advertised as "active", although it is not known to have the same therapeutic benefits.
When purchasing Manuka honey, look for a UMF of 10 or higher. Ratings of 15 to 16 are considered to be ideal for therapeutic benefits. Be sure to check the UMF rating of Manuka honey before purchasing.
Eating Manuka Honey
Manuka honey can be eaten like regular honey and is thought to have therapeutic benefits to the digestive tract, mouth, throat and gums. The honey has a pleasant woodsy flavor and is darker brown in color than most honeys.
Manuka Honey for Wound and Skin Care
Honey has long been applied to infected wounds for its antibacterial properties. Active Manuka honey from New Zealand has additional UMF healing properties and is especially suitable for wound care. Apply Manuka honey as a wound dressing for infections, wounds, burns and skin ulcers of all kinds. It is beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain while the wound heals. As an added benefit, it is able to control unpleasant odors from infected wounds and easily washes away without sticking to the wound. Manuka honey is being studied in the treatment of resistant infections including MRSA and VRE.
Honey has been used for healing for thousands of years, but Manuka honey has been shown to be more active in healing and reducing inflammation than other varieties. Research into the benefits of Manuka honey continues and Manuka honey is currently being incorporated into new health products that will be widely available in the future.
