Manuka Honey: Made Naturally

By: Vivian Escaravage-Perez for Wounds1

The New Zealand Tea Rose (Leptospermum Scoparium) is the flower of the Wild Tea Tree. The tea roses bloom radiant flowers of whites and reds, producing a sweet nectar of honey. This raw, pure, uncultivated “manuka honey” has been used since ancient times, and was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for wounds and burns. The antibacterial activity of manuka honey can be quite effective; it has natural antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti- inflammatory properties which can help shorten the healing process and reduce scarring.

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Visit ManukaHoney.com for more information, and click on Products to order your own honey.

Some believe that a wound will heal faster with manuka honey as compared to a wound applied with regular honey. Since 1981, lab workers have been researching the healing properties of this special honey. They have discovered many possibilities for people living with certain skin, stomach and hair conditions. Dr. Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Waikato, New Zealand agrees that manuka honey has great healing qualities because of its enhanced antibacterial potency, coined UMF for Unique Manuka Factor. The antibacterial potency is effective for some against a wide range of bacteria such as staphylococcus, pylon, E-coli, and aurous. Each batch of manuka honey is tested for UMF potency. Look for “Active Manuka Honey” for fast healing. Dr. Molan has been researching manuka honey for over 10 years, and he has reviewed 73 published articles on the subject. He is still trying to explain why manuka honey has such strong healing qualities.

In a 2003 report in the European Journal of Medical Research, manuka honey had an 85 percent success rate in treating infected postoperative Caesarean sections, as compared with the 50 percent success of conventional treatments. People who have used manuka honey claim they will try it again, for both simple ailments and more complicated ones. "We have found Active Manuka Honey to be very good in many different ways, especially for an ulcer. It is the best way to heal an ulcer. Today, my wife is no longer suffering from this problem. She is able to sleep and eat a lot better," says H.T. Linden of New Jersey.

Manuka honey is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, and it has been shown to repair damaged hair and skin. Specifically, the honey’s antibacterial agent is soothing and may prevent acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections. The antiviral agent in the manuka honey inhibits growth of certain bacteria, thus acting as a natural cold remedy as well.

Some have found manuka honey to be healing for stomach ulcers, throat and eye infections, pneumonia, colds, sinus infection, deep cuts, mouth ulcers, diffuser for killing germs, and sore throats. It is distinctive in taste and edible. Today, manuka honey is mostly used to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.

Last updated: 27-Jul-07