The benefits of medicinal honey have been known for over 4,000 years after the Egyptians started to apply honey on wounds.
All honey contains a natural occurring enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide which is a known antiseptic with proven antibacterial properties. However, hydrogen peroxide loses most of its healing power when it comes in contact with body fluids or open wounds. In addition, all healing qualities of common honey are lost in contact with heat or direct light.
Studies on the benefits of Manuka honey have shown that it is a special type of mono-floral honey which contains an ingredient with powerful antibacterial, anti-microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. This ingredient in Manuka honey was originally named UMF®or Unique Manuka Factor.
Manuka Honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka Bush or Tea Tree (also known as Leptospermum Scoparium) indigenous only to New Zealand.
Bees gather the nectar from the flowers of the Manuka Tree. In the hive, they add an enzyme called glucose oxidase to the nectar in order to preserve the honey. When Manuka Honey comes into contact with body fluids, the glucose oxidase enzyme slowly releases the antibacterial hydrogen peroxide. The levels of hydrogen peroxide released are not high enough to damage tissue but sufficient enough to affect bacteria.
Most Common Uses of Manuka Honey
- Gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis
- Skin ailments such as eczema, hives, rosacea and rashes
- Building the immune system
- Facial masks
- Common flus, coughs and colds
- Cuts and burns