Manuka Honey and its Origins

Manuka Honey and its Origins

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Australia and New Zealand produces Manuka Honey by bees that pollinate the native leptospermum scoparium bush (widely known as a tea tree). Many locals who are familiar with it profess that it is able to treat wound infections and other conditions.

 

Honey - a Food That Heals

Honey protects the body against damage caused by bacteria. Some honeys also boost production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. Manuka honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can help ease pain and inflammation.  However, not all honey is the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of honey as well as when and how it's harvested. Some kinds may be 100 times more potent than others.

Components of Manuka Honey

Most honey gain its antibacterial qualities because they contain hydrogen peroxide.  However, some types including Manuka honey, also have unique antibacterial qualities.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is one of the major antibacterial components.  MGO comes from the conversion of another compound in it known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a high concentration of which is found in the nectar of Manuka (tea tree) flowers.

The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effect.

Honey producers from New Zealand have a scale for rating the potency of Manuka honey. The rating is UMFTM, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.

The UMFTM rating reflects the concentration of 3 signature compounds found in this genuine honey, MGO, DHA and leptosperin.  More comparison between MGO and UMF can be found in another article in this website. 

How to Use 

Medical professionals use Manuka honey for wound and burn healing.  Research shows it is effective in treating other conditions, including:

  • Skin care including eczema and dermatitis
  • Soothing a cough or sore throat
  • Digestive Health

What the Science Says About Manuka Honey

Several recent studies show Manuka honey can be helpful to treat wounds and leg ulcers. They also suggest that it can fight infection and boost healing.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as "possibly effective" to treat burns and wounds. 

Another study suggests that it may help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal disease by reducing the buildup of plaque. Some other studies suggest that Manuka honey is able to prevent inflammation in the esophagus caused by radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Another possible benefit of honey is that, unlike antibiotics, it doesn’t appear to lead to resistant bacteria.  The resistant bacteria, or so-called "superbugs", develops after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. Doctors would then need to use special antibiotics for these superbugs.  In other words, honey has its advantages over antibiotics.

Treatment of Wound

Medical Grade Honey

Medical-grade honey, often referred to as "medicinal honey" or "medical honey," encompasses specific types of honey recognized for their therapeutic properties and sterile processing. Manuka honey stands out as one of the most well-known varieties of medical-grade honey due to its potent antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. This honey contains a unique compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which provides its exceptional antibacterial qualities. Medical-grade honey, particularly Manuka honey, has been extensively studied for its ability to combat infections, promote wound healing, and even aid in treating conditions like burns, ulcers, and skin wounds. Its natural acidic pH and high sugar content create an environment that inhibits bacterial growth and fosters tissue repair, making it a valuable option in medical settings for managing various wounds and skin ailments.The production of medical-grade honey involves stringent processing methods to ensure its purity and safety for medical use. This includes sterilization techniques like gamma irradiation or filtration to eliminate potential contaminants while retaining its therapeutic properties.
Medical-grade honey has gained recognition and acceptance within the medical community as a natural alternative to conventional wound care treatments, showcasing its potential as a valuable addition to wound management protocols and promoting healing in clinical settings.

For more information on Manuka Honey, browse our product here.

Written By

Young Earth Sanctuary Resources Pte Ltd Admin

Hey there. My name is Penci. I was born with the love for traveling. I also love taking photos with

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