Scientists have unlocked the secret of Manuka honey's claimed anti-bacterial properties
Active 10+ (or greater) Manuka honey produces natural antibacterial properties which can assist in;
- Stomach ulcer symptoms
- Digestion
- Sore throats & colds
- Skin ulcers
- Effective energy replacement
- Minor burns & pressure sores
- Infections
- Energy booster
- Wounds & boils
- Enhancing general health
Scientists have unlocked the secret of Manuka honey's claimed anti-bacterial properties, researchers at the Technical University of Dresden in Germany have identified the honey's anti-bacterial compound as methylglyoxal.
Researchers tested more than 80 honeys from around the world and found methylglyoxal levels between 350 and 700mg/kg in Manuka honey samples. The other types of honey contained between zero and 10mg/kg. Previous research had shown the highest concentrations of methylglyoxal in any food or beverage were about 100 mg/kg in cocoa and coffee.
Reference : NZ Herald July 3, 2007
Yes, there's a lot of hype and a lot of confusion about what is medicinal Manuka honey? What does Active mean? What does UMF mean? So that you can get value for your money here's a basic run down...
What's special about Active Manuka honey?
For the past 19 years honey researchers at the University of Waikato have been investigating what we have accepted as common wisdom: our Manuka honey is a superior treatment for wound infections. This fantastic honey can be sourced in New Zealand from the Manuka bush, which grows uncultivated throughout the country.
What does Active mean? The Active numbers
(+10, +15, +20) come from a standard laboratory test of antibacterial activity, with honey being compared to a standard antiseptic for potency. This is the number that indicates the Activity in the Manuka honey. UMF is a trademark that stands for Unique Manuka Factor. UMF and Active Manuka need to have an Activity rating.
Some honey producers choose to use the UMF trademark and some don't. Active Manuka and UMF honey is tested in the exact same way and certified by the same laboratories with the same certification. Medical professionals in New Zealand use Active Manuka honey with a rating of +10 or higher. Although some results may be obtained with lower levels of activity, the lower activity will not always be enough to fully clear an infection.
So the moral of the story is "if it's not for your toast, you want to have +10 (or higher) Active (or UMF) Manuka Honey". Also, be sure it's produced by someone you trust - as the Consumer's Institute of NZ reported in December 2005, 8 out of 24 labels (manufacturers) were misinforming customers with untrue claims. We passed their tests with flying colours.
Reference : Waikato Honey Research Unit
How to use Active honey?
Wounds, cuts and ulcers – clean the affected area and spread a generous layr of Active 10+ (or greater) directly over it. Or pour/spoon a similar amount onto a sterile gauze pad and apply to the area to be treated. Note that honey will spread when it comes into contact with the skin because of natural body heat softening the honey. Cover and secure. Wait at least 1 day before repeating the process with a new sterile pad and a fresh layer of honey. Resist removing old honey when redressing to enable healing to continue uninterrupted. Some stinging may result as the honey comes in contact with the skin, this is normal. Healing begins at the edges without creation of heavy crust or scab that can produce scarring.
Burns – apply the honey directly to fresh burns to prevent further exposure to the atmosphere and relieve pain. This may be sufficient for small burns. For more serious tissue damage with risk of infection, treat as for wounds to promote rapid healing with reduced scarring.
Sore throats, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, vomiting and other upsets – 1 hour before meals morning and night spread approximately 1 tablespoon of Active 10+ (or greater) Manuka honey on a slice of bread and eat without fluids. The bread ensure the honey remains in the stomach longer.
Colds and throat infections – once or twice a day slowly dissolve one teaspoon of Active 10+ (or greater) Manuka honey in your mouth (hold under tongue to resist swallowing). Alternatively dissolve the same quantity in a quarter cup of warm water and sip.
Caution : we do not recommend honey or bee products be given to children under 2 years of age.
Disclaimer
None of the information on this brochure is intended to replace sound medical advice, nor is it recommended for people to stop their prescribed medications. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
|
