Manuka Honey for Healing

Posted on Jul 15, 2014 | 0 comments

My bestie shared a little healing secret with me: Manuka Honey!

I had always known that honey had great healing properties to it, but I did not know that there were tons of different types of honey.

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a monofloral (made by bees that interact with just one species of flower) honey produced in a northern region of New Zealand from the nectar of the Manuka tree (tea tree). It has demonstrated antibacterial properties, but still requires more testing. Manuka honey has a dark, cloudy appearance and is a bit oily.

Honey has been used for thousands of years to treat multiple conditions. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities.

Why is Manuka Honey Different?

All honeys contain hydrogen peroxide. Glucose Oxidase is found in Manuka honey which is what allows the hydrogen peroxide to form in a natural environment making it stronger. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial agents in it that help fight infections and promote healing.

The next natural component of Manuka Honey is Methyglyoxal (MG). MG comes from the conversion of another compound – dihydroxyacetone – that is found in high concentration in the nectar of Manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibacterial effect. This gives it the ability to help prevent certain infections including but not limited to: Strep, E. Coli, MRSA and many other potentially dangerous infections.

Manuka Honey is one of the rare honeys that does not lose its potency when exposed to heat, light or dilution.

What does the AMF on the Manuka Honey label mean?

Manuka honey bears its own Active Manuka Factor (AMF) – previously Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). This is a scale that identifies the level of anti-bacterial potency in that particular supply of Manuka honey. An AMF rating of 10+ is the minimum required to gain the rating and thus be considered effective for healing purposes. Manuka Honey that meets this minimum requirement is commonly referred to as Active Manuka Honey. Optimum levels of AMF are 10+, 15+ and 20+. Levels below this are still beneficial but not accepted to have as much power for healing.

What are the benefits of Manuka Honey?

Honey protects against damage caused by bacteria. Manuka honey has been shown to have great antibiotic properties. Manuka honey is effective with:

• Wound/burn healing
• Anti-fungal treatment
• Gum disease fighter
• Sore throat treatment
• Immune system support
• Repairs numerous skin ailments
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces Acid Reflux
• Digestive support
• Stomach Ulcer Treatment and Prevention
• Energy booster

Why am I sharing the Manuka Honey secret?

Because I have used it several times now and it works! When one of my children comes home with a sore throat, I give them a teaspoon of Manuka honey a few times each day. Usually by the second or third day the sore throat is gone, without me having to give them anything else. More studies need to be done on this topic, but it has worked like a charm for my family.

I also used Manuka honey when my husband sliced his finger down to the bone. We had a tough time getting it to heal. I tried the Manuka honey on it after 3 days of trying other ointments and guess what? By that night the redness had started to disappear and we could not see the bone anymore the next morning!

Have you tried Manuka honey yet? What do you use it for? I would love to read all about it!

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

Read more:

The Telegraph

Cosmopolitan

Microbiology Journal

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