Manuka honey is known for its proven antibacterial qualities. In fact, there has been a lot of media attention about this type of honey lately, not for its taste, but for its amazing medicinal benefits. In fact, UMF-rated New Zealand Manuka honey is considered the top medicinal honey in the world! So, is Manuka honey good for you, and how is it different from regular honey? Let’s see what the fuss is about….
This product is produced in New Zealand, from the nectar of the flowers on the manuka bush (and thus the name). Although most honey contains hydrogen peroxide, (an acid that contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties) Manuka honey also contains a “phytochemical” that boosts its medicinal properties even further. When compared with a regular antiseptic, this powerhouse performs extremely well!
What conditions respond to Manuka Honey? Well, the list goes on and on, but bedsores, boils, burns, and infections have all been treated successfully with honey. Read my personal experience in the post, Gum Disease? Honey Can be a Tooth Saver. There are many studies to show that in hospitals and other settings, honey is safe and as effective as other more traditional treatments.
But, make sure that when purchasing Manuka honey, the word “active” is present on the label. This ensures that the honey has passed strict testing. You will see a number with a plus (+) sign. This represents the strength of the honey. Active honey can have a number up to 20+, although 18+ is a more generally recommended strength. In addition to the UMF rating, some of this honey is classified as “medical grade” honey.
So, all honey is not created equal. This amazing product not only tastes awesome, but it can also help in the fight against infection and disease, a double benefit. So to answer the question – “Is Manuka honey good for you?” – the answer is a definite yes.
Have you ever used this honey medicinally? Did it help? I’d love to hear your story! Leave a comment below.
Bee Inspired With These Posts
Honey For Health And Beauty – Is It Just Hype?
What is Cherry Blossom Honey And Why Is It Rare?
Secrets From The Sea – Two Ingredient Honey & Seaweed Body Mask
What Is Raw Honey And How To Identify It Even If You’re Not A Beekeeper
This Is What Happens To Your Skin When You Try This Unusual Honey Massage
Panza de Abeja Honey – Beekeeping To Produce A Delicious Raw Honey From The Yucatan Peninsula
I had a very persistent pseudomonas infection after sinus surgery. Multiple antibiotics consultations with dental EENT and infection disease specialists didn’t get results. I found about Manila Honey on the web started using it and cured the infection. What a blessing.
Yes, thank you for the UMF and MGO info!
No problem 🙂
The post was very informative and helps to get to know a lot more about Manuka honey. Thank you for Sharing.
Dear Carrie: Thanks for your response and for stopping by 🙂
Bev
Thank you for your informative article. However, there seems to be some inaccurate information regarding the UMF rating system. Because there is already so much confusion about the issue, I thought perhaps I could explain what I know, which can also be verified by multiple sources online.
UMF is not an ingredient. UMF stands for “Unique Manuka Factor” because at the time the rating system was developed, they didn’t know what this non-peroxide element was that made manuka honey so much more potent than other honey in terms of its antibacterial activity.
Professor Peter Molan at the Honey Research Unit at Waikato University is responsible for most of the research regarding manuka honey’s antibacterial properties. However, it was in Germany at the Technical University in Dresden where a Professor, Thomas Henle and his team of researchers actually identified this “unique” element within manuka honey as dietary methylglyoxal in 2006.
Although the measurement of methylglyoxal in manuka honey is a more accurate test of the honey’s antibacterial activity, it is not widely used yet. This has more to do with the politics than with practicality. You see, the UMF rating system is trademarked by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) and they appear reluctant to want to give up this appearance of authority.
That said, some companies are, indeed, measuring and labelling manuka honey based on the methylglyoxal content. When you see MGO Manuka Honey, you know you are buying the honey based on the most accurate measurement of the antibacterial activity of the honey.
I encourage you to visit http://www.mgomanuka.com/ as it contains lots of research and information about this topic.
Thanks!
Very interesting observation. I appreciate the current understanding of UMF and MGO Manuka Honey and the reasoning behind it.
I know my readers will also enjoy the update.
Many thanks!