Properties of Manuka Honey

Honey has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history, but recent research has shown some honeys to be of more value than others. Active Manuka honey is highly valued for its anti-bacterial properties. The anti-bacterial properties are rated according to their activity by a rating system called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Higher values indicate increased medicinal activity.

What is Manuka Honey

• Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka bush. Some Manuka honey has been shown to have higher anti-bacterial properties and therefore is valued for its medicinal properties.

Activity

• Honey has been used for thousands of years as an antibacterial agent. Recent research has shown that some honeys are more active against bacteria than others. Some Manuka honeys have been shown to have additional anti-bacterial properties not shared by other honeys. The Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand has developed a rating system that compares the anti-bacterial properties of Manuka honey. The Unique Manuka Factor or UMF indicates the strength of the anti-bacterial properties. A rating of 10 or more is considered to be medically beneficial. Some Manuka honey with a rating of less than 10 is still advertised as "active" although it has not been shown to be of additional therapeutic value. The UMF rating is important when buying Manuka honey. Look for a rating of at least 10. Ratings of 15 and higher indicate very high levels of anti-bacterial activity. A rating of 15 or 16 is considered to be ideal for therapeutic benefit. Since all honey has some anti-bacterial properties, they may be labeled as active." Look for the UMF rating to be sure that you are getting a quality product shown to have these extra anti-bacterial properties.

Eating Manuka Honey

• UMF Manuka honey can be taken by eating it. Taken internally, New Zealand Manuka honey can help with problems of the digestive tract, throat, mouth and gums. The honey is naturally dark brown in color and has a pleasant woody flavor.

Manuka Honey for Skin and Wound Care

• Since the days of Aristotle, honey has been recommended for the natural healing of infected wounds. Active Manuka honey from New Zealand is especially suitable for wound care because of its additional UMF properties. Use Manuka honey as a wound dressing for wounds, burns, and skin ulcers. Beneficial effects include reduction in inflammation, swelling and pain while healing occurs. Unpleasant odors are controlled, and the dressings are easily removed without sticking. In almost all cases, infected wounds respond rapidly to the proper application of UMF Active Manuka honey.

Storing Manuka Honey

• To preserve the special UMF properties of Manuka honey, it should be properly stored in a dark, cool place.

The Future

• The special healing properties of UMF Active Manuka honey are still being researched. Because of its effectiveness against wound infections, it is being studied for the treatment of wounds infected with antibiotic resistant strains of MRSA and VRE.