The Magic of Manuka Honey

Dating back to the ancient Greeks Honey has been know and used for thousands of years for it’s medicinal properties even during the second world war honey was carried and used to treat the wounds of soldiers.

It’s medicinal purposes are due to it’s contents of hydrogen peroxide formed in a slow release manner which can vary in different honeys.

Active Manuka Honey is a different form of honey which is gathered in New Zealand from the Manuka Bush which grows uncultivated throughout the country.

This honey has been known for years by locals and is now being scientifically proven to be far superior normal honeys for it’s antibacterial properties. Though even after 20 years of research scientists still have no idea of exactly what it is, though has been tested an labelled as it unique manuka factor (UMF)

UMF is tested scientifically by testing the UMF of the against standard antiseptics such as carbolic and phenol for it’s ability to fight against bacteria.

An active honey with the UMF of 10+ has a potency equivalent of 10% phenol

An active honey with the UMF of 15+ has a potency equivalent of 15% phenol and so on.

It has been tested on bacteria ,fungi , protozoa such as staphylococcus aureas which is among the most common wound infecting bacteria, and also many antibiotic resistant strains such as MRSA which were both among the most sensitive organisms of the product.

The reason for it’s success along side normal honeys is still heavily unknown.

But it is know that UMF is not effected by the catalyse enzymes present in the body tissue and serum. It will break down the peroxide content to a certain degree which is the major anti bacterial factor in all forms of honey and there for reduce its activities, and properties against the organism.

Where in an Active UMF honey they hydrogen is more stable and the UMF is unaffected.

Active Manuka Honey is the only honey available for sale which contains this additional antibacterial component known as UMF and there is evidence that these 2 properties have a synergistic action.

Honey has grown in respect and though out the ages honey as a therapeutic alternative though is now being tested in trials through out New Zealand and the world and used to fight off some antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

Though it must be noted that all Active Manuka honeys are not of the same levels of antibacterial properties it is for this reason the UMF has been trademarked by its produces

Anything over a 10+ UMF is recommended and thought to have the most beneficial against bacteria.

I would be interested to hear from any people and there experiences through using Active Manuka honey or any other forms of honey

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