Benefits of Manuka Honey

This unique honey is produced by bees from the flower of the manuka plant in New Zealand. In some areas manuka is also known as tea tree.  Tea tree oil is known to be both antifungal and antibacterial, it is commonly used in products like toothpaste, mouthwash and disinfectants.

 

Why is manuka different from other honey?

The main active ingredient in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG), this can be found in most honeys although the quantities are significantly less. If you’ve bought manuka honey you may have seen it labelled as UMF honey, this stands for Unique Manuka Factor. This is a scale that refers to honeys with disinfectant qualities. A UMF of 10 or higher is considered a therapeutic grade of honey. It’s important to note UMF is not found in all manuka flowers, so if you are looking for a medicinal grade quality of honey, look for the UMF label.

 

Benefits

Honey has a long history of use. Due to the special antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties this honey has been used for sinusitis, dermatitis, colds, sore throats and heartburn to name a few. It can also be used as a regular sweetener.

Manuka honey also has less sugar per tablespoon than other honeys.

Natural Antibiotic & AntibacterialManuka honey has two ingredients methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide in higher concentrations than other honeys, making it a healthier option if taken  for illness.

Wound Healing-Honey can be used as an effective dressing for minor wounds.

Gingivitis & Cavities-Studies have shown encouraging results in the prevention of plaque, gingivitis & dental cavities.

Reduces Inflammation-The National Cancer Institute has approved the use of manuka honey for patients receiving chemotherapy to help reduce the inflammation of the esophagus.

Gastrointestinal Health-Honey is effective in helping with low stomach acid, SIBO and acid reflux.

Speeds Healing-Honey impregnated dressing have been used to successfully speed wound healing.

Acne-Antioxidants in honey produce anti-inflammatory effects. This can be beneficial in reducing the inflammation associated with acne.

What to Look For in Manuka Labeling

This honey is available online and in store. Be sure you’re getting the real thing and check the label to verify it is from New Zealand.

A UMF trademark should be on the label.

It should have UMF rating on the label anywhere from 5-16+.

It should state that it was labeled in New Zealand, be licensed by a New Zealand UMF company.

The company’s name and license should be on the label.

If it doesn’t have a UMF rating, or labeled UMF without a number it’s not the real deal.

 

What the UMF Numbers Mean

0-4- Non therapeutic grade

4-9 Maintenance level. General honey benefits

10-14-Supportive of bacterial balance and natural healing

15+-Superior phenol levels. Highly therapeutic. Don’t exceed more than 1 Tbsp. at a time.

 

Resources:

Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association

52 Abstracts of Manuka Honey

 

Written By

My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.