Manuka Honey

Extensive research has verified that a particular type of honey is extremely effective in treating infected wounds and other skin conditions.

In addition to being a food item, honey has been used as an active ingredient in many traditional healing remedies, primarily due to its ability to destroy bacteria. All types of honey have some level of antibacterial properties. When used on an infected wound, honey has the ability to absorb moisture from bacteria, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive. In addition, honey also produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antiseptic.

One type of honey known as Manuka Honey contains additional antibacterial properties that are not due to hygroscopic mechanisms or hydrogen peroxide. Manuka Honey is a monofloral honey that is derived from the nectar of the manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium), which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Studies of the applications of Manuka Honey have been conducted by scientists with impressive results. Researchers have shown that Manuka Honey can be an effective antiseptic with the ability to combat many common forms of bacteria that infect wounds.

Studies have verified that Manuka Honey is more effective than the standard medical treatments for burns, skin ulcers and wounds. Its high level of antibacterial activity being effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria has become of increasing interest within the medical industry. Manuka Honey also has the ability to hasten the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with some traditional forms of medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations can cause tissue damage. When used as a wound dressing, Manuka Honey creates a moist healing environment which is not only essential for tissue re-growth but the anti-inflammatory properties present in Manuka Honey also reduces pain.

In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey also has a debriding action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue re-growth. Other types of honey are not as effective. Manuka Honey's healing properties are also stable and don't lose their potency when heated or exposed to light, like other types of honey. Under normal circumstances, hydrogen peroxide will be diminished or destroyed when coming in contact with the catalase enzyme present in blood and other body fluids. A similar destructive circumstance occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water which makes the use of honey in hot tea for a sore counterproductive. Manuka Honey retains its antibacterial activity in both of these scenarios.

"Clinical studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey produces faster results with fewer complications compared to the standard medical treatments for everything from infected wounds to eczema," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, a manufacturer of advanced skin care products. "Manuka Honey is found to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties and has been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes."nnnn