MRSA Treatment With Manuka Honey

Even though MRSA has become resistant to most antibiotics, it is no match for the powerful antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey.

As data on the prevalence of MRSA continues to mount, hospitals are taking an aggressive approach in preventing the spread of this resilient infection. Statistics indicate that about 2 million patients develop infections while being treated in the hospital every year and 100,000 of them die from the infection.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the proportion of infections that are antimicrobial-resistant has been growing each year. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for 2% of the total number of staph infections; in 1995 it was 22% and in 2004 it was 63%. In fact, a report issued by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control found that MRSA infections are 8.6 times more prevalent than previous estimates and that the antibiotic-resistant bacteria is found in all wards throughout most hospitals.

Studies show that 30-50% of the population carry MRSA on their bodies. The fact is, MRSA can coexist on the surface of the skin very harmoniously without causing any significant health complications. It's only when the bacteria penetrates the skin by way of a wound or puncture where it can become harmful.

Despite the grim reality of MRSA infecting our communities, there is a viable treatment solution. A special type of honey found in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia has proven to be effective in destroying this resilient bacterium. It's not so much the bees in this region that are special, rather than the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush. These flowers produce a unique nectar that contains extraordinary antibacterial properties. The bees use this nectar to create what has become known as Manuka Honey.

It has been discovered that Manuka Honey contains healing properties not found in other types of honey. Manuka Honey destroys MRSA by drawing moisture out of the bacterial cell, making it impossible for them to survive. This is very similar to what happens when you pour salt on a slug.

Honey is one of the only substances in the world that does not expire. Food spoil when bacteria begins to form on it. However, bacteria cannot survive in honey. Honey discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs that were preserved for over 4,000 years has even been found to be suitable for consumption. The absence of bacteria in honey is mostly due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In fact, before antibiotics were invented, honey was commonly used for medical purposes, particularly for dressing wounds.

A rating system administered by the Active Manuka Honey Association in New Zealand calculates the potency of Manuka Honey on a scale from 0-30. It is generally accepted that Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered active and suitable for therapeutic use. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial activity. However, patients have reported sensitivity to Manuka Honey with extraordinarily high UMF ratings (i.e. UMF 20-30). Even UMF 10 Manuka Honey is potent enough to kill MRSA and heal Staph infections.

When examined under a microscope, it has been discovered that MRSA cells form a septum down the middle, dividing the cell into two separate cells. This happens every 30 minutes. However, Manuka Honey has been found to interfere with the cell division cycle, stopping it dead in its tracks. This has now been considered a major breakthrough in the medical industry.

In summation, active Manuka Honey is one of the only natural substances in the world that is capable of efficiently destroying MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As a result, Manuka Honey is now being used as a main ingredient in antiseptic products. One New York-based manufacturer of skin care products is taking advantage of the natural antimicrobial properties of Manuka Honey. Honeymark has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion that is effective in treatment MRSA and other bacterial infections.

"Our First Aid Antiseptic Lotion is our best selling product, specifically because of its ability to kill MRSA and heal Staph infections," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "With experts predicting that new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria will inevitably emerge in the future, Manuka Honey will be considered an extremely valuable resource." As a natural ingredient, Manuka Honey has been found to have no negative side effects when used for medicinal purposes.