Manuka Honey Research

Clinical research indicates that a special type of honey known as 'Manuka Honey' has the ability to heal wounds and protect against even the most harmful infections. This honey is now being used as an ingredient in skin care products.

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 is indigenous to New Zealand. Studies of the applications of Manuka Honey have been conducted by scientists with impressive results. Researchers have discovered 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 standard medical treatments for burns, skin ulcers and wounds. Its high level of antibacterial activity being effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (such as MRSA) 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 the regeneration of tissue but also the anti-inflammatory properties present in Manuka Honey are instrumental in reducing 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 bodily fluids. A similar destructive circumstance occurs when honey comes in contact with heat or boiling water which makes the use of honey in hot tea for a sore throat counterproductive. Manuka Honey retains its antibacterial activity in both of these circumstances.

Clinical studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey produces faster results with fewer complications in comparison to the standard medical treatments for medical conditions such as infected wounds, eczema, acne, arthritis, ringworm, wrinkles, etc. Manuka Honey is found to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties without the risk of negative side effects.

Some of the most comprehensive research conducted on the medical use of Manuka Honey has been done at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Visit their website at http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey/ for additional information.

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