Manuka Honey Benefits

Derived from a floral source indigenous to New Zealand, this special type of honey is effective in destroying microorganisms responsible for many negative health conditions. nnHoney was originally used for medical purposes due to its antibacterial properties. However, it was replaced by antibiotics and other forms of traditional medicine in the 1940s and 1950s. Due to recent studies, there is now an increasing interest in honey as a topical antibacterial agent for the treatment of infected wounds, burns, eczema, ringworm and other bacterial and fungal infections. nnThe antibacterial properties of honey are a result of its high levels of sugar, acidity, osmolarity and hydrogen peroxide content. Manuka Honey is different in that its antibacterial activity is not only attributed to hydrogen peroxide, but also plant-derived components, such as methylglyoxal and what some experts refer to as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. nnWounds in laboratory studies were healed more rapidly by wound dressings containing Manuka Honey than by using standard types of honey. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is also very susceptible to the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey, making it a valuable resource in treating MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. nnThe antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey has been observed in many studies around the world. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey is effective in destroying the following bacterial and fungal microorganisms: nn* Escherichia coli n* Staphylococcus aureus n* Citrobacter freundii n* Proteus mirabilis n* Pseudomonas aeruginosa n* Salmonella typhimurium n* Streptococcus faecalis n* Streptococcus pyogenesnnnResearch also indicates that Manuka Honey inhibits enzymes called cysteine proteases, which have been implicated in muscle-wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy, viral replication, tumor invasion and metastasis. nn"Manuka Honey is the best thing to happen to the medical industry in decades," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, which is manufacturer of skin care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "At a time when consumers are losing faith in pharmaceuticals and gaining faith in natural alternatives, Manuka Honey is gaining its well-deserved recognition.nnnn