It been a time honored tradition that raw honey is known for its tremendous nutritional and immune boosting abilities, but because of industrialization, honey isn’t what it used to be. Manuka honey, however, is different. Researchers at the New Zealand University of Waikato discovered the nutritional content of Manuka honey is up to 4 times that of normal flower honeys and that it has a considerably higher level of enzymes than regular honey. These enzymes create a natural hydrogen peroxide that works as an antibacterial.
Top 8 Manuka Honey Benefits:
1. Staph infections, (MRSA): Regular topical use on cuts and infections (especially in the hospital and nursing home setting) may keep MRSA naturally at bay. Manuka honey could potentially be utilized to impact positively on the treatment of microbial, resistant infections by down-regulating the most potent genes of the MRSA bacteria.
2. Burns, Wounds & Ulcers: According to a recent article in the Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, “The use of honey leads to improved wound healing in acute cases, pain relief in burn patients and decreased inflammatory response in such patients.”
3. Tooth Decay & Gingivitis: Due to its superior antimicrobial properties, researchers from the School of Dentistry, University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand) discovered that: “Chewing or sucking on a Manuka honey product not only caused a 35% decrease in plaque, it led to a 35% reduction in bleeding sites in people suffering from gingivitis!”
4. Sore throat: Manuka stops the growth of sore throat-causing Strep bacteria.
5. Allergies and Sinusitis: Studies show that taking Manuka honey on a regular basis can really help seasonal allergies and lessen the need for medications.
6. Improves skin and skin conditions: improves tone and texture. Excellent for acne and eczema.
7. Heals intestinal inflammation and pain: also repairs free radical damage, and protects against further damage. Reduces and balances digestive system to heal SIBO, (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), low stomach acid, GERD reflux, IBS, IBD and colitis.
8. Promotes restful deep sleep: Adding Manuka honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for deep sleep.
A global standard in identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of Manuka is known as the Unique Manuka Factor UMF which is a guarantee that the honey being sold is of a medicinal quality. The minimum UMF rating recognized is UMF5, however, it is not considered beneficial unless it carries a UMF 10+ level of antibacterial activity in the honey. Anything ranging from UMF10-UMF15 is a useful level, and anything UMF16 and up is considered a superior quality.
I recommend that everyone take a dose of about 1-2 tablespoons of Manuka honey a day. The easiest way is to just take it straight, or you can add it to your favorite herbal tea, over yogurt, or on sprouted grain toast. Take Manuka with caution if you’re allergic to bees and report any adverse reactions to your natural health care provider immediately.
