Manuka honey is made by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush, a shrub native to New Zealand.
It has become increasingly popular, not just for its distinctive flavour, but also for its many health benefits.
Medical studies have found that manuka honey contains a unique ingredient called methylglyoxal(MGO) which has antibacterial properties and is effective intreating a wide range of different conditions.
As well as being antibacterial, manuka honey is also antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and contains antioxidants.
Here are some of the best medical uses of manuka honey, thanks to the perceived benefits of its natural antibacterial properties.
1. Burns – A 2015 study by Cochrane found evidence that honey can help burns to heal quicker than conventional dressings. Manuka honey has natural healing and antioxidant properties that make it the perfect burn balm.Apply a layer of Manuka honey twice daily to the affected area and cover with an adhesive bandage or kitchen cling film to cover the area and keep the honey in place.
2. Eczema – Relatively few studies have been done to explore whether manuka honey is effective at treating eczema, and the studies that have been performed have produced inconclusive results. While the value of Manuka honey in the treatment of childhood eczema is yet to be proved, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help prevent infection and may also aid the healing of eczema prone skin, so it’s a remedy worth exploring! Children’s eczema clothing company ScratchSleeves have compiled information about medical studies on the usage of manuka honey as an alternative remedy for eczema.
3. Gingivitis and tooth decay – Several medical studieshave found that manuka honey’s antibacterial properties mean that it is able to significantly reduce the levels ofharmful oral bacteria present in the mouth to reduce the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.
4. Immunity – According to Manuka Doctor, manuka honey’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidantproperties are said to be able to improve your overall health and wellbeing by boosting your immune system and helping your body to fight off illness.
5. Allergies including hay fever – According to Manuka Doctor, manuka honey has been proven to be an effective treatment against nasal mucus, providing some relief from symptoms when allergies strike.
6. Sore throat – Eating a teaspoonful of honey when you have a sore throat may be more effective than taking traditional cough medicines. Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties mean that it can attack the bacteria causing the cough and soothe the sore throat.Many scientific studies, have found honey to be an effective cough suppressant for adults and children alike.
7. Acne – Whilst little research has been done on the science behind using manuka honey to treat acne, it is widely touted as an effective natural remedy. According to the Healthline, not only can manuka honey help to fight the bacteria that causes acne, it’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe the redness and inflammation caused by acne.
Manuka Honey Rating Systems
Manuka Honey is available in a variety of different grades and rating systems, the higher the grade/rating, the more expensive it is. The MGO rating system is used for manuka honey which relates to the amount of methylglyoxal that the honey contains. The higher the MGO, the more antioxidants it contains.
There are different antibacterial strengths of Manuka honey so in order to guarantee that the honey is of medicinal quality, there is a trademarked rating system called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Manuka honey with a UMF 10+ rating is generally not considered beneficial. UMF 10-15 is useful; however, if you want to treat something, a UMF of 16-20+ is of superior quality and much more effective.
Generally, if you’re buying manuka honey for health reasons,it’s important to gain a good understanding of the manuka honey rating systems, to ensure that you are buying a high-quality product that is fit for the purpose intended.
