The Healing Powers of Manuka Honey For Your Body
7 minute read
Manuka Honey is one of the most unique kinds of honey in the world. This honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. Aside from its unique appearance, this honey has special medicinal properties that make it a one of a kind. Those who are looking to improve their health should seek out this natural honey that provides many benefits.
Does Manuka Honey Work Better Than Antibiotics?
When it comes to infectious disease, the first line of treatment is typically antibiotics. Unfortunately, there has been a vast overuse of antibiotics in the United States, leading to the formation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. These dangerous bacteria can wreak havoc on the body and have been known to kill. According to the Centers For Disease Control, antibiotic-resistant bacteria is now considered one of the world's most serious problems.
In a study published in Peer J, a scientific journal, antibiotic-resistant wounds are occurring more frequently than ever before. They carried out research to determine if Manuka Honey could be used as an effective biofilm and antibiotic treatment. It turns out the results were astounding, leading them to come to a determination that this special honey even kills deadly infections such as MRSA and MSSA.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Manuka Honey?
- Low stomach acid and acid reflux
- Eczema, acne, and certain types of skin rashes
- Burns, ulcers, and other types of wounds
- Staph infections
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Sore throat
- Immune system disorders
- Allergies and sinus conditions
- Sleep problems
- Cancer
These are but just a few of the ailments Manuka Honey has been found to successfully treat. Its boost to the immune system helps to keep the body fighting off bacteria for better overall health. It is important a person uses raw Manuka Honey that has not been heat-treated so they will be able to take advantage of the many benefits it offers.
Why Is Manuka Honey So Beneficial?
Most everyone knows any type of raw honey is going to be full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as:
B vitamins
Calcium
Amino acids
Magnesium
Copper
Phosphorus
Potassium
Manganese
Zinc
With all of the amazing properties, regular honey has, just imagine what Manuka Honey offers with four times the amount of each of these beneficial vitamins and minerals! Aside from its increased vitamin and mineral content, there is something else that makes this honey incredibly special.
In 1981, researchers at the New Zealand University of Waikato wanted to carry out some research to determine why this honey has such amazing antibiotic-like benefits. Through their research, they were able to determine Manuka Honey has an incredibly increased amount of enzymes over other types of honey. The enzymes seem to form a substance that is similar to hydrogen peroxide.
Manuka Honey contains three ingredients that make up what is called the Unique Manuka Factor(UMF):
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Methylglyoxal
- Dihydroxyacetone
How Can You Know You are Purchasing Authentic Manuka Honey?
As more and more information has been discovered on the benefits of this honey, it stands to reason its demand has dramatically increased. Shortages have allowed some unscrupulous companies to market honey as Manuka when it is not authentic. This is why it is imperative individuals are able to fully understand what they need to look for when making their purchase.
The UMF level of a honey is the key to ensuring it will offer powerful benefits to the body. All Manuka honey is required to be labeled with its UMF level. Although the law only requires a 5 level for a honey to be labeled Manuka, medical experts agree full benefits can only be achieved when using a honey that has a UMF of 10% or higher.
A person should look for these signs to ensure they are purchasing genuine Manuka Honey:
A UMF trademark will be clearly featured on the label. The honey will be bottled by a UMF licensed New Zealand company. The UMF company's name and license number should be clearly marked on the label. The UMF rating will be listed as a number from 5-16+.
How to Understand the UMF Ratings Found on Manuka Honey
0-4 is considered non-therapeutic
4-9 offers the same benefits as other types of common honey
10-14 helps support natural healing and a proper bacterial balance in the body
15+ offers superior therapeutic benefit
(A word of caution: Manuka Honey with a UMF rating over 15 is very strong and should be taken in moderation, only a tablespoon at a time. This honey should never be taken by those who are allergic to bees because an adverse allergic reaction may occur. Always consult with your health care professional.)
What Is the Best Method of Using Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey can be taken in the following ways:
* Applied directly to the skin to treat wounds, bites, and rashes
* Up to a tablespoon taken orally to soothe the throat and help digestion.
* Eaten as any other honey would be to maintain overall health and vitality.
The Bottom Line
When choosing Manuka Honey, it is imperative you choose a fully organic, non heat treated type. When honey is heated, much of its vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are destroyed. Checking the lable and verifying the bottler is vital for ensuring you are purchasing a honey that has the therapeutic UMF level you need.
Not only does this honey offer unique health benefits, it also has a delicious taste that differs from common honey. This honey has a more bitter taste which is common in darker honey. It somewhat tastes like honey and molasses mixed and many people enjoy its delicious taste.
If you are concerned about your health, Manuka Honey is a good addition to your diet. Just a spoonful a day can do wonders for your health and give your energy levels a boost. Purchase a bottle of pure, organic Manuka Honey today so you can protect your health and treat many ailments that arise in the body.
While it can take a few days to weeks to reach therapeutic benefit, many people begin to experience amazing health benefits right away. It's absolutely worth it!
