Manuka Honey: Origin
Last article was based on Beech Honeydew Honey from New Zealand. However Beech Honeydew Honey is not the only famous honey originated from New Zealand. Manuka Honey also from New Zealand is also renowned worldwide.
Manuka Honey is named for the little scrubby bush that produces tiny leaves and flowers (sometimes rose colored and sometimes white) called a Manuka Bush (the New Zealand tea tree). It has a rich, thick and generous flavor, is dark gold in color with a hint of eucalyptus.
Manuka Honey: Health Benefits
One of the most beneficial qualities of honey is that it protects against damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. In addition, honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can quickly reduce pain and inflammation once it is applied.
But all types of honey are not the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of honey as well as when and how it’s harvested. Some kinds of honey may be 100 times more potent than others. Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey. It gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types of honey, including Manuka Honey, also have other components with antibacterial qualities.
Manuka Honey also contains another antibacterial component methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In Manuka Honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound – dihydroxyacetone – that is found in high concentration in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
MG is thought to give Manuka Honey some of its antibacterial power; the higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. But, there may also be other compounds involved in the medicinal effect of Manuka Honey.
Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the potency of Manuka Honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF rating is thought to correspond with the concentration of MG and other compounds. Not all honey labeled as Manuka Honey contains significant levels of antibacterial factors. To be considered potent enough to be therapeutic; Manuka Honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF. Honey at or above that level is marketed as “UMF Manuka Honey” or “Active Manuka Honey.”
How Manuka Honey Is Used
The main medical use for Manuka Honey is on top of a wound. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns.
Manuka honey is also marketed for use in many other conditions. These include:
- Preventing and treating cancer.
- Reducing high cholesterol.
- Reducing systemic inflammation.
- Treating diabetes.
- Treating eye, ear, and sinus infections.
- Treating gastrointestinal problems.
But the evidence is limited on whether or not Manuka Honey is effective for these conditions.
The honey used to treat wounds is a medical-grade honey. It is specially sterilized and prepared as a dressing. So the jar of Manuka Honey in the pantry should not be considered part of a first aid kit. Wounds and infections should be seen and treated by a health care professional.
What the Science Says About Manuka Honey
Several recent studies show Manuka Honey is effective when used on top of wounds and leg ulcers. Studies also show it’s effective in fighting infection and promoting healing.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as being “possibly effective” to treat burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey may shorten healing times in mild burns compared with traditional dressings.
Another recent study suggests that Manuka Honey may be effective in preventing gingivitis and other periodontal disease by reducing the buildup of plaque. And in 2010, the scientific steering committee of the National Cancer Institute approved a proposal for the use of Manuka Honey for the reduction of inflammation of the esophagus associated with chemotherapy.
Another possible benefit of honey is that, unlike antibiotics, it has not been reported to cause development of resistant bacteria. These so-called “superbugs” develop after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. They require special antibiotics to treat them.