Manuka
Manuka honey is renowned for its proven health benefits and is used in a number of medical applications, ranging from wound dressings to throat lozenges. Typically dark in colour it is remarkably thixotropic, or thick in texture, and has a unique taste. It has shown the highest viscosity among a range of studied honeys. This property is due to the presence of a protein or colloid and is its main visually defining character. To be labelled mānuka honey, at least 70% of its pollen content should come from Leptospermum scoparium, the Manuka Tree.
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities. Honey 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.
Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey and gives most honeys their antibiotic quality. But Manuka has other components with antibacterial qualities. The major antibacterial component in Manuka honey is 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 its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. These other antibiotic components are known as Non-Peroxide Activity, or NPA for short.
A scale for rating the potency of Manuka honey has been produced in various forms. A popular form of rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF rating corresponds with the concentration of MG or NPA. UMF however is a trademark and the UMF Association requires beekeepers to subscribe to their association if they wish to use the UMF trademark. However, beekeepers can use MGO. We have included a table that gives our customers a guideline to MGO and UMF conversion.
Although lower levels of Manuka can be eaten, the main medical use for higher grade 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 for other conditions. These include:
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. If you are in any doubt concerning any condition, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities. Honey 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.
Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey and gives most honeys their antibiotic quality. But Manuka has other components with antibacterial qualities. The major antibacterial component in Manuka honey is 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 its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. These other antibiotic components are known as Non-Peroxide Activity, or NPA for short.
A scale for rating the potency of Manuka honey has been produced in various forms. A popular form of rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF rating corresponds with the concentration of MG or NPA. UMF however is a trademark and the UMF Association requires beekeepers to subscribe to their association if they wish to use the UMF trademark. However, beekeepers can use MGO. We have included a table that gives our customers a guideline to MGO and UMF conversion.
Although lower levels of Manuka can be eaten, the main medical use for higher grade 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 for other conditions. These include:
- Reducing high cholesterol
- Reducing systemic inflammation
- Treating diabetes
- Treating eye, ear, and sinus infections
- Treating gastrointestinal problems
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. If you are in any doubt concerning any condition, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
