The antibiotic properties of manuka honey

We explain what effect manuka honey has on health, how it is made, and if it is really sustainable.

With an average price of more than 70 euros per kilo, manuka honey is a real luxury.

Adding to the price is the fact that it comes from New Zealand and that it is produced from the flower of a rare tree, Leptospermum scoparium.

But what makes it truly valuable are its amazing properties.

THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS CONCENTRATED IN MANUKA HONEY

All kinds of honey have some antibacterial effects and support the function of the immune system.

But the antibacterial and antiseptic effect of manuka honey is much more potent than that of other types of honey.

According to studies by the Technical University of Dresden (Germany), this is due to the high content of methylglyoxal.

While other types of honey contain around one to two milligrams of methylglyoxal per pound, amounts of 300 to 700 milligrams per pound have been found in manuka honey.

Methylglyoxal has proven therapeutic properties :

• It is useful for fighting different types of bacteria such as staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to virtually all antibiotics.
• It is also effective against the bacterium responsible for most stomach and duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori.
• It is useful for treating heartburn.
• It is used in the prevention of cavities, canker sores, and sore throats.
• Topically it has a positive effect on the healing of wounds, burns, and insect bites.

STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF MANUKA HONEY

Several studies have examined the potential of honey:

• Early studies such as those from the University of Ottawa (Canada) indicate that New Zealand honey helps against pathogens that cause sinus infections.
• Other studies from New Zealand and the United States examined the antibacterial effects of manuka honey in treating gastrointestinal illnesses caused by E. coli bacteria.
• There is also evidence that honey can help with respiratory tract infections (including lyric ones) and otitis media.

AUTHENTIC MANUKA HONEY ONLY COMES FROM NEW ZEALAND

Manuka honey is obtained from the nectar of ( Leptospermum scoparium ), a scrub-type tree native to New Zealand.

In the Maori language, it is called “manuka“. In addition to honey, the Maori also used leaves and flowers as traditional remedies.

Only honey sourced in New Zealand has the aforementioned high methylglyoxal content, which is responsible for its effect.

Beekeepers take it a few weeks after the tree’s flowering season to prevent it from mixing with other pollen. However, since it cannot be ruled out that bees pollinate other flowers as well, the methylglyoxal content may vary.

Certified beekeepers indicate on their packaging the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO), sometimes also in the unit UMF (Unique Manuka Factor).

If there is no indication of methylglyoxal in MGO or UMF on the honey jar, the manuka honey is likely not from New Zealand.

However, the indication alone does not guarantee that it is real manuka, honey.

The current high demand for manuka honey, especially from Europe, exceeds the capacity of New Zealand, which is limited by natural resources.

The samples they analyzed in Dresden discovered counterfeits on the market in 2015.

The researchers concluded that only one in six products contains pure manuka honey.

MANUKA HONEY FOR WOUNDS AND DISEASES

Thanks to its antiseptic properties, Manuka honey can disinfect wounds. Therefore.

it is traditionally applied to treat small cuts or abrasions, but for this indication, you can only use manuka honey that you have found in a pharmacy.

The application of love does not exempt you from performing the usual cleaning of the wound with water, soap, and disinfectant products.

Studies carried out at the University of Bonn show that manuka honey is indicated to treat diabetic foot syndrome (a disorder that causes infection, ulceration, or destruction of the deep tissues of the foot).

In addition, manuka honey is being investigated to be effective against antibiotic-

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