Manuka Honey is made by our beautiful and generous bees that feed on flowers of the manuka bush, also known as the tea tree in New Zealand.
In Australia, the tree used to make manuka honey is called the Jellybush. (I get my #Jellybush honey from the Mullumbimby Farmers Market on Fridays. From Gary at #TheHoneyWagon. This batch has a tested and proven anti bacterial level of 21 – which is very high. Starts around 5 and average probably 8-12.)
#MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. It is MG that is thought to give manuka honey some of its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect.
In #manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound – dihydroxyacetone – that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers.
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.”
So why is Manuka Honey so fab’? Soooooo many reasons including –
– Fights anti-biotic resistant bacteria (without the nasty side effects)
– 4 time stronger standard antiseptic (without the nasty side effects)
– Improves Anaemia
– Treats sore throats
– Used internally and externally, it can be used to fight infection and inflammation
– Faster wound healing
– Improves hay fever, sinus and eczema (apply it
topically also)
– Manuka Honey has strong antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens
– Used topically, it can disinfect minor cuts and scrapes and relieve burns by applying directly to the affected area and can be used as a healing mask for acne prone skin.
For topical use, apply 3 times a day on the affected area (mix with essential oils if you like.). Internally, take 1-2 teaspoons half an hour before meals. (Or any time if you forget.)
