Manuka-Honey
The manuka honey, which is very popular due to its curative effect, comes from New Zealand. Honey bees collect the nectar of the South Seas Myrtle. Its name has been preserved by the Maori and Manuka is the name for the South Seas Myrtle.
This plant, botanical name, Leptospermum scoparium, is also known as the New Zealand Myrtle and belongs, for example, the Australian tea to the family of Myrtle Plants (Myrtaceae). It is located in the mountainous regions of New Zealand as well as in south-eastern Australia in south Wales.
It has several habitats and grows on slopes, forest edges and shrubs as well as river banks. The plant is robust and well-suited to poor-nutrient soils but requires sufficient moisture. The best conditions are found in New Zealand's North Island, where its main distribution is located. In the regions of Tairawhiti and Wairarapa, and it grows partly wild.
The New Zealand myrtle grows as a tree or shrub and is up to 4 meters tall. It also serves as a honey for the production of Manuka oil. The indigenous people of New Zealand have long known about the curative effects of the South Seas Myrtle but until the naturopathic use of honey, much time went by.
In the 18th century, the botanist Joseph Banks observed how Maori used the various parts of the plant to treat diseases such as wounds, skin diseases, gastrointestinal ailments or colds. Among other things, they also prepared a planting and that led to the name Tea Tree (tea).
The South Seas myrtle is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oils and the honey can be used to treat chronic wounds and skin infections.
Extraction and ingredients of manuka honey
Industrious bees collect the nectar of the South Seas Myrtle and produce the delicious Manuka honey. The honey is harvested by incore in the cold sling process, which keeps heat-sensitive ingredients intact. The flower nectar already contains numerous valuable ingredients.
In the course of the various processing steps by the small winged helpers, the nectar is enriched with enzymes such as the so-called glucose oxidase. This enzyme causes a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide to be produced in honey, which has a disinfectant effect.
The most important ingredient of honey, however, is the antibacterial methylglyoxal (MGO), which is produced by the degradation of sugar. The nectar itself does not contain this active ingredient, it only occurs after the nectar has been ingested by the honeybees and on the way from the plant back to the hives or later in the hive. However, the nectar contains the prepress called Dihydroxyacetone, which is converted into MgO.
By the way, bees have only been in New Zealand since 1839. They were then imported into New Zealand by a missionary from Europe. The honey also contains small amounts of so-called secondary plant substances, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. The phenolic acids are partly responsible for the characteristic taste and the flavonoids have an antioxidative effect.
Manuka-honey also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, enzymes, fruit acids and vitamins.
Areas of Application of Manuka Honey
External application:
Injuries, wounds, cuts, skin abrasions, burns, chronic wounds, diabetic foot syndrome, Skin disorders, psoriasis, acne, neurodermatitis, fungi (mycoses), dry and chapped skin, Insect bites.
Internal application:
Colds, flu infections, rhinitis, cough, throat infections, bronchitis, sinus inflammation, Bladder inflammation, Gastric mucosal inflammation, gastric upset, heartburn, disease, gastric ulcers, esophageal inflammation, Intestinal inflammation, irritable, colitis, diarrhea, Gum Inflammation: disease, and other inflammation in the mouth.
For external use, manuka honey is suitable for wound disinfection and supports healing in skin wounds and skin diseases of all kinds. The disease-causing bacteria are combated very well, their breeding ground is removed and the germs are prevented from spreading and propagating. The honey can be applied directly to the wound and should be covered with a sterile and sufficiently large plaster or gauze bandage.
As is generally the case with associations, honey bandages should also be changed on a regular basis. In diseases such as psoriasis, manuka honey causes a quick relief of the agonizing itching stimulus and keeps the skin moist and supple. The skin is significantly improved.
There are also numerous indications for the inner application of sweet honey: it acts as antibacterial and antiviral and is therefore an ideal means of accompanying the treatment of cold diseases (here can also help propolis), inflammation of the mouth and throat (aphthae, herpes, mycoses, etc.), as well as in gastrointestinal disorders.
Also with candida infections and bladder or prostate inflammations, manuka honey is well suitable for their treatment. In particular, the symptoms of a cold – from coughs and colds to sore throats to inflammation of sinuses, can soften the course of the disease.
Scientific studies around Manuka honey
There are numerous studies now that deal with the positive effects of Manuka honey. For example, its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral and wound healing effects have been known for some time. The following studies should therefore be referred to as exemplary at this point.
In a study by the Working Group around P. R. Schmidlin of the clinic for preventive Dentistry, periodontology and cariology at the Center for Dentistry at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, it was shown that Manuka-Honey was able to prevent the bacterial species S. mutans, p. gingivalis and A. Actinomycetemcomitans from growing. These three types of bacteria are pathogenic germs in the mouth and are known to cause gum infections and caries.
Manuka Honey is also able to keep the 'perpetrators' of the flu, the so-called influenza viruses at bay. This was demonstrated by the K. Watanabe Working Group of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of infectious agents of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. The researchers compared several honeys of different origins and Manuka Honey was more effective than the other tested honeys.
A. G. Leong and his colleagues at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Wellington, New Zealand, have been able to show that New Zealand honeys have an anti-inflammatory effect of clinical relevance in experiments on mice.
Manuka Honey Review
As already described in the text, Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is one of the highest quality honey specialties. In New Zealand, Honey is offered in many small delicatessen shops, where it belongs to the culture.
Manuka-Products, its application & dosage
In the meantime, there are numerous products with the precious honey. The offer ranges from pure honey to face cream and lip care to oil and lozenges. The manuka oil is much milder than tea tree. New Zealand's Indigenous people have been applying oil for many centuries in the case of injuries, wounds and inflammation. Good experiences could also be made in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant germs.
The oil is suitable for full baths for skin diseases and colds and for this purpose, 8 to 10 drops of manuka oil with honey mixed with the bath water can be well recommended. As a massage oil, it can be applied directly to your skin. For use as mouthwash, you give a drop of oil in a glass of water and gargle with it.
In the case of colds, a little oil is offered to inhale with hot water vapor. Manuka cream, on the other hand, brings relief to impure skin, eczema, acne and wounds. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The cream disinfects the skin and provides good protection against germs.
This helps to cure inflammation and to reduce the formation of scars. The cream can also be applied in all other skin diseases with symptoms of inflammation, chapped or rough skin, itching, as well as bacterial infections. This applies to the same extent for Manuka face cream. The purchase should be based on the test seals mentioned below, since not every Manuka cream contains methylglyoxal.
For daily Care, a cream with MgO-value 100 (equivalent to 100 mg/kg) is recommended, in case of skin diseases, a value from 400 should be preferred and the higher the value, the better. Manuka Lip Care is an ideal product for herpes-afflicted. The best way to apply lip care is to start with the first signs of blisters, feeling of tension or tingling on the lip.
The lip care should be applied several times a day and can also be used preventively, it acts as antibacterial and supplies stressed lips with sufficient moisture. Manuka honey is also recommended for inflammation in the mouth and throat area.
The honey can be used for in the form of toothpaste, spray or also lozenges and brings relief to disease such as gum inflammation, inflammation of the throat and colds. Pure honey can be used simply as normal toothpaste for brushing your teeth. The active ingredient MgO kills a variety of harmful bacteria in the mouth and thus prevents caries and periodontitis.
Those who prefer to use a normal toothpaste can resort to Manuka-toothpaste which also contributes to the preservation of oral health. For dental care, honey or toothpaste, like normal toothpaste, are also used at least twice a day after meals. Even existing inflammation of the oral mucosa such as aphthae can be treated well with Manuka.
Manuka lozenges provide rapid relief in the case of inflammation in the mouth as well as in the throat due to the disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect. Often the Manuka-toothpaste and the lozenges are still enriched with – also antibiotic-effective – propolis, which enhances the positive effect of honey.
Manuka-Honey Solutions can be very helpful in the case of colds and inflammation of the sinuses. For this purpose, the honey is offset with 200 ml of boiled water so that a spray-ready solution is made.
As a replacement for nasal spray, the honey-water mixture can be filled into a previously thoroughly cleaned nasal spray bottle or used for inhalation. Also, make sure that on the packaging of these product, they are produced based on the names MgO + and UMF.
Manuka-Buy honey and store correctly
Because MgO in other honeys only occurs in very low concentrations, counterfeits of the manuka honey can be easily unmasked in the laboratory. For this purpose, the concentration of methylglyoxal by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is determined.
Manuka honey contains about a hundred times more mgo than other honeys. Counterfeiting is usually either a matter of pruning with other honeys and syrups or of low-quality honey. Why it is so lucrative to cut manuka honey, you can see clearly at the price of the Manuka honey: 100g honey MgO 100 + are available from about 10 euro, for MGO 400 + you have to pay between 15 and 25 euros per 100 g.
In New Zealand, 1,700 tonnes of manuka honey are produced annually, but 10,000 tonnes are traded for trade. This means that, only about every fifth glass is actually real manuka honey. Therefore, make sure that you pay attention to the two protected trademarks MgO + ® and UMF ®, these quality marks only show the real Manuka.
UMF is the abbreviation for Unique Manuka Factor and MgO stands for the Methylglyoxal concentration in mg per kg of honey. The consumer can therefore use this information on the honey to see at a glance how high the MgO content of the manuka honey is.
If this information is missing, then you've to think twice before buying the Manuka honey. Manuka honey is available in natural food stores, health stores, pharmacies and online retailers. Between the values UMF and MgO, the relationship is defined by the unique Manuka Factor and Honey Association as it applies here:
UMF
5 +
10 +
15 +
20 +
25 +
MgO
≥ 83
≥ 263
≥ 514
≥ 829
≥ 1200
Like all other honeys, the manuka honey should always be kept cool, dark and dry. Thus, it is ensured that its high-quality ingredients are protected. If possible, buy the honey in a brown glass or wrap the glass to darken with paper. Always use a clean spoon to extract any germs into the honey, and germs could cause a quicker deterioration.
The glass should be sealed again after use. Honey is generally preserved for years due to its high sugar content but it should still be consumed within the shelf life, as in long storage of the valuable ingredients, for example, it can be further reduced by reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
During storage, liquid honey is often noticeably creamier and firmer. This consistency change is completely normal, the honey can continue to be consumed without hesitation. To get the honey to become liquid again, simply heat the desired quantity in a warm water bath.
Manuka-Honey: Beware of small children and diabetics
Babies under 12 months generally should not be given any honey, since honey can be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This pathogen releases a toxin called Botulinum toxin, which in particular can be dangerous to small children. For children aged 12 months and adults, the small amounts of the toxin contained in honey are generally no longer dangerous and the positive effects are far outweighed.
Before using the Manuka honey, diabetics should consult their doctor or medical practitioner. Due to the disease, many diabetics already have an elevated MGO level in their blood. MgO is suspected to be one of the catalysts for the emergence of diabetic neuropathy.
For the internal application, the normal manuka honey can be used and only sterilized honey should be used for safety. For wound treatment, it is therefore absolutely advisable to recommend a honey with a valid CE seal from the pharmacy that is specifically approved as a medical product.
Conclusion
Manuka Honey is probably the most versatile and delicious antibiotic ever! It is suitable for a wide range of applications, is available in many dosage forms and convinces with its positive effects, for example, in the case of inflammation of all kinds.
The manuka honey, which is very popular due to its curative effect, comes from New Zealand. Honey bees collect the nectar of the South Seas Myrtle. Its name has been preserved by the Maori and Manuka is the name for the South Seas Myrtle.
This plant, botanical name, Leptospermum scoparium, is also known as the New Zealand Myrtle and belongs, for example, the Australian tea to the family of Myrtle Plants (Myrtaceae). It is located in the mountainous regions of New Zealand as well as in south-eastern Australia in south Wales.
It has several habitats and grows on slopes, forest edges and shrubs as well as river banks. The plant is robust and well-suited to poor-nutrient soils but requires sufficient moisture. The best conditions are found in New Zealand's North Island, where its main distribution is located. In the regions of Tairawhiti and Wairarapa, and it grows partly wild.
The New Zealand myrtle grows as a tree or shrub and is up to 4 meters tall. It also serves as a honey for the production of Manuka oil. The indigenous people of New Zealand have long known about the curative effects of the South Seas Myrtle but until the naturopathic use of honey, much time went by.
In the 18th century, the botanist Joseph Banks observed how Maori used the various parts of the plant to treat diseases such as wounds, skin diseases, gastrointestinal ailments or colds. Among other things, they also prepared a planting and that led to the name Tea Tree (tea).
The South Seas myrtle is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oils and the honey can be used to treat chronic wounds and skin infections.
Extraction and ingredients of manuka honey
Industrious bees collect the nectar of the South Seas Myrtle and produce the delicious Manuka honey. The honey is harvested by incore in the cold sling process, which keeps heat-sensitive ingredients intact. The flower nectar already contains numerous valuable ingredients.
In the course of the various processing steps by the small winged helpers, the nectar is enriched with enzymes such as the so-called glucose oxidase. This enzyme causes a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide to be produced in honey, which has a disinfectant effect.
The most important ingredient of honey, however, is the antibacterial methylglyoxal (MGO), which is produced by the degradation of sugar. The nectar itself does not contain this active ingredient, it only occurs after the nectar has been ingested by the honeybees and on the way from the plant back to the hives or later in the hive. However, the nectar contains the prepress called Dihydroxyacetone, which is converted into MgO.
By the way, bees have only been in New Zealand since 1839. They were then imported into New Zealand by a missionary from Europe. The honey also contains small amounts of so-called secondary plant substances, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. The phenolic acids are partly responsible for the characteristic taste and the flavonoids have an antioxidative effect.
Manuka-honey also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, enzymes, fruit acids and vitamins.
Areas of Application of Manuka Honey
External application:
Injuries, wounds, cuts, skin abrasions, burns, chronic wounds, diabetic foot syndrome, Skin disorders, psoriasis, acne, neurodermatitis, fungi (mycoses), dry and chapped skin, Insect bites.
Internal application:
Colds, flu infections, rhinitis, cough, throat infections, bronchitis, sinus inflammation, Bladder inflammation, Gastric mucosal inflammation, gastric upset, heartburn, disease, gastric ulcers, esophageal inflammation, Intestinal inflammation, irritable, colitis, diarrhea, Gum Inflammation: disease, and other inflammation in the mouth.
For external use, manuka honey is suitable for wound disinfection and supports healing in skin wounds and skin diseases of all kinds. The disease-causing bacteria are combated very well, their breeding ground is removed and the germs are prevented from spreading and propagating. The honey can be applied directly to the wound and should be covered with a sterile and sufficiently large plaster or gauze bandage.
As is generally the case with associations, honey bandages should also be changed on a regular basis. In diseases such as psoriasis, manuka honey causes a quick relief of the agonizing itching stimulus and keeps the skin moist and supple. The skin is significantly improved.
There are also numerous indications for the inner application of sweet honey: it acts as antibacterial and antiviral and is therefore an ideal means of accompanying the treatment of cold diseases (here can also help propolis), inflammation of the mouth and throat (aphthae, herpes, mycoses, etc.), as well as in gastrointestinal disorders.
Also with candida infections and bladder or prostate inflammations, manuka honey is well suitable for their treatment. In particular, the symptoms of a cold – from coughs and colds to sore throats to inflammation of sinuses, can soften the course of the disease.
Scientific studies around Manuka honey
There are numerous studies now that deal with the positive effects of Manuka honey. For example, its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral and wound healing effects have been known for some time. The following studies should therefore be referred to as exemplary at this point.
In a study by the Working Group around P. R. Schmidlin of the clinic for preventive Dentistry, periodontology and cariology at the Center for Dentistry at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, it was shown that Manuka-Honey was able to prevent the bacterial species S. mutans, p. gingivalis and A. Actinomycetemcomitans from growing. These three types of bacteria are pathogenic germs in the mouth and are known to cause gum infections and caries.
Manuka Honey is also able to keep the 'perpetrators' of the flu, the so-called influenza viruses at bay. This was demonstrated by the K. Watanabe Working Group of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of infectious agents of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. The researchers compared several honeys of different origins and Manuka Honey was more effective than the other tested honeys.
A. G. Leong and his colleagues at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Wellington, New Zealand, have been able to show that New Zealand honeys have an anti-inflammatory effect of clinical relevance in experiments on mice.
Manuka Honey Review
As already described in the text, Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is one of the highest quality honey specialties. In New Zealand, Honey is offered in many small delicatessen shops, where it belongs to the culture.
Manuka-Products, its application & dosage
In the meantime, there are numerous products with the precious honey. The offer ranges from pure honey to face cream and lip care to oil and lozenges. The manuka oil is much milder than tea tree. New Zealand's Indigenous people have been applying oil for many centuries in the case of injuries, wounds and inflammation. Good experiences could also be made in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant germs.
The oil is suitable for full baths for skin diseases and colds and for this purpose, 8 to 10 drops of manuka oil with honey mixed with the bath water can be well recommended. As a massage oil, it can be applied directly to your skin. For use as mouthwash, you give a drop of oil in a glass of water and gargle with it.
In the case of colds, a little oil is offered to inhale with hot water vapor. Manuka cream, on the other hand, brings relief to impure skin, eczema, acne and wounds. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The cream disinfects the skin and provides good protection against germs.
This helps to cure inflammation and to reduce the formation of scars. The cream can also be applied in all other skin diseases with symptoms of inflammation, chapped or rough skin, itching, as well as bacterial infections. This applies to the same extent for Manuka face cream. The purchase should be based on the test seals mentioned below, since not every Manuka cream contains methylglyoxal.
For daily Care, a cream with MgO-value 100 (equivalent to 100 mg/kg) is recommended, in case of skin diseases, a value from 400 should be preferred and the higher the value, the better. Manuka Lip Care is an ideal product for herpes-afflicted. The best way to apply lip care is to start with the first signs of blisters, feeling of tension or tingling on the lip.
The lip care should be applied several times a day and can also be used preventively, it acts as antibacterial and supplies stressed lips with sufficient moisture. Manuka honey is also recommended for inflammation in the mouth and throat area.
The honey can be used for in the form of toothpaste, spray or also lozenges and brings relief to disease such as gum inflammation, inflammation of the throat and colds. Pure honey can be used simply as normal toothpaste for brushing your teeth. The active ingredient MgO kills a variety of harmful bacteria in the mouth and thus prevents caries and periodontitis.
Those who prefer to use a normal toothpaste can resort to Manuka-toothpaste which also contributes to the preservation of oral health. For dental care, honey or toothpaste, like normal toothpaste, are also used at least twice a day after meals. Even existing inflammation of the oral mucosa such as aphthae can be treated well with Manuka.
Manuka lozenges provide rapid relief in the case of inflammation in the mouth as well as in the throat due to the disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect. Often the Manuka-toothpaste and the lozenges are still enriched with – also antibiotic-effective – propolis, which enhances the positive effect of honey.
Manuka-Honey Solutions can be very helpful in the case of colds and inflammation of the sinuses. For this purpose, the honey is offset with 200 ml of boiled water so that a spray-ready solution is made.
As a replacement for nasal spray, the honey-water mixture can be filled into a previously thoroughly cleaned nasal spray bottle or used for inhalation. Also, make sure that on the packaging of these product, they are produced based on the names MgO + and UMF.
Manuka-Buy honey and store correctly
Because MgO in other honeys only occurs in very low concentrations, counterfeits of the manuka honey can be easily unmasked in the laboratory. For this purpose, the concentration of methylglyoxal by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is determined.
Manuka honey contains about a hundred times more mgo than other honeys. Counterfeiting is usually either a matter of pruning with other honeys and syrups or of low-quality honey. Why it is so lucrative to cut manuka honey, you can see clearly at the price of the Manuka honey: 100g honey MgO 100 + are available from about 10 euro, for MGO 400 + you have to pay between 15 and 25 euros per 100 g.
In New Zealand, 1,700 tonnes of manuka honey are produced annually, but 10,000 tonnes are traded for trade. This means that, only about every fifth glass is actually real manuka honey. Therefore, make sure that you pay attention to the two protected trademarks MgO + ® and UMF ®, these quality marks only show the real Manuka.
UMF is the abbreviation for Unique Manuka Factor and MgO stands for the Methylglyoxal concentration in mg per kg of honey. The consumer can therefore use this information on the honey to see at a glance how high the MgO content of the manuka honey is.
If this information is missing, then you've to think twice before buying the Manuka honey. Manuka honey is available in natural food stores, health stores, pharmacies and online retailers. Between the values UMF and MgO, the relationship is defined by the unique Manuka Factor and Honey Association as it applies here:
UMF
5 +
10 +
15 +
20 +
25 +
MgO
≥ 83
≥ 263
≥ 514
≥ 829
≥ 1200
Like all other honeys, the manuka honey should always be kept cool, dark and dry. Thus, it is ensured that its high-quality ingredients are protected. If possible, buy the honey in a brown glass or wrap the glass to darken with paper. Always use a clean spoon to extract any germs into the honey, and germs could cause a quicker deterioration.
The glass should be sealed again after use. Honey is generally preserved for years due to its high sugar content but it should still be consumed within the shelf life, as in long storage of the valuable ingredients, for example, it can be further reduced by reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
During storage, liquid honey is often noticeably creamier and firmer. This consistency change is completely normal, the honey can continue to be consumed without hesitation. To get the honey to become liquid again, simply heat the desired quantity in a warm water bath.
Manuka-Honey: Beware of small children and diabetics
Babies under 12 months generally should not be given any honey, since honey can be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This pathogen releases a toxin called Botulinum toxin, which in particular can be dangerous to small children. For children aged 12 months and adults, the small amounts of the toxin contained in honey are generally no longer dangerous and the positive effects are far outweighed.
Before using the Manuka honey, diabetics should consult their doctor or medical practitioner. Due to the disease, many diabetics already have an elevated MGO level in their blood. MgO is suspected to be one of the catalysts for the emergence of diabetic neuropathy.
For the internal application, the normal manuka honey can be used and only sterilized honey should be used for safety. For wound treatment, it is therefore absolutely advisable to recommend a honey with a valid CE seal from the pharmacy that is specifically approved as a medical product.
Conclusion
Manuka Honey is probably the most versatile and delicious antibiotic ever! It is suitable for a wide range of applications, is available in many dosage forms and convinces with its positive effects, for example, in the case of inflammation of all kinds.
This post first appeared on Health Risk Food Assessment And Health Benefits, please read the originial post: here
