Honey Soon to Replace Medicine?

For thousands of years, honey has been a popular folk medicine around the world for ailments ranging from ulcers to infected wounds. Recent studies have reinforced honey's superiority to the standard medical treatments for burns, skin ulcers, and wounds. New research has focused on one type of honey with an exceptionally high level of antibacterial activity. The research has found that this type of honey, known as 'Manuka Honey' is even powerful enough to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and capable of clearing Staph infections.

All types of honey have some antibacterial properties, partly due to the combination of a high concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) and acid. In addition, scientists have come to understand that honey's antibacterial properties are also due to hydrogen peroxide which is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey. Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component which has become known as "the Unique Manuka Factor" or UMF.

Studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey hastens the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with traditional medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage, and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations cause tissue damage. However, the moist environment created by Manuka Honey is not only essential for tissue re-growth but Manuka Honey also reduces the pain and cell damage that occurs when dried-out dressings are changed. In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey has a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue growth.

Despite the published evidence, medical professionals have been reluctant to replace antibiotics and antiseptics with Manuka Honey. Although, the recent outbreak of Staph infections, MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria may make medical professionals reevaluate their approach. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks knew better. Aristotle wrote of honey as being a good salve for sore eyes and wounds. Honey can differ according to the region, season, and floral sources. Manuka Honey is the only honey that is rated and tested for its antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey's high potency comes from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the tea tree known as the Manuka bush which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Honeybees carry twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they manufacturer this unique type of honey.

Manuka Honey also has the ability to retain its potency, more so than other types of honey, even when diluted. For example, hydrogen peroxide is diminished or destroyed by contact with the catalase enzyme present in the blood and other body fluids. A similar destructive scenario occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water. In other words, taking honey with hot tea for a sore throat might be counterproductive. However, Manuka Honey retains a high degree of its antibacterial activity in both circumstances.

"Studies have been conducted around the world demonstrating that honey produces faster results with fewer complications compared to traditional forms of medicine and pharmaceuticals for everything from eczema to ringworm, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "In addition to antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been determined to have natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it effective for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, athlete's foot and other fungal conditions."

For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.