Benefits of Using Manuka Honey as a Wound Dressing

Manuka Honey is becoming a popular ingredient in wound care products because of its ability to rapidly clear infection and heal wounds. The following delineates the benefits of utilizing this amazing natural resource as a viable treatment alternative to conventional wound medications.

Honey has been used as a natural wound healer for many years. However, recent discoveries have concluded that one particular kind of honey, indigenous to New Zealand, contains plant-derived healing properties that sets it apart from other types of honey. Manuka Honey's greatest asset is its antibacterial properties. Most traditional forms of medicine used for clearing infections can be damaging to skin tissue. However, Manuka Honey has been found to have no known side effects.

In addition to being an excellent source for healing infection, Manuka Honey also helps to prevent scarring. During the healing process, a wound will form a scab in an effort to prevent further blood loss. The problem is that newly forming skin can only grow below the scab. This creates a deformity as the new tissue is not even with the rest of the skin. However, the moist healing environment created by Manuka Honey helps to lift the scab, therefore, allowing for the regeneration of new skin to grow flush with the surface of the wound.

In some more serious wounds, patients notice that the wound begins to smell bad. Wounds most commonly associated with malodor include exudating wounds, chronic pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic/neuropathic ulcers, fungating, cancerous or malignant lesions and wounds with necrotic tissue. Wound odor is mostly due to the degradation of tissue or bacteria that release compounds and fatty acids. When a Manuka Honey-based dressing is used, the bacteria feed of the sugars in the honey and give off better smelling gases, therefore minimizing or eliminating malodor.

Manuka Honey also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve pain associated with wounds. Once Manuka Honey is applied to a wound, tissue inflammation and swelling is immediately reduced. Since pain is never considered a desirable experience, this could possibly be one of Manuka Honey's more favorable qualities.

Perhaps the element that has brought Manuka Honey into the spot light as of late is its ability to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and VRE. With the widespread concern of Staph infections and the lack of treatment alternatives, Manuka Honey has come through like a ray of hope, effectively healing such conditions where antibiotics have failed. News headlines around the world have described Manuka Honey's ability to go toe-to-toe with this deadly infection. The best way to describe it is that, by osmosis, Manuka Honey draws moisture out of the bacterial cells, making it impossible for them to stay alive. This is why no bacteria has ever been able to develop a resistance to Manuka Honey, and never will.

Below is a brief recapitulation of Manuka Honey's wound healing benefits:

• Antibacterial properties rapidly clear infection
  
  
• Causes scabs to lift, avoiding the formation of scars
  
  
• Eliminates malodor in more serious wounds
  
  
• Kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA
  
  
• Heals wounds quickly
  
  
• Repairs damaged skin and regenerates new skin growth
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain
  
  
• No negative side effects
  
  

If the thought of applying honey directly to a wound is less desirable, a company called Honeymark has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion containing Active Manuka Honey that is extremely effective in treating wounds and burns. "Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion has all the health benefits of using Manuka Honey as a wound dressing without the sticky mess," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "This product also has other valuable ingredients that make it extremely effective in treating seriously infected wounds, burns or minor cuts and scrapes. It's a must-have in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit"

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey, the Natural Wound Healer

Honey from New Zealand provides what scientists believe to be the most efficient wound healing properties, capable of eradicating even the most resilient bacterial infections.

When it comes to health care products, consumers want to feel completely comfortable with the ingredients used. At a time when more people are losing faith in pharmaceuticals and leaning more toward natural alternatives, honey has become a desirable ingredient. With the FDA cracking down on pharmaceutical companies to disclose all possible side effects of their products, consumers seek refuge in the fact that honey has no negative side effects when used topically on the skin as an antibacterial agent.

Talk about track records...honey has been used as a wound dressing for over 4000 years. Recent studies have shown that the utilization of honey as a healing agent holds up better than more traditional dressing materials in its effectiveness in managing wounds.

Manuka Honey, which is derived from a plant that is native to New Zealand, has proven to be the superior type of honey to use for therapeutic purposes because of the existence of additional antimicrobial properties. Standard honey can lose its ability to destroy bacteria if exposed to certain conditions such as heat or light. It can also lose its effectiveness if diluted by wound fluid. However, Manuka Honey's antibacterial action is stable and maintains its potency when exposed to these elements. It also doesn't have any adverse effects on wound tissue the way other wound dressings do.

Manuka Honey's main claim to fame is its ability to destroy MRSA and heal Staph infections. As antibiotics are proving to be less effective against these resilient strains of bacteria, Manuka Honey is gaining popularity as a universal wound dressing for conditions such as skin ulcers, surgical wounds, pressure sores, chronic wounds and even simple every day cuts and scrapes. Medical professionals are even finding that Manuka Honey works wonders on 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

In addition to its ability to efficiently clear infection, Manuka Honey also has an anti-inflammatory action which helps to relieve pain associated with wounds. It's debriding action removes foreign matter and dead tissue from a wound, allowing for a clean healing environment that's conducive for the regeneration of new skin tissue. By osmosis, Manuka Honey draws moisture out of bacterial cells, in essence, forcing them to shrivel up and die.

As a general rule, Manuka Honey seems to work on hard-to-heal wounds where other conventional methods have failed. Manuka Honey has also been known to form a protective barrier around a wound, preventing it from becoming infected. Malodor is reduced or in some cases eliminated in more serious wounds become the microorganisms in the wound feed on the sugars in the honey and give off more pleasant-smelling gasses.

Another benefit to using wound dressings containing Manuka Honey is that a moist healing environment is created, which lifts scabs and dead skin tissue from the wound. This allows the wound to heal flush with the surface of the skin, preventing scarring. A scar forms when a wound can only heal below a scab, creating deformity. Manuka Honey also has the ability to diffuse deep below the surface of the skin which allows it to clear deep-seeded infection.

To overcome the messiness associated with applying honey directly to the skin, a company called Honeymark has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion containing Active Manuka Honey which allows for a much more user-friendly application. "Manuka Honey has been proven to destroy the MRSA bacterium when antibiotics have failed," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Manuka Honey inhibits the growth of bacteria better than any other substance that has been used to treat infection." Buonanotte cautions that only Active Manuka Honey should be used for wound care. Ordinary honey may not have enough potency to destroy the bacteria that infects wounds.

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey Skin Care Products

A new approach in skin care is the utilization of a special type of honey that contains amazing healing properties and provides natural regeneration of skin tissue.

Honey has been used as a skin care agent for many years. Its antibacterial properties efficiently heal infected wounds and its antioxidant and nutrient-rich qualities have been used to nourish, rejuvenate, hydrate and repair the skin. Whether being used for medicinal or beauty purposes, honey has been regarded as a great natural resource.

Scientific studies have identified that one particular kind of honey seems to be more effective than the rest. Manuka Honey is derived from the nectar of a flower indigenous to New Zealand. Bees gather the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush and take it back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey. Unlike standard honey, Manuka Honey's healing properties are stable and do not lose their effectiveness if exposed to certain conditions such as heat, light or fluid dilution. It also contains additional plant-derived components that give it more of an antibacterial action.

Companies that manufacture skin care products have begun to recognize the benefits of using Manuka Honey on the skin. Honeymark, a Long Island-based company, imports Manuka Honey from New Zealand and blends it into their products. Their unique line of Manuka Honey products is gaining rave reviews because of their outstanding effectiveness in treating certain conditions such as dermatitis, fungal infections, bacterial infections, etc. The company's CEO, Frank Buonanotte, believes that Manuka Honey will become the next big thing in skin care. "Since Manuka Honey is indigenous to New Zealand, word of its effectiveness initially penetrated Asian and European markets," says Buonanotte. "However, Manuka Honey works too well as a skin care ingredient for it to not gain its well-deserved notoriety in the U.S."

Over the past 6-8 months, there has been an increase in the level of awareness that Manuka Honey is truly a superior skin care product. Manuka Honey's ability to eradicate the MRSA bacterium and heal Staph infections is mainly responsible for its increase in popularity. At a time when pharmaceuticals and traditional forms of medicine are proving to be useless against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, Manuka Honey provides a viable solution to the MRSA epidemic. Even medical doctors who normally favor pharmaceuticals over natural alternatives are beginning to reconsider the value of using Manuka Honey dressings to treat infection and hard-to-heal wounds. With experts predicting that more drug-resistant bacteria will emerge in the future, Manuka Honey may become even more valued as a natural healing agent.

By osmosis, Manuka Honey draws moisture out of bacterial cells, making it impossible for them to survive. Since scientists have discovered that bacteria is the cause for many negative health conditions, Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties are being exploited. In addition, Manuka Honey is considered to be antimicrobial, making it capable of destroying other microorganisms such as fungi.

Thanks to the internet, consumers are educating themselves on what products work best and why. Consumers are also becoming more aware of which ingredients are more harmful than others. Since Manuka Honey is an all-natural ingredient that has been found to have no known side effects, its popularity is expected to rise even more in the future. "There is no natural substance on the face of the planet that is more effective in destroying unwanted microorganisms on the skin than Manuka Honey," says Buonanotte. "Its ability to eliminate impurities and promote healing in a natural and safe manner is second to none."

Since honey is sticky and not particularly user-friendly when applied to the skin, Honeymark's Manuka Honey creams and lotions provide for a much more desirable application. The company also plans on releasing other Manuka Honey products in the form of a gel, spray and soap later this year.

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

Relief from Pain and Aching Muscles

The following is a closer look at some of the natural ingredients that make Honeymark's Pain Relief Cream an effective, topical analgesic.

Honeymark International is a manufacturer of advanced skin care products that has developed a revolutionary formula of ingredients effective in relieving pain. Their Pain Relief Cream is a combination of ingredients that are extraordinarily effective in treating painful symptoms such as arthritis, strains, backaches, sprains, joint and muscle stiffness, etc. Below are some of the ingredients that make this product an effective pain management solution.

Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is becoming a popular ingredient in treating arthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties and curative capacity. It has the ability to minimize joint swelling and acts as a natural pain killer. Manuka Honey is derived from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Tea Tree, native to New Zealand.

Camphor
Camphor is an ingredient that is used topically to relieve pain. It is absorbed through the skin, creating a cooling effect that acts as a slight local anesthetic. Camphor can be used externally to relieve arthritic pain, rheumatic pain, neuralgia and back pain. Camphor is found in the wood of the Camphor Laurel, which is a large evergreen tree found in Asia.

Menthol
Menthol stimulates the cold receptors in the skin, producing a natural cooling effect. It doesn't actually change the skin's temperature, but merely produces the sensation of a cooler temperature change. Menthol is used as a topical analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps, sprains, headaches and similar conditions. Menthol is an organic compound made from peppermint or other mint oils.

Emu oil
Emu Oil is used as a pain reliever for bone, muscle and joint disorders. It is a complete neutral lipid, since emu oil lacks phospholipid, making it highly penetrating to the skin. Emu oil is used as a natural analgesic and is effective in treating arthritis and other pains due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Emu oil is an oil made from the refined fat of the emu which is a bird native to Australia.

Almond Oil
Almond oil is one of the least greasy oils. It has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin and is considered to be an effective emollient because of its ability to soften and soothe the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties making it effective in relieving muscle pain. Almond Oil is obtained from the dried kernel of the almond plant.

Arnica Extract
Extract of Arnica is an excellent first-aid for sprains. Arnica Extract has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective when used on bruises, strains, sprains & sore muscles. Arnica assists the normal healing processes by facilitating transport of blood and fluid accumulations through a dilating action of subcutaneous blood capillaries. This ingredient is the extract from the Arnica montana plant.

Balm Mint Extract
Balm mint extract is known for its soothing and toning properties and is made from the dried leaves of the balm mint plant.

Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Soothing and healing are the best chiral components of aloe. There are different components that account for its effectiveness. Mannose Phosphate is the healer, Hydroxy Chromone and Methyl Phytyl Chromanol are the antioxidants and Methyl Tocol is the anti-inflammatory compound.

Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel is used externally on sores, bruises and swelling. The astringent tannins in witch hazel tighten and soothe aching varicose veins and reduce inflammation in cases of phlebitis (an inflammation of a vein). Witch hazel also contains procyanadins, resin and flavonoids, all of which add to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Plantain Extract
Plantain extract has a relaxing and inhibiting effect on aortic and portal smooth muscles.

"All of the ingredients combined in our Pain Relief Cream make it as effective as it is," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Topical analgesics that don't have the same ingredients will simply not be as effective."

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's Pain Relief Cream, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

How to Prevent a Wound from Scarring

Medical grade honey is being used as a dressing to effectively heal wounds without the formation of a scar.

Some people think that a scab promotes healing in a wound. This is not true. A scab is dead cell material that deprives the tissue underneath of nutrients and moisture which is necessary for the regeneration of skin tissue. Scabs prevent the skin from growing flush with the surface of the skin and, therefore, are the cause of scarring. New skin tissue grows underneath the scab at a lower level than the rest of the skin. When the scab falls off, the new skin tissue that grew underneath remains at the lower level, creating deformity of the skin. In order to prevent scarring, a wound has to be treated properly from the beginning, allowing the new skin to re-grow flush with the level of the rest of the skin.

A breakthrough in wound care has been discovered utilizing a special type of honey known as Manuka Honey. This medical grade honey is produced from the nectar of the Manuka bush which is indigenous to New Zealand. Manuka Honey provides a moist, healing environment that is not only effective in healing wounds efficiently but also lifts scabs away from the surface of the wound. Manuka Honey contains vitamins, nutrients, amino acids and sugars which play a role in collagen synthesis for the reduction of scars. Manuka Honey also creates a protective barrier around the newly grown skin which prevents scabs from forming.

In addition to preventing scars, Manuka Honey provides the following benefits for wound healing:

• A moist and sterile environment conducive for the regeneration of skin growth;
  
  
• Antioxidant activity that decreases that amount of destructive free radicals;
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce swelling and relieve pain;
  
  
• Debriding action that allows easy detachment of scabs and dead tissue;
  
  
• Increases in blood circulation to the wound;
  
  
• Osmotic effect that draws exudate and impurities from the wound;
  
  
• Reduction of wound odor by preventing ammonia production;
  
  
• Antibacterial properties that heal infection.
  
  

Perhaps one of the most encouraging benefits to using Manuka Honey as a wound dressing is that it has no known side effects. If the idea of putting honey on a wound is undesirable, a manufacturer of skin care products called Honeymark has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion containing Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. This product takes the sticky mess out of using honey on the skin but provides all of the same healing benefits of Manuka Honey.

"There is no better substance on the face of the planet that is more capable of preventing a scar from forming than Manuka Honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Manuka Honey naturally lifts scabs from the surface of a wound, allowing the skin to heal evenly. Average wound dressings cannot do that."

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion with Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

New Manuka Honey Products - Coming Soon

Skin care products manufacturer, Honeymark International, will be launching an expanded line of Manuka Honey products in the summer of 2008.

Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Manuka Honey is very good for the skin due to the presence of vitamins, antioxidants. Manuka Honey's ability to absorb and retain moisture make it an ideal natural ingredient as it helps keep skin hydrated and fresh. In fact, history shows that ancient beauties regularly applied a mixture of honey and milk to the face to keep their skin looking young, radiant and smooth. Honey's natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays while supporting the skin's ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin. Exposure to the sun is the number one cause of wrinkles. Manuka Honey has a moisturizing and nourishing effect on the skin which helps elasticity and texture. There may be no better way to bring a smooth glow to your skin than by using Manuka Honey.

Acne Cream
Manuka Honey has the ability to absorb impurities from the pores in the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent. It's especially effective in fading red marks and killing bacteria. The cause of acne infection is a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. The pores or follicles in the skin become blocked, preventing the sebum from escaping to the surface and the acne bacteria infects the trapped sebum. This leads to an increase in white blood cells in the localized area of the follicle blockage resulting in inflammation, redness and pain. With regard to acne, Manuka Honey is effective in a number of ways. Manuka Honey penetrates the epidermis of the acne infection far better than synthetic medications. Once at the seat of the acne infection, it quickly controls the acne bacteria. The presence of Manuka Honey also helps to break up and release the blockage of individual follicles leading to the cause of acne. Manuka Honey's anti-inflammatory action helps to eliminate any pain present.

Antiseptic Spray
With the recent spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA, Honeymark offers a preventative measure to reduce the risk of Staph infections. This product contains Benzalkonium Chloride and Active Manuka Honey as antibacterial agents. It can be used to spray on cuts, scrapes and abrasions to heal and prevent infection for a much more convenient application than ointments and other disinfectants. Manuka Honey has the ability to draw moisture out of bacterial cells, making it impossible for them to survive. This osmotic effect makes active Manuka Honey one of the most effective antibacterial agents available. Manuka Honey is also antimicrobial which makes it effective in healing both bacterial and fungal infections.

Hand Sanitizing Gel
A similar formulation of our Antiseptic Spray, this product can be used as a preventative measure by keeping hands free of germs as to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria. Manuka Honey is capable of destroying microorganisms such as E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, H. Pylori and MRSA. This makes Honeymark's Hand Sanitizing Gel extremely effective as a disinfectant. Most hand gels contain alcohol to kill germs. Alcohol may kills germs but it also dries the skin out and cracks it, giving germs the opportunity to get inside where they can cause more harm than on the surface of the skin. Honeymark's Hand Sanitizing Gel does not contain alcohol.

Antimicrobial Liquid Hand Soap
Like most hand gels, many antibacterial soaps contain alcohol as their means in which to kill germs. As stated above, alcohol is not a favorable ingredient to use on the skin. Honeymark's Liquid Hand Soap does not contain alcohol but rather active Manuka Honey as an antimicrobial agent. Most antibacterial soaps are also not capable of destroying fungi that may be present. Manuka Honey's antimicrobial properties ensure all unwanted microorganisms are destroyed, leaving your hands completely germ free.

"Honeymark only uses medical grade active Manuka Honey in all products," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "There is enough Manuka Honey to be effective without being sticky. Honeymark will be releasing these new products in the Summer of 2008. Other Manuka Honey products will be released by the end of the year, such as a facial masks, antibacterial wipes, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer, all of which will contain Manuka Honey."

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

Effective Staph Infection Treatment

Since antibiotics have proven to be virtually useless when treating Staph infections, doctors turn to a special type of honey that contains extremely powerful antibacterial properties.

People all over the world are being faced with the horrifying news from their doctors that they have contracted a Staph infection. What is a Staph infection? These hard-to-heal infections are caused by a mutated form of bacteria (MRSA) that has developed a resistance to antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine. MRSA Staph infections can be fatal once entered into the blood. Therefore, immediate attention is required.

Staph infection symptoms can be identified by pain and swelling around a wound, pimple-like boils on the skin, blistering and peeling skin. Treatment for Staph infections doesn't have to be a mystery, just because antibiotics don't work. Studies now show that active Manuka Honey can rapidly heal a Staph infection more efficiently than medicine. To treat a Staph infection, just apply a small amount of Manuka Honey directly to the effected area. Since Manuka Honey has an osmotic effect, it immediately begins to draw moisture out of the bacterial cells, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive.

It is important to know that standard honey that can be purchased at supermarkets does not have the antibacterial properties capable of healing a Staph infection. Only Active Manuka Honey is suitable for medical use. If the thought of applying honey directly to your skin is undesirable, consider using Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion which contains Active Manuka Honey. This product eliminates the sticky mess of using honey on your skin while providing all the same health benefits of Manuka Honey.

"When considering how to treat a Staph infection, the first step is to destroy the bacteria that causes it," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Bacteria cannot survive within the healing environment created by Manuka Honey which is why it is such an effective ingredient in wound dressings."

The days of honey being considered merely a food item may be over. With reports of its effectiveness in treating infected wounds and a variety of other skin conditions, Manuka Honey's notoriety as a healing agent is increasing to an all-time high. Honeymark is also developing Manuka Honey products to prevent Staph infections. The company reports that those products should be made available to consumers later this year.

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