Manuka Honey and Natural Skin Care

Honey has long been used for its amazing health benefits, both as a dietary supplement and topically on the skin. However, there are many different kinds of honey, predicated on the floral nectar source used by the bees that produce it. Honeybees gather as much floral nectar as they can carry and take it back to their hives where they add enzymes to it to produce honey. Nectar from different flowers can produce variations in the honey, effecting its color, flavor and medicinal qualities. It has been discovered that honey produced from the nectar of the Manuka flower (indigenous to New Zealand) has far more healing properties than any other type of honey in the world.

Manuka Honey contains very powerful particular antibacterial properties and higher level of natural proteins, vitamins and minerals than any other type of honey. It also has the ability to nurture, calm and restore health to sensitive or damaged skin. There are antioxidants in Manuka Honey which neutralize free radicals that are the culprit for most skin cell damage. Manuka honey promotes the growth of new cells and tissue regeneration. It also defends the skin from further damages making it an excellent, natural ingredient in skin care products.

Manuka Honey’s ability to absorb and retain moisture also make it an ideal ingredient in skin care products as it helps to keep skin hydrated. In fact, history shows that ancient beauties such as Cleopatra 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 protect the skin from the damage of the sun’s rays while supporting the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin. Honey is also effective in treating acne absorbing impurities from the pores of the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent.

The most important part of anti-aging skin care lies in the antioxidant protection that can be provided through natural ingredients. Manuka Honey has more antioxidants than any other honey, making it extremely valuable for skin care. It also helps the formation of stronger collagen, makes the skin firmer and assists in the cell renewal process, making the skin appear more youthful. It has the ability to penetrate deeply into the depth of skin tissue and helps to protect the skin against damage from free radicals. Manuka honey is also especially effective in healing infections, acne, psoriasis, ringworm, eczema, wounds and scars. Its healing properties nourish and moisturize the skin.

Most ordinary types of honey are processed and have lost their healing properties when pasteurized. It is beneficial to use natural skin care products that contain Manuka honey. This way you can use it regularly and avoid having sticky skin. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey for Chronic Sinusitis

BACKGROUND:
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease in which bacteria are commonly implicated often in the form of a biofilm. Manuka Honey has been shown in vitro to be an effective treatment against two common CRS pathogens both in the planktonic and in the biofilm forms. The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of Manuka honey to respiratory epithelium would result in histological evidence of epithelial injury.

METHODS:
A nonrandomized controlled trial of four treatment regimes was performed. The left nasal cavity was irrigated with a 1.5-mL Manuka honey solution once daily and the right nasal cavity was not treated. Groups 1-3 were treated for 3, 7, and 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 was treated for 14 consecutive days followed by a 14-day washout period. The nasal respiratory mucosa was immediately harvested. The mucosa was examined by light microscopy for histological change in comparison with the control side.

RESULTS:
Cilia were not measured quantitatively but were equally present on the treated and untreated mucosa. There was no histological evidence of inflammation, epithelial injury or significant morphological changes.

CONCLUSION:
The application of a Manuka honey solution to the nasal respiratory mucosa over different treatment intervals did not show evidence of histological epithelial injury.

Manuka Honey for Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Some may think that honey as a natural cure for gum diseases sound ridiculous. Especially since we have always been told to avoid excessive sweets in order to maintain good oral hygiene. However, what most people don't know is that honey has powerful antibacterial properties that are actually effective in treating gum disease and preventing tooth decay.

Since we were kids, we were made to believe that sugar causes cavities. The truth is that sugar doesn't cause tooth decay or gum disease, bacteria does. Although, bacteria feed on sugar so if you eat an excess amount of sweet foods, bacteria will form in your mouth. Once the bacteria finish gobbling up all of the sugar, they go to work on your teeth and gums. Even though honey has a high sugar content, it's natural antibacterial properties destroy any bacteria that may be present in the mouth, preventing gum disease, tooth decay and even bad breath.

Research has shown that honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be one factor in its antibacterial activity. Honey not only curbs dental plaque and bacteria growth but it also reduces the amount of acid produced in the mouth, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran, a component of dental plaque that stubbornly adheres to the surface of the teeth.

Not all honey varieties are the same. Some types of honey have more powerful antibacterial properties than others. Manuka Honey from New Zealand, which is derived from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush, has been found to contain the strongest potency of antibacterial properties. In addition to its ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, Manuka Honey also contains another antibacterial compound that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), making it significantly more potent than other honeys.

Manuka Honey is far more effective than other types of honey against bacteria in laboratory testing, even outperforming antibiotics and other traditional forms of medication. Scientists have also discovered that the antibacterial factor found in Manuka Honey is unaffected by enzymes in the body that break down hydrogen peroxide components.

Manuka Honey can be used as a natural alternative to mouthwash to freshening breath and destroying bacteria that create malodor. Unlike alcohol-based mouthwash, Manuka Honey only seems to destroy harmful bacteria, while leaving the good bacteria that should remain in the mouth. You can even put Manuka Honey on your toothbrush and brush your teeth with it or simply rub it onto your gums after brushing your teeth. In the future, you may see oral care products that contain Manuka Honey as a natural antibacterial agent to both treat and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

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

Manuka Honey Eradicates MRSA

Manuka Honey from New Zealand has been found in randomized controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in wounds.

MRSA continues to dominate global headlines as a formidable hospital-acquired infection, killing thousands of patients each year and becoming a huge burden on healthcare costs. The number of hospital admissions for MRSA has increased rapidly over the last decade, with a 300% increase in 2005 over that of 2000, and a 1000% increase over that of 1995. Conservative estimates suggest a global figure of up to 53 million people infected by this antibiotic-resistant strain. MRSA is resistant to such common antibiotics as methicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, and oxacillin, and is quick to adapt to new ones. Historically, MRSA has been most common among people with weak immune systems, living in either hospitals or long-term care centers. However, it has been increasingly present in healthy individuals, giving rise to community-acquired MRSA.

Studies showing Manuka Honey's ability to eradicate MRSA have many medical professionals impressed, and even releaved. MRSA, which is now reaching out beyond the walls of hospitals and other healthcare facilities into the general community, claims more lives than AIDS in certain countries. Manuka Honey's ability to eradicate this superbug makes it a truly unique substance in the field of wound care. Retailers have seen steady growth in interest and sales of Manuka Honey products within the past year.

In randomized and controlled clinical trials, Manuka Honey was used on venous leg ulcers that had been proven to be non-healing under standard treatment. In these studies, half the patients had a common advanced wound care gel added to the standard treatment, and half had Manuka Honey added. After four weeks, 70% of the Manuka Honey treated wounds versus only 16% of the hydrogel treated wounds had MRSA eradicated. It has been concluded that for sloughy venous ulcers, the efficacy of Manuka Honey in eliminating MRSA in such wounds is a positive finding that may have implications for wound management and infection control.

Wound care is a major healthcare concern, compounded by several factors, including an aging population. Medical professionals are also predicting an emergence of new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in the future. To date, there have been no reports of any infectious bacteria being able to develop a resistance to Manuka Honey. These reports are encouraging and may breath life to new generations of advanced wound care.

For more information about Manuka Honey's effectiveness in treating MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Younger Skin with Manuka Honey

Honey, an old remedy for wrinkles, has powerful anti-aging properties that can take years away from your appearance. Honey has amazing effects on the skin. However, before you run to the store and buy a massive amount of the sticky stuff to rub all over your face, it is important to know that not all honey is created equal. The best honey to use for aging skin is Manuka Honey from New Zealand because it contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants than other types of honey. It also contains healing properties that help restore and rejuvenate skin cells.

Raw Manuka Honey is packed with active enzymes while most ordinary honey is pasteurized and dead. Manuka Honey is known as the best honey to use for anti-aging purposes and is the only honey that contains scientifically proven healing properties for skin health.

Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the Manuka bush which is indigenous to New Zealand. Scientists have discovered that this truly is the best honey for aging skin because it supports the body's renewal of skin cells and helps to form collagen, which is a powerful skin protein vital for preventing wrinkles and other effects of aging. Manuka Honey is also packed full of powerful antioxidants which offset free radical skin damage, one of the primary causes of aging appearance, wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

If the thought of putting honey on your skin is not appealing, there are anti-aging products available that contain Manuka Honey. These products offer all of the same benefits of using pure Manuka Honey without the sticky mess. They also contain other natural ingredients that have a firming effect on the skin to help reduce the appearance of aging. For more information or to purchase Anti-Wrinkle Serum with Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey, Nature's Medicine

Manuka Honey is a medicinal honey produced by bees that utilize the nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush, indigenous to New Zealand. It contains a specific antibacterial compound known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF, which has been found to heal a plethora of medical conditions. It is deemed medicinal because of its healing properties. Only a small area in New Zealand produces this specific nectar, which has the healing properties relative to this honey. The bees forage only from a very small and specific area in this region. Honeybees generally don't travel more than two miles from the hive, otherwise their wing muscles tire out. Therefore, the beekeepers can control the plant areas in which the bees collect their nectar. Manuka Honey is a mono-floral honey, meaning that the bees only use the nectar of this one particular flower to produce the honey.

Honey has been used for its healing powers for thousands of years. Prior to the advent of antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine, honey was utilized for its antibacterial properties to treat wounds and other health conditions. Since most modern doctors are now trained to believe in pharmaceuticals, honey has now taken somewhat of a back seat to traditional medicine. However, Dr. Peter Molan, a biochemist from New Zealand, has discovered an amazing factor in Manuka honey that is different than all other types of honey.

Manuka Honey's unique antibacterial activity are due to several factors:

1. Osmotic Effect - Bacteria do not have enough water to form because Manuka honey combines its sugar with water and bonds strongly together, leaving bacteria without a sufficient water source necessary for growth.


2. Acidity Component - Manuka Honey has an acidity level of pH 3.2-4.5. Bacterial growth occurs between pH 7.2-7.4.


3. Hydrogen Peroxide - When Manuka Honey comes in contact with the sodium present on the surface of the skin, a chemical reaction occurs, producing low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which destroys infectious bacteria.


4. Phytochemical Component - The Unique Manuka Factor reacts together and enhances the other antibacterial factors and works synergistically to destroy infectious bacteria.

Manuka Honey can be taken orally to provide relief to a number of internal health conditions. It's sweet and it tastes great. It is dark in color and has a thick, caramel-like consistency. To achieve and maintain good digestive health, take 3 to 4 teaspoons per day before meals. You can use Manuka Honey to alleviate sore throats, cold/flu symptoms and Tonsillitis. Manuka Honey has been tested on Helicobacter Pylori, the bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers, and found to be effective. Not only does it eradicate the bacteria but it also heals the inner walls of the stomach that were damaged by the bacteria. Manuka Honey is also used for Dyspepsia, Peptic Ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburns, Acid Reflux Disease, gastritis, etc.

In addition to its internal uses, Manuka Honey can also be used topically on the skin to treat burns, pressure sores, boils, skin ulcers, wounds, acne, eczema, ringworm, etc. In these cases, apply Manuka Honey (or a skin care product that contains Manuka Honey) directly to the affected area 1-2 times per day. Manuka Honey has the ability to diffuse deeply into skin tissues, drawing dirt out of wounds by osmosis. It reduces scarring, stimulates tissue regeneration, forms a protective barrier over the wound, nourishes skin tissue growth and repairs damaged skin.

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

How Manuka Honey Fights Infection

Scientists at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, have uncovered that Manuka honey can help fight infection by destroying key bacterial proteins.

Led by Dr. Rowena Jenkins, the research team investigated the mechanisms of Manuka honey action. They found that its antibacterial properties were not due solely to the sugars present in the honey. They grew Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the laboratory and treated it with and without Manuka honey for four hours. The experiment was repeated with sugar syrup to determine whether the effects were due to sugar content in honey alone.

The bacterial cells were then broken and the proteins isolated and separated on a system that displayed each protein as an individual spot. The researchers saw many fewer proteins from the Manuka honey-treated MRSA cells, and one particular protein called FabI seemed to be completely missing.

FabI is a protein that is needed for fatty acid biosynthesis. This essential process supplies the bacteria with precursors for important cellular components such as lipopolysaccarides and its cell wall.

The scientists said that the absence of those proteins in honey-treated cells could help explain the mode of action of Manuka honey in killing MRSA.

Manuka and other honeys have been known to have wound healing and anti-bacterial properties for some time. However, the way in which they act is still not known. If scientists can discover exactly how Manuka honey inhibits MRSA, it could be used more frequently as a first-line treatment for infections with bacteria that are resistant to many currently available antibiotics.

The work was presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

The Secrets Behind Healing with Manuka Honey

Honey has been used as a natural medicine for centuries. Prior to the advent of antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine, honey was commonly used to treat infections and promote wound healing.

All types of honey have some levels of healing properties. However, Manuka Honey from New Zealand seems to have the highest levels of these healing properties, more so than any other honey in the world. Manuka Honey is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It also has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it extremely useful in treating a wide range of health problems.

Studies have shown that Manuka honey is an effective treatment for wounds, burns, insect bites, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, psoriasis, ulcers, sore throats, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, etc. There are also no side effects when using Manuka Honey like those you can experience when using antibiotics or other drugs. Manuka honey is excellent for stomach aches, indigestion, cough, cold and flu symptoms, etc. It can also be used to cure insomnia.

An enzyme is present in honey that produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can be used as a disinfectant. This is one reason why honey has such a high antimicrobial activity. Hydrogen peroxide is also partly responsible for regulating oxygen supply to skin cells, which helps to hasten the healing process. Manuka honey provides a protective barrier over wounds without damaging the skin or interfering with the healing process. It contains vital nutrients that are needed for the regeneration of skin tissue. The amino acids, minerals, vitamins and sugars present in Manuka Honey stimulate collagen production in as well as supporting the growth of new capillaries. The pH level of Manuka Honey also promotes wound healing and the eradication of infectious bacteria.

In addition to its ability to produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey contains other antibacterial compounds such as methylglyoxal and an otherwise unidentified component that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Some producers of Manuka Honey measure its antibacterial potency by rating the UMF. The range is from 0 - 30. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 0 through 9 is not active and should not be used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 through 16 is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Manuka Honey that is more potent than UMF 20 is overly potent and can cause a burning or stinging sensation. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ is most recommended and is ideal for most applications.

For internal conditions, such as stomach ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, etc., it is recommended to take Manuka Honey orally, 3-4 times per day, most preferably before meals. If eating it off a spoon is not desirable, you can also spread it on a piece of bread or toast and eat it. Once symptoms are eliminated, you can reduce usage to once a day for maintenance purposes. For topical use on the skin, it is recommended to apply Manuka Honey, or a skin care product that contains Manuka Honey, directly to the affected area 1-2 times per day until the symptoms are eliminated.

Manuka Honey is truly a miracle of nature. It can be used as a natural medicine or for cosmetic purposes. Please remember that infants under the age of 12 months old should not ingest honey of any kind because their immune system is not fully mature and will not be able to handle the spores that are sometimes present in some honeys. Although, using Manuka Honey topically on the skin is perfectly safe for children of all ages. It is also safe for mothers to ingest honey if they are breast feeding. If you are planning on using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes, make sure it has a UMF rating of 10 - 16. Anything less is not potent enough and anything more is too potent. Look for the "UMF" registered trademark on the label. This indicates that the honey is regulated and laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency.

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

Measuring the Antibacterial Potency of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is an amazing natural resource which is used to treat and heal many health conditions and chronic health complications. Manuka Honey is a byproduct of bees which feed on the flowers of the Manuka plant which grows throughout New Zealand.

The Maori have been using Manuka honey for many ailments. Manuka Honey has been scientifically proven to have a high level of antioxidants and antibacterial activity. It's important to know that these properties have been known to vary from batch to batch. Therefore, each batch of Manuka Honey differs in regards to its therapeutic usages. Because of this variation, Manuka honey is now laboratory tested, graded and certified by regulatory commissions in New Zealand that regulate the production of Manuka Honey.

The primary rating system used is the UMF scale which has been in existence for about 10 years. This scale tests the honey against some of the most powerful antibacterial agents, such as carbolic and phenol. This test measures the antibacterial potency of the honey. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ has the same antibacterial potency of a 16% solution of phenol or carbolic.

With Manuka Honey becoming a more commercial product, there has been an emergence of additional rating systems, such as MGO, AAH and Molan Gold Standard. MGO measures the amount of Methylglyoxal which is one of the antibacterial components present in Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey MGO 400 consist of 400 mg of methylglyoxal per 1 kg of honey.

The different systems that are available to rate Manuka Honey's antibacterial potency, whether it be UMF, MGO, AAH or the Molan Gold Standard, each are registered trademarks of the various organizations and regulatory commissions that developed them. Each of these companies have published press releases indicating that their system is more accurate than the next. This can be confusing to consumers who just want to purchase Manuka Honey that is effective. It is generally accepted that Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Manuka Honey UMF 10+ is equal to MGO 100+ or AAH 470+.

Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16 is appropriate for most applications. Manuka Honey that is higher than 16 is usually more expensive and is generally not required. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ is the most recommended potency.

Qualities of Honey for Anti-Aging Skin Care

Honey is one of the most beneficial, natural substances on earth containing qualities that many people are unaware of. Honey is now being used in cosmetic products to improve the appearance of aging skin.

Honey contains medicinal qualities and skin rejuvenation properties. However, not all types of honey are equally effective for aging skin. For an example, raw honey is active with enzymes while pasteurized honey is dead because its enzymes have been deactivated. Then there are also special types of honey for aging skin that have lots of vital nutrients and enzymes that can work like magic on your skin and make it look naturally young and healthy.

Due to special plant-derived floral nectar components, the most commonly used honey for anti-aging purposes is Manuka honey from New Zealand. Manuka honey plays a very unique role in rejuvenating skin and making it appear younger and vibrant. In addition, Manuka Honey contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that make it the best type of honey for topical skin use.

Manuka honey is produced by bees that utilize the nectar of the Manuka flower, which is indigenous to New Zealand. Studies have shown that Manuka honey supports renewal of new skin cells. It also helps the body in producing more collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity.

Manuka honey is also very effective in healing skin blemishes and acne. Anti-wrinkle products that contains Manuka Honey will yield extremely impressive results.

Recommended Product:
Honeymark Anti-Wrinkle Serum with Manuka Honey