A Consumer's Guide To Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on flowers of the New Zealand Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Since the pioneering work of Dr. Peter Molan was published in the early 90's, Manuka honey has been accepted around the world as a premier natural health product. This high level of acceptance, combined with the limited availability of the highly active forms of the honey, has resulted in premium prices and strong global demand. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a number of unethical practices that range from misrepresentation of the activity to outright forgery of the product.

Honey has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly as an antimicrobial agent. It has also been recognized that honeys from different plants vary in their antimicrobial potency. Honey exerts its antibacterial activity through two basic mechanisms: physical blockage of microbial growth and the presence of antimicrobial chemical compounds. The physical components are the osmotic effect and the acidity of honeys. The osmotic effect derives from the fact that the water content of honey is less than 20% by weight. Furthermore, honey is a super-saturated solution of sugars, primarily fructose and glucose, which interact strongly with water molecules. Therefore, not only is there little water in honey, but also most water molecules are not available to support microbial life due to the interaction with sugars. Also, honey has a low pH (generally below 4.0) which is too low to allow the growth of bacterial.

There is extensive evidence that active Manuka honey is effective in promoting the healing of wounds, burns and skin ulcers, helping to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. This wound healing activity of Manuka honey is due to its antimicrobial properties. Proper healing of a wound without leaving scars requires a moist environment, which is a challenge because moisture promotes microbial growth. Active Manuka honey will prevent microbial growth while retaining the moisture necessary for proper healing.

During the course of the past few decades, antibiotics have been used recklessly in by doctors. This has resulted in the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in particular the resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that plague hospitals and communities. Staph aureus is highly sensitive to active Manuka honey, highlighting the value of this honey as natural remedy.

The most affective strength of active Manuka Honey is a medium strength (UMF 12-16). Only a very small percentage of active Manuka Honey is produced in New Zealand that reaches extremely high UMF Ratings. However, UMF Ratings of 20, 25, 30 etc. are no more affective than a medium strength Manuka honey in the UMF 12-16 range. Some unscrupulous beekeepers in New Zealand have been known to heat their Manuka honey in an attempt to increase the UMF rating. However, heating Manuka honey can compromise the integrity of its healing properties.

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

Healing with Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is from New Zealand. It is made by bees that utilize the nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). This honey contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, more so than any other type of honey. Many have claimed that it helps certain conditions such as eczema, acne, ulcers, IBS and even acid reflux disease. Only active Manuka honey should be used for medicinal purposes with a UMF rating of 10 or higher. The higher the UMF, the better the antibacterial potency. Manuka Honey UMF 16 is most desirable. Manuka Honey that is more potent than UMF 20 can be overly potent. Manuka Honey less than UMF 10 is inactive and should only be used as a sweetener or for food purposes.

Stomach Ulcers, Strep Throat, Acid Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastritis and Other Internal Conditions

You will need to take the honey internally a 3-4 times per day. You can put a teaspoon in your tea, spread it on toast or just swallow a teaspoon of it. It is recommended to take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey about 30 minutes before meals and again before bedtime for internal conditions. Once symptoms are reduced, you can take one teaspoon per day for maintenance purposes.

Eczema, Acne, Wounds, Infections, Burns, Sores, Ringworm and Other Skin Conditions

You can use Manuka honey topically when treating skin conditions and wounds. The Manuka Honey must be applied directly to the affected area. Then you can cover it with your bandage or dressing. It can also be used on acne or eczema without a covering, but bear in mind that it is quite sticky. There are skin care products available that contain Manuka honey. These products are not sticky and are equally as effective as using pure Manuka Honey on the skin.

Eye or Ear Infections

Stir a teaspoon of Manuka Honey into a cup of lukewarm water. Using an ear dropper, drip the liquefied Manuka Honey solution into your ear or eye. Repeat daily until symptoms are eliminated.

Sinus Infections

Stir a teaspoon of Manuka Honey into a cup of lukewarm water. Using a neti pot, inhale the liquefied Manuka Honey solution into your nose and through the nasal passage way until it comes into your mouth. Repeat daily until symptoms are eliminated.

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

Facts About UMF Manuka Honey

Honey that is produced from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree flowers has unique antibacterial properties which are not present in honey derived from other plants. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than sugar, while active Manuka honey with a high UMF rating can be diluted more than 100-fold and still destroy infectious bacteria.

Most honey (including Manuka honey) contains the enzyme glucose oxidase which, in the presence of oxygen, produces Hydrogen peroxide which is antibacterial when it comes in contact with body tissue or serum. UMF Manuka honey contains another antibacterial component in addition to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase. This second antibacterial component is called the Unique Manuka Factor. There is evidence that UMF and hydrogen peroxide provide synergistic antibacterial action.

UMF® is the registered trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Industry in New Zealand. Only Manuka honey that is regulated by this association can bare the UMF® trademark on the label accompanied by a number which indicates the strength of the Unique Manuka Factor. A minimum of UMF 10+ is required to carry the UMF® trademark and to be considered suitable for medicinal purposes. All Manuka honey carrying the UMF® label has been tested and certified in a licensed facility.

The UMF numbers (i.e. UMF 16) come from a standard laboratory test of antibacterial activity, with the honey being compared with a standard antiseptic phenol, (also known as carbolic) for potency. For example, Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ would be equivalent to the antiseptic potency of 10% solution of phenol, as used as carbolic disinfectant; a honey with a rating of 15+ would have a potency equivalent to a 15% solution of phenol.

UMF is stable, so there is no concern about Manuka honey losing its activity in storage. The UMF antibacterial activity has been shown in scientific studies to diffuse deeper into skin tissues than the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey.

Manuka Honey UMF 10 or higher is more effective against bacteria than other types of honey. For example, active Manuka honey with UMF is about twice as effective as other honey against Eschericihia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causes of infected wounds. Manuka Honey UMF 20 or higher is not recommended because of reports that it can cause sensitivity in the form of a burning or stinging sensation. Manuka Honey 16+ is the most desirable potency for most applications.

Manuka honey that merely bears a number without "UMF®" preceding it is most likely not regulated or laboratory tested. Therefore, consumers have no assurance that this Manuka Honey is of the potency that is advertised on the label.

For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey UMF16+, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey as a Natural Solution for Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD

If you are looking for a natural remedy to ease the suffering of Acid Reflux Disease, then you should consider trying Manuka honey which is a special type of honey that comes from New Zealand. It has been determined that Manuka Honey contains far more healing properties than any other type of honey and is effective in treating a wide range of internal health conditions.

Manuka Honey has a soothing effect that will coat your digestive intestinal tissues located along the bottom of your esophageal (food pipe). It is considered to be among the best honey products available to act as a healing agent, and speed the recovery process.

Researchers have found that Manuka Honey is very beneficial for acid reflux disease because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. The unique minerals and vitamins it contains helps to heal irritated tissues in the digestive, gastrointestinal tract and has the capacity to coat the esophagus and protect the lining tissues.

In order to get the best results, it is recommended to take Manuka Honey before meals and before bedtime (3-4 times teaspoons per day) on a piece of bread. The bread will allow the honey to reach the bottom of the lower esophagus in order to get optimal performance. Manuka honey can also be taken when acid reflux symptoms start flaring up. The soothing effect and coating will provide fast relief. Manuka honey does not have any known side effects and is safe to use if you're taking medication.

It is important to use a raw, unpasteurized, active, medical-grade Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 18. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating lower than 10 is inactive and will not yield the results that most people have come to expect of Manuka Honey. UMF 20 or higher is too potent and may cause sensitivity in the form of a burning or stinging sensation. A medium grade, such as UMF 16, is most desirable.

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

What Makes Honeymark Brand Manuka Honey Better Than Others?

It is important to know what to look for in Manuka Honey in order to take advantage of all its health benefits. Not all Manuka Honey is medicinal.

Manuka Honey is world renowned for its extraordinary healing properties. Due to certain plant-derived components, this unique type of honey contains natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties not found in other types of honey. It also contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants than ordinary honey.

Not all Manuka Honey is created equal. Manuka Honey's antibacterial potency varies from batch-to-batch, predicated on the amount of floral nectar used by the honeybees during the production stage. The only way to know for sure if a particular batch of Manuka Honey is active and suitable for therapeutic use is if it's laboratory tested.

Only active, UMF Manuka Honey will yield the same results that people have come to expect of Manuka Honey. UMF is an acronym for Unique Manuka Factor and is usually followed by a number which indicates the antibacterial strength of the honey. UMF is the authorized seal and registered trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Association in New Zealand. This trademark can only be applied to the label of honey with a laboratory test result of UMF 10 or higher.

Only Manuka Honey that is regulated by the Active Manuka Honey Association can bare the UMF trademark. A jar of Manuka Honey that is labeled as being "active" followed by a number does not provide a guarantee that it is as potent as advertised. For example, if the label indicates, "active 10", the number is borrowed from the UMF rating system but because the honey is not regulated by the Active Manuka Honey Association, that particular brand cannot legally use the UMF trademark. Therefore, it is unknown if the honey was laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency.

To be certain of the potency, a jar of Manuka Honey should indicate the UMF trademark and a number of 10 or higher (i.e. UMF 16). It's also important to know that in the U.S., the FDA does not regard honey of any kind as being active. If the label of a jar of Manuka Honey says, "active" it is in violation of FDA regulations.

Honeymark is an importer of Manuka Honey and a manufacturer of natural Manuka Honey skin care products. Honeymark brand Manuka Honey meets the following standards:

1. Regulated by the Active Manuka Honey Association in New Zealand;
2. Laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency;
3. Certified UMF 16+ active, medical-grade;
4. 100% pure, raw and unprocessed;
5. Bottled and labeled in New Zealand.

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

Does Manuka Honey Really Work?

Many people who have learned of the incredible healing powers of this unique type of honey have been wondering if it is as effective in treating the wide range of medical symptoms that the reports suggest. The answer is, yes, most definitely.

For those who don't know exactly what Manuka Honey is, it's a premium, medical-grade honey that is derived from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka Tea Tree, which is indigenous to New Zealand. Honey of any floral source has been found to contain a certain degree of healing properties. However, it has been discovered that Manuka Honey has the most and is more suitable for medicinal use.

It is important to know, however, that not all Manuka Honey is medical-grade. Each batch of Manuka Honey has varied levels of healing properties. In New Zealand, where Manuka Honey is produced and packaged, reputable honey suppliers perform laboratory tests to ensure the antibacterial potency of their honey. One common rating system measures the antibacterial potency on a scale from 0-30. This rating system, known as UMF or Unique Manuka Factor, is comparable to the percentage of the antibacterial activity of phenol. For example, Manuka Honey UMF 10 is equivalent to a 10% solution of phenol.

The higher the UMF rating, the higher the Manuka Honey's antibacterial potency. Only Manuka Honey UMF 10 or higher is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Although, extraordinarily potent Manuka Honey (i.e. 20+) is somewhat unnecessary and overkill. A good medium range UMF rating is most desirable (i.e. UMF 16). A low UMF rating (i.e. UMF 9 or less) may not have the curative qualities that most people expect from Manuka Honey.

There are some doctors and medical professionals that feel the majority of health conditions are caused by some type of infectious microorganism (i.e. bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite). What makes Manuka Honey so effective is that it is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Therefore, it is safe to assume that any health complication that is caused by one of these pesty, little microbes can be effectively combated (i.e. ulcers, infections, ringworm, lice, etc.).

"Since Manuka Honey is a natural ingredient, it has been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, which is a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "Even the most resilient bacteria are no match for Manuka Honey's unparalleled antimicrobial properties, such as MRSA and VRE."

Manuka Honey is gaining worldwide recognition for its amazing healing ability. Manuka Honey can be taken orally or used topically on the skin. Just as long as it comes in direct contact with the affected area, it will yield immediate results.

Manuka Honey is being considered the ultimate natural healer by many and, in most cases, can outperform antibiotics and traditional forms of medicine. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey and Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Understanding Medical Grade Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey has become world renowned for its unparalleled healing ability. The following is important information that you should know before buying Manuka Honey.

Honey had been used for medical purposes for thousands of years, prior to the advent of modern-day medicine. Honey's medicinal qualities are attributed to the presence of hydrogen peroxide, low acidity levels, osmotic action and floral nectar components.

There are many different types of honey. The differences are predicated on the floral nectar used by the bees that produced the honey. Manuka Honey from New Zealand is used for medicinal purposes because it contains more healing properties than any other type of honey. However, not all Manuka Honey is suitable for medical use.

Manuka Honey's antibacterial potency varies from batch-to-batch. The only way to know for sure whether a particular batch of Manuka Honey is of medical grade quality, it must be laboratory tested. This is the responsibility of the company that is packaging the honey.

The only honey that should be used for medical purposes is active UMF Manuka Honey. UMF is an acronym for Unique Manuka Factor and is followed by a number which indicates the antibacterial strength of the Manuka Honey. UMF is the authorized seal and registered trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Industry in New Zealand. It can only be applied to the of honey with a laboratory test result of UMF 10 or higher (which is equivalent to 10% phenol). Results obtained from 50% dilution (low acidity test) can not be used for claiming UMF activity.

In New Zealand, Manuka Honey production is regulated by the Active Manuka Honey Industry. The UMF trademark can only be used by UMF licensed suppliers who meet set criteria which include regular monitoring and auditing of the quality of their honey. UMF Manuka Honey from a New Zealand supplier that is licensed to use the UMF trademark is the only honey guaranteed to have the special UMF healing properties and be of the same medical-grade quality that is referred to in research studies and clinical trials.

When the UMF trademark is listed on the label of a Manuka Honey jar, it is a guarantee that the Manuka Honey has the special UMF antibacterial property to the level indicated on the label (i.e. UMF 16). This guarantee only applies to honey that comes from New Zealand suppliers that are licensed to use the UMF trademark.

Genuine UMF Manuka Honey must comply with the following criteria:

1. It has the UMF trademark clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand supplier licensed to use the UMF trademark.
4. It has the supplier's license number on the label.
5. It has a rating of UMF10 or higher.

If Manuka Honey meets the above listed criteria, it is guaranteed to be active, medical-grade Manuka Honey that is suitable for therapeutic use. If not, the antibacterial potency of the Manuka Honey is questionable.

To purchase medical-grade Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey Testimonials

From success in treating hard-to-heal wounds and serious infections to dermatitis and fungal infections, customers attest to the effectiveness of Honeymark's Manuka Honey products.

Medical professionals and patients all over the world are beginning to recognize the medicinal benefits of utilizing Manuka Honey in skin care products. This all-natural ingredient is gaining its well-deserved notoriety as being one of the most effective healing agents known to man. Even though honey was used by the ancient Egyptians for thousands of years, doctors began to lose sight of its effectiveness during the progression of modern medicine. However, due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria plaguing our communities, combined with the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly more interested in natural alternatives, the use of honey for medical purposes is being looked at in a different light.

Manuka Honey, a special type of honey that contains unique plant-derived components is more potent than standard honeys. This medical grade honey's antibacterial properties are second to none and its effectiveness against certain health conditions is being noted where more traditional forms of medicine have failed. Honeymark, a manufacturer of advanced skin care products, has benefited from the increased interest in Manuka Honey. The following are testimonials from customers that have used their products.

Susan O.
Groton, MA
I have received my order of Anti-Fungal Solution and want to thank you so much. I already see results in less then 24 hours. I am totally blown away!!!! I have been struggling with trying to naturally deal with ringworm for quite a while after taking in some rescue cats, and nothing has really worked. I thank you! I already see this is healing.

Anita S.
Glenrock, WY
I was horrified when my doctor told me that I had contracted a Staph infection. I become even more concerned when I started researching MRSA on the internet and found out that most antibiotics don't work and that it could be fatal condition if not treated properly. Then I stumbled upon your website and read about how Manuka Honey can destroy MRSA and heal Staph infections. Only a week after using your First Aid Antiseptic Lotion, my infection was almost entirely healed. I'm so grateful that your product was capable of treating my infection. I always keep a bottle of it in my medicine cabinet just in case. I even use it for minor cuts and it works great.

Rose C.
Naples, FL
I've tried countless eczema products my entire life, none of which have ever worked. I've suffered with embarrassing, dry skin blotches all over my body and finally tried your Anti-Itch Cream as a last resort. Not only did it stopped the itching associated with the eczema, but it also eliminated those unsightly dry patches of skin. I can now wear my bikini again. Thank you.

Robert B.
Eastland, KY
I have suffered from painful arthritis for many years. It was so bad that it prevented me from participating in certain activities. My wife got me some of your Pain Relief Cream and I was amazed as to how well it worked. It has a soothing effect that started working immediately. Once I start feeling that muscle and joint pain, I use your product and within minutes the pain is gone. I even use it for stiff necks and backaches. This is truly a unique product.

John T.
Maplewood, OR
I wanted to write to you about your Antiseptic Lotion. I had a chronic wound on my leg that would not heal. As a result, I was out of work for weeks. I went from wound center to wound center but none of the treatments improved my condition. I even had my leg in a hyperbaric chamber for a while but still no progression. A friend of mine told me about Manuka Honey and how well it is supposed to work on hard-to-heal wounds. I wasn't crazy about the idea of dealing with the sticky mess of putting honey on my skin but then I came across your Antiseptic Lotion with Manuka Honey. Finally, within days, the wound started to heal. Once I began applying the lotion the pain went away and even the malodor was eliminated. Within 2 weeks, the wound was completely healed and I was back to work. This product is truly amazing.

Tina C.
Santa Ana, CA
After hearing about the outbreak of Staph infections across the country, I started researching how I could protect my family. To my surprise, I found dozens of articles about how Manuka honey is able to cure Staph infections and is effective against MRSA. I purchased a bottle of your First Aid Antiseptic Lotion to keep on hand, just in case. Well, luckily, none of us ever got a Staph infection. However, whenever my kids get scrapes or cuts, I use your product and it works amazingly well. I am surprised at how quickly it heals wounds. I stepped on a piece of glass when I was walking on the beach one day. It was so bad that I couldn't even walk. When I got home, I immediately put the First Aid Antiseptic Lotion on it and tried to stay off my feet for the rest of the day. The next morning, it was almost completely healed. I was amazed that it had worked so quickly. Even when my kids get their usual scrapes and cuts, I put the First Aid Antiseptic Lotion on a bandage and the wound is usually healed within a matter of hours. I just wanted to let you know how happy I was with your product.

"In addition to our line of Manuka Honey skin care products, Honeymark will be releasing a line of cosmetic product later this year," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Such products will include an Anti-Aging Serum, Acne Cream, Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer, etc., all of which contain Active Manuka Honey."

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