Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Review of Honeymark Products

The following is a comprehensive overview of the high-end skin care products manufactured by Honeymark, and the role that Manuka Honey plays as a natural healing ingredient.

If you have never heard of Manuka Honey, expect to be hearing about it in the future. It could very well be one of the most beneficial substances in the world to put on your skin. Studies have shown that Manuka Honey contains natural antimicrobial properties that eliminate infectious microorganisms, moisturize dry skin and reduce inflammation.

Despite all of its amazing healing properties, Manuka Honey is sometimes not used because its sticky consistency makes for an inconvenient skin care regimen. However, Boston-based manufacturer, Honeymark International, has developed a line of skin care products containing Manuka Honey that are a lot more user-friendly. Research shows that Manuka Honey can be diluted up to 100 times and still maintain its effectiveness. Therefore, blending it together with other natural ingredients does not diminish it's healing potency.

Acne Cream

There are several different types of acne. Blackheads are the result of oil and dead cells getting trapped in a pore where they block the duct and mix with bacteria. They then turn black when exposed to air. Red pimples develop when blackheads become inflamed and they spread when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. These can break and cause scars.

Manuka Honey has been found to be effective in treating acne for several reasons. There is no better substance for eliminating bacteria on the surface of the skin than Manuka Honey. Its antibacterial properties are second to none. It also has the ability to draw moisture out of bacterial cells, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive. Therefore, Manuka Honey's antibacterial activity destroys the bacteria and its osmotic effect helps to draw the bacteria and other impurities out of the pores of the skin. It's anti-inflammatory effect reduces the inflammation associated with some forms of acne, which in turn eliminates the redness. Manuka Honey also stimulates the formation of certain proteins in the skin that can help to reduce scarring, repair damaged skin and regenerate new healthy skin growth.

Manuka Honey is also hygroscopic which means it draws moisture from the air and puts it into skin cells where it moisturizes. Unlike many acne products that have a tendency to dry the skin, Manuka honey has a moisturizing effect. You can use Manuka honey as a spot treatment by dabbing it on existing breakouts or you can use Honeymark's Acne Cream which contains Manuka Honey.

Anti-Wrinkle Serum

Wrinkles are a by-product of the aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer, called the dermis, begins to thin. The network of elastin (the protein which causes skin to stretch) and collagen fibers (the major structural proteins in the skin), which support the outer layer, loosen and unravel, causing depressions on the surface. With aging, skin also loses its elasticity, is less able to retain moisture, oil-secreting glands are less efficient and the skin is slower to heal. All of these contribute to the development of wrinkles.

Manuka Honey is effective in reducing wrinkles and the appearance of aging because it has the ability to increase the production of elastin and collagen fibers. In addition to Manuka Honey, Honeymark's Anti-Wrinkle Serum also contains other natural ingredients that have a firming effect on the skin.

First Aid Antiseptic Lotion

Manuka Honey has an antibacterial activity that is impressing medical professionals around the world. By osmosis, it has the ability to draw moisture out of bacterial cells. It also contains antibacterial compounds such as methylglyoxal and UMF. Manuka Honey also creates an acidic environment not conducive for the formation of bacteria. All of these factors make Manuka Honey ideal for healing infections. In fact, its antibacterial properties are so powerful, it is also used to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE.

Manuka Honey can be used effectively to treat wounds, burns, blisters and infections. Even hard to heal conditions such as skin ulcers, pressure sores, surgical and chronic wounds are no match for the incredible healing powers of Manuka Honey. Wound care products such as Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion and Antiseptic Spray are also a good option because they are not sticky.

Anti-Fungal Cream

In addition to its impressive antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey also contains strong anti-fungal properties. Fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock-itch, tinea and nail fungus can all be treated with Manuka Honey. However, its viscous consistency makes it impractical to use topically on some of these conditions. Honeymark's Anti-Fungal Cream is a more viable solution.

Anti-Itch Cream

Eczema is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis ). As discussed above, Manuka Honey's anti-inflammatory properties help to alleviate this inflammation, reverting skin back to its original form. Manuka Honey has the ability to both repair damaged skin and regenerate new skin growth. It's moisturizing ability also removes the dry patches associated with eczema and other forms of dermatitis. Try Honeymark's Anti-Itch Cream to take advantage of Manuka Honey's ability to treat this condition.

For more information about Honeymark's Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Manuka Honey for Eye, Ear and Sinus Infections


Famous for it's unparalleled antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey can be used to successfully treat eye infections, ear infections and even sinus infections.

Honey has long been known for its ability to destroy infectious bacteria. It has been recognized that Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains additional antibacterial properties not found in other types of honey, making it even more effective in treating infection. Manuka Honey's main claim to fame has always been wound care and treating even the hardest to heal infections such as MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant conditions. However, it's important to know that Manuka Honey can also be used to treat other infections throughout the body.

Studies have shown that Manuka Honey can be diluted and still maintain its antibacterial activity. Therefore, it can be liquefied by adding water to it in order for it to be used in areas where pure Manuka Honey is impractical. For example, if a teaspoon of Manuka Honey is stirred into a cup of lukewarm water until completely dissolved, it can then be dropped into the eyes using a dropper in order to treat eye infections. This same procedure can be used for ear infections. A few drops of a water/Manuka honey solution has enough antibacterial properties to heal eye or ear infections very quickly and efficiently.

For sinus infections, it is recommended to use the same type of water/Manuka honey solution to flush the nasal passageway. A neti pot is most preferable for this procedure but if one is not available, the water/Manuka honey mix can just be sucked in through nostrils from a cup until it comes out of the mouth. This will work even for the most serious sinus infections. Another option is to use a nasal mist spray container.

It is important to only use an active, medical-grade Manuka honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating less than 10 is inactive and should not be used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey that is more potent than UMF 16 (i.e. UMF 20, 25, 30) is too potent. There have been reports of individuals experiencing sensitivity to Manuka honey that is overly potent. Therefore, a medium range is more desirable for most applications (i.e. UMF 16).

For more information or to purchase active Manuka Honey UMF 16+, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Breakthrough Discovery Reveals Secret Antibacterial Factor in Manuka Honey


New research on Manuka Honey from New Zealand has unveiled another reason for its antibacterial activity.

Findings of a research laboratory in Singapore shows that a special molecule in Manuka honey acts to augment the antibacterial activity of methylglyoxal in the honey – a process known as synergy. The unique type of antibacterial activity in Manuka honey was originally discovered at the University of Waikato in New Zealand during the 1980s. Evidence shows Manuka honey's special antibacterial properties are effective at healing wounds and other skin conditions. Research also shows that this activity is only present in some Manuka honey.

Research indicates that methylglyoxal is responsible for the antibacterial activity in Manuka honey. However, researchers also feel there is another synergistic factor contributing to its antibacterial properties. Research has proven the existence of a special molecule that combines with the methylglyoxal molecule and other fractions in Manuka honey to create the powerful antibacterial activity that it is known for. This discovery is also the key to understanding why the clinically proven antibacterial activity is so effective and why research to date has shown that bacteria fail to develop the resistance that is inevitable with conventional antibiotics.

Research is now underway to confirm the mode of action of the synergist and to further understand its interaction with other fractions, including methylglyoxal. This latest research will provide the medical industry with a full scientific understanding of the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey.

The Manuka honey industry is now worth in excess of $100 million in export earnings. However, not all Manuka honeys are equal and the way to test potency has been an issue for some time. The original testing standard uses a simple method of comparing the bacterial kill-zone of a honey sample to the kill-zone of a standard antiseptic. For a variety of reasons this can't be perfect and is open to interpretation and a margin of error. The ideal objective is to have a simple analytical chemical test that can be carried out by any lab anywhere in the world. But such a test isn't possible until we know what we're trying to measure. Discovering the synergist was the key. Analysis now includes developing an algorithm to find the strength of a honey's antibacterial activity by measuring the level of the synergist and the level of methylglyoxal present. It will then be possible to very precisely determine the non-peroxide activity of Manuka honey.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Manuka Honey Promotes Health

Honey has long been recognized for its health benefits. Its unique, complex components gives honey special healing and wellness properties. Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains healing properties not found in other types of honey, making it ideal for medicinal use.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand from the flowers of the manuka tree. Manuka honey has long been known for its exceptional health properties. While all types of honey have a certain level of antibacterial activity due to hydrogen peroxide, active Manuka honey also contains a high level of non-peroxide antibacterial components. It is this non-peroxide activity that gives active Manuka honey its natural health benefits.

Some health benefits of using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes are as follows:

Boosting Energy

The sugar content of Manuka honey makes it a great natural source of carbohydrates, which provides strength and energy. The glucose in Manaka honey is absorbed very quickly by the body, providing an immediate boost of energy. Energy levels are maintained by the low glycemic index of honey, which stops hunger from developing.

Boosting the Immune System

Research has shown that Manuka honey stimulates the immune response of white blood cells, preventing infections such as sore throats and the common cold.

Improves Digestive Health

A healthy digestive system is essential for general well-being. Manuka honey stimulates the growth of probiotics, which are the good bacteria in our intestines. The presence of these good bacteria in the body helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Antibacterial Activity

All types of honey contain some level of antibacterial activity, but the level varies a lot. Manuka Honey has additional antibacterial compounds not found in other types of honey. This antibacterial action can help to clear infections.

Antioxidants

The antioxidant activity of Manuka honey protects against free radical damage. Free radicals are formed from many sources including radiation, pollution and naturally from metabolism within the body. Manuka honey’s antioxidants fight and neutralize harmful free radicals, which may otherwise cause cell damage and accelerated aging.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Manuka Honey has a potent anti-inflammatory action, which can be utilized to treat sore eyes, sore throats, irritated skin and sunburn. Modern medical research has confirmed that this bioactivity works on burns and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

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