Discover the Incomparable Healing Benefits of Manuka Honey

The health benefits of Manuka Honey have captivated the attention of doctors and naturalists across the world. It is now working its way into mainstream medicine, cosmetic and skin care products as its curative abilities can no longer be ignored.

The Manuka plant is exclusive to the region of New Zealand. The honey that is made from bees that feed on the nectar of its flowers is known to possess healing powers uncommon to other natural grade honeys. Due to its internal and external health benefits, this unique type of honey has gained worldwide recognition in the health industry, particularly amongst professionals in the medical research arena.

A member of the Myrtracae family, the Manuka shrub sprouts pink and white flowers that produce the nectar used by honeybees to make this medicinal honey known for its exceptional healing qualities. The Manuka shrub comes from the same family as the Australian Tea Tree. The oil extracted from this plant was used by aboriginal Maori settlers who discovered its medicinal properties and used it to cure fever and stomach aches.

More recently, the use of Manuka honey has risen in popularity because of its antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. When taken orally, Manuka honey can be used to combat indigestion and heartburn. It is also commonly used to alleviate sore throat infections and can help to facilitate the healing of stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease. Some of the most promising research done on Manuka honey involves its use in treating infectious microorganisms associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Manuka honey also boasts additional cosmetic benefits that include eliminating acne and the appearance of wrinkles.

However, it's important to know that not all Manuka honey possesses the same levels of healing properties. When packaged, Manuka honey is assigned a unique Manuka factor (UMF) rating. This value is predicated on the antibacterial potency of the honey and ranges anywhere between 0 and 30. The antibacterial potency of Manuka honey is enhanced at UMF values of 10 or higher. Ideally, the higher the UMF rating the higher the antibacterial potency. However, Manuka honey that exceeds UMF 16, may cause users to experience a sensitivity. Therefore, Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16 is most preferred for medicinal use.

Ordinary honey available at local supermarkets is heat-treated for the purposes of decontamination and to prevent crystallization. Despite the appealing liquefied appearance, heat treatment destroys the nutrients and healing compounds in honey. From a purifying perspective, the whole process is quite unnecessary as raw honey sustains its antibacterial properties and the low water activity prevents bacterial growth.

The best Manuka Honey is 100% raw and unprocessed with a distinct and creamy taste unlike other types of honey. One teaspoonful of Manuka Honey every day is quite an effective energy booster and can also help to boost your immune system. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey and other Manuka Honey products, 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.