Showing posts with label active manuka honey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label active manuka honey. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Non-Peroxide Activity of Manuka Honey

A discrepancy in the way Manuka honey’s potency is measured has consumers concerned that they may not be getting their money’s worth.

All types of honey have the ability to produce hydrogen peroxide which accounts for a portion of its healing qualities. Manuka honey from New Zealand is superior over other types of honey because, in addition to its ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, it also has a non-peroxide activity which researchers believe has a synergistic action in providing optimal healing benefits.

When researchers began to recognize Manuka honey’s additional healing components, they started measuring the non-peroxide activity comparing it to a solution with the same percentage of phenol. For example, Manuka honey with the non-peroxide activity of 15 has the same antibacterial potency as a solution that is 15% phenol.

Very often the number that represents the non-peroxide activity of Manuka honey is followed by a plus sign (+). This is because the antibacterial potency of Manuka honey has a tendency to naturally increase over time. For example, Manuka honey that is labeled as a 10+ had a non-peroxide activity of 10 at the time it was tested but it could be higher depending on how long after testing the honey is used. It could have potentially increased to a 15+.

There have been some trademarks that have evolved over the course of time that precede the number that measures the non-peroxide activity of Manuka honey (i.e. UMF). These acronyms are less important than the actual number itself.

One disturbing practice that has evolved out of greed is companies listing the total peroxide activity on their labels. This is misleading to consumers since the industry standard is to list the non-peroxide activity. The total peroxide activity is the amount of both the hydrogen peroxide and non-peroxide activity. Manuka honey with a total peroxide activity of 15 could have a non-peroxide activity of only 5. Manuka honey NPA 5+ is not potent enough to yield the same medicinal results that people have come to expect. Wedderspoon is notorious for indicating a number that represents the total peroxide activity, rather than the non-peroxide activity.

If you are interested in using Manuka honey for its renowned health benefits, make sure to use a reputable brand that can guarantee their honey has been laboratory tested for its phytochemical potency and the non-peroxide activity is accurately displayed on the front label.

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

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Viability of Manuka Honey's Rating Systems


Manuka Honey brands confuse consumers with alphabet soup, i.e. UMF, MGO, AMH, OMA, MGS, etc.

Manuka Honey is a special type of honey from New Zealand that has been found to have extraordinary healing properties. Its incredible ability to heal far supersedes other types of honey and even most traditional forms of medicine. This has made it quite a commodity as of late and has recently been discovered by the U.S. market.

The sale of Manuka Honey has developed into a $100 Million dollar per year industry with the potential of increasing significantly over the next few years. However, there is one element of confusion that has been clouding the sales of this valuable resource.

The fact is that not all Manuka Honey has medicinal qualities. If you think about how honey is produced, it makes sense. A bee lands on a flower and gathers as much nectar as it can carry back to the hive where it adds enzymes to it, producing honey. There are many different types of honey. The differences are predicated on the floral nectar component and the flower that it is derived from. Depending on which flower the bee gathers the nectar from, it could change the color, texture, flavor, consistency and medicinal qualities of the honey it produces.

Manuka Honey is so valuable because the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka plant has antimicrobial properties not found anywhere else. The potency of Manuka Honey is predicated on how much or how little of the floral nectar is used by the bees in a particular batch. The only way to properly determine the potency is to perform a laboratory test to measure it.

There are some organizations in New Zealand that have tried to develop rating systems to measure the antibacterial potency of Manuka Honey. The problem is there are so many and they all claim to be the most reliable system. There has even been some bashing and name-calling in various articles and press releases. At this point, consumers don't know which rating system to trust. Some labels say UMF, MGO, AMH, OMA, Molan Gold Standard, etc. These distinctions are usually followed by a number. The higher the number, the higher the potency.

Some suppliers of Manuka Honey have tried to identify that their honey as medical-grade by calling it active or bioactive. The problem with that is if it's sold in the U.S., the FDA doesn't recognize honey of any kind as an active ingredient. Therefore, making a claim that Manuka Honey is active in the U.S. is a violation of FDA labeling regulations.

To further complicate matters, some unscrupulous suppliers are labeling their honey with a higher rating than what actually exists in the jar. They are able to get away with it because the FDA doesn't regular honey in that manner. In fact, there should be no claims on the label whatsoever indicating that Manuka Honey has curative properties.

So what should consumers do? "Stick with the companies that are well known in the Manuka Honey industry," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a U.S. importer of Manuka Honey and manufacturer of Manuka Honey skin care products. "Once you've found a reputable brand, then use a medium range." For example if Manuka Honey is not potent enough, it may not yield the same results that people have come to expect. There have also been reports of people experiencing sensitivity to Manuka Honey that is overly potent. Therefore, a medium range is optimal for most applications.

Some people think that the higher the potency is, the more effective the Manuka Honey will be. This is untrue. With higher activity Manuka honey being in short supply, experts say that the medium range is just as effective as high activity, and more affordable. For example, a UMF 10-16 will be equally as effective as a UMF 25. There is no need to find the highest grade.

For more information or to purchase quality Manuka Honey and Manuka 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.

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.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Scientists Identify a Secret Ingredient in Honey That Kills Bacteria


New information has been uncovered for those looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics. Research published in the July 2010 print edition of the FASEB Journal explains for the first time how honey kills bacteria. The research shows that bees make a protein that they add to the honey called defensin-1, which can be used to treat burns and skin infections.

"We have completely elucidated the molecular basis of the antibacterial activity of medical-grade honey, which contributes to the applicability of honey in medicine," said Sebastian A.J. Zaat, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Medical Microbiology at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam. "Honey or isolated honey-derived components might be of great value for prevention and treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria."

To make the discovery, Zaat and colleagues investigated the antibacterial activity of medical-grade honey in test tubes against a panel of antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria. They developed a method to selectively neutralize the known antibacterial factors in honey and determine their individual antibacterial contributions. Ultimately, researchers isolated the defensin-1 protein, which is part of the honeybee immune system and is added by bees to honey. After analysis, the scientists concluded that the vast majority of honey's antibacterial properties come from that protein. This information also sheds light on the inner workings of honey bee immune systems, which may one day help breeders create healthier honey bees.

"We've known for many years that honey can be good for what ails us, but we haven't known how or why it works," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, "Now that we've extracted a potent antibacterial ingredient from honey, we can make it still more effective and take the sting out of bacterial infections."

Even though all types of honey contain healing properties to some degree, it has been determined that Manuka honey from New Zealand seems to have the highest levels of these healing properties. Therefore, active medical-grade Manuka Honey is most appropriate for medicinal use. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, and Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-73269 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

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.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

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.

Unique Antibacterial Compound Found in Manuka Honey

Throughout history, honey has been known for its healing properties. It was eventually discovered that honey derived from certain plants have more healing qualities than others. For decades, scientists have been researching various honey derived from different plants in New Zealand, and have identified Manuka honey as having significantly higher levels of antibacterial properties than other types of honey.

Most forms of honey are antibacterial due to the presence of glucose oxidase enzyme. When this enzyme comes in contact with body tissue, it releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can destroy bacteria. When studying honey derived from the nectar of the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), researchers discovered that it contained a second antibacterial component in addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme. This component is unique to the Manuka plant and contains antibacterial properties that are effective against highly resistant forms of bacteria such as MRSA, VRE and H. pylori.

The additional compound that is present in some Manuka honey has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Its potency is able to be quantified in laboratory testing and identified by numbers ranging from 0 through 30. To date, no harmful bacteria have been able to develop a resistance to active Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher. Manuka honey is also resistant to heat and the catalase effect of body serum which can negatively affect the hydrogen peroxide activity of other types of honey. This makes active Manuka honey a much more viable option for medicinal use.

Manuka Honey has tremendous healing properties and can be used for stomach aches and sore throats by stimulating the immune system and helping to prevent dehydration. It also provides outstanding success in treating infected wounds that have not responded to conventional treatment. Manuka honey is the only honey available that is tested for its antibacterial activity. There is evidence that UMF and hydrogen peroxide may have a synergistic action in contributing to the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey. UMF is not affected by the catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum. This enzyme will break down the hydrogen peroxide which is the major antibacterial factor in other types of honey. If a honey without UMF were used to treat an infection, the potency of the honey's antibacterial activity would most likely be reduced because of the action of catalase.

The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat and light. However, UMF is stable, so there is no concern about Manuka honey losing its activity. The enzyme in other honeys becomes active only when the honey is diluted. However, UMF is active in full strength honey, which will provide a more potent antibacterial action, diffusing into the depth of infected tissues.

Non-UMF honey needs oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide and may not work under wound dressings or in wound cavities. However, Manuka Honey with UMF is active in all situations. The enzyme in non-UMF honey becomes active only when the acidity of the honey is neutralized by body fluids, but then the honey is diluted. It could be destroyed by the protein-digesting enzymes that are in wound fluids. However, UMF antibacterial activity diffuses deeper into skin tissues than does the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey. Therefore, UMF Manuka Honey is more effective against bacteria than other types of honey. In fact, it's about twice as effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus which are the two most common causes of infected wounds. Manuka Honey UMF 16 is recommended for most applications.

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

Monday, July 19, 2010

Manuka Honey, a Natural Healer


Manuka is the Maori name for Leptospermum Scoparium which is a native tree of New Zealand. Known as The Healing Honey of the Tea Tee, Manuka has been used for centuries in traditional Maori folk medicine. Manuka Honey is found only in New Zealand and was the first honey to contain additional healing properties not found in other types of honey. This active property has proven to be a powerful antibacterial agent and helps support a healthy immune system.

Manuka honey contains a second type of antibacterial activity in addition to hydrogen peroxide. Its antibacterial activity is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy the hydrogen peroxide components. In addition, it diffuses deeper into skin tissue than the enzymes of other honeys. These factors make Manuka Honey ideal for medicinal use.

In laboratory tests, Manuka honey has proven to be a powerful topical antibacterial. It is classified as a Therapeutic Good in Australia (the equivalent to a drug registered and approved by the U.S. FDA), and the clinical advantages of Manuka honey have been recognized as a primary treatment by the UK Health Ministry for hospital wound care and treatment.

Clinical reports show that Manuka Honey can be used as an efficient wound dressing. The manner in which Manuka Honey heals wounds is a synergistic interaction of 5 key elements:

1. Hydrogen peroxide is produced from an enzyme in the honey upon skin contact. Scientific evidence has shown that most strains of harmful bacteria cannot survive in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
2. A moist healing barrier is created by the honey between the wound and dressing with no sticking and no tissue damage. Scarring is reduced because skins cells grow without forming a scab.
3. Nutrients are supplied by the honey for healthy tissue regeneration and stimulation of growth of new blood capillaries.
4. Acidity of the honey assists in healing as topical acidification of wounds promotes healing.
5. An osmosis effect is produced by the honey’s high sugar content. It draws lymph out to the cells while absorbing moisture and provides an anti-inflammatory action, which reduces swelling, pain and malodor. Manuka honey assists in lifting dirt and debris from the bed of a wound and induces sloughing of dying tissue.

The popularity of Manuka honey in wound care is growing throughout the world where it is often used when traditional methods fail to heal persistent wounds and infections. It has been proven to be highly effective against antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” such as MRSA and VRE. It also heals persistent wounds and eliminates cross infections. Even if a wound isn't infected, Manuka honey is still the best thing to use to get the most rapid healing without scarring.

Other natural healing benefits of using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes:
• 100% organic – it is one of the few honeys in the world that is truly organic
• Antioxidant source – disarms disease-causing free radicals in the body
• Stress reliever – calms the mind and promotes rejuvenating sleep
• Disease killer, with remarkably potent antibiotic properties and no negative side effects
• Promotes the growth of healthy bacteria
• Exfoliates and renews skin cells.
• Deep conditioner for hair. As a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture

Manuka Honey has been documented to effectively treat the following health conditions:
• Cuts, burns and skin ulcers
• Wounds and pressure sores
• Insect bites and stings
• Yeast infections
• Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
• Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm
• Bacterial infections such as MRSA/Staph
• Respiratory conditions by soothing inflamed airways
• Sore throats and chapped lips
• Sore muscles (Mix 2 tablespoons in bath water)
• Kills bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay

Manuka honey can destroy infectious pathogens such as:
• E. coli
• Strep
• MRSA/Staph
• Salmonella
• H. pylori
• Pseudomonas

Manuka honey contains all the essential vitamins and minerals for sustaining life, including Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K; beta-carotene; enzymes. It also contains more antioxidants and amino acids than other types of honey. Manuka Honey has only 21 calories per teaspoon and does not promote weight gain. In addition, it has a higher sweetening power than sugar, which means you can use less honey than sugar to achieved the desired sweetness. It also helps to boost energy more efficiently as well as the immune system.

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

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Internal Uses for Manuka Honey

For decades, Manuka Honey has been used in New Zealand to treat many different types of health conditions. Now the curative ability of this natural healing source is becoming known worldwide as natural alternatives become preferred over pharmaceuticals.

The following information is just a few ways in which Manuka Honey can be used in addition to, or as a viable alternative, to antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine.

Acid Reflux Disease / Heartburn / Indigestion

Medical research and anecdotal reports indicates that active Manuka Honey can be used for stomach related conditions. Manuka Honey is a natural antibacterial agent that has absolutely no known side effects when used for medicinal purposes. It also will not conflict with medication that a person may be taking to treat the condition. The way Manuka Honey works is by coating the stomach and esophagus and by healing the damaged tissue and lining caused by acid reflux disease. Manuka Honey has an antibacterial effect four times greater than other antiseptics. It also helps revive the natural cultures of good bacteria in the stomach that are necessary for normal functioning. This helps digestion and boosts the immune system.

Directions: Take 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey UMF 16, 3-4 times per day, 20-30 minutes before meals and before bedtime. If taking orally from a spoon is not desirable, you can also take it on a piece of toast or fruit. This prevents the Manuka Honey from being dissolved into the blood stream too quickly before it gets into the stomach. Continue this regimen for 3 month or until symptoms dissipate. Results should occur within 3-6 days.

Stomach Ulcers / H. Pylori

If the cause of a stomach ulcer is determined to be the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, Manuka Honey can be used to treat it. It's powerful antibacterial properties eliminate the infectious bacteria and immediately begin to heal the inner lining of the stomach.

Directions: Take 3 teaspoons of Manuka Honey UMF 16 per day before meals and before bedtime, preferably on a piece of toast or a cracker. In the beginning you might experience a slight burning sensation. This should stop in 2-3 days and the natural antibacterial properties should begin taking effect.

Sore Throats / Strep Throat

Manuka Honey has antibacterial properties that are known to kill all bacteria, including streptococcus which causes sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe the throat and relieve pain.

Directions:Take 3 teaspoons of Manuka Honey every day, letting it drip slowly down your throat. Continue for at least a month to help destroy the entire population of streptococcus bacteria in the throat.

Gum Disease
Studies have shown that Manuka Honey can play a therapeutic role in treating gum disease and periodontal disease. It is proven to be unaffected by enzymes in the body. This means that the antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey cannot be destroyed by body fluids, allowing it to destroy the bacteria that causes gum disease. Manuka Honey can also prevent tooth decay and bad breath, both of which are also caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Directions: Apply Manuka Honey directly onto the gums immediately after brushing, using a cotton swab or your fingertip. In addition, take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and keep it inside your mouth, making sure it penetrated between teeth and onto the gums.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Diarrhea / Constipation

The presence of Manuka honey in the digestive system is proven to not only kill disease-causing bacteria but also improve the immune system by regenerating the probiotics in the gut.

Directions:Take 3 teaspoons per day, half an hour before meals.

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

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Medical Marvel that is Manuka Honey


What do the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans have in common? They all recognized honey as a powerful treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In fact, records show that honey has been prized for its natural healing properties as far back as 3000 BC.

During the mid 20th century, the era of modern antibiotic medicine began – and the use of honey as a medicinal treatment fell out of favor. Although antibiotics were initially heralded as the most effective weapon against bacteria, over time antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria began to develop. Today, many pharmaceutical companies aren't developing new antibiotics because of this growing problem.

That’s why there’s an urgent need for a new non-antibiotic treatment to fight infection. Honey is the answer. In fact, Manuka Honey from New Zealand is reported to have the highest levels of healing properties. More so than any other type of honey in the world. Extensive research demonstrates that Manuka honey contains very powerful healing properties, making it extremely effective for use in wound care and for maintaining general health and well-being.

In 1982, Professor Peter Molan, a scientist from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, discovered that honey harvested from the Manuka tree, native only to New Zealand, contains unique healing properties such as the following:

Bacteriostatic – Manuka honey creates an environment that inhibits bacterial growth.
Anti-inflammatory – Manuka honey reduces both acute and chronic inflammation, which helps reduce pain, scarring and hastens the healing process.
Antioxidant – Manuka honey contains high levels of antioxidants to help prevent the formation of free radicals, which can damage tissue.
Moisture-maintaining – Manuka honey creates and maintains a moist healing environment supporting the cell growth that is essential to effective wound healing.

Scientists and doctors around the world have recognized active, medical-grade Manuka honey as being more effective than ordinary honey. Therefore, it is important to know that Manuka honey is not the same as ordinary honey sold at supermarkets. Manuka honey is harvested from bees that pollinate the flowers that grow on the Manuka plant. This unique bush is native to New Zealand and renowned for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant healing properties.

Another critical difference between regular honey and Manuka honey is that regular honey undergoes heat treatment during the packaging process, which destroys the healing properties. Manuka honey is finely filtered to remove all processing particles but is usually sold raw and unprocessed with all enzymes and healing properties stable and intact. The result is an extremely pure, highly effective medical-grade honey that has very little in common with common honey. Higher quality brands of Manuka Honey are also laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency and rated on a scale from 0 through 30. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 16 is ideal for medicinal use and recommended for most applications.

Manuka honey has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria such as the following:

  • Staphylococcus aureus – staph infections.
  • MRSA – antibiotic-resistant staph infection.
  • E-coli – the most common cause of infected wounds.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes – common cause of sore throat.
  • Helicobacter pylori – a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers.
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) – another antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a common bacteria.
  • Enterococcus faecalis – a bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Salmonella – an illness-causing bacteria.

Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to:

  • Reduce swelling
  • Reduce pain
  • Reduce scarring

For maintaining general health and well-being, Manuka honey can be used to:

  • Stimulate the immune system
  • Fight infection
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Enhance digestive health
  • Support natural body defenses

Manuka honey is effective in treating a variety of external and internal health conditions:

External

  • Infected wounds
  • Scars
  • Skin protection
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Scrapes, cuts, burns, blisters
  • Ringworm
  • Insect bites/stings

Internal

  • Stomach, ear, urinary tract, eye, throat, sinus infections
  • Digestive health
  • Stimulates immune system
  • Sore/strep throat
  • Stomach aches/ulcers
  • Gum disease
  • Acid reflux, heartburn, gastritis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

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

Friday, June 18, 2010

Important Questions Answered about Manuka Honey


What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is produced by bees that utilize the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka plant (indigenous to New Zealand) also known as the Manuka tea tree.

What makes Manuka Honey different than ordinary honey?

All types of honey have some levels of healing properties. The differences between honeys are predicated on the plant-derived, floral nectar component used by the bees that produce it. Honey produced by bees that use the nectar of the Manuka flower contains far more healing properties than any other type of honey in the world. In addition, most Manuka Honey is raw and unprocessed. Most ordinary honey is heated and pasteurized so that it can flow easily through tubes during the packaging process. Most of the healing properties are destroyed when exposed to extreme heat. Raw honey contains live enzymes whereas processed honey is dead. Manuka Honey also contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants than other types of honey.

What are the benefits of using Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Since so many health complications are caused by some type of harmful, infectious microorganism, Manuka Honey can be used to treat conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite. For reasons that have not yet been discovered, Manuka Honey only seems to destroy the harmful bacteria but leaves the good bacteria necessary for normal functioning.

What can Manuka Honey be used for?

When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating internal conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, sore throats, strep throat, acid reflux disease, heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, cold and flu symptoms, etc.

When applied topically to the skin, Manuka Honey is effective in treating external conditions such as infected wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm (and other fungal infections), acne, MRSA Staph infections, pressure sores/bed sores, skin ulcers/diabetic foot ulcers, scars, wrinkles, surgical wounds, etc.

Manuka Honey can also be used to treat gum disease, sinus infections/sinusitis, urinary tract infections, eye infections, ear infections, arthritis, etc. Manuka Honey is particularly recognized for being able to successfully cure infections involving antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE, even when traditional forms of medicine have failed.

Is all Manuka Honey active and suitable for therapeutic use?

No. In New Zealand, where Manuka Honey is produced, a rating system exists that measures the antibacterial potency of the honey. The UMF rating system goes by a scale from 0 to 30. It’s generally accepted that Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered to be active/medical-grade. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 0 through 9 should only be used for food purposes or as a sweetener. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial potency. However, Manuka Honey with an extraordinarily high UMF rating is not desirable either (for example UMF 20, 25, 30). Manuka Honey that is overly potent is very rare, ridiculously expensive and completely overkill. In fact, there are reports of some people experiencing sensitivity to overly potent Manuka Honey, in the form of a burning or stinging sensation. The recommended potency for most applications is between UMF 10 and 16. UMF is an acronym for Unique Manuka Factor which refers to the antibacterial compound found in Manuka Honey.

Are there any downsides to using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes?

Manuka Honey has been found to have no negative side effects. Even though Manuka Honey is a better sweetening alternative for diabetics than table sugar, they should still ingest it in moderation. Honey of any kind should not be fed to infants under the age of 12 months old, because of the presence of botulism spores.

Can Manuka Honey be used as a dietary supplement?

Manuka Honey contains less calories than table sugar and is processed in the body more efficiently. Because it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it can also help to boost the immune system. Most people who take Manuka Honey on a regular basis find that they rarely get sick. Manuka Honey can also be an excellent energy booster. Table sugar is comprised mostly of sucrose, whereas Manuka Honey is comprised primarily of glucose and fructose. Sucrose has a tendency to spike blood sugar. However, Manuka Honey tends to stabilize blood sugar. The body uses the glucose for energy first. Once the glucose is done being used, the fructose is then converted to glucose and used to sustain energy longer.

If Manuka Honey has high sugar content, can it cause cavities or gum disease?

People think that sugar causes tooth decay and gum disease, but it is actually bacteria that does. Granted, bacteria feed on sugar and the more sugar there is in the mouth, the more bacteria will form. However, Manuka Honey contains such powerful antibacterial properties, that it destroys any bacteria present in the mouth that would normally cause tooth decay, gum disease or even bad breath.

Why is Manuka Honey so effective in treating wounds?

Manuka Honey contains powerful antibacterial properties that are effective in eliminating bacteria in a wound that may be causing infection, preventing the wound to heal. Manuka Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve any pain associated with the wound. It has been known to form a moist healing environment which allows the scab to lift naturally off the surface of the wound. This, in turn, allows the newly forming skin to regrow flush with the surface of the skin, rather than below the scab, which would under normal circumstances, create deformity or scarring. The moist healing environment created by Manuka Honey also allows wound dressings to be changed without tearing off newly formed skin. Manuka Honey also has the ability to repair damaged skin and regenerate new skin growth at a faster rate than usual.

Can Manuka Honey also be used for cosmetic purposes?

Manuka Honey is considered to be a humectant, which means it has the ability to draw moisture from the atmosphere and lock it into skin cells. This makes it a desirable ingredient to use in cosmetic products. From an anti-aging perspective, Manuka Honey has been found to increase the production of collagen fibers and improve upon the elasticity of the skin. This visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Manuka Honey also protects the skin from free radical damage which is also another cause of aging.

How do you use Manuka Honey?

For internal use, it is recommended that one teaspoon of Manuka Honey be taken before breakfast, lunch and dinner and maybe even a fourth time before bed. If taking Manuka Honey orally off a spoon is not desirable, it can be spread on a piece of bread or toast. For maintenance purposes, one teaspoon per day is fine. For external use, Manuka Honey should be applied directly to the affected area, 1-2 times per day. If the affected area is in a location that can be easily smeared off, place the Manuka Honey on a bandage and then apply the bandage directly to the affected area. To avoid the sticky mess associated with using Manuka Honey topically, it is recommended to use a skin care product that contains Manuka Honey.

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

Monday, June 7, 2010

Manuka Honey for Good Health and Natural Healing


Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, honey has been used for its healing powers. Today, one particular type of honey is being used in hospitals and homes around the world. That honey is Manuka Honey, which has become world renowned for its medical properties. Manuka honey is a mono-floral honey, meaning that the bees use the nectar from only one floral source. In this case, that source is the Manuka plant, indigenous to New Zealand. This unique type of honey contains powerful antimicrobial properties that can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Internally, Manuka Honey can be used for stomach ulcers (Helicobacter Pylori), sore throats (Streptococcus Pyogenes) and for general health and wellness. Many people have reported feeling better and having more energy just from taking Manuka honey on a regular basis. Topically on the skin, Manuka Honey has proven effective in healing wounds, burns, sores, ulcers, acne, boils, damaged skin and eczema. It provides a germ-free healing environment, ideal for infected wounds. Clinical studies also show that Manuka Honey heals wounds faster with less skin scarring.

All honey has some antibacterial activity because of its ability to produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide. However, the difference in potency can vary more than 100-fold between different honeys. Researchers have discovered that Manuka Honey has another type of antibacterial activity in addition to the hydrogen peroxide activity that is not present in other types of honey. This unique Manuka factor is more effective against many types of infectious microorganisms. It also remains effective in body tissues and fluids, whereas the healing properties in other types of honey are easily broken down by enzymes in the body.

For general wellness, simply take a teaspoon of Manuka honey each day. For more severe conditions such as stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, etc., it is recommended that you take one teaspoon about 30 minutes before meals, either off the spoon or on a piece of toast. For strep or sore throats, let the honey slide down you throat slowly. For external use, apply Manuka honey directly to the affected area 1-2 times per day. If this becomes too much of a sticky mess, try using Manuka Honey skin care products.

It’s important to buy Manuka honey from a reputable source. Some Manuka Honey is not potent enough to be suitable for medicinal use. Only use active, medical-grade Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16.

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

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Medicinal Honey and Apitherapy


It is scientifically known that honey is the most valuable bee byproduct. Even more so than propolis, bee venom, royal jelly and beeswax. Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars, mainly fructose, glucose, and maltose, with traces of sucrose, glucose oxidase, hydrogen peroxide, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes, etc. These sugars make honey hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) and viscous. The flavanoids, phenolic and terpenes make honey antibacterial and prevent microbial growth.

Researchers are now paying particularly close attention to a special type of honey that seems to have more healing properties than all the others. This unique type of honey is known as Manuka Honey which is derived from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka tea tree, indigenous to New Zealand.

Studies have proven that Manuka Honey is effective as a wound dressing and disinfectant. Manuka Honey has antibacterial activity, due primarily to hydrogen peroxide formed in a slow-release manner by certain enzymes that are present in the honey. The difference in antibacterial potency among different honeys is more than 100-fold. However, active Manuka Honey contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from Manuka plants. This additional antibacterial component has become known as the unique manuka factor (UMF). There is evidence that the two antibacterial components (hydrogen peroxide and UMF) may have a synergistic action. The unique manuka factor is not affected by the catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum, which also makes Manuka Honey more ideal for medical use than other honeys.

Manuka Honey is ideal for the promotion of health and well being. It can be used for healing of wounds, burns and gastric ulcers. The basis for the wound healing properties of Manuka Honey is its antibacterial, moisturizing, fluid removal and oxygen barrier properties. These healing properties are provided by a high concentration of glucose which is not only a highly nutritional component but also increases protective function of liver, strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves the body's resistibility towards infections and stimulates the immune system. Manuka Honey also contains high concentrations of vitamins, micro-elements, minerals and antioxidants.

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

Thursday, May 13, 2010

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.

Monday, April 26, 2010

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.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Don't Be Fooled by Cheap Manuka Honey


As this unique type of medical honey from New Zealand becomes more popular, knock offs continue to confuse consumers.

Most people are familiar with honey's ability to heal. In the old days, doctors used honey to treat wounds when other dressings weren't available and grandmothers have been healing sore throats with honey for ages. Honey derived from the Manuka plant, indigenous to New Zealand, seems to have far more healing properties than other types of honey. Manuka Honey has become a hot commodity as a result of medical reports proving its impressive healing qualities. It now being used to successfully treat stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease, irritable bowl syndrome, cold and flu symptoms, acne, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, etc.

Manuka Honey's curative properties are due in part to it's antibacterial activity. Since Manuka Honey contains antibacterial compounds not found in other types of honey, it commands a higher price. This has consumers scouring the Internet in search of the best price for Manuka Honey. There are some retailers that sell inexpensive Manuka Honey. However, the quality of this honey is not what people have come to expect from Manuka Honey. The antibacterial potency can vary depending on the floral nectar component. This could make the difference between medical-grade honey and ordinary honey. It could also mean the difference between premium and cheap Manuka Honey.

There are a few infallible ways of determining if Manuka Honey is of medical-grade quality. At this particular time, Manuka Honey is produced only in New Zealand. Premium Manuka Honey should have a rating on the label that indicates its antibacterial potency. For example, UMF 16 is most desirable for medicinal use. Manuka Honey that is less potent may not be effective in treating medical conditions and Manuka Honey that is more potent may cause a burning sensation.

The UMF trademark indicates that the supplier is regulated and is required to perform laboratory tests on the honey to measure its antibacterial potency. There should also be a license number listed somewhere on the label. When the label merely lists a number without the letters "UMF" or just refers to it as "active", there is no assurance that it is truly medical-grade. In fact, in the U.S., the FDA does not regard honey of any kind as being active. Therefore, FDA regulations bar suppliers from referring to honey as being an active ingredient. Suppliers that indicate honey as being active on the label are in violation of FDA regulations.

In the near future, a new rating system may become standardized in the Manuka Honey industry. The Molan Gold Standard may soon replace the UMF rating system. These two standards are the only ones that should be trusted. If a jar of Manuka Honey does not say UMF or Molan Gold Standard on the label, you have no way of knowing if a laboratory test was performed to measure its antibacterial potency. Manuka Honey without these indicators are usually less expensive, as well as less effective. Don't be fooled by low cost Manuka Honey. It does not work the same as premium Manuka Honey.

"Choosing the right grade of Manuka Honey is crucial," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Otherwise, the Manuka Honey you purchase might have no more healing properties than the ordinary honey you can find in your local supermarket. As always, you get what you pay for." Honeymark is the largest importer of Manuka Honey in the U.S. and a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products.

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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Honeymark Offers Discounts on Manuka Honey


Manuka Honey is gaining worldwide notoriety for its amazing, natural healing properties. Capable of treating conditions such as stomach ulcers, strep throat, acid reflux disease, IBS, MRSA and many other health conditions, this natural healer has become a viable treatment alternative to antibiotics and other traditional forms of medication.

In New Zealand where Manuka Honey comes from, it has been used as a medicine for decades, and therefore, is priced as such. Manuka Honey can cost on average about 7-8 times more than ordinary honey due to it's ability to cure many health conditions. Add international shipping, taxes and customs fees into the mix, and Manuka Honey can be quite the expensive commodity for U.S. consumers.

Honeymark has announced a cost-effective solution to the high price of Manuka Honey. If you purchase 5 jars of Manuka Honey, you will get one free with free shipping. If you purchase 11 jars of Manuka Honey, you'll get 2 free, with free shipping. These are full-sized 500 gram jars, which is equivalent to 17.64 ounces or about 1.1 pounds.

Each batch of Manuka Honey that is imported from New Zealand is laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency to ensure that it is active, medical-grade and certified UMF 16. This is the most ideal grade to use for medicinal purposes. It is important to know that Manuka Honey never spoils or expires. Its powerful antibacterial properties make it impossible for harmful microbes to form. Therefore, buying Manuka Honey in bulk and storing it for future use is of no concern.

"For people interested in a natural alternative to treat their health concerns, Manuka Honey is an ideal option," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Antibiotics are no longer considered to be the most desirable treatment method. Manuka Honey is highly effective without the risk of negative side effects. It's the future of medicine."

For more information or to purchase Honeymark's 12 jar or 6 jar discount, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com. Single jars of Manuka Honey are also available.