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.

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.

Doctors Find the Health Benefits of Manuka Honey to be Buzz Worthy

Medical professionals have discovered that a particular type of honey from New Zealand contains special healing properties that make it effective in treating many different types of symptoms.


Since the dawn of time, honey has been used for medical purposes. Honey is an ideal natural medicine, mostly because of its antibacterial properties. In the mid 1940s when antibiotics were invented, doctors assumed they were a better treatment option than honey. Even today, most western doctors are trained to believe in pharmaceuticals, not natural alternatives. However, with the dilemma of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, the medical community is desperate for other solutions.

In addition to antibiotic resistance and an array of negative side effects, antibiotics have another downside. Antibiotics are indiscriminate killers, destroying as much bacteria in the body as they can. This removes the good bacteria along with the bad. The body contains intestinal flora that is necessary for normal functioning. Honey offers a better solution by destroying only the harmful, infectious bacteria and leaving good bacteria.

There are many different types of honey. Before you go digging through your food cabinet, it's important to know that some honeys have more healing properties than others. This is predicated on the floral nectar used by the bees that produced it. Manuka Honey from New Zealand has been found to have a significantly higher level of antibacterial activity than any other type of honey.

Even Manuka Honey should be chosen wisely. Only medical-grade Manuka Honey should be used for medicinal purposes. In the U.S., the nutritional supplements industry is not regulated by the FDA the way pharmaceuticals are. For example, you can go to a health food store to purchase a bottle of vitamins without knowing that they are only 10% potent. The same goes for honey. Unfortunately, the FDA onlhy regards honey as a food item, not a medicinal item. Therefore, there is no regulatory standards to measure the antibacterial potency of honey in the U.S.

However, in New Zealand where Manuka Honey comes from, a rating system exists. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16 is ideal for medicinal use. Less than UMF 10 is not potent enough and more than UMF 16 is too potent and usually overpriced. A medium range is most desirable. Using Manuka Honey without an active UMF rating is not recommended.

When using an active, medical-grade Manuka Honey, it is possible to effectively treat conditions such as sore throats, strep throat, stomach ulcers, cold and flu symptoms, acid reflux disease, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, etc. Manuka Honey can also be used topically on the skin to treat infected wounds, acne, ringworm, cold sores, pressure sores, skin ulcers, MRSA, etc.

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

Honey, the Ultimate Natural Antibacterial Agent

Honeymark, a manufacturer of skin care products, uses honey as a main ingredient because of its ability to kill bacteria and other infectious microbes.

Most people think of honey as merely a food item. However, honey is gaining its well-deserved notoriety as a medicinal ingredient because of its powerful antibacterial properties. There are four main characteristics of honey that are responsible for its ability to kill bacteria: Osmolarity, acidity, hydrogen peroxide and floral nectar.

Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugar that is high in osmolarity. It is this osmolarity that allows honey to destroy bacteria and fungus by drawing moisture for their cells. Fungal and bacterial cells require moisture to survive. Therefore, honey destroys bacteria and fungi by dehydration.

In addition to honey's osmotic effect, its acidity plays an important role in its antibacterial activity. Honey contains a number of acids, including amino acids and organic acids. Honey has a pH between 3.2 and 4.5 which inhibits the growth of bacteria. The optimum pH for growth of these species normally falls between 7.2 and 7.4.

The hydrogen peroxide producing capacity of honey is believed to be the main reason for its antibacterial activity. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria on contact and has been widely used for that very purpose. However, straight hydrogen peroxide is unstable and rapidly loses its effectiveness when exposed to air and light. It can also damage tissue when used in high concentrations. However, honey produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide over a prolonged period of time. This slow-release capability makes honey particularly ideal for treating infected wounds.

The variation of honey's antibacterial properties are predicated on the floral source, more specifically, the nectar used by the honeybees that produce the honey. Some types of honey contain more antibacterial properties than others. It has been determined that Manuka Honey from New Zealand has the highest amount of antibacterial properties than any other type of honey. Manuka Honey is made by bees that gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka tree which can be found predominately in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. It is believed that the floral components of Manuka Honey enhance the other antimicrobial properties that are present, creating a synergistic action that is optimal for therapeutic use.

In addition to Manuka Honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it has been determined that it stimulates B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply which boosts the body's immune system. Manuka Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain when used topically on the skin. Manuka Honey is also rich in vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids.

Manuka Honey has a miraculous way of repairing damaged skin and regenerating new skin growth which is why it is an excellent natural ingredient to use in skin care products. A company called Honeymark has developed a line of skin care products that contain Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. Honeymark's line includes the following products:

• Acne Cream
  
  
• Anti-Fungal Solution
  
  
• Anti-Itch Cream
  
  
• Antiseptic Spray
  
  
• Anti-Wrinkle Serum
  
  
• First Aid Antiseptic Lotion
  
  
• Hand Sanitizing Gel
  
  
• Liquid Hand Soap
  
  
• Pain Relief Cream
  
  

Blended with other useful ingredients, Honeymark products take the sticky mess out of applying honey directly to the skin. Honeymark also sells pure Manuka Honey for individuals who are interested in taking advantage of its internal uses. When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, soar throats, steph throat, acid reflux disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cold and flu symptoms, etc.

"Manuka Honey has far more impressive healing qualities than any other type of honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Honey was used for medicinal purposes for many years before modern-day medicines were invented. With growing concerns of the negative side effects associated with the use of pharmaceuticals along with the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain drug-resistant strains of infectious bacteria, honey is slowing finding its way back into the favor of medical professionals around the world."

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

Honey, Natures Medicine

It has been discovered that honey contains natural healing properties that are capable of treating a wide range of health conditions.

The idea of using honey as a medicine should not be viewed as being far-fetched. After all, honey is derived from the nectar of flowers and many plants are well known for their medicinal qualities. Honeybees enhance the medicinal qualities of the nectar by adding enzymes to it when producing honey.

Honey is considered to be antimicrobial and capable of destroying many of the infectious microorganisms that cause disease and health complications. Whether it's a bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite, honey inhibits these pesty little microbes from causing harm. Honey has been known to be effective in destroying the following pathogens:

* Bacillus anthracis
* Corynebacterium diphtheriae
* Escherichia coli
* Haemophilus influenzae
* Listeria monocytogenes
* Mycobactyerium tuberulosis
* Pasteurella multocida
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa
* Salmonella
* Serratia marcescens
* Shigella
* Staphylococcus aureus
* Streptococcus species
* Vibrio cholerae

Honey’s antibacterial properties vary predicated on the floral source, more specifically, the flowers that the bees gather nectar from. Some types of honey are more effective as a medicine than others. For example, Manuka Honey from New Zealand is exceptionally effective in treating many conditions from stomach ulcers to MRSA Staph infections. Manuka Honey’s healing properties are due to osmolarity, acidity, hydrogen peroxide and unique plant derived components. As a result, Manuka Honey is being viewed as an excellent alternative to traditional forms of medicine, particularly in cases where conventional medicine has proven to be ineffective.

“The therapeutic potential of honey is grossly underestimated and underutilized,” says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, which is a manufacturer of health care products containing active Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. “It’s health benefits, both internally and topically on the skin, are being recognized worldwide and will most likely replace many chemical-based ingredients in health care products in the future.”

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

Healing with Manuka Honey

There are many creative ways to mix Manuka Honey into everyday personal care items for a variety of different uses. Here are some ideas...

Alternative to Mouthwash
Instead of using mouthwash to cure bad breath, Manuka Honey could be a much better option. Mouthwash contains alcohol which not only kills the germs that cause bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay, but it also kills all of the good bacteria that should be present in the mouth. Instead, try putting a teaspoon of Manuka Honey in your mouth and swooshing it around for about 30 seconds. The Manuka Honey will immediately begin to dissolve in your mouth and liquefy. Its natural antibacterial properties will destroy all harmful bacteria and leave the good bacteria. In addition to causing bad breath, cavities and gum disease, this harmful bacteria in your mouth has also been linked to heart disease. Using Manuka Honey for oral care is an excellent daily practice.

Lice and Dandruff
Manuka Honey has also been known to successfully treat dandruff and lice. Try mixing a tablespoon of Manuka Honey with your shampoo and/or conditioner each time you shower. In addition to being effective in treating dandruff and lice, Manuka Honey will also make your hair look and feel healthier.

Naturally Moist Lips
Take your favorite lip balm and cut off a pea-size amount. Then smear in a small amount of Manuka Honey and apply a thin layer to your lips. Mixing it with your lip balm will take the sticky mess out of applying pure Manuka Honey to your lips. The Manuka Honey will lock in the moisture, eliminating dry cracks and softening your lips.

Facial Mask
Cook 1/2 cup of oatmeal and let it sit until it's cool. If you're impatient, you can try putting it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Then mix in about 2 heaping tablespoons of Manuka Honey. Wash your face to get any impurities off. Using your fingers, smear the oatmeal/honey mixture on your face. Leave on and lie on your back for about 30 minutes to ensure the mixture doesn't fall off your face. Then wash your face again and you'll find your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Sinus Infections
Since Manuka Honey contains powerful antibacterial properties, it only makes sense that it could be used to combat the bacteria that cause sinus infections. Take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and mix it with salt water or saline solution. Then put it in a nasal spray or pump and squirt it into your nostrils. If you can't get your hands on a nasal sprayer, mix a heaping tablespoon of Manuka Honey in a cup with salt water and suck it up in your nose. It won't be fun but it will help your sinus infection.

Cracked Heals
If the heals of your feet are severely dry and cracked, it could make walking or standing uncomfortable or even painful. However, combining Manuka Honey and olive oil and applying a thin layer of the mixture to your heals is a quick home remedy. Do this at night before you go to bed and let it soak into your skin over night while you sleep. Repeat this for a week or as necessary.

Manuka Honey has many other uses both internally and topically on the skin. For more information or to buy Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

Manuka Honey Benefits

Derived from a floral source indigenous to New Zealand, this special type of honey is effective in destroying microorganisms responsible for many negative health conditions.

Honey was originally used for medical purposes due to its antibacterial properties. However, it was replaced by antibiotics and other forms of traditional medicine in the 1940s and 1950s. Due to recent studies, there is now an increasing interest in honey as a topical antibacterial agent for the treatment of infected wounds, burns, eczema, ringworm and other bacterial and fungal infections.

The antibacterial properties of honey are a result of its high levels of sugar, acidity, osmolarity and hydrogen peroxide content. Manuka Honey is different in that its antibacterial activity is not only attributed to hydrogen peroxide, but also plant-derived components, such as methylglyoxal and what some experts refer to as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF.

Wounds in laboratory studies were healed more rapidly by wound dressings containing Manuka Honey than by using standard types of honey. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is also very susceptible to the antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey, making it a valuable resource in treating MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

The antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey has been observed in many studies around the world. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey is effective in destroying the following bacterial and fungal microorganisms:

• Escherichia coli
  
• Staphylococcus aureus
  
• Citrobacter freundii
  
• Proteus mirabilis
  
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  
• Salmonella typhimurium
  
• Streptococcus faecalis
  
• Streptococcus pyogenes
  
• Helicobacter Pylori
  

Research also indicates that Manuka Honey inhibits enzymes called cysteine proteases, which have been implicated in muscle-wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy, viral replication, tumor invasion and metastasis.

"Manuka Honey is the best thing to happen to the medical industry in decades," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, which is manufacturer of skin care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "At a time when consumers are losing faith in pharmaceuticals and gaining faith in natural alternatives, Manuka Honey is gaining its well-deserved recognition."

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