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.

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.

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.

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.

Floral Nectar Component of Honey

The nectar of the flowers that honeybees use to produce honey can dramatically effect the flavor, color and medicinal properties of the honey itself.

Some honey is considered to be multi-floral which means that the honeybees used the nectar of several different types of flowers to produce the honey. Beekeepers that want to make a specific type of mono-floral honey will place their hives within close proximity to a certain type of plant so that bees don't have to travel far from their hives in order to collect the nectar. After gathering the nectar, the honeybees go back to their hives where they add enzymes to it to form honey.

Some types of honey are more suitable for medical use than others. For example, Manuka Honey from New Zealand has been found to have the most healing properties out of any other type of honey. As a result, Manuka Honey is now being used for medical purposes to treat conditions such as ulcers, wounds, burns, acid reflux, eczema, fungal and bacterial infections.

The antibacterial variation among floral nectars and the types of honey that are made from various nectars are due to several factors. Some nectar contains catalase, which is an enzyme that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. This diminishes the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide producing mechanism of honey which makes it undesirable for medicinal use. Other nectars contain substances with high antibacterial activity. For example, nectar that is derived from the Manuka Tea Tree has been found to contain antibacterial elements such as methylglyoxal and a substance that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Manuka Honey has also been found to contain flavonoids which contribute to its antibacterial properties as well as a very high antioxidant activity.

In addition to its antibacterial effect, Manuka Honey has other significant health benefits. Manuka Honey enhances the immune system by stimulating B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply. It also has the ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell growth, making it ideal as a wound dressing.

"Regardless of the floral nectar component, all types of honey contain medicinal properties," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of skin care products that contains Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. "However, Manuka Honey contains healing properties not found in any other type of honey which is why we use it in our products. The results we get from this unique type of honey outperforms traditional forms of medicine in most cases." Manuka Honey has also been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes.

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

The Hydrogen Peroxide Producing Capacity of Honey

Honey's ability to produce hydrogen peroxide is one of the main reasons for its antibacterial activity, making it ideal for treating infected wounds.

Hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria on contact and has been widely used for that purpose. However, straight hydrogen peroxide is unstable and rapidly loses its effectiveness when exposed to air or light. Hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations can also damaged skin tissue. Therefore, the use of pure hydrogen peroxide has lost its popularity among doctors and other medical professionals.

What most people don't know is that honey has the necessary components to produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide in a slow-release manner. This makes honey an ideal substance to use in the treatment of infected wounds and other bacterial disorders.

The slow-release mechanism in honey that produces hydrogen peroxide is a chemical reaction. Honey contains glucose and an enzyme added by honeybees called glucose oxidase. Under the right conditions, glucose oxidase has the ability to break down glucose into hydrogen peroxide.

Honey itself does not have the right conditions for this reaction to occur. To become active and begin breaking down the glucose in honey, the glucose oxidase requires a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. The pH of undiluted honey is between 3.2 and 4.5 which is far too low to activate the enzyme. Another condition is also required before the glucose oxidase becomes active. For the enzyme to break glucose down into hydrogen peroxide, a certain amount of sodium most be present.

Honey alone does not contain enough sodium to make this happen. However, skin and body fluids have relatively high pH and sodium levels. When honey comes in contact with skin or an open wound, the high pH and sodium levels activate the glucose oxidase and it begins to break down the glucose, releasing hydrogen peroxide.

"It would take a pharmaceutical company many years and billions of dollars to develop an antimicrobial product that could even come close to being as effective in treating wounds as honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of skin care products that contains Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. "Even then, it is doubtful that they could create a product that is equally as effective in treating infection as honey."

Manuka Honey from New Zealand is now being used for medical purposes because it seems to contain the most amount of healing properties than any other type of honey. Manuka Honey has even been found to be effective in treating conditions such as MRSA Staph infections, where antibiotics have failed. Buonanotte says that in addition to Manuka Honey's ability to naturally produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide, it also contains unique floral nectar components that are not found in other types of honey.

Many people have lost sight of the fact that honey was used for medicinal purposes many years before modern-day medicine was invented. It is believed that honey will soon make a comeback in the medical industry as antibiotics and traditional forms of medicine become less effective against more resilient mutated bacterial strains. Unlike many pharmaceuticals, honey has been found to have no negative side effects when used for medical purposes. Medical-grade honey can also be used in addition to prescribed medication without causing any conflict.

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

Understanding Medical Grade Manuka Honey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genuine UMF Manuka Honey must comply with the following criteria:

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

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

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

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, the Medicine of Choice for Many

After being forgotten as a viable treatment source, honey is being rediscovered as a preferred method of healing a wide spectrum of health conditions, both internally and topically on the skin.

Many cultures have embraced the concept of using honey as a medicine. Cave paintings in Spain dating as far back as 7000 B.C. show men collecting honey from a bee colony. The medicinal properties of honey have been known since ancient times. A Sumerian tablet from around 3000 B.C. prescribes honey to treat an infected skin ulcer. Papyrus writings dated 2000 B.C. from Egypt prescribes honey to treat a gaping wound of the eyebrow. Before modern-day medicine as we know it was invented, honey was used for its medicinal properties.

The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans all used honey to treat a variety of ailments. Around 350 B.C., Aristotle wrote about honey being used to treat wounds and sore eyes. Muhammad, the Muslim prophet, recommended honey to treat diarrhea, and the Koran mentions the curative properties of honey.

Once the therapeutic value of honey was discovered, it was widely used regularly as for medical purposes. Ancient cultures accepted the use of honey as a medicine. The medicinal benefits of honey were passed on from generation to generation, and today honey is a popular medicine in many parts of the world, with a notable exception of the United States.

Why not the U.S.? Many in the American medical community still view honey as a food item and well outside the mainstream of medicine. Many U.S. doctors are reluctant to even experiment with honey for fear of being ostracized by their peers. However, European and other countries have a long history of honey and its medicinal benefits.

One U.S. company has made major strides in bringing the use of honey as a medicine back into the limelight. Honeymark International, a New York-based company uses a particular type of honey from New Zealand known as Manuka Honey in its products. Even though all types of honey have medicinal qualities, Manuka Honey seems to have more than others.

When using Manuka Honey to treat internal ailments, such as stomach ulcers, strep throat, acid reflux, etc., ingesting it is easy because many of us enjoy eating honey, and it tastes better than medicine. However, using Manuka Honey topically on the skin can be somewhat of a sticky mess. Honeymark has developed skin care products containing active Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent to avoid this inconvenience. Honeymark's cream-based products and lotions make it easy to take advantages of the health benefits of Manuka Honey.

Honeymark offers a line of Manuka Honey skin care products to treat conditions such as infected wounds, burns, eczema, ringworm, acne, arthritis and even wrinkles. Manuka Honey has very powerful antibacterial properties that make it ideal for eliminating infectious bacteria that are responsible for many health concerns. One of Manuka Honey's greatest accolades is its ability to health MRSA Staph infections, where antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine have failed.

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.

Using Manuka Honey as a Natural Healing Agent

Recent studies have uncovered the extraordinary healing powers of a special type of honey only found in the New Zealand region.

Scientists and chemists have combed the far reaches of the earth in search of natural ingredients that can be used for medicinal purposes. One of the more recent discoveries is that of a unique type of honey that is so effective in treating certain health conditions that it has even outperformed medicine in some cases. This medical-grade honey is known as bio-active Manuka Honey.

Manuka Honey is a premium mono-floral honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush, which is indigenous to New Zealand. It has been discovered that honey made from this nectar contains certain plant-derived components that are very effective in treating a wide spectrum of health conditions.

When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating stomach aches, stomach ulcers, sore throats, acid reflux disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cold and flu symptoms, etc. Manuka Honey can also be used topically on the skin to treat conditions such as acne, wounds, burns, wrinkles, eczema, ringworm and even MRSA Staph infections.

Some people are under the misconception that if they consume Manuka Honey by taking it orally, it can be effective in treating some of these topical conditions. Even though Manuka Honey has many health benefits when ingested, it has to be applied directly to the affected area to work. For example, to treat an infected wound, Manuka Honey has to come in direct contact with the bacteria that is causing the infection. Manuka Honey doesn't work the same way that antibiotics do, so for some uses, Manuka Honey needs to be applied to the skin.

If the idea of putting honey on your skin is not desirable, a Long Island-based manufacturer of skin care products called Honeymark imports Manuka Honey from New Zealand and blends it into their products for a much more user-friendly application. For example, Manuka Honey is effective in treating Athlete's Foot. However, smearing Manuka Honey all over your foot might be somewhat uncomfortable and impractical. Honeymark's Anti-Fungal Solution contains Manuka Honey but is a liquid-based product so that it can be easily applied to the skin, without the sticky mess.

"Using honey as a medicine is no longer considered a home remedy," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Even though honey has been used for medical purposes in many cultures for thousands of years, Manuka Honey from New Zealand has been found to have additional healing properties not found in other types of honey, making it a viable treatment alternative to expensive, and in some cases, ineffective medication."

Honeymark plans to increase its line of Manuka Honey skin care products in the first quarter of 2009. Such new products will include a Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion, all of which will contain Manuka Honey. Honeymark also plans on releasing their own brand of pure Manuka Honey for consumers interested in utilizing Manuka Honey for internal purposes.

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