Honey produced from a native plant of New Zealand is being used as an ingredient in wound care products and is outperforming antibiotics in clearing infection and destroying bacteria.
Researchers have established that some types of honey can promote wound healing including Staph infections, leg ulcers, pressure soars and burns. Honey has been used as a therapeutic ointment in folk medicine for many years. However, recent studies have begun to explore the biochemical mechanisms which are involved in using honey for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey is a particular type of honey that is produced from bees that feed upon flowers that grow on the native tea trees in New Zealand (Leptospermum plant). This honey has been proven to have the most antibacterial properties, more so than other honeys.
Honey derived from the Leptospermum plant is now believed to have healing properties that far supercede the healing qualities of other types of honey and in some cases, even antibiotics. Manuka Honey has specific curative powers and contains extremely potent antibacterial properties. Honey helps to keep a wound moist, which makes the wound heal faster. However, a moist environment also promotes bacterial growth which is why only Manuka Honey should be used for wound care. Standard honey is only slightly antibacterial. The high sugar content in honey binds to the water molecules, denying bacteria the moisture that they require to grow.
The main antibacterial component in honey is hydrogen peroxide which is produced by the enzyme, glucose oxidase. Bees add this enzyme when making the honey from the nectar of flowers. In standard honey not produced from Leptospermum, the antibacterial effect of hydrogen peroxide is limited by the fact that the body has an enzyme which breaks it down rapidly. Manuka Honey is stable and does not lose its effectiveness when diluted by wound fluids.
In addition to hydrogen peroxide, there is an additional antibacterial property found in Manuka Honey that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. This additional antibacterial component is not broken down the way hydrogen peroxide is which makes it more effective in destroying bacteria. Additionally, UMF is able to penetrate deep into the depths of skin tissue making it possible to reach deep-seated infections. Manuka Honey also stimulates white blood cells, quickens the healing process and reduces scarring while its natural anti-inflammatory properties helps reduce pain.
Manuka Honey is now being considered an extremely important factor in the fight against antibiotic-resistant organisms. Even when diluted, Manuka Honey is still capable of inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant staph aureus. This gives Manuka Honey a competitive edge over conventional antibiotics.
"Manuka Honey can eradicate E. coli, Salmonella, VRE, Helicobacter pylori and even kill antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria including the hospital-associated superbug, MRSA," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, a manufacturer of health care products that utilizes Manuka Honey as main ingredient. "In addition to having strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been found to have no known side effects, making it an amazing natural resource."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Honey Can be Used to Treat Wounds
A manufacturer of health care products has identified the amazing natural healing qualities of a particular type of honey and is using it as a main ingredient in their products.
Before antibiotics came about, it was common for honey to be used as a medicine to treat wounds and to prevent infection. After being forgotten as a healing agent, honey’s effectiveness is being reevaluated for the treatment of wounds, burns, insect bites, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, ringworm, etc. Honey has been known to heal even the most heavily infected wounds without negative side effects.
The existence of hydrogen peroxide in honey disinfects and heals wounds due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide regulates the amount of oxygen getting to cells and increases the oxygenation of skin tissue.
Honey also creates a moist healing barrier which prevents wounds from sticking to bandages, therefore preventing the damaging of new skin tissue. Scarring is also reduced when using honey as a wound dressing because skin cells grow without forming a scab. In addition, honey produces a protective barrier around the wound, preventing cross-infection.
The nutrients found in honey helps healthy tissue regrow and promotes the regeneration of new blood capillaries. Honey also contains amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and sugar which help in the healing process. The Vitamin C content in honey plays a role in collagen synthesis. Honey is also extremely acidic which assists in the healing process because bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment.
The high sugar content in honey has an osmosis effect on wounds by drawing lymph out and absorbing moisture. As a result, dirt and debris is lifted from the wound bed which induces sloughing of necrotic tissue. Honey has also been known to have an anti-inflammatory action which reduces swelling and pain. Honey has been proven to be more effective than silver sulfadiazine and polyurethane film dressings for the treatment of burns.
A particular type of honey found in New Zealand called Manuka Honey seems to have more healing properties than other types of honey. Bees gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka Tree and use this nectar to produce this special type of honey containing powerful antibacterial properties. In addition to the hydrogen peroxide found in most types of honey, Manuka Honey contains a another type of antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. This other antibacterial activity is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy the hydrogen peroxide components. It is also unaffected by light, heat or aging. Manuka Honey maintains its potency even when diluted over 50 times as will happen when used on the body as a wound dressing. It also has the ability to diffuse deep into the skin reaching affected areas.
"Active Manuka is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent that is capable of destroying E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of health care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a main ingredient. "Its antibacterial properties are even effective against antibiotic-resistant superbugs such as MRSA and can be used in cases where traditional forms of medicine don't work."
Honeymark has a line of Manuka Honey products ranging from wound care to antifungal solutions. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Before antibiotics came about, it was common for honey to be used as a medicine to treat wounds and to prevent infection. After being forgotten as a healing agent, honey’s effectiveness is being reevaluated for the treatment of wounds, burns, insect bites, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, ringworm, etc. Honey has been known to heal even the most heavily infected wounds without negative side effects.
The existence of hydrogen peroxide in honey disinfects and heals wounds due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide regulates the amount of oxygen getting to cells and increases the oxygenation of skin tissue.
Honey also creates a moist healing barrier which prevents wounds from sticking to bandages, therefore preventing the damaging of new skin tissue. Scarring is also reduced when using honey as a wound dressing because skin cells grow without forming a scab. In addition, honey produces a protective barrier around the wound, preventing cross-infection.
The nutrients found in honey helps healthy tissue regrow and promotes the regeneration of new blood capillaries. Honey also contains amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and sugar which help in the healing process. The Vitamin C content in honey plays a role in collagen synthesis. Honey is also extremely acidic which assists in the healing process because bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment.
The high sugar content in honey has an osmosis effect on wounds by drawing lymph out and absorbing moisture. As a result, dirt and debris is lifted from the wound bed which induces sloughing of necrotic tissue. Honey has also been known to have an anti-inflammatory action which reduces swelling and pain. Honey has been proven to be more effective than silver sulfadiazine and polyurethane film dressings for the treatment of burns.
A particular type of honey found in New Zealand called Manuka Honey seems to have more healing properties than other types of honey. Bees gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka Tree and use this nectar to produce this special type of honey containing powerful antibacterial properties. In addition to the hydrogen peroxide found in most types of honey, Manuka Honey contains a another type of antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. This other antibacterial activity is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy the hydrogen peroxide components. It is also unaffected by light, heat or aging. Manuka Honey maintains its potency even when diluted over 50 times as will happen when used on the body as a wound dressing. It also has the ability to diffuse deep into the skin reaching affected areas.
"Active Manuka is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent that is capable of destroying E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of health care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a main ingredient. "Its antibacterial properties are even effective against antibiotic-resistant superbugs such as MRSA and can be used in cases where traditional forms of medicine don't work."
Honeymark has a line of Manuka Honey products ranging from wound care to antifungal solutions. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Manuka Honey Heals Wounds, Clears Infection and Reduces Pain
The sugars, nutrients and enzymes found in Manuka Honey create a very powerful antibacterial action that makes it possible to use as a dressing for wounds and burns.
Some people may find it hard to conceptualize the use of honey for medical purposes. However, the truth is, many years ago, before the advent of antibiotics and what we consider to be modern medicine, many cultures used honey for medicinal purposes. When antibiotics were invented, doctors were under the misconception that they were better than honey. New case studies are starting to prove otherwise.
There are many different types of honey with varying antibacterial levels. Researchers have found that the most potent type of honey is one that comes from New Zealand called Manuka Honey. The differences in honey is predicated on the floral source, meaning the nectar of the flower that the honeybees use when manufacturing the honey. Manuka Honey is produced when bees use nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush which is native to New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. Manuka Honey has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of wounds.
Manuka Honey provides a moist healing environment and prevents bacterial growth even when wounds are badly infected. Doctors are now using dressings with Manuka Honey to quickly sterilize wounds without the side effects of antibiotics. An added bonus to using wound products containing Manuka Honey is that it is effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA. Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties and its viscosity also provide a barrier, preventing cross-infection of wounds.
Because of the existence of glucose for leucocytes in Manuka Honey, hydrogen peroxide is produced which is a known antiseptic. The acidity of Manuka Honey also adds to the antibacterial action of macrophages. The acidification of wounds promotes healing. The high glucose levels in Manuka Honey is used by the bacteria instead of amino acids from the serum and dead cells which increases lactic acid instead of ammonia and the amines and sulphur compounds that are the cause of malodor in wounds. Because of this, Manuka Honey can actually help wounds smell better.
Clinical studies have shown that Manuka Honey increases the growth of new tissue. It also reduces inflammation, the exudation of wound fluids and malodor in wounds. Its anti-inflammatory effect on wound tissues plays a big role in reducing pain. Manuka Honey has a nutrient effect on regenerating tissue because it contains amino acids, vitamins and different types of sugar. By osmosis, Manuka Honey causes an outflow of lymph which provides nutrition for regenerating tissue. The healing process can take longer if the circulation to the affected area is poor or if the person is poorly nourished. Manuka Honey also increases oxygenation of tissues which is important to the healing process.
When the Manuka Honey draws fluid away from the wound, it also lifts dirt from the wound bed. This makes surgical debridement unnecessary. Manuka Honey also helps to prevent bandages from sticking to the wound which is helpful when the bandages need to be changed. This eliminates the pain normally associated with the changing dressings as well as the tearing of newly formed tissue.
"Manuka Honey is also an ideal first aid dressing material for wounds and burns, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "In addition to providing an immediate anti-inflammatory effect, the Manuka Honey also provides an antibacterial action and a barrier to prevent infection."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Some people may find it hard to conceptualize the use of honey for medical purposes. However, the truth is, many years ago, before the advent of antibiotics and what we consider to be modern medicine, many cultures used honey for medicinal purposes. When antibiotics were invented, doctors were under the misconception that they were better than honey. New case studies are starting to prove otherwise.
There are many different types of honey with varying antibacterial levels. Researchers have found that the most potent type of honey is one that comes from New Zealand called Manuka Honey. The differences in honey is predicated on the floral source, meaning the nectar of the flower that the honeybees use when manufacturing the honey. Manuka Honey is produced when bees use nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush which is native to New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. Manuka Honey has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of wounds.
Manuka Honey provides a moist healing environment and prevents bacterial growth even when wounds are badly infected. Doctors are now using dressings with Manuka Honey to quickly sterilize wounds without the side effects of antibiotics. An added bonus to using wound products containing Manuka Honey is that it is effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA. Manuka Honey's antibacterial properties and its viscosity also provide a barrier, preventing cross-infection of wounds.
Because of the existence of glucose for leucocytes in Manuka Honey, hydrogen peroxide is produced which is a known antiseptic. The acidity of Manuka Honey also adds to the antibacterial action of macrophages. The acidification of wounds promotes healing. The high glucose levels in Manuka Honey is used by the bacteria instead of amino acids from the serum and dead cells which increases lactic acid instead of ammonia and the amines and sulphur compounds that are the cause of malodor in wounds. Because of this, Manuka Honey can actually help wounds smell better.
Clinical studies have shown that Manuka Honey increases the growth of new tissue. It also reduces inflammation, the exudation of wound fluids and malodor in wounds. Its anti-inflammatory effect on wound tissues plays a big role in reducing pain. Manuka Honey has a nutrient effect on regenerating tissue because it contains amino acids, vitamins and different types of sugar. By osmosis, Manuka Honey causes an outflow of lymph which provides nutrition for regenerating tissue. The healing process can take longer if the circulation to the affected area is poor or if the person is poorly nourished. Manuka Honey also increases oxygenation of tissues which is important to the healing process.
When the Manuka Honey draws fluid away from the wound, it also lifts dirt from the wound bed. This makes surgical debridement unnecessary. Manuka Honey also helps to prevent bandages from sticking to the wound which is helpful when the bandages need to be changed. This eliminates the pain normally associated with the changing dressings as well as the tearing of newly formed tissue.
"Manuka Honey is also an ideal first aid dressing material for wounds and burns, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "In addition to providing an immediate anti-inflammatory effect, the Manuka Honey also provides an antibacterial action and a barrier to prevent infection."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Honey: Natural Remedy, Advanced Healing Agent...or Both?
Once used as an old folk remedy, honey is now being considered to be an extremely valuable medical resource.
There are many reports showing that honey is successful in the treatment of wounds, burns, skin ulcers, boils, infections, etc. Scientists have now discovered that a particular type of honey called Manuka Honey has even greater healing properties because of its enhanced antibacterial potency. Researchers have found that honey's healing qualities are due primarily to a natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property. Bees gather nectar from flowers and take it back to their hive where they add an enzyme called glucose oxidase. When honey comes into contact with moisture in the body, the enzyme slowly releases the hydrogen peroxide at sufficient levels to kill bacteria but not damage tissue.
Manuka Honey is different because it contains an additional non-peroxide antibacterial activity. This special non-peroxide antibacterial activity is called UMF which is an acronym for Unique Manuka Factor. The antibacterial properties in regular honey is destroyed by heat, light or when diluted. Manuka Honey is stable and doesn't lose it's potency or effectiveness under those conditions which makes it ideal to use as a healing agent.
The antibacterial properties that exist in Manuka Honey have been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria such as helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers), staphylococcus aureus (Staph infections and MRSA), escherichia coli (the most common cause of infected wounds) and streptococcus pyogenes (causes sore throats). The antibacterial properties in regular honey is not capable of destroying these types of bacteria the way UMF Manuka Honey is.
Studies have found that Manuka Honey an extremely effective treatment for wound care by assisting the healing of skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, infected wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, pressure sores, MRSA, eczema, dermatitis, etc. A manufacturer of Manuka Honey products called Honeymark International has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion that contains Active Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ that is an excellent dressing for these types of conditions.
"The antibacterial property found in Manuka Honey is a phytochemical property which means that it is a floral derived property coming from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush, which is indigenous to New Zealand," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "It's Manuka Honey that has been found to have more healing properties than other types of honey and even antibiotics."
Scientists now believe that the two antibacterial components found in Manuka Honey (hydrogen peroxide and UMF) have a synergistic action and that their combined effect is greater than the sum of the parts. To date there has been no bacteria that has been found to be resistant to Manuka Honey. This fact is of growing interest within the medical community as Manuka Honey is rapidly gaining its well-deserved recognition as a medical resource.
The antibacterial property in UMF is very stable and not easily destroyed. It is resistant to heat and more resistant to being broken down by the catalase effect of body fluids than the hydrogen peroxide activity. Most people think that putting honey in their tea can help a sore throat but what they don't know is that the temperature of the tea diminishes the healing ability of the honey. This is not the case with Manuka Honey.
Manuka Honey can also diffuse deep into depths of skin tissues, so that it can reach deep-seated infections. The antibacterial properties in Manuka Honey can penetrate flesh much more deeply than the hydrogen peroxide property. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties that are also found in Manuka Honey, it has been helpful in reducing pain in wounds and even joint, muscle and arthritis pain. "The fact that it can diffuse deep into the depth of the skin make it idea for treating pain," says Buonanotte. "This is why we have developed our Pain Relief Cream with Manuka Honey."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
There are many reports showing that honey is successful in the treatment of wounds, burns, skin ulcers, boils, infections, etc. Scientists have now discovered that a particular type of honey called Manuka Honey has even greater healing properties because of its enhanced antibacterial potency. Researchers have found that honey's healing qualities are due primarily to a natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property. Bees gather nectar from flowers and take it back to their hive where they add an enzyme called glucose oxidase. When honey comes into contact with moisture in the body, the enzyme slowly releases the hydrogen peroxide at sufficient levels to kill bacteria but not damage tissue.
Manuka Honey is different because it contains an additional non-peroxide antibacterial activity. This special non-peroxide antibacterial activity is called UMF which is an acronym for Unique Manuka Factor. The antibacterial properties in regular honey is destroyed by heat, light or when diluted. Manuka Honey is stable and doesn't lose it's potency or effectiveness under those conditions which makes it ideal to use as a healing agent.
The antibacterial properties that exist in Manuka Honey have been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria such as helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers), staphylococcus aureus (Staph infections and MRSA), escherichia coli (the most common cause of infected wounds) and streptococcus pyogenes (causes sore throats). The antibacterial properties in regular honey is not capable of destroying these types of bacteria the way UMF Manuka Honey is.
Studies have found that Manuka Honey an extremely effective treatment for wound care by assisting the healing of skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, infected wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, pressure sores, MRSA, eczema, dermatitis, etc. A manufacturer of Manuka Honey products called Honeymark International has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion that contains Active Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ that is an excellent dressing for these types of conditions.
"The antibacterial property found in Manuka Honey is a phytochemical property which means that it is a floral derived property coming from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush, which is indigenous to New Zealand," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "It's Manuka Honey that has been found to have more healing properties than other types of honey and even antibiotics."
Scientists now believe that the two antibacterial components found in Manuka Honey (hydrogen peroxide and UMF) have a synergistic action and that their combined effect is greater than the sum of the parts. To date there has been no bacteria that has been found to be resistant to Manuka Honey. This fact is of growing interest within the medical community as Manuka Honey is rapidly gaining its well-deserved recognition as a medical resource.
The antibacterial property in UMF is very stable and not easily destroyed. It is resistant to heat and more resistant to being broken down by the catalase effect of body fluids than the hydrogen peroxide activity. Most people think that putting honey in their tea can help a sore throat but what they don't know is that the temperature of the tea diminishes the healing ability of the honey. This is not the case with Manuka Honey.
Manuka Honey can also diffuse deep into depths of skin tissues, so that it can reach deep-seated infections. The antibacterial properties in Manuka Honey can penetrate flesh much more deeply than the hydrogen peroxide property. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties that are also found in Manuka Honey, it has been helpful in reducing pain in wounds and even joint, muscle and arthritis pain. "The fact that it can diffuse deep into the depth of the skin make it idea for treating pain," says Buonanotte. "This is why we have developed our Pain Relief Cream with Manuka Honey."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
How Honey Can Heal a Wound
Scientists have determined that a certain type of honey called Manuka Honey is more capable of healing wounds and clearing infections than antibiotics and other forms of traditional medicine. As a result, Manuka Honey is now being used as a main ingredient in wound care products and other skin creams.
Honey is a saturated solution of sugar made by bees that collect nectar which is a liquid secretion from flowers. The honeybees take this nectar back to their hives where they add enzymes to it and place it in wax cells. This is where it ripens to form honey. During the ripening process, the enzymes convert sucrose into glucose and fructose.
There are many different types of honey. The differences are predicated on the floral source. All kinds of honey have the ability to kill bacteria and heal wounds because honey is very acidic. Honey also has a high sugar content and produces an antibacterial molecule called hydrogen peroxide, which can been used as a disinfectant. One particular type of honey known as Manuka Honey is especially effective in treating infected wounds because it contains an additional antibacterial component.
Minor wounds can heal on their own but when a wound becomes infected, the healing process can become complex. Bacteria feed on the damaged tissue and multiply causing more tissue damage. The wound begins to develop pus and malodor. The pus consists of dead white blood cells which is the body’s way of trying to kill the bacteria and heal the infection.
Honey heals infected wounds by destroying the bacteria. Honey has several antibacterial properties. Its waterless environment absorbs fluid present in the wound by osmosis. Bacteria require water to survive. Honey is also extremely acidic and bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment. Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial substance that is produced in honey because of an enzyme called glucose oxidase. Manuka Honey has another antibacterial action caused by phytochemicals that exist in the nectar that comes from the flowers of the Manuka Tree found in New Zealand. For lack of a better term, the molecule responsible for this additional antibacterial activity is called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF.
"Honey that is produced from the flowers of the Manuka Tree is thick, dark brown, high in sugar and has somewhat of a medicinal flavor, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of health care products that uses Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "Researchers have determined that Manuka Honey is the most effective honey to use for the purpose of treating wounds and other health conditions because it has the highest levels of antibacterial activity in comparison to other types of honey. It's mainly UMF that is responsible for Manuka Honey’s amazing healing properties."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
Honey is a saturated solution of sugar made by bees that collect nectar which is a liquid secretion from flowers. The honeybees take this nectar back to their hives where they add enzymes to it and place it in wax cells. This is where it ripens to form honey. During the ripening process, the enzymes convert sucrose into glucose and fructose.
There are many different types of honey. The differences are predicated on the floral source. All kinds of honey have the ability to kill bacteria and heal wounds because honey is very acidic. Honey also has a high sugar content and produces an antibacterial molecule called hydrogen peroxide, which can been used as a disinfectant. One particular type of honey known as Manuka Honey is especially effective in treating infected wounds because it contains an additional antibacterial component.
Minor wounds can heal on their own but when a wound becomes infected, the healing process can become complex. Bacteria feed on the damaged tissue and multiply causing more tissue damage. The wound begins to develop pus and malodor. The pus consists of dead white blood cells which is the body’s way of trying to kill the bacteria and heal the infection.
Honey heals infected wounds by destroying the bacteria. Honey has several antibacterial properties. Its waterless environment absorbs fluid present in the wound by osmosis. Bacteria require water to survive. Honey is also extremely acidic and bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment. Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial substance that is produced in honey because of an enzyme called glucose oxidase. Manuka Honey has another antibacterial action caused by phytochemicals that exist in the nectar that comes from the flowers of the Manuka Tree found in New Zealand. For lack of a better term, the molecule responsible for this additional antibacterial activity is called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF.
"Honey that is produced from the flowers of the Manuka Tree is thick, dark brown, high in sugar and has somewhat of a medicinal flavor, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of health care products that uses Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "Researchers have determined that Manuka Honey is the most effective honey to use for the purpose of treating wounds and other health conditions because it has the highest levels of antibacterial activity in comparison to other types of honey. It's mainly UMF that is responsible for Manuka Honey’s amazing healing properties."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
Monday, March 3, 2008
The New Secret Weapon in the Battle Against Infection
Antibiotics are becoming antiquated in a new world of drug-resistant infections. Doctors are gaining faith in an old remedy with powerful antibacterial properties...honey.
The healing power of honey is becoming more recognized out of necessity with the need for a solution to the increase of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. In fact, a particular type of honey has been found to be effective in treating burns, wounds and boils. Manuka Honey is becoming increasingly more accepted for medical purposes around the world. Over the past two decades, researchers have focused on the potential for using Manuka Honey as an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent that may one day replace antibiotics in the treatment of wounds and other skin conditions.
Despite resistance to natural remedies, doctors and other health care professionals are becoming more intrigued with Manuka Honey's effectiveness as a medical solution. One reason for the increasing interest is that traditional antibiotics are not nearly as effective as they used to be against certain microbes. No new classes of antibiotics have been developed to combat infectious diseases since 1970. The research and development process of anti-infective drugs usually takes about 10 to 20 years. Today, nearly all significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments. This has created an enormous problem and as a result, doctors are becoming more receptive to reconsidering honey as an effective form of treatment.
Manuka Honey has become a valuable ingredient in health care products because it is more effective in treating certain symptoms than pharmaceutical antibiotics. It has shown great promise in the treatment of wounds infected with life-threatening bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to the Center for Disease Control, cases of wounds infected with the MRSA superbug have increased 32-fold in U.S. hospitals over the past 30 years. Since bacteria have the ability to mutate and become resistant to elements attempting to destroy it, antibiotics are slowly becoming less effective. However, these superbugs have not been able to become resistant to Manuka Honey because this special type of honey destroys bacteria in a different way than antibiotics do. Manuka Honey has the ability to draw water out of the bacteria by osmosis, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive.
Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. Honeybees gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka Bush (indigenous to New Zealand) and take this nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey containing strong antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey was not always recognized as being such a valuable resource. Beekeepers in New Zealand once regarded Manuka Honey as worthless because it's difficult to process, it's color is too dark and it doesn't taste as good as regular honey. It wasn't until years later that scientists began to discover that this type of honey has extremely power medicinal qualities.
Honeymark International, a U.S. manufacturer of health care products is now using Manuka Honey as a main ingredient. Honeymark imports Manuka Honey from New Zealand and blends it into their medicated creams and lotions, making extremely effective skin care products. "All types of honey have some medicinal value to a certain extent," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Its low water content allows it to draw fluid out of wounds and its high sugar content makes it difficult for microorganisms to grow. In addition, the presence of the enzyme, glucose oxidase, releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide making it a natural disinfectant." Because of a chemical reaction with skin tissue, honey also makes healing wounds smell better, says Buonanotte.
From the time of the ancient Sumerians until the early part of the twentieth century, honey was used as a natural remedy for healing infected wounds. However, honey lost its popularity as a medicine by the middle of the twentieth century when penicillin and other antibiotics were invented. Doctors just assumed that the antibiotics worked better. Honeymark plans on raising the level of awareness by introducing its line of honey-based health care products to the medical industry.
"Not all honey has medicinal value," cautions Buonanotte. "Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Honey with a high enough UMF rating is effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, infected wounds, burns, ringworm and athlete's foot. Honeymark uses Active Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ to ensure its potency and effectiveness."
Honeymark plans on releasing a line of cosmetic products later this year to include shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, liquid hand soap, antiseptic spray, sanitizing hand gel and an anti-aging serum, all containing Manuka Honey. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
The healing power of honey is becoming more recognized out of necessity with the need for a solution to the increase of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. In fact, a particular type of honey has been found to be effective in treating burns, wounds and boils. Manuka Honey is becoming increasingly more accepted for medical purposes around the world. Over the past two decades, researchers have focused on the potential for using Manuka Honey as an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent that may one day replace antibiotics in the treatment of wounds and other skin conditions.
Despite resistance to natural remedies, doctors and other health care professionals are becoming more intrigued with Manuka Honey's effectiveness as a medical solution. One reason for the increasing interest is that traditional antibiotics are not nearly as effective as they used to be against certain microbes. No new classes of antibiotics have been developed to combat infectious diseases since 1970. The research and development process of anti-infective drugs usually takes about 10 to 20 years. Today, nearly all significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments. This has created an enormous problem and as a result, doctors are becoming more receptive to reconsidering honey as an effective form of treatment.
Manuka Honey has become a valuable ingredient in health care products because it is more effective in treating certain symptoms than pharmaceutical antibiotics. It has shown great promise in the treatment of wounds infected with life-threatening bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to the Center for Disease Control, cases of wounds infected with the MRSA superbug have increased 32-fold in U.S. hospitals over the past 30 years. Since bacteria have the ability to mutate and become resistant to elements attempting to destroy it, antibiotics are slowly becoming less effective. However, these superbugs have not been able to become resistant to Manuka Honey because this special type of honey destroys bacteria in a different way than antibiotics do. Manuka Honey has the ability to draw water out of the bacteria by osmosis, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive.
Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. Honeybees gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka Bush (indigenous to New Zealand) and take this nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey containing strong antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey was not always recognized as being such a valuable resource. Beekeepers in New Zealand once regarded Manuka Honey as worthless because it's difficult to process, it's color is too dark and it doesn't taste as good as regular honey. It wasn't until years later that scientists began to discover that this type of honey has extremely power medicinal qualities.
Honeymark International, a U.S. manufacturer of health care products is now using Manuka Honey as a main ingredient. Honeymark imports Manuka Honey from New Zealand and blends it into their medicated creams and lotions, making extremely effective skin care products. "All types of honey have some medicinal value to a certain extent," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Its low water content allows it to draw fluid out of wounds and its high sugar content makes it difficult for microorganisms to grow. In addition, the presence of the enzyme, glucose oxidase, releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide making it a natural disinfectant." Because of a chemical reaction with skin tissue, honey also makes healing wounds smell better, says Buonanotte.
From the time of the ancient Sumerians until the early part of the twentieth century, honey was used as a natural remedy for healing infected wounds. However, honey lost its popularity as a medicine by the middle of the twentieth century when penicillin and other antibiotics were invented. Doctors just assumed that the antibiotics worked better. Honeymark plans on raising the level of awareness by introducing its line of honey-based health care products to the medical industry.
"Not all honey has medicinal value," cautions Buonanotte. "Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Honey with a high enough UMF rating is effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, infected wounds, burns, ringworm and athlete's foot. Honeymark uses Active Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ to ensure its potency and effectiveness."
Honeymark plans on releasing a line of cosmetic products later this year to include shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, liquid hand soap, antiseptic spray, sanitizing hand gel and an anti-aging serum, all containing Manuka Honey. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Manuka Honey Kills MRSA Superbugs
A certain type of honey is now being found to have the antibacterial ability to heal wounds, clear infection and reduce pain.
Scientists have discovered that a certain type of honey has the antibacterial properties to kill the hospital superbugs which claim thousands of lives per year. Well known for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, this special type of honey called "Manuka Honey" is able to destroy mutant bacteria, including MRSA, which has become resistant to antibiotics.
This discovery comes at a time of growing scientific interest in the substance's healing properties. Manuka Honey contains natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agents which experts have discovered can prevent the growth of a number of wound infections, even at very low concentrations. Outbreaks of Staph infections cost the health care industry millions of dollars per year in extra treatment. In addition to its strong antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the pain associated with wounds.
Honey was regarded by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as a powerful medicinal agent and used to help heal burns and sores. During World War I, German physicians used it as a surgical dressing for battle wounds. However, the advent of antibiotics left medical professionals with the misconception that they were better at healing infections than honey. Recent studies are now proving otherwise.
Researchers have found that Manuka Honey kills bacteria present in wounds, even when diluted. It has been determined that even at concentrations as low as 3%, Manuka Honey is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria. At higher concentrations, Manuka Honey can destroy MRSA and heal Staph infections. This is very encouraging news for the medical industry, given the overwhelming number of cases of infections involving antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial.
The high sugar content in Manuka Honey creates a waterless environment in which bacteria cannot survive. Manuka Honey is also highly acidic, primarily due to the presence of the enzyme, glucose oxidase, which adds to its antibacterial properties. This enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide, which was once used as a wound disinfectant. However, scientists caution that supermarket honey is not suitable for the treatment of wounds because it lacks the addition antibacterial properties present in Manuka Honey. In addition, regular honey could contain bacteria spores which you would not want to introduce to wounds.
Manuka is made from one of New Zealand's native plants and has long been used in folk medicine. "When the bees pollinate the flowers that grow on the Manuka Bush, they bring twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they manufacture this special type of honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "It's this nectar that comes from the Manuka Bush that creates the unique healing properties present in Manuka Honey."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Scientists have discovered that a certain type of honey has the antibacterial properties to kill the hospital superbugs which claim thousands of lives per year. Well known for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, this special type of honey called "Manuka Honey" is able to destroy mutant bacteria, including MRSA, which has become resistant to antibiotics.
This discovery comes at a time of growing scientific interest in the substance's healing properties. Manuka Honey contains natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agents which experts have discovered can prevent the growth of a number of wound infections, even at very low concentrations. Outbreaks of Staph infections cost the health care industry millions of dollars per year in extra treatment. In addition to its strong antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the pain associated with wounds.
Honey was regarded by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as a powerful medicinal agent and used to help heal burns and sores. During World War I, German physicians used it as a surgical dressing for battle wounds. However, the advent of antibiotics left medical professionals with the misconception that they were better at healing infections than honey. Recent studies are now proving otherwise.
Researchers have found that Manuka Honey kills bacteria present in wounds, even when diluted. It has been determined that even at concentrations as low as 3%, Manuka Honey is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria. At higher concentrations, Manuka Honey can destroy MRSA and heal Staph infections. This is very encouraging news for the medical industry, given the overwhelming number of cases of infections involving antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial.
The high sugar content in Manuka Honey creates a waterless environment in which bacteria cannot survive. Manuka Honey is also highly acidic, primarily due to the presence of the enzyme, glucose oxidase, which adds to its antibacterial properties. This enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide, which was once used as a wound disinfectant. However, scientists caution that supermarket honey is not suitable for the treatment of wounds because it lacks the addition antibacterial properties present in Manuka Honey. In addition, regular honey could contain bacteria spores which you would not want to introduce to wounds.
Manuka is made from one of New Zealand's native plants and has long been used in folk medicine. "When the bees pollinate the flowers that grow on the Manuka Bush, they bring twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they manufacture this special type of honey," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "It's this nectar that comes from the Manuka Bush that creates the unique healing properties present in Manuka Honey."
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
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