For decades, Manuka Honey has been used in New Zealand to treat many different types of health conditions. Now the curative ability of this natural healing source is becoming known worldwide as natural alternatives become preferred over pharmaceuticals.
The following information is just a few ways in which Manuka Honey can be used in addition to, or as a viable alternative, to antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine.
Acid Reflux Disease / Heartburn / Indigestion
Medical research and anecdotal reports indicates that active Manuka Honey can be used for stomach related conditions. Manuka Honey is a natural antibacterial agent that has absolutely no known side effects when used for medicinal purposes. It also will not conflict with medication that a person may be taking to treat the condition. The way Manuka Honey works is by coating the stomach and esophagus and by healing the damaged tissue and lining caused by acid reflux disease. Manuka Honey has an antibacterial effect four times greater than other antiseptics. It also helps revive the natural cultures of good bacteria in the stomach that are necessary for normal functioning. This helps digestion and boosts the immune system.
Directions: Take 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey UMF 16, 3-4 times per day, 20-30 minutes before meals and before bedtime. If taking orally from a spoon is not desirable, you can also take it on a piece of toast or fruit. This prevents the Manuka Honey from being dissolved into the blood stream too quickly before it gets into the stomach. Continue this regimen for 3 month or until symptoms dissipate. Results should occur within 3-6 days.
Stomach Ulcers / H. Pylori
If the cause of a stomach ulcer is determined to be the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, Manuka Honey can be used to treat it. It's powerful antibacterial properties eliminate the infectious bacteria and immediately begin to heal the inner lining of the stomach.
Directions: Take 3 teaspoons of Manuka Honey UMF 16 per day before meals and before bedtime, preferably on a piece of toast or a cracker. In the beginning you might experience a slight burning sensation. This should stop in 2-3 days and the natural antibacterial properties should begin taking effect.
Sore Throats / Strep Throat
Manuka Honey has antibacterial properties that are known to kill all bacteria, including streptococcus which causes sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe the throat and relieve pain.
Directions:Take 3 teaspoons of Manuka Honey every day, letting it drip slowly down your throat. Continue for at least a month to help destroy the entire population of streptococcus bacteria in the throat.
Gum Disease
Studies have shown that Manuka Honey can play a therapeutic role in treating gum disease and periodontal disease. It is proven to be unaffected by enzymes in the body. This means that the antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey cannot be destroyed by body fluids, allowing it to destroy the bacteria that causes gum disease. Manuka Honey can also prevent tooth decay and bad breath, both of which are also caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Directions: Apply Manuka Honey directly onto the gums immediately after brushing, using a cotton swab or your fingertip. In addition, take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and keep it inside your mouth, making sure it penetrated between teeth and onto the gums.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Diarrhea / Constipation
The presence of Manuka honey in the digestive system is proven to not only kill disease-causing bacteria but also improve the immune system by regenerating the probiotics in the gut.
Directions:Take 3 teaspoons per day, half an hour before meals.
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Methylglyoxal in Manuka Honey – Correlation with Antibacterial Properties
Abstract
A perfect linear correlation was found for methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey, ranging from 189 to 835 mg/kg, and the corresponding antibacterial activities of the samples, which were between 12.4% and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. This clearly underlines that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and above concentrations of around 150 mg/kg directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal can be a suitable tool for labeling the unique bioactivity of Manuka honey.
Introduction
Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand, is well-known for a pronounced antibacterial activity which cannot be found in any other honey. Manuka honey has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, making this honey to a promising functional food for the treatment of wounds, stomach ulcers, etc. Besides hydrogen peroxide, which is produced in most conventional honeys by the endogenous enzyme glucoseoxidase, several other non-peroxide factors were discussed to be responsible for the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey.
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) was introduced years ago, leading to a classification of premium products based on microbiological assays. A UMF of 10, for instance, has the same antibacterial activity to a 10% solution of phenol. Recently, researchers were able to demonstrate that the surprisingly high amounts of the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal are present in Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal, at the levels at which were found it in Manuka honey, proved to be another non-peroxide antibacterial constituent. This observation was confirmed by scientists. The purpose of the present study was to investigate to which extent methylglyoxal is responsible for the non-peroxide antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, in order to check whether it is possible to back-reference from the methylglyoxal content to the antibacterial properties of a honey sample.
Materials and Methods
The source of the 61 samples of Manuka honey from New Zealand came from drums of honey selected on a spread of non-peroxide contents and of varying ages. The amount of methylglyoxal was measured as the corresponding quinoxaline after pre-column derivatisation with o-phenylendiamine using RP-HPLC with UV detection. The data for non-peroxide antibacterial activity were analyzed by a specially appointed laboratory for testing for antibacterial activity using criteria laid down by the Honey Research Unit at Waikato University, New Zealand. Antibacterial activity was expressed as equivalent phenol concentration (% w/v). This value is used commercially as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
Results and Discussion
Methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey ranged from 189 to 835 mg/kg honey. Corresponding antibacterial activities were between 12.4 and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. A good linear correlation (y = 8.388 + 0.0263x; r2 = 0.905) between methylglyoxal and the antibacterial activity was found. This indicates that methylglyoxal is directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Our data is in perfect agreement with results published by Adams who had reported data for 49 samples of Manuka honey. In their study, concentrations of methylglyoxal as measured according to Mavric ranged from 25 to 709 mg/kg.
Corresponding antibacterial activity was between “not detectable” and 27.5% equivalent phenol concentration. Among the samples analyzed by Adams, 30 samples had antibacterial activities higher or equal 10% equivalent phenol concentration. Plotting these 30 samples together with data obtained in our study, a perfect match of the data sets can be obtained. This remarkable agreement of results obtained in two independent studies clearly underlines the final statement that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and starting from concentrations of approximately 150 mg/kg is exclusively responsible for the pronounced antibacterial activity. Due to limited sensitivity and inaccuracy of the used test system, data obtained for antibacterial activities below 10% equivalent phenol concentration must be handled with care. This may explain the fact that the corresponding regression lines in Figure 1 do not pass through the origin (parameter a = 8.388 or 7.783, respectively). Furthermore, for such low antibacterial activities, other factors such as polyphenols, organic acids or currently unknown compounds may additionally contribute to non-peroxide antibacterial properties.
In conclusion, methylglyoxal is a unique antibacterial compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honeys from New Zealand and directly responsible for the specific antibacterial activity of these samples. Methylglyoxal can serve as a suitable tool for the labeling of the bioactivity of commercial products.
Figure 1. (A) correlation between methylglyoxal and antibacterial activity for 61 samples of Manuka honey analyzed in this study, (B) data analyzed in this study plus data from Allen shown as filled triangles
A perfect linear correlation was found for methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey, ranging from 189 to 835 mg/kg, and the corresponding antibacterial activities of the samples, which were between 12.4% and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. This clearly underlines that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and above concentrations of around 150 mg/kg directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal can be a suitable tool for labeling the unique bioactivity of Manuka honey.
Introduction
Manuka honey, derived from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand, is well-known for a pronounced antibacterial activity which cannot be found in any other honey. Manuka honey has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, making this honey to a promising functional food for the treatment of wounds, stomach ulcers, etc. Besides hydrogen peroxide, which is produced in most conventional honeys by the endogenous enzyme glucoseoxidase, several other non-peroxide factors were discussed to be responsible for the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey.
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) was introduced years ago, leading to a classification of premium products based on microbiological assays. A UMF of 10, for instance, has the same antibacterial activity to a 10% solution of phenol. Recently, researchers were able to demonstrate that the surprisingly high amounts of the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal are present in Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal, at the levels at which were found it in Manuka honey, proved to be another non-peroxide antibacterial constituent. This observation was confirmed by scientists. The purpose of the present study was to investigate to which extent methylglyoxal is responsible for the non-peroxide antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, in order to check whether it is possible to back-reference from the methylglyoxal content to the antibacterial properties of a honey sample.
Materials and Methods
The source of the 61 samples of Manuka honey from New Zealand came from drums of honey selected on a spread of non-peroxide contents and of varying ages. The amount of methylglyoxal was measured as the corresponding quinoxaline after pre-column derivatisation with o-phenylendiamine using RP-HPLC with UV detection. The data for non-peroxide antibacterial activity were analyzed by a specially appointed laboratory for testing for antibacterial activity using criteria laid down by the Honey Research Unit at Waikato University, New Zealand. Antibacterial activity was expressed as equivalent phenol concentration (% w/v). This value is used commercially as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
Results and Discussion
Methylglyoxal levels in 61 samples of Manuka honey ranged from 189 to 835 mg/kg honey. Corresponding antibacterial activities were between 12.4 and 30.9% equivalent phenol concentration. A good linear correlation (y = 8.388 + 0.0263x; r2 = 0.905) between methylglyoxal and the antibacterial activity was found. This indicates that methylglyoxal is directly responsible for the characteristic antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. Our data is in perfect agreement with results published by Adams who had reported data for 49 samples of Manuka honey. In their study, concentrations of methylglyoxal as measured according to Mavric ranged from 25 to 709 mg/kg.
Corresponding antibacterial activity was between “not detectable” and 27.5% equivalent phenol concentration. Among the samples analyzed by Adams, 30 samples had antibacterial activities higher or equal 10% equivalent phenol concentration. Plotting these 30 samples together with data obtained in our study, a perfect match of the data sets can be obtained. This remarkable agreement of results obtained in two independent studies clearly underlines the final statement that methylglyoxal is the dominant bioactive compound in Manuka honey and starting from concentrations of approximately 150 mg/kg is exclusively responsible for the pronounced antibacterial activity. Due to limited sensitivity and inaccuracy of the used test system, data obtained for antibacterial activities below 10% equivalent phenol concentration must be handled with care. This may explain the fact that the corresponding regression lines in Figure 1 do not pass through the origin (parameter a = 8.388 or 7.783, respectively). Furthermore, for such low antibacterial activities, other factors such as polyphenols, organic acids or currently unknown compounds may additionally contribute to non-peroxide antibacterial properties.
In conclusion, methylglyoxal is a unique antibacterial compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honeys from New Zealand and directly responsible for the specific antibacterial activity of these samples. Methylglyoxal can serve as a suitable tool for the labeling of the bioactivity of commercial products.
Figure 1. (A) correlation between methylglyoxal and antibacterial activity for 61 samples of Manuka honey analyzed in this study, (B) data analyzed in this study plus data from Allen shown as filled triangles
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Manuka Honey Remedies for Hair and Skin Care
Manuka honey from New Zealand is becoming a popular ingredient for both medical and beauty purposes. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, Manuka honey has excellent healing capabilities when used on the skin or hair.
While all types of honey contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties, these factors are diminished when confronted with external enzymes. However, the healing properties in Manuka honey are more stable and are not broken down by enzymes on or in the body. Therefore, its effectiveness is more superior than ordinary honey and does not contravene the performance of the product.
There are now skin care products available that contain Manuka honey as a natural healing agent. Using Manuka honey in its purest form also offers some special benefits. Utilizing a few basic house hold products, you can make homemade skin care remedies that will assist in softening any dry skin areas. This requires a teaspoon of vegetable oil, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Simply blend these ingredients to create a paste like consistency and spread over any dry areas and allow to soak into the skin for approximately 10-15 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.
For a facial toner, take one apple, peel it and chop it into pieces leaving the core. Place it into a blender along with one teaspoon of Manuka honey. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. Then apply it to your face. Allow this to soak into your skin for approximately 10-15 minutes then wash off with cold water. This will leave the skin feeling toned and smooth.
For a cleansing facial scrub, take one tablespoon of Manuka honey and mix it with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped almonds and a touch of lemon juice. Gently massage the mixture into the skin around the face and neck. Then remove with a warm face cloth and water.
For a firming mask, blend one tablespoon of Manuka honey with an egg white. Add one teaspoon of Glycerine and ¼ cup of flour. Blend together until you have an evenly sooth consistency without lumps. Spread over the facial area avoiding contact the eyes. Allow the mixture to dry for approximately 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
For the hair, mix ¼ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of Manuka honey. If you have oily hair, reduce the amount of olive oil. Blend together into a pasty texture. Massage the mixture through your hair until completely covered. Allow the mixture to infuse into the hair for 15-20 minutes . Shampoo hair and wash the oil/honey mixture out. This remedy will leave your hair nourished, clean and shiny.
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Treating Acne with Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the flowers of the manuka bush. This special type of honey is known for its ability to destroy infection-causing bacteria. Manuka Honey is excellent for the treatment of acne because acne is caused by bacteria that clog the pores and Manuka Honey contains very powerful antibacterial properties. This kind of antibacterial honey is found in New Zealand and has natural healing properties that repair the skin affected by acne. In addition to being used for acne treatment, Manuka honey is also effective in treating other skin conditions such as burns, eczema, ringworm, infected wounds, etc.
Research has shown that Manuka honey has the ability to draw moisture out of the acne-causing bacterial cells, making it impossible for them to survive. It rids impurities from the skin, along with unclogging pores and clearing breakouts. Manuka honey acne treatment functions by penetrating deep in the blocked follicle, killing the bacteria, and unblocking the follicle to release the infection. As the follicle is cleared and sterile, the acne heals rapidly while reducing, and sometimes preventing the formation of scars.
Many acne products contain certain ingredients that can dry the skin and cause other negative side effects. Manuka honey has been found to cause none and is very moisturizing. The hydrating quality of Manuka honey helps to decrease the irritation caused by acne and other skin problems. It's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce redness, pain and swelling. By applying Manuka honey to affected areas, blemishes and acne scars will disappear, restoring your skin to its original form.
Using Manuka honey for pimples, blemishes and acne scars is a gentle way of ridding dryness and cleansing your skin. If the thought of using pure Manuka Honey on your skin is not desirable, try using Honeymark's Acne Cream containing Manuka Honey. For more information, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit .www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Medical Marvel that is Manuka Honey
What do the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans have in common? They all recognized honey as a powerful treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In fact, records show that honey has been prized for its natural healing properties as far back as 3000 BC.
During the mid 20th century, the era of modern antibiotic medicine began – and the use of honey as a medicinal treatment fell out of favor. Although antibiotics were initially heralded as the most effective weapon against bacteria, over time antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria began to develop. Today, many pharmaceutical companies aren't developing new antibiotics because of this growing problem.
That’s why there’s an urgent need for a new non-antibiotic treatment to fight infection. Honey is the answer. In fact, Manuka Honey from New Zealand is reported to have the highest levels of healing properties. More so than any other type of honey in the world. Extensive research demonstrates that Manuka honey contains very powerful healing properties, making it extremely effective for use in wound care and for maintaining general health and well-being.
In 1982, Professor Peter Molan, a scientist from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, discovered that honey harvested from the Manuka tree, native only to New Zealand, contains unique healing properties such as the following:
Bacteriostatic – Manuka honey creates an environment that inhibits bacterial growth.
Anti-inflammatory – Manuka honey reduces both acute and chronic inflammation, which helps reduce pain, scarring and hastens the healing process.
Antioxidant – Manuka honey contains high levels of antioxidants to help prevent the formation of free radicals, which can damage tissue.
Moisture-maintaining – Manuka honey creates and maintains a moist healing environment supporting the cell growth that is essential to effective wound healing.
Scientists and doctors around the world have recognized active, medical-grade Manuka honey as being more effective than ordinary honey. Therefore, it is important to know that Manuka honey is not the same as ordinary honey sold at supermarkets. Manuka honey is harvested from bees that pollinate the flowers that grow on the Manuka plant. This unique bush is native to New Zealand and renowned for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant healing properties.
Another critical difference between regular honey and Manuka honey is that regular honey undergoes heat treatment during the packaging process, which destroys the healing properties. Manuka honey is finely filtered to remove all processing particles but is usually sold raw and unprocessed with all enzymes and healing properties stable and intact. The result is an extremely pure, highly effective medical-grade honey that has very little in common with common honey. Higher quality brands of Manuka Honey are also laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency and rated on a scale from 0 through 30. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 16 is ideal for medicinal use and recommended for most applications.
Manuka honey has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria such as the following:
- Staphylococcus aureus – staph infections.
- MRSA – antibiotic-resistant staph infection.
- E-coli – the most common cause of infected wounds.
- Streptococcus pyogenes – common cause of sore throat.
- Helicobacter pylori – a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers.
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) – another antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a common bacteria.
- Enterococcus faecalis – a bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Salmonella – an illness-causing bacteria.
Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to:
- Reduce swelling
- Reduce pain
- Reduce scarring
For maintaining general health and well-being, Manuka honey can be used to:
- Stimulate the immune system
- Fight infection
- Reduce inflammation
- Enhance digestive health
- Support natural body defenses
Manuka honey is effective in treating a variety of external and internal health conditions:
External
- Infected wounds
- Scars
- Skin protection
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Scrapes, cuts, burns, blisters
- Ringworm
- Insect bites/stings
Internal
- Stomach, ear, urinary tract, eye, throat, sinus infections
- Digestive health
- Stimulates immune system
- Sore/strep throat
- Stomach aches/ulcers
- Gum disease
- Acid reflux, heartburn, gastritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey or Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.
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