Manuka Honey Secrets You Don’t Know

Many people in Malaysia do not actually know what manuka honey is and that, truly does amaze me. There is literally so much that manuka honey brings to the table, and this could truly make it a quick success in a market like Malaysia where people are always open to trying new foods. For a little back story, manuka honey is commonly used as a natural ointment for wounds of all kinds. It has also been referred to as a go to germ fighter in an age of resistance to conventional antibiotics. Proponents have also claimed that manuka honey can potentially treat other conditions ranging from acne to sinus issues. Manuka honey has not been used for very long as a traditional remedy. It is from the product of the New Zealand scrub plant that gives it its name. European honey bees were the ones that introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. When bees pollinate from this plant, their honey then becomes more potent than the standard honey bee honey. This is also due to the fact that it has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). When it comes down to superfoods, raw honey is often associated with health benefits. Manuka is not a raw honey, but it is specialized. Manuka honey is antibacterial and is also bacterial resistant. This means that bacteria should not be able to build up a tolerance to its antibacterial effects. Manuka honey is also said to be effective for treating everything ranging from a sore throat to even clearing up blemishes on your skin. In this article, we will be going over a few secrets of the manuka honey in the form of its benefits!

AIDS IN HEALING WOUNDS.
Since ancient times, honey has been known to be used in treating wounds, burns, sores and even boils. In 2007, manuka honey was even approved by the US FDA as an alternative for wound treatment. Honey often tends to offer antibacterial and also antioxidant properties, all of this while maintaining a moist wound environment and providing a protective barrier, which will then prevent microbial infections in the wound. Multiple studies over the years have shown us that manuka honey can escalate wound healing, amplify the regeneration of tissue and as well as decrease the pain in patients suffering from burns. For instance, a two week study investigated the effects of applying a manuka honey dressing on about 40 people with non healing wounds. The results then showed that 88% of the wounds happened to decreased in size. Moreover, it also helped create an acidic wound environment, which effectively favors wound healing.

Besides that, manuka honey may also help in healing diabetic ulcers. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia had found out that manuka honey wound dressings, when they were used in combination with conventional wound treatment, healed diabetic ulcers far more effectively than the conventional treatment alone. Additionally, a Greek study also showed that manuka honey wound dressings helped reduce the healing time and it also disinfected wounds in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Another study then observed the effectiveness of manuka honey in healing eyelid wounds after undergoing a surgery. They found out that all eyelid wounds healed well, regardless of the fact whether the incisions were treated with manuka honey or even vaseline. However, patients also reported that the scarring treated with manuka honey was less stiff and also significantly less painful, in comparison to the scarring treated with vaseline. Lastly, manuka honey is also effective in treating wound infections which are caused by antibiotic resistant strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hence, the regular topical application of manuka honey on the wounds and infections may possibly help in preventing MRSA.

PROMOTES ORAL HEALTH.
According to the CDC, about 50% of Americans tend to have some form of periodontal disease. In order for you to avoid tooth decay and to keep your gums healthy, it is important for you to minimize bad oral bacteria that will cause plaque formation. It is also important not to totally wipe out the good oral bacteria that is known for being responsible in keeping your mouth healthy. Studies have shown us that manuka honey attacks the harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation and as well as tooth decay. Specifically, research has shown us that manuka honey with a higher antibacterial activity is effective at inhibiting the potential growth of harmful oral bacteria such as P.gingivalis and as well as A.actinomycetemcomitans. One study then examined the effects of people chewing or sucking on a honey chew on the reduction of plaque and as well as gingivitis. The honey chew was made of manuka honey and was very similar to a chewy honey candy.

After the three daily meals, the participants were instructed to either chew or suck on the honey chew for about 10 minutes or chew a sugar free gum instead. The honey chew group then showed a significant reduction in plaque and also gingival bleeding, in comparison to those who chewed the sugar free gum instead. The idea of having honey for good oral health may seem counterintuitive, as you have probably already been told that consuming too many sweets may lead to cavities. However, unlike other candies and refined sugar, the manuka honey potent antibacterial effects will make it unlikely to contribute to cavities or even tooth decay.

SOOTHES SORE THROAT.
If you are suffering from a sore throat, manuka honey may help in providing some form of relief. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties may aid in reducing the inflammation and also attacks the bacteria that causes the pain. Not only does manuka honey attack the harmful bacteria, it will also coat the inner lining of the throat leaving a soothing effect. A study conducted recently in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for both head and neck cancer observed the effects of consuming manuka honey on Streptococcus mutans, which is a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats. Interestingly, researchers have found a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans after they had consumed the manuka honey. Moreover, manuka honey tends to decrease the harmful oral bacteria that will cause mucositis, which is a common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy. Mucositis also results in inflammation and even painful ulcerations of the mucous membranes lining the esophagus and the digestive tract. For quite some time, there are many various types of honey that have been touted as being natural cough suppressants. As a matter of fact, one study has found out that honey was as effective as a common cough suppressant. Although manuka honey was not used in this study, it is likely to be just as effective at suppressing coughs.

HELPS IN PREVENTING GASTRIC ULCERS.
Stomach ulcers are known for being one of if not the most common illness affecting humans. They are sores that tend to form on the lining of the stomach, which causes stomach pain, nausea and even bloating. H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that is held responsible for the vast majority of gastric ulcers. Research has suggested that manuka honey may possibly help in treating gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori. For instance, a test tube study examined its effects on the biopsies of gastric ulcers which were caused by H. pylori. The results were positive and that also implied that manuka honey is a useful antibacterial agent against H. pylori. However, a small two week study in 12 individuals who took 1 tablespoon of manuka honey by mouth daily had showed that it did not decrease the H. pylori bacteria. Thus, more in-depth research is needed to fully assess its ability to treat gastric ulcers which are caused by H. pylori. Gastric ulcers may also be caused by having excessive alcohol consumption. Yet, a study in rats showed that manuka honey helped in preventing alcohol induced gastric ulcers.

TREATING ACNE.
Acne is mainly caused by hormonal changes, but it can also be a reaction to having a poor diet, stress or bacteria growth in clogged pores. The antimicrobial activity of manuka honey, when it is used in combination with a low pH product, is often marketed to fight against acne. Manuka honey could help keep your skin clear of bacteria, which could elevate the acne healing process. Also, given its anti inflammatory properties, manuka honey is also said to decrease the inflammation associated with acne. One study investigated the effects of kanuka honey, which has antibacterial properties that are similar to those of manuka honey. It found that kanuka honey was as effective as antibacterial soap when it came to improving acne.

Thank you.