The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is used as a natural ointment for wounds of all kinds. 

It has been regarded as a powerful fighter in an age of resistance to conventional antibiotics.

It’s the product New Zealand, European honey bees were introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. 

Methylglyoxal is the active ingredient in Manuka honey and likely responsible for antibacterial effects. 

Additionally, Manuka honey has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

In fact, it has traditionally been used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay and improving digestive issues.

Unlike most alternative treatments, there’s scientific evidence to support the healing benefits of Manuka honey. 

These benefits include:

Healing wounds

As with other honeys, Manuka honey can help heal wounds. 

All forms of honey are acidic and have a pH between 3.2 and 4.5. 

The acidic properties of honey have been shown to promote healing.

The acidity also blocks enzymes that break down the proteins and peptides the body needs to repair itself. 

The high concentration of sugar in honey also helps protect wounds.

Honey is low in moisture and draws fluid from a wound. 

This helps remove waste and speed along the healing process. 

Honey also draws water out of the cells of invading bacteria. 

Bacteria need water to grow and survive. 

Drawing the water out of invading bacteria will kill them off.

Antiviral properties

All kinds of honey have been used as natural antibiotics throughout the centuries. 

In recent years, researchers have discovered that honey’s power to kill germs comes from hydrogen peroxide produced with the help of a bee enzyme.

Manuka honey takes this a step further by attacking germs with a substance called MGO. 

Found in the nectar of Manuka plants, this substance helps heal both minor and chronic wounds.

Because of this, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bandages infused with Manuka honey for both over-the-counter and prescription sales.

The more MGO there is in the honey, the more antiviral and antibacterial properties it has.

Antibacterial properties

Dozens of species of bacteria are susceptible to Manuka honey, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. Manuka also appears to be effective against Clostridium difficile, a difficult to treat organism often spread in healthcare settings.

Researchers are particularly interested in the fact that Manuka honey appears to attack infections that form a biofilm, or a thin, slippery layer of bacteria. 

This is because once an infection has formed a biofilm, it’s considered to be untreatable.

Manuka honey is also available in capsules, it’s an easy way to take daily.