Manuka Honey's highly medicinal properties were originally discovered by the Native Maoris of New Zealand and it is only in the last decade that the world's medical establishment has begun to take more seriously the possible clinical benefits of Active Manuka Honey. It is now considered as a first line treatment in a number of serious skin surface applications as well as its ability to aid with digestive issues. The discovery of a unique antibacterial property has led Active Manuka Honey to be considered for both external and internal digestive uses.

When taken internally, Manuka honey can be used for indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea. Also efficient in the treatment of stomach ulcers (Helicobacter Pylori).

Due to its strong anti-bacterial components, PH levels of
3.2 to 4.5 and high antiseptic levels, Manuka honey is
extremely efficient in the treatment of sore throats (Streptococcus Pyogenes), tooth decay and gingivitis.

Tests prove that the antibacterial potency of Manuka honey is 10 to 50 times more powerful than is needed to stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant (Staphylococcus Aureus), the superbug that causes MRSA.

When taken externally Manuka honey can be used to treat a number of bacterial skin infections.

Fights wound infection, aids tissue healing and has been found in clinical trials to reduce inflammation. Manuka can be applied neat to the skin to help heal cuts, grazes, burns,fungal infections, acne and scarring.

Manuka Honey is recommended for maintaining general health and good digestion.

Below are some of the bacteria Manuka Honey has been tested on.

How to use Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey has a variety of uses which include being applied directly onto the skin to been taken internally.

• For Acne and Pimples : A thin layer of Active Manuka Honey can be applied directly onto the skin and left to dry overnight. This can be applied using q-tips.
  
• For stomach ulcers : Try a teaspoon to a tablespoon of the honey three to four times a day, ideally one hour before meals and again at bedtime on an empty stomach. It also helps to put the honey on bread or cracker, this holds the honey in the stomach for as long as possible. It is recommended to adjust the amount and frequency to suit your own needs.
  
• For Sore Throats and Colds : A tried and tested remedy, take a teaspoon three times a day and rotate it around the throat when you feel a slight cold coming on.
• An energy enhancer : Take Manuka Honey as often as desired on bread, in drinks, by the spoonful to boast your energy levels !
• As a First Aid : Manuka Honey is a common site in many first aid cabinets. It can be applied to minor cuts, grazes and burns to promote natural healing. Make sure the wound is clean before applying Manuka Honey. Apply Manuka Honey generously to the affected area. Cover and keep dry. Change dressing at least once a day.
  Always have clean hands, dressings and spatula.
  Always cool a burn immediately under cold water before applying honey.

Below is an excerpt from the web site of the Honey Research Unit of the University of Waikato in New Zealand. It is reproduced here for interest only and is strictly not intended to constitute medical advice - individuals should consult their doctor.

The way honey is used as a wound dressing (practical information)

The following points have come from clinical experience of many people using honey as a wound dressing:

• The amount of honey required on the wound depends on the amount of fluid exuding from the wound. The various beneficial effects of honey on wound tissues will be reduced or lost if small amounts of honey become diluted by large amounts of fluid. Likewise the frequency of dressing changes required will depend on how rapidly the honey is being diluted by fluid.
• Daily dressing changes are usual, but up to three times daily may be needed.
• If the dressing sticks to the wound this indicates that more frequent changes of dressing are needed.
• Exudation of fluid should be reduced by the anti-inflammatory action of honey, so less frequent dressing changes may be needed later - a few days between changes.
• More honey is required on deeper infections, to obtain an effective level of antibacterial activity diffusing deep into the wound tissues.
• Typically, 20 ml of honey (25 - 30 g, 1 ounce) is used on a 10 cm X 10 cm (4 inch X 4 inch) dressing.
• Occlusive (waterproof) or absorbent secondary dressings are needed to prevent honey oozing out from the wound dressing. (Occlusive dressings are better as they keep more of the honey in contact with the wound - absorbent dressings soak the honey away from the wound.) Adhesive tape or bandages can be used to hold the dressings in place if an adhesive occlusive dressing is not used.
• Pressure bandaging is used over the honey dressing for varicose ulcers.
• Dressing pads pre-impregnated with honey are the most convenient way of applying honey to surface wounds. (Dressing pads pre-impregnated with active manuka honey are available commercially.)
• If pre-impregnated dressings are not available, it is best to spread the honey on the dressing rather than on the wound.
• Abscesses, cavities and depressions in the wound bed are filled with honey before applying the honey dressing pad, so that there is honey in contact with the wound bed. The honey dressings are cut to a size that extends beyond the edges of the wound and any surrounding inflamed area.

Note: The information provided in this website does not constitute medical advice. It is important that wounds that are not healing are seen by a registered medical practitioner - failure to heal may be the result of malignancy (cancer) or defective blood circulation. Varicose leg ulcers usually require professionally applied pressure bandaging over the dressing to heal successfully.