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WHAT IS MANUKA HONEY
Manuka also known as New Zealand Tea Tree or Leptospermum scoparium is a small tree that grows native to New Zealand particularly on the east coast of the North and South Islands. This evergreen tree grows up to 15 metres in height. It has small prickly leaves and bears white to pink coloured flowers. Another tree known as the Kanuka Tree is very similar in appearance, the only difference being is that the Kanuka tree has a smooth foliage.
Both the Manuka and Kanuka plants have been used for centuries by Maori and early European settlers for their medicinal purposes. The plant, its bark, sap, leaves and oil have been used as teas, poultices and wound dressings. Today, manuka products including its honey are recognized throughout the world for their powerful antibacterial and medicinal properties.
Manuka Honey is produced from the nectar from the Manuka and Kanuka flowers. The honeybees then produce a dark, rich, distinctive flavoured honey known as Manuka Honey. There are two different types of manuka honey, one is ordinary manuka honey which has a beautiful taste but contains hardly any antibacterial properties and then there is UMF active manuka honey. UMF manuka honey is the most potent antibacterial honey that is used for internal and external therapeutic used.
UMF, stands for Unique Manuka Factor. This is the measurement system used to gage the antibacterial strength. This measurement can only be detected with laboratory testing. As the concentration of UMF can vary from each batch and from year to year, samples from every honey batch are tested to ensure the level of UMF. The higher the UMF level, the higher the antibacterial activity. Manuka honey with a UMF level of 10+ is recommended for therapeautic use. The levels range from UMF 5 to 30+.
HISTORY OF MANUKA HONEY
Honey has been known and used for centuries for its healing properties, but it wasn’t until about 45 years ago that honey began to be researched. Research revealed that there were great differences in the antibacterial activity depending on the type of honey. Research has shown that UMF ACTIVE MANUKA HONEY has high levels of antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. In order to reveal the level of antibacterial strength the honey contains, a measurement system has been implemented.
The UMF Antibacterial Strength Ratings
0-4: Not detectable
5-9: Maintenance levels only (not recommended for special therapeutic use)
10-15: Useful levels for therapeutic uses
16-30:Superior levels with very high potency
MANUKA HONEY AVAILABLE IN
- Liquid
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Beauty Products
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MANUKA HONEY
- The manuka tree wood is very tough and hard so its often used for tool handles.
- The sawdust of manuka trees imparts a delicious flavour when used in smoking meats and fish.
- Beekeepers plant fields of flowers or tress near their bee hives depending on what type of honey they want.
- Parakeets called Kakariki (Cyanoramphus) use the bark and leaves of the manuka and kanuka trees to kill and prevent parasites. They chew it, eat it and apply it to their feathers.
- Captain Cook used the leaves of the manuka and kanuka to make beer and tea getting its name "tea tree". A measurement of 1 teaspoon of young manuka or knauka leaves for 1 cup of tea.
INTERNAL BENEFITS
Manuka Honey May Be Beneficial Internally For:
- Acid Reflux
- Diarrhea
- Gastritis
- Heartburn
- Peptic Ulcer
- Upset Stomach
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Duodenal Ulcers
- Esophagus Ulcers
- Digestive Problems
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Protects Gastrointestinal System
EXTERNAL BENEFITS
Manuka Honey May Be Benficial Externally For:
- Acne
- Skin Ulcer
- Athletes Foot
- Dental Health
- Open Wounds
- Eye Infections
- Diabetic Wound
- Arthritic Inflammation
- Insect Bites and Stings
- Cracked Skin Conditions
- Minor Cuts, Scratches, Abrasions
- Foot/Leg Ulcer (including Diabetic)
- Amputation Stump Wound (Diabetic)
- Burns (First, Second, and Third Degree)
- Foot and Leg Sores (including Diabetic & Open Leg Sores)
NUTRITIONAL COMPOUND INGREDIENTS
- Sugars
- Water
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Active Antibacterial Properties
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
ORALLY:- Take Manuka Honey as directed by the product recommendations.
STORAGE:- Keep out of direct sunlight, at room temperature in a well sealed container.
PREGNANCY:- Always ask a health professional before commencing use. However, manuka honey is often used to combat morning sickness. Morning Sickness - Mix half a teaspoon of ginger juice, one teaspoon of fresh lime juice, one teaspoon of mint juice and one teaspoon of UMF Honey. Take 3-4 times a day.
MEDICATION:- If you are taking medication, ask a health professional first before commencing use
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK:-can rarely occur to sensitive people; if you have a history of anaphylactic reactions DO NOT USE. Always check with your health professional first before using this or any supplement.
RELATED PRODUCTS
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DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this site is for informational purposes ONLY and is not designed to substitute your own medical physician or health professional’s advice. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or diseases.
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Research
- "Nature guide to the New Zealand forest"- John Dawson, Rob Lucas, Godwit, 2000
- Global Bioactives Summit, held in Hamilton, New Zealand, in July, 2001. (Molan, P.C.)
- Subrahmanyam, M. (1991) Topical application of honey in treatment of burns. British Journal of Surgery 78 (4): 497-498
- http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2001/november/Molan/honey-as-topical-agent.html
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