Where does it come from?

Manuka honey is produced by honey bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush or Leptospermum Scoparium, a tea tree native to New Zealand. New Zealand has one of the highest organic certification standards for honey in the world.

In fact, one of the unique things New Zealand does that many other countries don’t is insist that bee hives, the land they’re on, and the surrounding land within a three to five mile radius be certified. as organic. The reason for this is that studies (1 and 2) have shown that bees can travel up to and sometimes more than 1.7 km (that’s 1-2 miles for you and me) to feed and gather. pollen, which means that pollen from GM crops and crops sprayed with pesticides can be introduced into the hive contaminating the honey.

What makes it unique?

Once the bees have collected the nectar, they take it back to the hive where they add an enzyme called glucose oxidase to preserve the honey, which then slowly releases small amounts of the antibacterial agent hydrogen peroxide into the honey.

So how is this different from other honeys? While all honey contains hydrogen peroxide, its potency varies nearly 100-fold in all types of honey, and when exposed to heat and light, the enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide is destroyed, as is the property honey antibacterial

Professor Peter Molan of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, discovered that what makes Manuka Honey unique is the presence of Methylglyoxal (MGO) in large quantities (between 100 and 1000 mg/ kg). This peroxide-free ingredient is what gives this honey its unique antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. A methylglyoxal level of 400 mg/kg and higher in Manuka honey gives it the power to destroy a large number of destructive micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria.

Another unique aspect of MGO is that it is stable, meaning it does not break down with heat or light, or the catalase enzyme present in body tissue, hence its unique ability to heal wounds. It also does not require dilution or oxygen to become active, which means it can work in wound dressings, internally (in the digestive tract/stomach), and at a more potent level. This unique property has been named Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). But be warned, research has shown that not all Manuka honey contains UMF and not all are strong enough to have a therapeutic effect. UMF must be over 16 years of age to have significant antibacterial and healing properties and must be active.

So the words you are looking for on the label of your bottle of Manuka Honey are organic, active and UMF between 16+ and 24+. The higher the UMF level, the greater the health benefits.

So what are the benefits of Manuka honey?

Most people will know that this honey has antibacterial properties and is good for your health, but most won’t be sure why or how it works. Professor Molan of the University of Waikato Honey Research Unit in New Zealand has been researching the properties and benefits of Manuka Honey for over 28 years and has made some exciting discoveries, the latest of which is which has anti-aging properties as it is able to stimulate collagen. synthesis in the skin that helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles in organic facials.

It is also anti-inflammatory, which makes it a great organic skincare ingredient. It can help heal conditions like acne, stomach ulcers, arthritis, and eczema. It can be taken internally and applied topically to the skin. This is because the high sugar content of Manuka honey creates a waterless environment in which bacteria that infect a wound cannot survive. Also, thanks to the presence of an enzyme called glucose oxidase, it is acidic, which adds to its unique antibacterial properties. In fact, Christie’s Hospital in Didsbury now uses Manuka honey in treating mouth and throat cancer patients. Of course, the most well-known benefit of Manuka honey is that it is antibacterial. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that at least 70% of bacteria are now immune to at least one type of antibiotic. no bacteria are known to have developed a resistance to Active Manuka Honey.

Manuka honey destroys bacteria by extracting all the moisture from the cells. It harms the environment in which multiple bacteria accumulate and in turn kills the bacteria. Medical researchers in Trenton, New Jersey are now producing a medical gauze made from this honey. In the case of MRSA, studies show that it interferes with the separation process when the bacteria try to multiply, thus preventing the MRSA from spreading. It has also been shown to increase the good bacteria in the stomach, which aids digestion and strengthens the immune system.

Why is it used in beauty treatments:

• Anti-aging benefits – when combined with Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. It also creates a clean, sterile surface for acupuncture on the face. Acupuncture, organic anti-aging facial massage techniques, and Manuka honey combined to deliver the most amazing radiance to skin after treatment and fast results.
• Deep Skin Cleansing: The technique we use gently draws out impurities from the skin, reducing the need to over-squeeze the skin during manual extractions. For previous extractions, it loosens impurities and helps prepare the skin for a deeper cleaning. If the skin is not prepared correctly, extractions can be uncomfortable and damage the skin. Using our Manuka Honey cleansing technique is a great alternative for those with sensitive skin who still like a deep clean but don’t like traditional manual extractions.
• Anti-inflammatory and healing – Soothes skin inflamed by acne and rosacea that suffers. Great after extractions too.

Next time… some helpful home remedies for common garlic that Manuka Honey can help relieve.