Manuka Honey - Honey Made by Bees in New Zealand That Feed Off of Flowers of the Manuka Tree

Manuka honey is a particular type of honey made by bees in New Zealand that feed off of flowers of the Manuka tree, also known as the tea tree. Most honey has some antibacterial properties due to the activity of an enzyme known as glucose oxidase. Glucose oxidase activity causes the slow release of hydrogen peroxide which is a known anti-infective agent. Hydrogen peroxide release is much higher in Manuka honey which allows it to have anti-infective activities against not only bacteria, but also fungus and other microorganisms.

Manuka honey has also been found to have UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) which comes from the tea tree flowers themselves and is deposited in the honey by the bees. UMF honey also contains high levels of methylglyoxal which is believed to have anti-cancer and anti-infective properties. Native peoples of New Zealand have been using Manuka honey for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, both internal and external.

This honey has been used as a topical anti-infective agent to treat skin ailments such as cracked skin, abrasions, burns, wounds and acne. It has been proven effective in the management of some wounds when added to the wound dressing material and has been used as an eye wash when mixed with water to treat eye infections and may even work in drug resistant infections.

Certain internal illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea, along with simple indigestion may be relieved with Manuka honey. It has been shown to be active against H. pylori, the bacteria known to be responsible for gastrointestinal ulcers. It may be beneficial in promoting rehydration and may help to prevent and treat inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Colds, sore throat infections, other respiratory have also been helped by the ingestion of this honey.

Only honey that is certified to have levels of UMF in the 5+ range will have the variety of health benefits. The Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) is the official organization of UMF honey producers. AMHA offers certification and licensing of products that are guaranteed to have high levels of UMF. Any honey carrying the UMF trademark is guaranteed to have a minimum activity of 5 but some products are much higher in UMF, giving them greater activity.

Certified Manuka honey itself will have a distinctive appearance, taste and smell. It will be a deep amber color and may have a floral odor that is similar to the flowers of Manuka plant. Products made with this honey including creams, lotions and body care products will also have some of these properties, particularly the unique fragrance. To ensure that you reap all of the health benefits of this unique nutritional product, be sure that you are purchasing only UMF certified Manuka honey

Only AMHA certified honey is available in the online store at http://www.NaturalHerbRemedy.com

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease