Honey has been used as a natural medicine for centuries. Prior to the advent of antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine, honey was commonly used to treat infections and promote wound healing.

All types of honey have some levels of healing properties. However, Manuka Honey from New Zealand seems to have the highest levels of these healing properties, more so than any other honey in the world. Manuka Honey is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It also has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it extremely useful in treating a wide range of health problems.

Studies have shown that Manuka honey is an effective treatment for wounds, burns, insect bites, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, psoriasis, ulcers, sore throats, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, etc. There are also no side effects when using Manuka Honey like those you can experience when using antibiotics or other drugs. Manuka honey is excellent for stomach aches, indigestion, cough, cold and flu symptoms, etc. It can also be used to cure insomnia.

An enzyme is present in honey that produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can be used as a disinfectant. This is one reason why honey has such a high antimicrobial activity. Hydrogen peroxide is also partly responsible for regulating oxygen supply to skin cells, which helps to hasten the healing process. Manuka honey provides a protective barrier over wounds without damaging the skin or interfering with the healing process. It contains vital nutrients that are needed for the regeneration of skin tissue. The amino acids, minerals, vitamins and sugars present in Manuka Honey stimulate collagen production in as well as supporting the growth of new capillaries. The pH level of Manuka Honey also promotes wound healing and the eradication of infectious bacteria.

In addition to its ability to produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey contains other antibacterial compounds such as methylglyoxal and an otherwise unidentified component that has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Some producers of Manuka Honey measure its antibacterial potency by rating the UMF. The range is from 0 - 30. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 0 through 9 is not active and should not be used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 through 16 is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Manuka Honey that is more potent than UMF 20 is overly potent and can cause a burning or stinging sensation. Manuka Honey UMF 16+ is most recommended and is ideal for most applications.

For internal conditions, such as stomach ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, etc., it is recommended to take Manuka Honey orally, 3-4 times per day, most preferably before meals. If eating it off a spoon is not desirable, you can also spread it on a piece of bread or toast and eat it. Once symptoms are eliminated, you can reduce usage to once a day for maintenance purposes. For topical use on the skin, it is recommended to apply Manuka Honey, or a skin care product that contains Manuka Honey, directly to the affected area 1-2 times per day until the symptoms are eliminated.

Manuka Honey is truly a miracle of nature. It can be used as a natural medicine or for cosmetic purposes. Please remember that infants under the age of 12 months old should not ingest honey of any kind because their immune system is not fully mature and will not be able to handle the spores that are sometimes present in some honeys. Although, using Manuka Honey topically on the skin is perfectly safe for children of all ages. It is also safe for mothers to ingest honey if they are breast feeding. If you are planning on using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes, make sure it has a UMF rating of 10 - 16. Anything less is not potent enough and anything more is too potent. Look for the "UMF" registered trademark on the label. This indicates that the honey is regulated and laboratory tested for its antibacterial potency.