Author
Kimberly Kushner
Naturopath and Nutritionist
Honey is a well known remedy for many ailments and it’s use dates back to thousands of years ago within ancient civilizations. The first written reference to honey was on ancient Sumerian tablets dating back to 2000BC.* Modern medicine is witnessing the benefits of honey, especially in the cases of wound healing and infections of certain stubborn pathogens resistant to antibiotics.**
Manuka honey, is a honey which comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand. It is a wonderfully fragrant and delicious honey which also possesses medicinal qualities. Studies have demonstrated that Manuka honey is an effective antibacterial against many pathogens, including E. Coli, S. Typhi and H. Pylori to name a few. The beneficial effects of honey are attributed to its low pH levels, and content of plant chemicals, specifically in Manuka honey, including leptosperin, methylgloxal and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide content in Manuka honey is not high enough to cause tissue damage, but is sufficient to affect bacterial activity.
UMF is a grading system used to grade the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, so when you purchase Manuka honey for it’s medicinal benefits, ensure you get one with a rating of 15+ or above. A UMF grading is backed by research, and you are guaranteed a high quality product. If your local supermarket does not stock UMF grade Manuka honey, check at your local health food store, or make an online purchase.
In practical terms, a medicinal grade (UMF 15+ or above), Manuka honey could potentially be beneficial and may be used for, but is not limited to, the following conditions:
• Skin cuts/sores/wounds/ulcerations
• Mouth ulcers
• Sore throats, tonsillitis
• Gastric ulcers
• Infections of the digestive tract
• General immune tonic, to ward off potential infections.
So if Manuka honey is something you have never tried, start experimenting with it and see how you go. It is delicious, and definitely hits the spot when you have a craving for something sweet!
This is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, or treatment. Please seek your healthcare professional if you have any questions or queries regarding a medical condition.
References:
*Mandal M & Mandal S, 2011, ‘Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity’, Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 1(2): 154–160
**Jenkins R, Burton N, & Cooper R, 2011, ‘Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus’, J Antimicrob Chemother, 6(11): 2536-42
Kimberly Kushner BHSc (Nutritional Medicine), BHSc (Naturopathy) is a clinical nutritionist and naturopath who aims to provide you with the finest holistic health care. Her approach in assisting you to optimal health is practical, compassionate, empathic, and scientific. Kimberly treats acute and chronic health conditions and her main areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: reproductive health (women’s and men’s), digestive complaints, food allergies, healthy weight management, detoxification, and more.
