manuka honey
Honey has been used in wound healing for 1000’s of years: in ancient Egypt and India, people wrapped their wounds in honey. These ancient civilizations knew that honey had protective qualities towards wounds. So what do we know today? We know that once antibiotics were discovered, honey was no longer broadly used for healing wounds. It was only recently, with the realization that certain bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, that people are returning to honey for dermatologic use – especially Manuka honey.
What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees who get their nectar from the Manuka Tree (also known as the Tea Tree) indigenous to New Zealand and Australia. This honey contains non-hydrogen peroxide in addition to several other chemicals, which give Manuka honey its unique structure and strong antibacterial qualities.
The producers of Manuka honey in New Zealand have established a grading system to help differentiate between types of Manuka honey. The most common grading system is the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
The UMF Honey Association in New Zealand awards Manuka honey products this label only if they meet certain standards. The higher the UMF grade, the purer and more active the honey. An ideal range is between UMF 10-18 (source). UMF rates the the presence of Leptosperin, DHA and Methylglyoxal - three chemical markers within the honey.
Honey’s antibacterial properties, it's low ph, it's ability to maintain a moist and protective wound-healing environment, as well as it's anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, make it the sweetest superfood!
Honey also has an adundance of vitamins such as B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids; and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc (source).
What can Manuka Honey do?
It has been shown to be effective against MRSA, E. coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus, and many other bacteria. Manuka honey is effective against as many as 60 different bacteria (source). In addition to wound and skin healing, studies have also shown that Manuka honey can reduce systemic inflammation, ease gastro-intestinal issues, lower cholesterol, as well as help with ear, eye and sinus infections (source). A 2017 study reported that Manuka honey could possibly be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (source).
Personally, I have begun to use Manuka honey on wounds and dry skin - even on my face. My kids take it when they feel a sore throat. It has a stronger flavor profile than traditional raw honey, but it is still quite delicious!
Here are some honey products that I like: