Wellness And Natural Health Benefits Of Manuka Honey

By Author: manukahoney12
Total Articles: 11
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For centuries, the native people of New Zealand used the Manuka bush in folk medicine. Bark and leaves were boiled, the vapor inhaled for head colds, the liquid rubbed on rheumatic joints and ingested for stomach upsets and dysentery. The bark was also used topically for skin disease. Years later, honey produced by bees that utilize the nectar of the Manuka plant's flower is now being used for medicinal purposes.

There are many people who believe that health and wellness should be achieved naturally.The active components and antioxidant benefits of Manuka honey can be used for added vitality, oral health, immunity, digestive aid and as an antibacterial agent.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a compound found only in select batches of Manuka honey.It is one of the elements that accounts for Manuka honey's renowned antibacterial properties.Independent laboratory testing determines the UMF value after the honey is packaged. The higher the UMF level, the higher the level of antibacterial benefits.

In recent years, scientists have also determined that dietary Methylglyoxal is another constituent of Manuka ...
... honey partially responsible for its antibacterial activity. Researchers isolated the Methylglyoxal compound in the Manuka flower and discovered that it has the ability to kill bacteria growing in a laboratory situation. They identified the antibacterial properties of Methylglyoxal by testing more than 80 types of honey from around the world. They found Methylglyoxal levels were more than 70 times higher in Manuka honey than in ordinary honey.

Manuka honey can be taken orally or by application to the skin. It's antibacterial activity has an equivalent concentration to phenol so it is great for infections, helping the natural healing of wounds and soothing the digestive tract as well as the throat.

Some researchers have reason to believe that, unlike other honeys, the potency of Manuka honey remains stable even with exposure to light or heat.This unique type of honey is harvested in the remote regions of New Zealand where there are no signs of civilization. In these pristine settings, the Manuka bush grows wild. Often, the only human presence is the beekeeper who brings the hives into these areas prior to flowering and returns to remove them after flowering is completed. The Manuka bush flowers for only 4 weeks each year. During this time, the beehives need to be at full strength and located close to large areas of Manuka bush for gathering nectar.

Manuka honey has a strong woody flavor with a creamy dark coloring. The activity of this honey is also a result of its ability to produce hydrogen peroxide. It is ideal to assist the body's ability to improve general well being. The natural benefits of Manuka honey include its antioxidant qualities, delicious full bodied flavor, high energy source and it's ability to aid the digestive system.

Anna is a writer who writes number of articles on manuka. In this article she has written about manuka honey uses.