subject: The Benefits Of Manuka Honey [print this page] Manuka honey is a honey produced in Australia and New Zealand. This monofloral honey is taken from the nectar inside the manuka tree and produced by the European honey bee. Manuka honey is found throughout the Australian and New Zealand territories and has been recently shown to have significant antibacterial, health and first aid properties.
Manuka Honey versus Other Honey
Manuka is an all-natural honey that is cultivated by the bees and left at that. There are no preservatives, sweeteners or even colors added to the honey itself. This is why it has an exceptionally dark, rich flavor. Most people describe the taste of Manuka as floral, earthy and very robust. It still has the syrupy quality of regular honey as well as the natural sweet taste, but it does not have added sugars.
Digestive Help
Individuals who suffer from digestive issues or ulcers can use manuka honey for relief. One hour before meals, a tablespoon of manuka honey can help ease digestive and limit ulcer flare-ups. Manuka honey has been shown to inhibit helicobacter pylori, which is an all-natural bacterium that causes ulcers within the stomach.
Sore Throats/
Honey has long been used in sore throat remedies and manuka honey is no different. When a person feels a cold coming on, they should take a teaspoon of manuka honey several times throughout the day to ease the effects of the sore throat.
Health and Energy
People tend to sweeten their coffee or other foods with sugar, but instead of using sugar, they should use Manuka honey. Manuka can naturally sweeten most foods, but without the added carbohydrates associated with sugar.
First Aid and Antibacterial
People with minor cuts, scrapes or even burns can use Manuka honey as an antibacterial agent. Since the main ingredient in Manuka honey, methylglyoxal is a common antibacterial agent, it can ward off infection and increase wound healing times. Before use, wash the hands and clean the wound thoroughly. Apply a tablespoon or less to the area using a spatula and cover with a sterile gauze. Make sure to keep the area dry.
Reapply the honey and a clean bandage up to two times per day. Make sure there is not too much honey present, because this can leave the wound sticky or allow excess honey to ooze from the wound.
Manuka honey can be found in most grocery stores, but it is popular in all-natural food stores. For those who cannot find it locally, Manuka is available online through multiple suppliers, but make sure that it is Manuka certified and not a Manuka knock-off before buying.
