What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey made by bees in New Zealand that frequent the manuka bush, Leptospermum scoparium. It is claimed to have antibacterial properties because of its methylglyoxal content. Manuka honey is typically dark in colour with a strong flavour. The honey has antibacterial properties.

The Maori and early European settlers used the oils and honey from the Manuka flowers and leaves for many medicinal puposes and were well aware of the healing results from topical application of these extracts.

The Manuka Flower

What is 'Active' Manuka Honey?

What is known as 'Active' Manuka Honey has enjoyed growing acceptance by the academic and medical world in recent years, and reporting of the honey's unique properties has proliferated in the world's press and media.

It is not totally understood why only some Manuka honey has an antimicrobial property not shared by other honeys. This property is called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®) antibacterial property.

The presence of this activity can be detected by laboratory testing, which is conducted by the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Honey that is tested and verified to have a level of 10 or more is given a UMF rating and is referred to as 'Active'.

Benefits of Manuka Honey

This video provides a great explanation about honey and the difference that Manuka Honey has over 'normal' honey. It also provides a summary of the many medicinal benefits of Manuka Honey.

Understand the UMF difference

While Manuka Honey has received increasing press coverage, many journalists do not distinguish between ordinary Manuka Honey and Active Manuka Honey.

The UMF rating is your key indicator as to the strength of the antibacterial effect. A rating of 10 or more is considered to be suitable for therapeutic medical use. Such honey is referred to as 'active', although much ordinary Manuka Honey is still marketed as being active despite not having the required minimal rating.

The UMF rating is your guarantee that the honey has been tested and verified for its antibacterial activity by the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

Unique Characteristics of Active Manuka Honey

Only active Manuka Honey provides non-hydrogen peroxide active components. The Manuka Honey's active component maintains its potentcy even when diluted over 50 times. The Unique Manuka Factor is unaffected by heat, light, moisture or time and diffuses deeper into the skin's tissue than do the enzymes of other regular honeys.

Nature's Miracle - Today Tonight Reports on Manuka Honey

View this 'Today Tonight' report on the incredible benefits of Manuka Honey!

Facts About Manuka Honey

• Manuka Honey has more healing properties than any other type of honey.
• It's unique properties are derived from the nectar of the Manuka flower.
• There are no known side effects with Manuka Honey.
• It cleans wounds.
• Possesses an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Has an antibacterial level four times greater than standard antiseptic.
• Fights antibiotic resistant bacteria.
• Speeds up the healing process.
• Active Manuka Honey can be used for external and internal digestive health conditions.
• Internally it can be used stomach ulcers, acid reflux and gastritis.
• Topically, Manuka Honey can be used for acne, infected wounds, eczema, ringworm.
• Only active medicinal-grade Manuka Honey is appropriate for medicinal use.
• Manuka Honey with a UMF rating between 10 and 16 is most desirable.
• It has more vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants than other honeys.
• It contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.
• Medical use for Manuka Honey is backed by scientific evidence and trial studies.