A native to New Zealand, manuka honey is often available only in the remotest parts of this country with some lands only crossed by using a helicopter. Compared with regular honey, the Manuka honey is regarded for its antimicrobial properties. Here are 12 amazing benefits of Manuka honey that you may not know of.
Wound healing
Compared with regular honey, Manuka honey contains hydrogen peroxide and MGO. As an infection treatment, this honey gives better healing properties.
With antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a wound dressing. Evidence of using this honey showed partial-thickness around burn areas within 4 to 5 days of use; a faster treatment process compared with traditional dressing.
If you’re using this for treating wounds at home, it would be best to ask your doctor beforehand. To give you an overview, you can use a bandage and add some Manuka honey on the bandage. The honey should never be placed directly over the wound. Manuka honey treatments are only effective using a specific type of bandage recommended by the doctor.
Antimicrobial
Studies showed Manuka honey to alter bacterial shape and size. During bacterial cell multiplication, this type of honey can change its activity.
Antimicrobial medications proved to be a global problem with more bacteria developing resistance. This proved to be a costly one with more hospital stays, laboratory tests, complications, and sometimes death. As the study showed, Manuka honey’s antimicrobial element could deter the spread of roughly 60 types of bacteria, including E.coli and Salmonella.
The antimicrobial properties are stronger for those with a unique Manuka factor (UMF) of 10 to 18. Take 1 tablespoon for 2 to 3 times daily before meals. It’s best taken raw so you optimize all the medicinal benefits from it. Manuka honey is not overly sweet and will have some lingering bitter taste after you swallow, so wash this down with some water.
Skincare
Skincare is one of the 12 amazing benefits of Manuka honey by reducing acne flare-ups and irritation. As a natural skincare treatment, this type of honey can be used directly on the skin. Use only a thin layer of honey on affected skin areas.
As a detox mask, you can apply raw honey directly on your face for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry. To get the most benefits, leave this in your face and neck for an hour.
You can also use this to soothe eczema. Using equal parts of beeswax, Manuka honey, and olive oil, mix and place this in a container. Use this mixture on affected areas three times daily to soothe irritations. After use, store the container is a cool and dry place readily accessible for the next use.
Good for your gut
About 15 percent of the population in the U.S experience irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. It is commonly characterized by abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, and irregular bowel movements.
Manuka honey’s healing and anti-inflammatory properties could reduce the inflammation commonly associated with IBS. Bacteria such as Clostridium difficile (C.diff) is one of the many bacteria that can be treated using this type of honey.
There are several ways to use Manuka honey for treating your gut. You can take 1 tablespoon of honey every day. If you’re feeling nauseated, you can add some of this honey on your toast. You can incorporate this into your meal plan by adding this in tea or yogurt.
Soothe sore throat
The anti-inflammatory effect of Manuka honey could relieve a dry and sore throat. With its antimicrobial properties, this can be used as a natural home ready for throat relief.
Just with most types of honey, Manuka honey also has a cough suppressant property that takes away dry cough. As an organic treatment, you can consume this raw or with your favorite tea.
Oral health
As part of the 12 amazing benefits of Manuka honey, it promotes oral health by preventing a gum disease called gingivitis. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of Manuka honey kill germs that cause irritation, swelling, and redness of the gums. It is also linked to a reduction of plaque formation because of its bacterial-inhibiting function.
Overall, using Manuka honey provides optimum health benefits for your teeth and gums since it doesn’t build an acidic environment inside the cavity.
Organic treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the digestive system and lungs. Abnormal production of thick mucus can block airways leading to difficulty in breathing. Considering that upper respiratory infections are a common occurrence for individuals experiencing this disease, the antiseptic properties of Manuka honey can counter this by fighting off infections.
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