Have you tried...

manuka honey?

Manuka Honey
by Amy Dusseldorp
from The Food Coach website

Manuka honey is a particular type of honey with several superior health benefits. Produced in New Zealand, this medical-grade honey is gathered from the Manuka Bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows uncultivated throughout the country. Professor Peter Molan of New Zealand's Waikato University has devoted the majority of his career investigating the medical advantages of using this particular type of honey.

Honey has a well established usage as a wound dressing in ancient and traditional medicine. In recent times this has been rediscovered, and honey is often used as a topical antibacterial agent for the treatment of wounds, burns and skin ulcers. The observations recorded are that inflammation, swelling and pain are quickly reduced, unpleasant odours cease, sloughing of necrotic tissue occurs, dressings can be removed painlessly and without causing damage to re-growing tissue, and healing occurs quickly with minimal scarring and without the need for skin grafts. In many of the cases honey was used on infected lesions not responding to standard antibiotic and antiseptic therapy. It was found in almost all of the cases to be very effective in rapidly clearing up infection and promoting healing. (Waikato Honey Research Unit)

All honeys have some level of antibacterial activity, due primarily to hydrogen peroxide formed in a "slow-release" way by the enzyme glucose oxidase, which can vary widely in strength. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than simple sugar, while others can be diluted over 100 times and still prevent the spread of bacteria.

Manuka honey contains a high level of antibacterial components, due to the combined action of methylglyoxal (MGO) and unidentified synergistic components. Low levels of MGO are found in most honeys, however, it is the high level found in Manuka honey which makes it unique. For example, an Active Manuka honey rated as 10 for its unique, non-peroxide, antibacterial activity will kill the most common wound-infecting species of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus as effectively as a standard antiseptic solution.

Active Manuka Honey is about twice as effective as other honey against Eschericihia coli and Enterococci, common causes of infection in wounds. It is much more effective than other honey against Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of peptic ulcers.
One of New Zealand's leading honey manufacturers, Watson and Son, has been working with Professor Molan to develop the best harvesting and processing system to provide true therapeutic-grade Manuka honey, as not all manuka honeys offer the same benefits.

"Unfortunately neither the words "Active Manuka Honey", nor some rating numbers, necessarily mean it's the right sort of honey for superbugs and some other conditions," says Professor Molan. Recent research by Sydney University's School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences confirms that some special health honeys can destroy antibiotic resistant super-bugs that are killing patients in hospitals around the world. Professor Molan is concerned that people use the right sort of health honey, stating "I'm pleased to see that Professor Carter and her team emphasise that not all health honeys have this factor. It would be disastrous if a honey was used in good faith by a front-line medical practitioner against a superbug infection, but it was the wrong sort of honey."

Not all health honeys have the same effect against bacterial strains, so it is important to look for the letters UMF on the jar, which indicates it is an active Manuka honey with potent healing benefits. Watson and Son honey has four strengths ranging from 5+ to 20+, as each jar is tested, rated and given a number that indicates the strength of its antibacterial activity.

Activity Level Usage
0 Not detectable
5 Table grade level (not recommended for specific therapeutic use)
10 Maintenance level (recommended for increased vitality and immunity)
15 Useful level (high antibacterial activity)
20 Superior level with very high activity (for specific therapeutic use)


Manuka honey can be applied to the skin as a balm, or taken orally to help to soothe the throat and digestive tract. It can also be eaten like other honey products to help to maintain general health. The honey is not only unique in its potent healing properties, it also tastes delicious and can be used as other honeys would.
Look for UMF rated Manuka honey in health food stores and sold in some chemists as Medihoney, which may or may not be Manuka grown honey. Always visit a doctor or health care practitioner for serious conditions or infections that require treatment.

References: Waikato Honey Research Unit