Manuka honey is considered to have the greatest health benefits with its unique antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The highest UMF™ grades of manuka honey are therefore regarded as the best medical grade honeys (UMF™ 24+ and UMF™ 26+).
The main medical use for Manuka honey is for wound and burn healing. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Research shows Manuka honey to be effective in treating other conditions, including: Skin care including eczema and dermatitis.
MEDIHONEY is a brand name wound and burn gel made from 100% Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. Manuka honey is unique in that it has antibacterial and bacterial resistant properties, meaning it prevents bacteria from building a tolerance to its beneficial effects.
Kanuka honey has even been hailed as the “new super honey” due to its healing qualities. It shows particularly promising results as a topical treatment for skin disorders. Some scientists claim that some Kanuka honey has even higher levels of MGO than Manuka honey.
Certified UMF® Manuka Honey with a 10+ or higher rating is medical grade and therapeutic for the skin.
Is UMF or MGO better? Because UMF is a complete, advanced grading system, it is a purer indicator; but MGO is simpler and more straightforward to test. Therefore, you cannot say one is more reliable than another.
Medical honey is a natural, non-toxic agent that has been used to treat wounds for thousands of years. This ancient remedy is often used within wound dressings to reduce or stop the growth of a wide range of bacteria (antimicrobial) which are commonly found in wound beds.
What is the best medical grade honey? Manuka honey is considered to have the greatest health benefits with its unique antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The highest UMF™ grades of manuka honey are therefore regarded as the best medical grade honeys (UMF™ 24+ and UMF™ 26+).
Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option. Let's draw some inspiration from Oscar Wilde here. “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
While Australian manuka honey may also have benefits, it isn't as well-researched and regulated. New Zealand Manuka comes only from the leptosperum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka plant, while Australian manuka can come from any plant in the leptosperum species.
MediHoney is not indicated for use in third degree burns or to control heavy bleeding.
Manuka honey is worth the cost if you're looking for the health benefits that have made it famous. With its high levels of antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, manuka honey is used in foods, skincare, and medicine throughout the world. And it has been for thousands of years13.
Manuka honey with, relatively, lower levels of antibacterial properties (MGO 83+ or UMF 5+) is the perfect choice for daily consumption.
Manuka Honey can be consumed in various ways depending on personal preference. Taking it directly off the spoon is the most effective way as it won't dilute until it reaches the stomach. Manuka Honey can also be added to warm or cold water, or used as a sweetener in tea or coffee.
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.
One of the great things about being a honey lover is there are so many ways you can eat it, and Manuka honey from New Zealand is no different. From supercharging your breakfasts, stirring into hot drinks, or simply taken off the spoon every morning or night – there is no right or wrong way to take Manuka honey.
All honey contains antimicrobial properties, but Manuka honey also contains non-hydrogen peroxide, which gives it an even greater antibacterial power. Some studies have found Manuka honey can also help to boost production of the growth factors white blood cells need to fight infection and to heal tissue.
Manuka Honey has been so popular for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It is also commonly used as an aid to support the immune system. It is known to heal minor cuts and scrapes, help soothe sore throats, improve digestive symptoms and reduce inflammation caused by acne.
The non-peroxide bacteriostatic properties of Manuka honey are associated with the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO). Conclusion: In addition to bacterial growth inhibition, glyoxal (GO) and MGO from Manuka honey can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration by their immunomodulatory property.
You might also wonder: how long does manuka honey take to work? Well, it depends on how you take it and what you take it for. In some cases, like soothing a sore throat, you can feel the effects quickly. In other cases, it may take a little more time, but be patient!
It also analysed whether the healing was primarily due to manuka honey's antibacterial effects or because of effects on the cells that help healing. The study found wounds treated with UMF 20 honey daily for as little as 12 days healed faster than wounds treated with generic honey and untreated wounds.
Manuka honey's antioxidant and antibacterial properties are key players in treating wounds. It's also worth noting that manuka honey has a lower pH than most honey, which can help promote optimal wound healing. “Manuka honey can help speed up the healing process,” says Flora. “It can also help prevent infections.”
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.