Reasons Why You Should Try Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is unique in its purest form compared to ordinary kinds of honey. It was approved by the FDA in 2007. All kinds of honey have acidic properties that promote healing. The acidity also blocks enzymes that break down the proteins and peptides the body needs to repair itself. The high concentration of sugar in honey helps protect wounds.

Honey is low in moisture and draws fluid from a wound, which helps remove waste and speeds up the healing process. Honey also draws water out of the cells of invading bacteria, killing them since bacteria need water to grow and survive. Manuka honey uses a substance called MGO to combat minor and chronic wounds. Because of this, the FDA approved bandages infused with Manuka honey that are available both over the counter and by prescription. It enhances wound healing, amplifies tissue regeneration, and decreases pain in patients suffering from burns.

Manuka honey has been shown to combat and heal infections that contain a biofilm, a slippery layer of bacteria. Bacteria with biofilm are considered to be untreatable, and researchers are interested in Manuka honey because of this.

Although there are no reports of microbial resistance to Manuka honey, it suggests that it might be effective against resistant organisms and long-lasting wound infections that do not heal with regular antibiotic therapy. For this reason, honey is considered a last-resort option against infection.

Studies have shown Manuka honey attacks harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation, and tooth decay. Research indicates that Manuka honey has high antibacterial activity that inhibits the growth of harmful oral bacteria like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

A study examined the effects of Manuka honey chews versus sugar-free gum. The honey chew group showed a significant reduction in plaque and gingival bleeding compared to the group that tried sugar-free gum.

From my recent experience, I tried Manuka honey by the spoonful, and it worked in seconds. Manuka honey not only attacks harmful bacteria but also soothes your throat from pain and soreness. A study found that in patients undergoing chemotherapy for head and neck cancer, consuming Manuka honey reduced Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes sore throats.

It also combats mucositis, a bacteria that causes inflammation and painful ulcerations of the mucous membranes lining the esophagus and digestive tract. Additionally, it can be used as a common cough suppressant compared to other honeys.

Stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria called H. pylori. A test tube study conducted on biopsies showed that Manuka honey is a helpful antibacterial agent against H. pylori. However, another study indicates that one tablespoon of Manuka honey is not enough to combat gastric ulcers.

Gastric ulcers can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. A study on rats showed that Manuka honey can help reduce alcohol-induced gastric ulcers.

Research has shown that Manuka honey can relieve the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It has also been shown to improve antioxidant status and reduce inflammation in rats with both IBS and ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Manuka honey attacks Clostridium difficile, a harmful bacteria that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel.

The antimicrobial activity of Manuka honey, when used in combination with a low-pH product, is often marketed to fight acne. It can also combat bacteria on your face, making the acne treatment efficient. As an antibacterial agent, Manuka honey helps decrease inflammation associated with acne.

Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It affects the cells that produce mucus, causing mucus to be abnormally thick and sticky. This thick mucus clogs airways and ducts, making breathing difficult. Upper respiratory infections are common with cystic fibrosis.

Manuka honey is proven to combat bacteria causing upper respiratory infections, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia spp., which are the most common bacteria causing these infections.