New Zealand Manuka Honey

Submitted by Shop New Zealand on Sat, 08/17/2013 - 14:29

Manuka also known as New Zealand Tea Tree or Leptospermum Scoparium is a small tree that grows native to New Zealand particularly on the east coast of the North and South Islands. The manuka tree is an evergreen growing up to 15 metres in height. It leaves are small and prickly and its flowers bear white to pink coloured flowers. Another tree known, as the Kanuka Tree is very similar, the only difference being that the Kanuka tree has smooth foliage.

The Maori and early European settlers have been using the Manuka and Kanuka trees for centuries for their medicinal properties. The bark, sap, leaves and oil of the trees have been used as teas, poultices, wound dressings and skin products. Today, manuka products including its honey are recognized throughout the world for their powerful antibacterial strength.

Honeybees collect nectar from the Manuka and Kanuka flowers. It is then produced into a dark, rich, distinctive flavoured honey known as Manuka Honey. There are two different types of manuka honey, one is ordinary manuka honey that has a beautiful taste but contains small amounts of antibacterial properties and then there is UMF active manuka honey. UMF manuka honey is a potent antibacterial honey that is recommended for therapeutic use.

UMF, stands for Unique Manuka Factor. This is the measurement system used to gage the antibacterial strength of the honey. This measurement can only be detected with laboratory testing. The concentration of UMF can vary every batch, so samples from every honey batch are tested to ensure the level of UMF. The higher the UMF level, the higher the antibacterial activity. Manuka honey with a UMF level of 10+ is recommended for therapeutic use. The levels range from UMF 5 to 25+.

HISTORY OF MANUKA HONEY:

 Honey has been known and used for centuries but in recent years has been rediscovered for its healing properties. It wasn’t until about 45 years ago that honey began to be researched and the differences in the antibacterial activity were discovered. Research has shown that UMF ACTIVE MANUKA HONEY has a high levels of antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. In order to reveal the level of antibacterial strength the honey contains, a measurement system has been implemented.

The UMF Antibacterial Strength Ratings  

0-4: Not detectable 

5-9: Maintenance levels only (not recommended for special therapeutic use)  

10-15: Useful levels for therapeutic uses 

16-25:Superior levels with very high potency

MANUKA HONEY AVAILABLE IN

• Liquid

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Beauty Products

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MANUKA HONEY

• The wood of the manuka tree is very tough and hard so its often used for tool handles.

• The sawdust of manuka trees imparts a delicious flavour when used in smoking meats and fish.

• Beekeepers plant fields of flowers or tress near their bee hives depending on what type of honey they want.

• A New Zealand parakeet known as the Kakariki (Cyanoramphus) uses the bark and leaves of the manuka and kanuka trees to prevent and kill parasites. They chew it, ingest it and apply it to their feathers.

• Captain Cook used the leaves of the manuka and kanuka to make beer and tea getting its name "tea tree". A measurement of 1 teaspoon of young manuka or kanuka leaves for 1 cup of tea.

INTERNAL BENEFITS  Manuka Honey Can Be Used Internally For:

• Acid Reflux

• Diarrhea

• Gastritis

• Heartburn

• Peptic Ulcer

• Upset Stomach

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Duodenal Ulcers

• Esophagus Ulcers

• Digestive Problems

• Helps Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Protects Gastrointestinal System

EXTERNAL BENEFITS  Manuka Honey Can Be Used Externally For:

• Acne

• Skin Ulcer

• Athletes Foot

• Dental Health

• Open Wounds

• Eye Infections

• Diabetic Wound

• Arthritic Inflammation

• Insect bites and stings

• Cracked Skin Conditions

• Minor Cuts, Scratches, abrasions

• Foot/Leg Ulcer (including Diabetic)

• Amputation Stump Wound (Diabetic)

• Burns (First, Second, and Third Degree)

• Foot and leg sores (including Diabetic & open leg sores)

NUTRITIONAL COMPOUND INGREDIENTS

• Sugars

• Water

• Minerals

• Vitamins

• Active Antibacterial Properties

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK:-can rarely occur to sensitive people; if you have a history of anaphylactic reactions DO NOT USE.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this site is for informational purposes ONLY and is not designed to substitute your own medical physician or health professional’s advice. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or diseases.

Research  "Nature guide to the New Zealand forest"- John Dawson, Rob Lucas, Godwit, 2000 Global Bioactives Summit, held in Hamilton, New Zealand, in July, 2001. (Molan, P.C.) Subrahmanyam, M. (1991) Topical application of honey in treatment of burns. British Journal of Surgery 78 (4): 497-498