Manuka honey is produced in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native Manuka bush. Honey advocates believe it can treat wound infections and other ailments.
Healing effects of honey
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that researchers discovered honey’s natural antibacterial properties.
Honey can prevent damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also encourages the production of special cells that can repair tissues damaged by infection. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can quickly relieve pain and inflammation.
But not all honeys are created equal. The antibacterial properties of honey depend on the type of honey, and when and how it is harvested. Some types may be 100 times more potent than others.
The composition of Manuka honey
The hydrogen peroxide in most honeys gives them their antibiotic effect. But some types of honey, including Manuka honey, also contain other antibacterial ingredients.
The main antibacterial component of Manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). Most honeys contain the compound methylglyoxal, but usually in very small amounts.
In Manuka honey, methylglyoxal is converted from another compound, dihydroxyacetone, which is found in high levels in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
The higher the concentration of methylglyoxal, the stronger the antibiotic effect.
Honey producers have a rating scale for evaluating the potency of Manuka honey. This rating is called UMF and stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF rating reflects the concentration of methylglyoxal. Manuka honey that is potent enough to have a therapeutic effect requires a rating of at least 10 UMF. Honey at or above this level is known as ‘UMF Manuka Honey’ or ‘Active Manuka Honey’. However, from a medical point of view, doctors and researchers are not sure if this rating is meaningful.
How to use Manuka honey
The main medical use of Manuka honey is to be applied to wounds. It is commonly used to treat small wounds and burns. Marketing also advocates the use of Manuka honey for many other conditions, including:
- Preventing and treating cancer
- Reducing high cholesterol
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Treating diabetes
- Treating eye, ear and sinus infections
- Treats gastrointestinal problems
But one does not exactly know if it is indicated for these diseases.
The honey used to treat wounds is medical honey. It has been specially sterilized and treated to become a dressing. So you should not use Manuka honey from the pantry for first aid. Wounds and infections should be observed and treated by a health care professional.
Scientific studies on Manuka honey
Several recent studies have shown that Manuka honey is beneficial when used in wounds and leg ulcers. Studies also suggest that it may have a role in fighting infection and promoting healing.
But not all studies have shown that it helps heal ulcers. There are also concerns that Manuka honey may delay the healing of ulcers caused by diabetes.
The Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database lists honey as a “potentially effective” medicine for burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey can shorten the healing time of minor burns and surgical wounds compared to traditional dressings. But they also said that more research is needed in this area.
Another recent study suggests that Manuka honey may prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases by reducing plaque buildup. In some early studies, Manuka honey was thought to help prevent inflammation of the esophagus due to radiation and chemotherapy for cancer, but recent studies have shown it to be no more effective than standard therapy.
Honey may have another benefit, unlike antibiotics, it doesn’t seem to cause drug-resistant bacteria. Those so-called “superbugs” develop after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. Special antibiotics are needed to treat them.
But most of the research on Manuka honey has been done on a small number of people, and so far no studies have shown that Manuka honey can help lower cholesterol or balance gut bacteria. There are also no large studies looking at the effects of Manuka honey on cancer, diabetes or fungal infections.
Possible side effects of manuka honey
May include:
- Allergic reactions, especially in people who are allergic to bees
- Risk of increased blood sugar
- Effects on certain chemotherapy drugs