Honey is full of benefits. In addition to tasting great, it is known to have medicinal properties, especially in its raw state. Manuka honey is a special type of honey known to be darker in color and thicker than many other types of honey. It is produced by bees that forage on the manuka scrub of Southeastern Australia and New Zealand. What sets Manuka honey apart from the others?

Unique Manuka Factor

Manuka honey is graded using its Unique Manuka Factor known as UMF. This number shows how potent the manuka honey is. The number is calculated using the content of methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and leptosperin within the honey. Not all manuka honey is equal. Some harvested honey from the manuka scrub is more potent than other types of manuka honey. That is why the UMF number is so important. The MGO quantity, in particular, shows the potency of the raw honey, which, in turn, shows how strong its medicinal properties are. A UMF of 10 or greater is most effective when used for medicinal value.

Antibacterial Properties

All honey has antibacterial properties, but manuka honey has a higher potency of these properties. The MGO in raw honey is the predominant ingredient that destroys bacteria and fungus. The manuka plant the bees extract the pollen from, has a higher concentration of MGO than most other plants. This sets manuka honey apart as having greater medicinal value, especially with regard to antibacterial properties. Manuka honey UMF 20 can be used for treating minor wounds and burns because it destroys bacteria and because it creates a barrier further protecting the wound.

Oral Health

To avoid tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy, it is important to minimize bad bacteria that can cause plaque formation. It’s also important not to totally wipe out the good bacteria that is responsible for protecting your teeth. Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties attack harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation and tooth decay.


Inflammation

Manuka honey can be used for more than just an antibacterial agent. It can also be used to reduce inflammation and may be used to reduce acne and to soothe eczema by placing it directly on the skin. The natural hydrogen peroxide that manuka honey provides can act as a gentle cleanser and anti-inflammatory for those that want to give it a try.

Soothe a Sore Throat

Its not new news that honey can help soothe a sore throat but manuka honey can also aid in the efficacy of this type of care as it has more refined qualities that you won’t find in over-the-counter honey. It boosts the immune system and in soothes a sore throat through ingestion of one to two tablespoons a day.

Topical Uses

Lip balm and hair therapy can be made using Manuka honey to increase the moisturizing properties associated with these products. A honey mask or facial cleanser with manuka honey can do wonders for your skin and the same results can be found with a lip balm as well.

When considering the value of using raw honey do not overlook the added value of Manuka honey. The higher MGO content in this honey makes it ideal for medicinal uses. A manuka honey with a higher UMF will provide the most value. Enjoy the taste of manuka honey and the added uses of its medicinal qualities.

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