Did You Know…that Manuka honey helps combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria… and eases digestive troubles?
Once upon a time, honey was the go-to healing aid for wounds. In the early 20th century, however, with the discovery of penicillin and subsequent antibiotics, honey fell out of favor… a home remedy at best.
The repercussions have been disastrous, as the entire modern world is now threatened by the growing epidemic of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, doctors still commonly prescribe antibiotics to “treat” viral upper respiratory infections—a total mis-treatment because viral infections won’t budge in the face of these antibiotics! The side effect of taking an antibiotic, especially one you don’t need, is that the body builds up resistance, rendering the antibiotic ineffective against the actual infection it’s designed to treat! The same effect is caused by overuse of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers.
The antibiotics we’ve come to depend on just aren’t doing the trick anymore, and it’s time to turn to natural remedies.
Honey Lends a Helping Hand
Unprocessed honey’s got the three As of wound healing: antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant. Honey is able to fight infection with its high concentration of antibacterial agents, like glucose, fructose, acid, and the hydrogen peroxide that’s released by the glucose oxidase enzyme.
One study made up of 59 patients suffering from ulcers and wounds—80% of which couldn’t be healed with conventional treatments—showed that topical application of honey effectively treated 58 out of 59 wounds!
There’s one honey, however, that stands out from the honey pack.
Manuka Honey vs. Antibiotic-Resistant MRSA
Manuka honey, sourced from the medicinal Manuka bush in New Zealand, is the most potent honey in the world. Numerous clinical trials have shown that Manuka can destroy more than 250 strains of bacteria… even the most resistant:
MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
MSSA (methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus)
VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci)
Recent research suggests that when used alongside antibiotics, Manuka honey helps prevent antibiotic-resistant superbugs from developing. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney used Medihoney (a highly absorbent seaweed soaked in medical grade, sterilized Manuka honey) to see if it would work synergistically with the antibiotic rifampicin to strengthen antibacterial activity against MRSA, reduce the effective dose of the antibiotic, and lessen the risk of resistance. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed that Medihoney was able to do all of the above. Typically MRSA builds up resistance to rifampicin very quickly, but when combined with Manuka honey, no resistant strains of bacteria emerged. The researchers concluded: “Our findings support the idea that a combination of honey and antibiotics may be an effective new antimicrobial therapy for chronic wound infections.”
Is There Manuka in Your Cupboard?
Manuka honey is proven to work as well—if not better than—standard antiseptics at treating bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and all other infectious organisms. Manuka honey heals wounds so effectively due to its standout ingredient Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). In order to be “active” and of therapeutic grade Manuka must have a UMF rating of 10 or higher.
You can use Manuka honey for healing wounds, leg ulcers, burns, acne, wrinkles, coughs, acid reflux, stomach infections, digestive ailments, ulcers, and diarrhea. Sweeten your tea with it as you would any honey, or make a homemade skin care mask with some yogurt, avocado, or aloe vera.
