Not all honey is created equal. In my opinion Manuka Honey from New Zealand with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a champion and stands out above the rest.

This pure raw honey tastes delicious, while also being effective at destroying bacteria, virus, fungus and other microbes. It is also anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and has been reported to enhance the immune system. Due to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), this honey has enhanced antibacterial action compared to regular honey. Studies conducted by Peter Molan at the University of Waikato in New Zealand have found that honey heals because of its natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial properties. When Dr. Molan removed the natural hydrogen peroxide from honey he found that some manuka honey still had significant non-peroxide antibacterial activity. This non-peroxide antibacterial activity is referred to as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). UMF manuka honey has been shown to work as well as, and in some cases, better then prescription antibiotics and antifungals without any side effects associated with those drugs (unless of course you are allergic to honey).

Dr. Molan’s scientific studies have demonstrated UMF manuka honey is effective treating a number of illnesses including antibiotic resistant MRSA (staphyloccus aureus), strep throat and sore throat, cold and flu symptoms, digestive disorders including acid reflux and heartburn, h.pylori (the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and esophageal ulcers.

In my own experience, I was able to eradicate h.pylori using the honey with a UMF factor of 17. The entire treatment course took about four months which may be longer than standard antibiotic treatment but there were no side effects whatsoever. I took one teaspoon on a small piece of healthy grain bread three times a day twenty minutes before meals. I looked forward to each and every dose.

This amazing honey is also an excellent treatment for skin disorders and an excellent addition to skin care products. It has been used quite successfully for external wound care. Dr. Peter Molan’s scientific studies also demonstrated its effectiveness treating infected abscesses and infected surgical wounds, skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns, scars, boils, bed sores and the list goes on.

A medical grade UMF manuka honey which has been thoroughly filtered and sterilized using gamma radiation is recommended for the treatment of serious deep wounds.

It is important to make sure the honey has a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) to receive its many health benefits. The jars will have an active number on the label. The higher the number the higher the antibacterial activity. I have seen UMF factors as high as 30. More is not always better in this case. Because of its strength active manuka honey above 18 can actually be too strong for some individuals and will burn. I don’t recommend anything below active 12 or above active 18 when used medicinally.

Now that the honey is gaining popularity in this country it is important to make sure you are buying from a reputable company. Check to see if the honey is produced in New Zealand and has a UMF factor and an active number on the label. This guarantees the potency. If the label does not display an active number, it doesn’t have the antibacterial action this article is talking about. But if you just want a really good tasting honey, perhaps for tea or for your favorite honey recipe, give regular manuka honey a try. I think you will be delighted with the taste.

Due to the honey’s potency it is not advisable to take more than the recommended amount even though it probably wouldn’t cause any harm. For digestive ailments I recommend taking one teaspoon of the honey on a one inch piece of whole grain bread twenty minutes before meals. For sore throats, one teaspoon of the honey can be taken without the bread to coat the throat area. Drinking this honey in tea dilutes the beneficial antibacterial effects.

Honey should never be given to a child under the age of twelve months.

For wound care and skin ulcerations select honey that has been sterilized by gamma radiation. Always be sure to use sterile dressings after applying the honey.

Authentic manuka honey costs more than regular honey but once you give it a try I think you will agree it is worth the price.

Author Bio: Enjoy your manuka honey in good health. Find more help with delicious healthy recipes like healthy cookie recipes and advice on using natural sweeteners for cooking and better health.

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: manuka honey, umf manuka honey, manuka honey benefits, manuka honey new zealand