Manuka Honey and It’s Many Benefits

My Eye and I have personally experienced the benefits of Manuka Honey.

After reading about all of the Manuka benefits, all I could think of was “Where have you been all of my life” or maybe the more obvious statement is “Where have I been all of my life?” Enjoy the read… I provided a link at the end of the Blog to the Manuka Doctor site that offers tried and true Manuka Honey products. I only share what I believe in! Check out Dr. Josh Axe’s video HERE.

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1.Aid Wound Healing

Since ancient times, honey has been used to treat wounds, burns, sores and boils. I unfortunately, but fortunately had a small dry patch on my eyelid more than likely due to my psoriatic arthritis. I say fortunately because I don’t have the debilitating psoriasis like some that go along with the PSA.

2. Promotes both Topical and  Oral Health

In researching options to take care of the itching and dryness, I found Manuka Honey! Sweeet!! pun intended. I applied it twice a day and voila! I felt the relief in an instant and then the itch and dryness disappeared within two days.

Honey offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties, all while maintaining a moist wound environment and protective barrier. This aids in preventing microbial infections in the wound. Multiple studies have shown that manuka honey can enhance wound healing by amplifying the regeneration of tissue and even decrease pain in patients suffering from burns. 

What’s more, manuka honey may help heal diabetic ulcers. Patients have reported that scarring treated with manuka honey was less stiff and significantly less painful, compared to scarring treated with Vaseline. 

Lastly, manuka honey is effective at treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

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CHECK OUT WHAT IT DOES FOR YOUR GUMS

According to the CDC, almost 50% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. To avoid tooth decay and keep your gums healthy, it is important to minimize bad oral bacteria that can cause plaque formation. It’s also important not to totally wipe out the good oral bacteria that is responsible for keeping your mouth healthy. Studies have shown manuka honey attacks harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation and tooth decay.

3. Soothe a Sore Throat

If you are suffering from a sore throat, manuka honey may help provide some relief. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can reduce inflammation and attack the bacteria that cause pain. Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect. For quite some time, various types of honey have been touted as natural cough suppressants.

4. Help Prevent Gastric Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are one of the most common illnesses affecting humans. They are sores that form on the lining of the stomach, causing stomach pain, nausea and bloating. H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that is responsible for the majority of gastric ulcers. Research suggests that manuka honey may help treat gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori.

For example, a test-tube study examined its effects on biopsies of gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori. The results were positive and implied that manuka honey is a useful antibacterial agent against H. pylori. However, a small two-week study in 12 individuals who took 1 tablespoon of manuka honey by mouth daily showed that it did not decrease H. pylori bacteria.

Thus, more research is needed to fully assess its ability to treat gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori. Yet, a study in rats showed that manuka honey helped prevent alcohol-induced gastric ulcers.

5. Improve Digestive Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder.

Its associated symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. Interestingly, researchers have discovered that regularly consuming manuka honey may help decrease these symptoms. Manuka honey has been proven to improve antioxidant status and reduce inflammation in rats with both IBS and ulcerative colitis, a type of irritable bowel disease.

It has also been shown to attack strains of associated with C. diff. This  is a type of bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel. C. diff is commonly treated with antibiotics. However, a recent study observed the effectiveness of manuka honey on C. diff strains. Manuka honey killed C. diff cells, making it a possibly effective treatment .

It is important to note that the above studies observed manuka honey’s influence on bacterial infections in rat and test-tube studies. Further research is needed to come to a full conclusion regarding its influence on bacterial infections of the bowel.

SUMMARY: Manuka honey may decrease inflammation in individuals with IBS. It may also be effective at attacking C. diff.

6. May Treat Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that damages the lungs and can also affect the digestive system and other organs. It affects the cells that produce mucus, causing mucus to be abnormally thick and sticky. This thick mucus clogs airways and ducts, making it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately, upper respiratory infections are quite common in people with cystic fibrosis. Manuka honey has been shown to fight bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections.

 One study observed the effectiveness of manuka honey against these bacteria in people with cystic fibrosis. Results indicated that it inhibits their growth and works in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. Therefore, researchers concluded that manuka honey may play an important role in treating upper respiratory infections, especially in those with cystic fibrosis.

SUMMARY: Manuka honey has been shown to attack harmful bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis, but further studies are needed.

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7. Treat Acne

Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes, but it can also be a reaction to poor diet, stress or bacteria growth in clogged pores. The antimicrobial activity of manuka honey, when used in combination with a low-pH product, is often marketed to fight acne. Manuka honey could help keep your skin free of bacteria, which could expedite the acne healing process. Also, given its anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey is said to decrease inflammation associated with acne. Yet, there is very limited research on manuka honey’s ability to treat acne.

SUMMARY: Manuka honey’s ability to treat acne appear favorable given its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is Manuka Honey Safe?

For most people, manuka honey is safe to consume. However, some people should consult a doctor before using it.

• People with diabetes. All types of honey are high in natural sugar therefore,consuming manuka honey may affect blood sugar levels.

• Those allergic to honey or bees may have an allergic reaction after ingesting or applying manuka honey.

• Infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving honey to babies younger than one due to the risk of infant botulism which is a type of food borne illness.

The Bottom Line

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey. Its most notable attribute is its effect on wound management and healing.

Manuka honey also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat numerous ailments. For instance, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, periodontal disease and upper respiratory infections. Further research is warranted to support its beneficial properties. All things considered, manuka honey is likely an effective treatment strategy that may accelerate the healing process when used in conjunction with more conventional therapies.

-by Kelli Piggee