Is Manuka Honey Better Than Antibiotics?

Is Manuka Honey Better Than Antibiotics

Honey is an extremely powerful antibacterial agent with many medicinal properties.

It has a high viscosity which serves as a protective barrier against infections.

In 2009, researchers found honey to work better than available antibiotics. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology, focused on manuka honey created from bees foraging the nectar of the New Zealand Manuka bush.

The researchers discovered the honey killing every bacteria or pathogen tested. They concluded that if could be applied to human skin to fight infection on cuts and insect bites.

Manuka honey was effective even after multiple treatments because of its potent properties. The honey killed superbugs without them gaining immunity to the compound.

Dr. Dee Carter, from the University of Sydney’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, explained, “New antibiotics tend to have short shelf lives, as the bacteria they attack quickly become resistant.” He added, “Many large pharmaceutical companies have abandoned antibiotic production because of the difficulty of recovering costs. Developing effective alternatives could, therefore, save many lives.”

Manuka’s incredible healing properties result from methylglyoxal which is a compound responsible for killing bacteria with a multi-system failure.

Due to the study’s success, the manuka’s sales increased causing shortages. This allowed fake products to pop up and cause manuka producers to heed trademark protection. Nowadays, if you look for manuka honey, you’ll notice a “UMF certified” placed on the container. This signifies that the product has the Unique Manuka Factor referring to the phytochemical property of manuka bushes. You can purchase UMF certified honey in health food stores and online stores.

Manuka honey is said to reduce high cholesterol, systemic inflammation, treat eye, ear and sinus infections, diabetes, and address gastrointestinal issues.

You can also use it as a topical treatment for wounds and lesions.

Since there are many health benefits that manuka honey brings, try getting a sample today to see it yourself!

Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht

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