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Manuka honey effect and application
contents
Honey is not the same honey
Internal and external application
Internal applications
External applications
limitations
Various products with manuka honey
Summary
Honey is not the same honey
Honey consists of a supersaturated sugar solution consisting of eighty percent sugar and twenty percent water. In addition, it is rich in enzymes and contains vitamins and minerals. Just by the high sugar content, the honey gets its effect. The sugar deprives the bacteria of the water, which means that they can no longer multiply. In addition, honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which has anti-inflammatory effects, especially in wounds.
Manuka honey is available in different methylglyoxal concentrations. Image: DPimborough / fotolia.com Another ingredient is methylglyoxal, which is produced by the breakdown of sugar. This is mainly responsible for the antibacterial effect. The domestic honey also contains methylglyoxal, but only in small quantities. Manuka honey, which is obtained from the flowers of the New Zealand Manukastrauches, contains many times and that up to 800 milligrams per kilogram, depending on storage and origin. On the other hand, household honey usually contains only 20 milligrams per kilogram. For a sufficient antibacterial effect at least 100 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram are required. Various studies have found that this delicious sweetness keeps even the aggressive Staphylococcus aureus at bay as well as acting against other antibiotic resistant strains. Manuka honey is not only effective against bacteria, it is also antiviral and antifungal.
Internal and external application
It is important to mention here that only a sterilized (gamma-irradiated) Manuka honey should be used for external application. For this a food honey is not suitable. For the treatment of wounds and ulcers, an approved medical device to choose with valid CE mark, available at the pharmacy. This is already being used in clinics and nursing services.
For internal use may be resorted to a very "normal" Manuka honey. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to certain terms. The higher the potency, the more methylglyoxal the honey contains and the greater its antibacterial effect. This is indicated by the three letters MGO (methylglyoxal concentration mg / kg). A honey with MGO 400, for example, contains 400mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram. This is a very good value and means that this honey already belongs to the top class.
Another value is UMF (unique manuka factor). This is awarded only for manuka honeys, which were also bottled in New Zealand. A value of UMF 10 corresponds to MGO 100, UMF 15 is equal to MGO 250, UMF 20 corresponds to MGO 400 and a UMF value of 25 means MGO 550. When purchasing it should be strictly based on quality and the values of an independent honey lab on the Be respected label.
Internal applications
Manuka honey can be used in a variety of diseases and ailments. In the first place here are inflammations in the airways to call. Sore throat, runny nose, sinus infections, as well as bronchial diseases can be treated with this special honey, which incidentally also tastes delicious and is usually side effect free.
Stomach problems, for example in the form of Heliobacter infection or gastric ulcer, respond equally well to the ingestion of honey. Several studies have shown that Manuka can achieve good results in infections with Heliobacter pylori and Escherichia coli (coli bacteria).
Since this tasty natural remedy also has an antymicotic effect, use with a candida fungal infection is also highly recommended. For stomach and / or intestinal problems, a teaspoon of honey is taken on a fasting basis or approximately one hour before or after meals. Immediately after ingestion should not be eaten immediately or drunk. Bladder and prostate infections also respond quite well to the particular honey. Two liters of green tea, enriched with manuka honey, drunk throughout the day, help flush out the pathogens. Aphthae on the oral mucosa are usually quite resistant to treatment. Here is an experiment with manuka honey, which is dabbed several times a day, to recommend. Daily a cup of lukewarm green tea with a teaspoon of Manuka honey can generally strengthen the immune system and it tastes delicious.
Honey is sweet and contains a large portion of sugar and yet it has an antibacterial effect, also in the area of the teeth, that is, against tooth decay or even for prevention. Pathological germs are destroyed, the healthy oral flora are built up and the teeth additionally protected against dental plaque. For example, the use of manuka honey can counteract the progression of periodontal disease.
For complaints in the ear, nose and throat, a teaspoon of honey is kept in the mouth three times a day and slowly swallowed to relieve it. For colds or sinusitis, in addition to the evening before going to sleep, it is recommended to apply a little honey to the inner nasal walls. So this can work overnight and strengthen the defense in the nose.
External applications
As already mentioned, only sterilized honey, known as Medihoney, should be used for the application in open wounds and burns. However, there are many recommendations that state that natural unirradiated honey can even be applied to deeper wounds. This remains controversial.
If the skin conditions are superficial, as in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or facial rose, the affected areas can be treated with normal Manuka honey. For this, the honey is applied thinly and covered with a bandage. Even athlete's foot does not like the manuka honey and can therefore be treated well with it.
Used externally, this sweet mass also helps with joint problems, such as arthritis or arthrosis. Here, the honey is massaged in and then worked with plucking movements until a white mass forms, which is then removed with a damp cloth. This has a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effect.
Annoying herpes blisters on the lip also respond quite well to the honey treatment. The honey is spotted several times a day and best not licked, although this is of course very tempting. A combination with propolis tincture is recommended.
Shingles is a disease that naturally belongs in the hands of a doctor. However, it can still be treated with manuka honey.
Last but not least, an annoying itch in insect bites can be quenched by dabbing manuka honey and an uncomplicated sunburn without blistering heals faster by applying this sugary substance.
limitations
Diabetes sufferers should not take Manuka honey. Persons suffering from this metabolic disorder have been found to have elevated levels of MGO, which are believed to be responsible for the development of diabetic neuropathy. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with external use. In children up to the first year of age, any honey is contraindicated.
Various products with manuka honey
Manuka honey can be purchased in well-stocked health food stores and health food stores. There are also many different products that contain this honey. Enriched with aloe, propolis, mixed with green tea extract, as a cream or spray for the throat, the healing substance is commercially available. (Sw)
Summary
Manuka honey is a tasty sweet substance that has high levels of healing. Nearly countless applications exist where this honey can bring relief. Unfortunately, honey varieties are available in the trade, which call themselves Manuka honey, but none are. Here is to pay attention to purity and efficiency. An independent honey lab should have checked the honey and this should also be noted on the label. The abbreviations MGO or UMF are a great help. However, the manuka honeys in the health food store can be trusted. Some scientific study has already confirmed the efficiency. (Sw)
Picture: Christoph Aron