Honey is a delicious and natural sweetener that has been used for centuries as a food and medicine. But did you know that not all honey is the same? In fact, there is a special type of honey that comes from New Zealand and Australia that has some amazing health benefits. It’s called manuka honey, and it’s one of the most sought-after and expensive honeys in the world. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about manuka honey, such as:
- What is manuka honey good for?
- Why is manuka honey so expensive?
- What is the difference between manuka honey and regular honey?
- Can you put honey on a wound?
Let’s dive in and learn more about this liquid gold!
What is Manuka Honey Good for?
Manuka honey is made by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, also known as the tea tree, which grows only in New Zealand and Australia. Manuka honey has a distinctive dark color and a strong, earthy flavor. But what makes it so special is its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).
MGO is found in higher concentrations in manuka honey than in other types of honey, and it gives manuka honey the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections and diseases. Some of the benefits of manuka honey include:
- Wound healing: Manuka honey can help heal burns, ulcers, and other wounds by creating a moist and protective barrier, reducing inflammation, and stimulating tissue regeneration. It can also prevent infections by killing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA and VRE12
- Cough and sore throat relief: Manuka honey can soothe a cough and sore throat by coating the throat and reducing irritation. It can also help fight the viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and the flu34
- Digestive health: Manuka honey can improve digestive health by balancing the gut flora, preventing and treating stomach ulcers, and reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea56
- Skin care: Manuka honey can help treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, and moisturizing the skin. It can also help prevent and fade scars by promoting collagen production and skin regeneration78
Why is Manuka Honey So Expensive?
Manuka honey is one of the most expensive honeys in the world, costing up to 100 times more than regular honey. There are several reasons for this high price, such as:
- Rarity: Manuka honey is rare because it comes from only one place in the world and it depends on the availability of the manuka flowers, which bloom for only a few weeks a year. The bees also have to compete with other insects and animals for the nectar, and the weather conditions have to be favorable for the honey production
- Quality: Manuka honey is graded for its quality based on the concentration of MGO and other compounds that indicate its antibacterial activity. The higher the grade, the higher the price. The most common grading system is the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which ranges from 5+ to 26+. The UMF rating reflects the purity and potency of the manuka honey, and it is verified by independent laboratories
- Demand: Manuka honey is in high demand because of its popularity and reputation as a superfood and a natural remedy. Many people, celebrities, and health professionals swear by its benefits and use it regularly. The demand for manuka honey exceeds the supply, which drives the price up
What is the Difference Between Manuka Honey and Regular Honey?
Regular honey is the honey that you can find in most grocery stores and markets. It is usually pasteurized and filtered to remove any impurities and to extend its shelf life. It can be made from different types of flowers and plants, and it has a light color and a mild flavor. Regular honey has some health benefits, such as providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and boosting the immune system. However, it does not have the same antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as manuka honey
Manuka honey is different from regular honey in several ways, such as:
- Origin: Manuka honey comes from only one type of flower, the manuka bush, which grows only in New Zealand and Australia. Regular honey can come from different types of flowers and plants, and it can be produced in different parts of the world
- Color and flavor: Manuka honey has a dark color and a strong, earthy flavor. Regular honey has a light color and a mild flavor. The color and flavor of honey depend on the type of flower and plant the nectar comes from.
- Antibacterial activity: Manuka honey has a high antibacterial activity due to the presence of MGO and other compounds. Regular honey has a low antibacterial activity due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide, which is easily destroyed by heat, light, and enzymes. The antibacterial activity of honey is measured by different methods, such as UMF, MGO, KFactor, and NPA.
Can You Put Honey on a Wound?
Yes, you can put honey on a wound, but not just any honey. You should use medical-grade honey that is specially sterilized and prepared for wound care. This type of honey is safe and effective for healing wounds, and it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities. You can find medical-grade honey in pharmacies, health stores, and online.
You should not use regular honey or manuka honey that is not medical-grade on a wound, because they may contain bacteria, spores, or other contaminants that can cause infections or allergic reactions. You should also not use honey on a wound that is deep, large, bleeding, or infected. You should always consult your doctor before using honey on a wound, and follow their instructions on how to apply it and change the dressing.
To apply honey on a wound, you should follow these steps:
- Wash your hands and the wound with soap and water, and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of honey to a sterile gauze or a honey-impregnated dressing, and place it over the wound. Do not apply honey directly to the wound, as it can be messy and sticky.
- Secure the dressing with a bandage or a tape, and change it every 24 hours or as directed by your doctor.
- Monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these signs, stop using honey and see your doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this blog post was informative and fun for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who might be interested in learning more about manuka honey. Thank you for reading! 🍯
By
Your Beauty Plug
