UMF® Manuka Honey

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

A History Of Healing

Honey has a long history of use for its healing properties. The benefits of taking Honey are recorded in the writings of most ancient cultures. From the Ancient Greeks to the Chinese, honey recieves high praise. This rich history led Dr. Peter Molan of the University of Waikato to focus on honey produced in New Zealand. Since 1981 he has been researching the properties of various varieties found in New Zealand. He and his team have found that most honey varieties have antimicrobial properties - but these properties can differ considerably in regards to their strength and stability.

The Unique Manuka Factor®

The team discovered that when the glucose oxidase enzyme present in honey comes into contact with moisture on the skin on in the body it slowly releases antiseptic hydrogen peroxide. However they also found that this peroxide based antimicrobial property breaks down when exposed to heat and light, and after contact with skin.

Further research found that honey produced from the nectar of Manuka plants contained an additional non-peroxide based component that provides some strains of Manuka honey with unique antibacterial properties.

The UMF® mark was developed in 1998 as a tool to promote these unique properties. The UMF® mark provides the confidence that the honey you purchase will be true to label.

The UMF® Rating System

To rate the strength of the properties of UMF® Manuka, Dr. Molan developed a test in which UMF® honey was rated against a common antiseptic agent. For example, a honey with a rating of UMF® 10 would have a potency equivalent to a 10% solution of the antibacterial agent phenol. The higher the rating the more potent are the properties of the UMF® component in the Honey.

The UMF® Ratings:

0-10:  Honey for everyday use as a sweetner in drinks or spread on your toast.

10-15:   Medium activity.

15 and over:   High activity honey.

The Importance of the UMF® Rating

Non-peroxide based antibacterial activity is over and above the usual active properties of honey, and is unique to Manuka honey. But this special non-peroxide activity is not present in all Manuka honey. The UMF® trademark is your guarantee that the honey you are purchasing is true to label and contains unique antibacterial properties.

Are there Benefits from Eating UMF® Manuka

This is a difficult question to answer as at this stage there has only been a limited amount of research into the benefits of taking UMF® Manuka internally. Laboratory testing has shown that UMF® Manuka will kill the bacteria, helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers and streptococcus pyogenes one of the causes of sore throats. Unfortunately, at this point in time there is little clinical evidence available to show if the same results will occur when UMF® Manuka is consumed.

There, is however, significant anecdotal evidence and feedback to suggest that UMF® Manuka may have a range of benefits if taken internally. We suggest that it is taken as a supplement and not as an alternative to medical treatment. We would also appreciate your feedback and thoughts. If you are a regular user of Cammells UMF® Manuka, please let us know if you believe it has been of any help to you by contacting us.