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 all honey varieties have potential healing properties - but these properties can differ considerably.

The Unique Manuka Factor®

The research conducted showed that various factors combine in honey to aid wound cleaning, an anti-inflammatory action as well as encouraging wound healing and tissue regrowth. In addition to this 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 the antiseptic peroxide based healing property breaks down when exposed to heat and light, it also slowly breaks down after contact with skin.

Further research found that honey produced from the nectar of Manuka plants contained an additional component that provides some strains of Manuka honey with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Manuka Honey that contains this component is said to have the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®).

The UMF® Rating System

To rate the strength of the properties of UMF Manuka, Dr. Molan developed a test where the 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 antiseptic 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:   Useful levels for taking to aid the bodys immune system.

15 and over:   High activity honey used to aid wound care.

The Uses of UMF® Honey

The majority of research around the use of UMF® Manuka has been in the field of wound care and UMF® Manuka is now used considerably in the treatment of wounds. UMF® Manuka has proven to be incredibly effective in the treatment of lacerations, burns and ulcers - even healing wounds that weren't responding to conventional treatment.

Cleans Wounds and Nourishes Body Tissue

Independent studies have shown that this Honey has a direct effect on the regeneration of skin and muscle tissue as it contains amino acids, vitamins and trace elements that are directly accessible to skin cells.
The application of UMF® Honey to skin also causes an outflow of lymph. This has the duel benefit of lifting dirt and debris while providing nutrition for regeneration.

Reduces Inflammation and Provides a Moist Environment

The application of Honey has been noted to reduce inflammation as well as increasing blood flow to the areas to which it is applied.

Due to the antibiotic properties it contains UMF Manuka also provides the benefits of a moist environment without the risk of bacterial infection. A moist healing environment speeds the healing process, reduces scarring and makes the changing of dressings less painful.

It has the Unique Manuka Factor®

The UMF component of UMF Manuka is a highly effective antiobiotic and will kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Eschericihia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causes of infected wounds. There is currently research underway into the effectiveness of UMF against superbugs such as MRSA.

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.