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Osmolarity Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugar that is high in osmolarity. It is this osmolarity that allows honey to destroy bacteria and fungus by drawing moisture for their cells. Fungal and bacterial cells require moisture to survive. Therefore, honey destroys bacteria and fungi by dehydration. Acidity In addition to honey's osmotic effect, its acidity plays an important role in its antibacterial activity. Honey contains a number of acids, including amino acids and organic acids. Honey has a pH between 3.2 and 4.5 which inhibits the growth of bacteria. The optimum pH for growth of these species normally falls between 7.2 and 7.4. Hydrogen Peroxide The hydrogen peroxide producing capacity of honey is believed to be the main reason for its antibacterial activity. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria on contact and has been widely used for that very purpose. However, straight hydrogen peroxide is unstable and rapidly loses its effectiveness when exposed to air and light. It can also damage tissue when used in high concentrations. However, honey produces low levels of hydrogen peroxide over a prolonged period of time. This slow-release capability makes honey particularly ideal for treating infected wounds. Floral Nectar The variation of honey's antibacterial properties are predicated on the floral source, more specifically, the nectar used by the honeybees that produce the honey. Some types of honey contain more antibacterial properties than others. It has been determined that Manuka Honey from New Zealand has the highest amount of antibacterial properties than any other type of honey. Manuka Honey is made by bees that gather nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka tree which can be found predominately in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. It is believed that the floral components of Manuka Honey enhance the other antimicrobial properties that are present, creating a synergistic action that is optimal for therapeutic use. Active Manuka Honey When an ingredient is considered to be active or bioactive, it means that the ingredient has an effect on living tissue or, more specifically, has some type of medicinal value. Not all Manuka Honey is active. In New Zealand, there is a rating system that measures the antibacterial potency of Manuka Honey. It is generally accepted that Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered to be active and suitable for therapeutic use. Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 0-9 may not have the antibacterial potency to be effective against some medical conditions. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial potency. However, Manuka Honey with an extraordinarily high UMF rating isn't desirable as it is very rare and extremely expensive (i.e. UMF 20+). There have also been reports of some individuals experiencing sensitivity to Manuka Honey that is overly potent. The ideal potency is between UMF 10-18. *Please note that in the U.S., the FDA does not recognize the New Zealand UMF rating system. Since the FDA does not regard Manuka Honey as a drug, it cannot be referred to as an active ingredient on the label when sold in the U.S. Purchasing Quality Manuka Honey When purchasing Manuka Honey, look for the UMF registered trademark on the label. For example, if the label on the jar of Manuka Honey says "UMF® 16" then you can be sure that the honey was tested in a laboratory for its antibacterial potency. If the label merely states "Active 16" it may mean that the company does not have the legal right to list the UMF trademark on the label which means that it's not regulated by the Active Manuka Honey Association in New Zealand. Registered members of the AMHA are required to conduct laboratory tests on each bach of Manuka Honey to determine the potency. Also look for a license number on the label. Manuka Honey Products In addition to Manuka Honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it has been determined that it stimulates B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply which boosts the body's immune system. Manuka Honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain when used topically on the skin. Manuka Honey is also rich in vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. Manuka Honey has a miraculous way of repairing damaged skin and regenerating new skin growth which is why it is an excellent natural ingredient to use in skin care products. Honeymark has developed a line of skin care products that contain Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. Honeymark's line includes the following products:
Blended with other useful ingredients, Honeymark products take the sticky mess out of applying honey directly to the skin. Honeymark also sells pure Manuka Honey for individuals who are interested in taking advantage of its internal uses. When taken orally, Manuka Honey is effective in treating conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, soar throats, steph throat, acid reflux disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cold and flu symptoms, etc. Manuka Honey has far more impressive healing qualities than any other type of honey. Honey was used for medicinal purposes for many years before modern-day medicines were invented. With growing concerns of the negative side effects associated with the use of pharmaceuticals along with the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain drug-resistant strains of infectious bacteria, honey is slowing finding its way back into the favor of medical professionals around the world.
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