In the pure, clean region of New Zealand, the Manuka
flower blooms six weeks out of the year.
This flower which blossoms on a sister species of the Australian Tea
Tree, produces a unique type of nectar containing natural phytochemical
compounds that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. When honeybees utilize this nectar to produce
honey, a very special product is rendered.
Manuka honey is very different than honeys produced with
other types of floral nectar. A
non-peroxide activity has been detected by researchers, making it infinitely
more effective for certain uses and an invaluable resource for anyone
interested in natural remedies. Since
the FDA classifies Manuka honey as a food, not a drug, medical claims are not
permitted. However, it’s hard for
consumers to ignore the successful results that they experience when using it.
In addition to its impressive properties that are world
renowned for promoting wellness, it happens to have a deliciously rich flavor
and resembles caramel in texture. There
is no doubt that Manuka honey deserves recognition as a high end, premium
honey. The global demand for this
natural resource reflects its popularity and notoriety.
Bee farmers in New Zealand strategically position their
hives in fields surrounded by acres of nothing but Manuka trees. This ensures its monofloral status. Subsequent laboratory tests later confirm its
potency before the honey is jarred and labeled for retail sales. Potency is important because only active
Manuka honey can produce the results that people have come to expect. Inactive Manuka should only be used as a food
item or sweetener.
Potency levels are measured in each batch of Manuka honey
and represented on the labels by a number.
Manuka honey with a non-peroxide activity of 10 or higher is considered
to be optimal. Since most of the Manuka
honey that is harvested in New Zealand is below this level, active Manuka honey
is sold at a premium.
Active Manuka honey is now being used successfully as an
ingredient in skin care products and is producing amazing results. This makes topical applications much more
practical than applying pure honey to the skin.
Research shows that Manuka honey’s properties are stable and unaffected
when diluted so there is no disadvantage to using it in this manner.
