Honey of all kinds has anti-bacterial properties due to its natural hydrogen peroxide content.
The difficulty in most honey is that this hydrogen peroxide is not very stable, and disappears quickly if the honey is subject to light, heat or even certain enzymes in our body fluids.
Manuka honey is special because it has a non-peroxide antibacterial activity.
It was found that this characteristic is extremely stable.
This means that the honey keeps its antibacterial properties even after exposure to gamma radiation.
This special property was named "Unique Manuka Factor" or UMF.
Honey that has this property will have the UMF factor marked on the label.
Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka bush.
The Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) is a common indigenous shrub of New Zealand, often referred to as New Zealand Tea Tree.
The Manuka bush flower for a period of approximately four weeks.
Since New Zealand is such a long country, with varying climate zones, the season of the Manuka flowering extends from November to January.
Knowledgeable beekeepers must move the hives in a well-timed manner to make the most of the flowering of the Manuka.
What are some Manuka honey benefits? Laboratory testes have shown that the special antibiotic properties of this special honey are effective against the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
Taking honey 2-3 times a day before meals is advised.
Equally it has been shown to be effective against the bacteria that causes sore throats.
It is effective to take a teaspoon of Manuka honey when first feeling the onset of a cold, and periodically during the day.
It is best to take the honey without liquid as to not dilute it.
Perhaps one of the most important achievements of the healing powers of Manuka honey benefits are related to the skin.
It is very effective on burns, sores and other wounds.
It disinfects wounds, and promotes the healing process.
Hospitals in New Zealand use this honey on burn victims.
(For this purpose, medical grade honey is used, that has been sterilized.
) Manuka honey has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It penetrated deep into the skin to disinfect, to nourish with vitamins, mineral and amino acids and to protect from infection.
It promotes the healing process of the skin.
It is no wonder that the best quality skincare include UMF Manuka honey as part of their ingredients.
I find that using high quality skincare with active UMF Manuka honey is great for my skin.
As honey is sticky, I prefer to benefit from its wonders for my skin by finding a top-quality skincare product that contains high levels of this natural wonder.