Manuka honey
Tips on the effect and application
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Manuka honey is a real miracle cure from nature and helps against various ailments. We have all the tips for the natural all-rounder.
Sweet and still healthy: Manuka honey
Manuka honey is made by bees from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka bush (also known as South Sea myrtle, botanical name: Leptospermum scopqarium), a relative of the tea tree. The plant grows in New Zealand. It is therefore not surprising that New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, have centuries of experience with their use as medicinal products. In the meantime, studies have also proven the medicinal effects of the amber-colored New Zealand honey with its intense taste.
Antibacterial Properties: Why is Manuka Honey So Healthy?
The healing properties of honey have long been known. But the Manuka honey is, so to speak, the king of honey types, because its healing properties surpass that of all other types of sweet elixir by a long way. Thomas Henle, Professor of Food Chemistry at TU Dresden and his team found out why Manuka honey is such a miracle cure: “It has been known for about 30 years that Manuka honey is antibacterial. What is actually responsible for it? For many years no one knew. And we were able to show at the TU Dresden that a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) is responsible for this antibacterial effectiveness. “
The sugar breakdown product MGO can fight bacteria in high doses and is already being traded as a natural alternative to antibiotics. Because: Experts have found that bacteria do not become resistant to MGO – different from what is the case with antibiotics. Incredible! Therefore, therapy with Manuka honey even make more sense than using antibiotics.
Manuka honey for colds
Treatment with Manuka honey has proven to be particularly effective in treating colds. And each of us has to struggle with these a few times in the course of our lives. If the immune system is weakened, the antibiotic-resistant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can multiply wonderfully in the body. The culprit is responsible for numerous diseases such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. But with the help of the Manuka honey you can declare war on the stubborn bacteria. In a sweet way.
Manuka honey against gastrointestinal diseases
Therapy with Manuka honey can also be very effective for complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, because nasty bacteria can also wreak havoc there. Echerichia coli and Helicobacter pylori especially like to romp around in the gastrointestinal tract, which very often cause discomfort. Manuka honey can slow down the growth of bacteria.
Manuka honey against mushrooms
Manuka honey is not just a bacteria killer: The sweet remedy also helps fight fungal infections. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and lichen can be treated naturally using honey.
Manuka honey for beautiful teeth
The sugary honey is actually considered to promote caries. Manuka honey is the exception, because it contributes to a healthy oral flora: It eliminates germs and inhibits the formation of dental plaque. So you can finally nibble uninhibited and do something good for the pearly whites at the same time.
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Taking Manuka honey
The uses of Manuka honey are made depending on the area of activity:
- If you want to strengthen your immune system, you can stir the honey into your tea or coffee in the morning, as the active ingredient MGO is heat-resistant.
- Against colds, you can let a teaspoon of the honey melt in your mouth three times a day.
- If you have sinus diseases, you can also rub some honey on the inner walls of the nose before going to bed.
- In the case of sore throats, sweets with Manuka honey have proven particularly effective.
- If you have gastrointestinal disorders, you should take a teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach.
Meals should be at least an hour apart. Therefore, you should not drink any liquids immediately after ingesting the honey.
MGO content in Manuka honey
As with all natural products, the active ingredient content of Manuka honey fluctuates. Since a healing effect can only be said to have a healing effect from a content of 100 mg MGO, you should pay attention to the specification of the MGO content when buying honey. The content of the active ingredient can be up to 500 mg. From 400 mg MGO one speaks of excellent quality. In fact, the products are even labeled with a so-called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) by a New Zealand association for quality.
Because of the many positive reports about Manuka honey and the export success the number of beekeepers has skyrocketed in recent years. But this also causes conflicts: there are repeatedly reports from desperate beekeepers that entire colonies have been poisoned or stolen by bees.
Why is Manuka honey so expensive?
Of course, excellent quality has its price: A glass of the all-rounder can cost up to 80 euros. To try the magic bullet against bacteria and fungi, there are also smaller glasses that cost around 10 to 20 euros. In order to get a high quality product, you should buy the honey in health food stores or in health food stores.
Even more health reading tips: You can find out everything about acupressure here. We explain here what stress factors are and how you can learn to switch off again properly.
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Adams, JC, Manley-Harrisa M., Molan, P C .: The origin of methylglyoxal in New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey, Carbohydrate Research, 2009
Mix, D .: The healing power of honey. 2nd edition, Herbig, Munich
2006 Heuer, D., Heuer L., Saalfrank, V .: Manuka honey. In: German pharmacist newspaper.