Manuka honey
Tips on effectiveness 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 yet 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 the natives of New Zealand, the Maori, have had centuries of experience with its use as a remedy. In the meantime, studies have also proven the medicinal effect 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 been known for a long time. But the Manuka honey is, so to speak, the king of honey varieties, because its healing effect far surpasses that of all other types of sweet elixir. Thomas Henle, Professor of Food Chemistry at the 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 has an antibacterial effect. What is actually responsible for was not known for many years. 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 traded as a natural alternative to antibiotics. Then: Experts have found that bacteria do not become resistant to MGO – unlike antibiotics. Unbelievable! Therefore, therapy with Manuka honey can even make more sense than with antibiotics.
Manuka honey for colds
Treatment with Manuka honey has proven particularly effective for colds. And each of us has to struggle with these at some point in 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 sinus infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia. But with the help of Manuka honey – also in the form of cough drops – you can declare war on stubborn bacteria. In a cute 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 be up to mischief there. Echerichia coli and Helicobacter pylori are particularly fond of cavorting in the gastrointestinal tract, which often cause problems. With Manuka honey, the growth of bacteria can be slowed down.
Manuka honey against fungi
Manuka honey is not only a bacteria killer: The sweet remedy also helps fight fungal infections. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and also lichen can be treated naturally with honey. In addition, it helps Manuka honey also for general wounds, skin injuries and burns.
Manuka honey for beautiful teeth
Actually, the sugary honey is considered caries-promoting. Manuka honey is the exception because it contributes to a healthy oral flora: It eliminates germs and inhibits the formation of plaque. So you can finally snack uninhibitedly and do something good for your little ones at the same time.
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Taking Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is used depending on the area of action:
- 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.
- For colds, you can let a teaspoon of honey dissolve in your mouth three times a day.
- If you have sinus diseases, you can also rub some honey on the inner walls of your nose before you go to bed.
- Candies with Manuka honey have proven particularly effective for sore throats.
- For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you should take a teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach.
The interval between meals should be at least one hour. You should therefore not drink any liquid immediately after taking the honey.
MGO content in Manuka honey
As with all natural products, the content of active ingredients in Manuka honey also varies. Since one can only speak of a healing effect from a content of 100 mg MGO, you should pay attention to the information about the MGO content when buying the honey. The content of the active ingredient can be as high as 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.
Due to the many positive reports about Manuka honey and the export success The number of beekeepers has skyrocketed in recent years. But that also creates conflicts: there are repeated 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 this all-rounder can cost up to 80 euros. In order to try out the wonder weapon against bacteria and fungi, there are also smaller glasses that cost around 10 to 20 euros. In order to get a high-quality product, it is best to buy the honey in health food stores or health food stores.
Even more health reading tips: You can find out everything about acupressure here. Here we explain what stress factors are and how you can learn to switch off properly.
Sources
Adams JC, Manley-Harrisa M, Molan PC: The origin of methylglyoxal in New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey, Carbohydrate Research2009
Mix, D.: The healing power of honey. 2nd edition, Herbig, Munich
2006 Heuer, D., Heuer L., Saalfrank, V.: Manuka honey. In: German pharmacy newspaper.