From: JoAnn Mortensen
Date: April 7, 2016 1:14:47 PM MST


Dear Anne,


I am happy to share some of the research, history and benefits of Manuka Honey, as requested by Zorra (from Hollow Earth) on the Saturday call on 3/12/16.


As an RN, I have studied and used honey for healing wounds since 1984. At that time we mixed Betadine Ointment with plain honey for serious wound care. Now, some physicians and veterinarians use antibiotics instead of Betadine with the Manuka Honey. This is very effective.


Honey is effective as a medicine and has been used for thousands of years. It was prescribed by the leading physicians of many ancient races of people for a wide variety of ailments.


There has been a renaissance in the use of honey as a medicine in more recent times. Honey, in 1989 was referred to being a "remedy rediscovered", and the opinion that "the therapeutic potential of uncontaminated pure honey is grossly underutilized". Now, with the advent of multi-resistant bacteria, the antibiotic properties of honey are being rediscovered.


In the early 1990's Dr. Peter Nolan of The Waitkato University in New Zealand started a research team to find the difference between regular honey and Manuka Honey, which is graded by its unique medicinal properties.


In addition to Hydrogen Peroxide found in all honeys, he and his team discovered in some strains of Manuka Honey a secondary ingredient with extreme antibacterial properties and resistance to many environmental variations. "He determined that this factor gives Manuka Honey a larger range of uses and effectiveness in healing multiple affections." This factor was named UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a registered name given by Dr. Peter Nolan and his research team at the Honey Research Unit at Waitkato University in New Zealand. Dr Molan discovered that not all Manuka Honey contains the secondary active ingredient with higher antibiotic properties. 


The UMF special properties guarantees consumers that the honey purchased hasat least the level of activity indicated. UMF is given minimum ratings accepted from 10+ to 24+. Antibiotic, antiseptic, and antiviral activities are produced at these levels. NO BACTERIA OR VIRUSES HAS BEEN FOUND RESISTANT TO THE HIGHER LEVELS OF UMF!!!


UMF Manuka Honey is different from other honey because it is gathered from the flowers of the Manuka Tree (Tea Tree) and grows wild on undeveloped lands and hills of New Zealand. Not all honey produced from Manuka flowers has UMF activity detected. Some areas of Manuka trees do not produce the same kind of honey every year, and this is why every batch is tested in laboratories after honey has been packaged. It is impossible to predict the level of UMF in Active Manuka Honey from year to year.


Professor Thomas Henle, as head of The Technical University of Dresden in Germany set out to isolate what it was in Manuka honey that was producing the bacterial affect. They isolated a compound, methylglyoxal, (MGO), as having a direct correlation to the UMF rating of Manuka Honey. UMF is measured by observing the inhibition to growth of bacteria within honey samples. MGO can be directly measured in ppm or parts per million.

As stated previously, UMF ratings are 10+ to 24+. MGO ratings are from 250 to 550 ppm.


            Comparison Ratings of UMF and MGO

UMF.         15+.         20+.         25+

MGO.        250+.       400+.       550+


For labeling purposes, UMF is registered and controlled by The Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA). The largest member of AMHA is Comvita New Zealand Ltd. MGO is trademarked by Manuka Health New Zealand Ltd.


There is an ongoing disagreement within the industry about marketing under the UMF or MGO banners.


On being recognized for honey's antibacterial and wound healing properties for many years, here are many of the applications for using Manuka Honey, both internal and external.

INTERNAL USES:

Acid Reflux Diseases--IBS, IBD
Stomach Ulcer/H.Pylori
Sore Throat, Cough
Sinusitis
Seasonal Allergies
Diarrhea/E.Coli, Constipation
Gum Diseases, Tooth Decay
Heartburn



EXTERNAL USES:

Acne and Rosacea
Athletes Foot
Boils
Burns
Candida Albicans
Cold Sores
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Eczema and Dermatitis
Fungus-Nail
Insect Bites-Brown Recluse Spider
Psoriasis
Rashes
Ring Worm
Skin Ulcers-Malignant
MRSA-Staph
Infected Wounds-Major, Minor, Chronic, Gangrene (Fourniers), Large Septic


Why Honey Is Effective As A Medicine, By Dr. Peter C. Molan:


Bacteria cannot live in honey while sugar breeds bacteria.

Low failure rate in healing wounds.

No reported harmful effects of honey being used on wounds or tissue.

Little or no scarring on wounds.

Reported to reduce inflammation and edema, thus giving way in some cases to a rapid reduction of pain.

BURNS--Cleansing effect on wounds and burns. Honey stops the advance of the infection without the need to remove dead tissue, which separates easily. No dry scab forms on burns dressed with honey.

The speed with which wounds dressed with honey becomes clear of infection is REMARKABLE!

"Perhaps the most important role for honey in wound care will prove to be in the treatment of wounds infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria".

Extra Benefits:
Honey is one of the only food products that will not spoil.
Honey contains minerals, vitamins, acids, and natural sugar.



Caution:

*  The peroxide activity of honey is easily destroyed by exposure to heat, sunlight, and fluids.

*  It is recommended that children less than one years old should not eat honey.



My sincere gratitude to Dr. Peter C. Molan for sharing his vital research information on Manuka Honey with us. I know that all who read his research information will greatly benefit.


                        

1. Pre-soak gauze with Manuka Honey if needed.
2. Clean wound with Hydrogen Peroxide.
3. Follow with Colloidal Silver in nebulizer.
4. Dress with Manuka Honey.
5. Apply gauze with honey or a band-aid. You may also apply the honey direct.
6. Apply Telfa-style pad to decrease oozing if needed.




Sore Throats

Put a spoonful of Manuka Honey in your mouth and let it dissolve slowly. Do not drink any liquids for about 20-30 minutes. Liquids will decrease the effectiveness of the honey. Try not to eat or drink anything for 1/2 hour prior to swallowing the honey. Do this at least 3-4 times a day.

Buying Manuka Honey

You can buy Manuka Honey at many grocery stores or vitamin stores or on line.
In Arizona, Manuka Doctor honey is a reasonably priced honey. You can purchase 24+ for around $20.00 at Sprouts. Bees & Trees Manuka Honey has a great taste, and is available online.   






JoAnn Mortensen, RN