Newsletter Home > New Zealand Manuka Honey

New Zealand Manuka Honey

Organic honey has been prized for its healing properties for thousands of years.

The Ancient Greeks and many other ancient peoples used honey to treat skin disorders and a variety of symptoms including: insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, asthma, coughing, and even impotence. The ancient Egyptians utilized honey in some way in over 500 different "prescriptions." Up until the Second World War, honey was still being applied directly to wounds due to its antibacterial properties.

Today, a specific type of honey-Manuka honey from New Zealand-is quickly becoming popular as the ideal variety to stock in a first aid kit or even the kitchen cupboard for home-based boo boos.

Facts about New Zealand Manuka Honey:

• Manuka honey is derived from bees that feed from the Manuka bush, (Leptospermum scoparium) which grows uncultivated throughout the country. Honey made from these flowers' nectar provides antibacterial properties exceeding that of other types of honeys.
• Active Manuka honey" (and its Australian equivalent-Jelly Bush honey) is the only variety that is actually tested for its non-peroxide antibacterial qualities. This honey contains an additional antibacterial component called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) which is especially successful against resilient strains of bacteria.
• Manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants which may slow the aging process.
• Raw organic honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of processed sugar, so you can avoid unhealthful sweets and junk food.

Healing Powers of Manuka Honey:

New Zealand Manuka Honey can also be used for:

• Skin Care (to alleviate acne and other blemishes)
• Oral health (to treat cold sores and fever blisters)
• Stomach ulcer relief
• Digestive care (soothes upset stomachs)
• Fungal infections such as athlete's foot
• Leg and foot ulcers
• Arthritis symptoms
• Bladder infections
• Bacterial infections
• Burns, minor cuts, scratches, and scars

Try Manuka Honey at Home

• Experiencing a sore throat or cold coming on? Take 1 tsp. of Manuka Honey and let it melt slowly in the mouth. Then, swallow to fully coat the mouth and throat. Do not eat or drink anything else for 15 minutes to keep the honey concentrated. If you still have a sore throat after an hour or two, take another helping. Repeat this 1 to 4 times a day. If you are diabetic, you may need to modify this amount.
• Manuka Honey Facial. Tie back your hair and apply a thin layer of honey all over your face and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. Then wash your face clean with warm water and apply moisturizer.
• Strengthen the Immune System. Take 1 tsp. Manuka Honey every morning and evening on a regular basis to strengthen your immune system. Bees have one of the best immune systems in nature and it's certainly plausible they could pass on some of those immunities in their honey just as mothers pass them on in breastmilk.