Topical effects of other honeys versus MANUKA Honey?

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

 

As a follow-up to a letter on HONEY as a topical treatment for wounds/sepsis

and ulcers, see the note by Barry Thorne. He wrote:

 

" Have you heard of Manuka honey? I know of people who have used it on their

horses with great results. Honey has powerful antibiotic effects. Manaku honey

is especially powerful due to some component that is imparted to the honey

from the nector of the Manuka bush. This bush grows only in New Zealand. As

a general rule Manuka honey is tested in lab for its antibiotic potency and is

given a rating called the UMF factor. A UMF factor of >9 would be what you

would want. This would mean the the honey (as tested in a lab) is equivalent to

>9% carbolic solution (the standard for antiseptic). Manuka honey has also

been tested against all antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and found

effective. It is now being used in hospitals in some countries as the preferred

wound dressing because it is effective against staph and MRSA. Honey will

also speed healing. You would need to apply the honey and keep it covered

with gauze. The wound should be kept moist with the honey until healed. You

can get UMF 18+ manuka that has been sterilized and approved by the

Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration as wound care product. Manuka

honey was featured in a recent issue of WoundCare journal. I can't locate the

issue to give the citation. Barry Thorne "

 

Note that Google has many hits on manuka honey. The homepage is at

http://www.manukahoney.co.nz/startsession.cfm?language=1

 

It says: “UMF Manuka Honey assists: Relief of stomach upsets, gastritis,

symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, indigestion; Sore

throats & colds; Skin ulcers, Wounds, Boils, Canker Sore, Fever Blister;

decubitus ulcers, pressure sores; Minor burns; Infections & MRSA (superbug);

Enhancing general health & energy; Animal health & Wounds. Its main use is

as a Wound Dressing for burns, Wounds, Sores, skin ulcers and indolent

wounds.

 

What is UMF?: UMF is the antibacterial property which gives UMF Manuka

Honey its special healing quality. UMF gives exceptional antibacterial activity

not found in other honey. UMF is found naturally in just some, but not all,

manuka honey and not in any other honey. Ensure that the honey is certified

as “UMF16+ Manuka Honey”. This guarantees high antibiotic activity and

wound-healing ability”.

 

Do you know if OTHER honeys have these effects? I suspect that ALL natural

honeys have some would-cleansing and wound-healing effects, if only because

of their high sugar content, which should " draw " plasma/serum out of the

wound. Is the MANUKA UMF factor just a blind to ensure sales of THAT

particular honey?

 

 

 

 

Best regards,

 

 

WORK : Teagasc Staff Development Unit, Sandymount Ave., Dublin 4, Ireland

WWW :

Email: <

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

 

HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm

Email: <

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]