Manuka honey, or raw Manuka honey, is a form of honey made by bees in New Zealand. The bees pollinate the flower Leptospermum scoparium to create honey. Manuka honey is also known to be produced by bees in Southeastern Australia.
Though the Leptospermum scoparium flower is used to produce raw Manuka honey in New Zealand, the Australian Manuka honey is acquired from many Leptospermum plant species. This honey is not only meant for eating as it has medicinal properties too. Read the blog below to learn how to select Manuka honey and what are the things it is used for.
What Grade or Level Of Manuka Honey is the Best?
The grading system for New Zealand Manuka honey can be complex, and there are many systems that are used, like UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor). This is considered to be one of the highest and strictest graded Manuka Honey measurement systems. There are other measurement systems used in New Zealand, like MGS (Molan Gold Standard), K-Factor, and Bio Active.
New Zealand is also known to include the measurement of markers in their honey, such as NPA and MGO. The UMF number on the label usually represents the MGO amount in the Manuka honey bottle. The number usually ranges between UMF 5+ to UMF 20+. The higher the UMF rating, the more antibacterial activity your Manuka honey will have.
What Are Some Important Uses of Manuka Honey?
As per a number of conducted lab studies, it has been found that raw Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. According to several reviews, manuka honey can help clear up infections and speed skin healing. These are why Manuka honey is often used in dressings to help heal wounds from diabetes, surgery, or burns.
Manuka honey can be helpful for the following:
- It helps kill bacteria in the mouth.
- It can help prevent tooth disease or gum decay.
- It can help relieve people from sinus inflammation.
- It can help lower the pH in the eye
- It can lessen bacteria and inflammation that cause a dry eye
- It lessens swelling of the cornea after eye surgery
- It can help improve mild eczema
- It can help lessen specific bacterial infections.
Manuka honey might also be able to enhance the appearance of the skin by balancing the pH level and getting rid of dead cells. Manuka honey can also be used to hydrate your skin. Many cosmetic companies currently have Manuka honey as an important ingredient in products, from shampoos and lip ointments to conditioners.
From Where Do You Purchase Manuka or Raw Manuka Honey?
Before, raw Manuka honey was hard to find outside of New Zealand, but as it is popular today, you can find it in various online stores. You can find Manuka honey in various natural and grocery stores in the United States and other countries. You can also opt to purchase it online from a reputed dealer or manufacturer.