When I think of Life a circle appears to me, you know no beginnings no endings, just a constant whirl of activity. Going back and forth for research, for conclusions, for evolution, the new becoming the old and the old transforming into the modern. At the end of the day, it comes down to the simple things, smaller events that hold the potential of being extraordinary much like life, much like honey.
Yes, honey, the same one that sits on your shelves, one used in Grandma’s recipe book. Honey has been around for ages and over the eons (okay slight exaggeration) is known to be of multi-usage. Personally, I like to call it Sweet Elixir – describes its potentials and sounds royal like it was in ancient Egypt. And today we are not discussing just any honey but Manuka honey.
It is one of its kinds and derived from the Manuka bush which is native to New Zealand and Australia, but currently, it’s New Zealand supplying the famous honey. Unlike the commonly found honey, Manuka falls into the monofloral category. Meaning the bees collected nectar mostly from Manuka bush only and not various sources. This in fact also lays down the foundation for UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading. That, in turn, assures us about the purity of Manuka honey and how therapeutic it may be.
0-4 – Not detectable
5-9 – Low Grade
10-15 – Medium Grade
16+ – Superior High Grade
To achieve the maximum benefits look for UMF 15+ rating on the jars. What makes this honey superior is the presence of Leptosperin, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Methylglyoxal. These components are what give Manuka its antibacterial properties. So what are these benefits we keep talking about:
Works against germs/bacteria/infections: Owing to the presence of methylglyoxal which sustains against heat, pressure and our body enzymes it works very well against E.coli, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus Aureus. Now in plain English, it means:
- It works against inflammation, helping your stomach find relief
- Helps with Acid reflux, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastritis, Prevents damage to the colon
- Helps against common cold, sinusitis and throat infection
- Replaces dressing: Studies have revealed that applying Manuka to minor burns, cuts, and wounds helps heal it faster than dressing. It also helps relieve pains
Good for teeth: Never thought will hear that sweet and good for oral health. Hallelujah. It’s been shown to be effective against gingivitis and tooth decay
Good for skin: For ages honey has been used to get the good supple skin. People testify that using Manuka helps combat acne, eczema, although there isn’t yet a study to confirm it
Healthy honey: Depending upon it’s made; honey provides us with Amino acids, Vitamin B including B6 as well, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus Sodium, and Zinc
There is also talk of it being helpful in cancer. But even if not, a spoonful of it does work wonders. Yes, diabetics should consult their doctors before adding it to their diet. Moderation will be the way to go about it.
Alas! now that I have shared my elixir (ok not exclusively mine), always happy to help.