Manuka Honey is claimed to benefit the following:
- Stomach ulcers
- Sore throats & colds
- Skin ulcers, wounds, boils
- Minor Burns & Pressure Sores
UMF
The UMF or unique manuka factor is a rating system that measures the non-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial potency of manuka honey. The system has a range from 0 to 30 but most Manuka Honey generally has a rating of 10 or more and many recommend a minimum of 15. The higher the UMF rating is, the higher the anti-bacterial activities are. The UMF rating of manuka honey is determined by measuring the antibacterial activity of a given honey with the antibacterial activity of antiseptic phenol, also known as carbolic acid, at various concentrations.
MGO
According to some manuka honey manufacturers, the UMF system is unreliable. The ratings are made by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) which compares a batch of honey against the bacteria-killing ability of different concentrations of a standard disinfectant. Another way proposed to measure the effectiveness of manuka honey would be by measuring methylglyoxal (MGO) content. This compound is found in high concentrations in manuka honey - up to 100 times greater than ordinary honey - according to German researchers, and is thought to give it its antiseptic edge. The minimum concentration of MGO in honey necessary to kill major bacteria types is found to be 100 mg/kg, having an equivalent antibacterial rating of 10%. As MGO is the compound directly responsible for the antibacterial activities, MGO rating is said to be a more accurate form of rating for Manuka honey.
Active Manuka Honey Association
Methylglyoxal (MGO) Rating
BBC report
Where to find it
Manuka Honey is available in many Natural Health food shops and some pharmacies. Its also available from numerous online shops. HealthStuff has a good range of Manuka Honey with both UMF and MGO ratings. They deliver internationally. This site has no affiliation with HealthStuff.co.uk
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