Manuka honey

Manuka honey is unique to New Zealand, the pollen being collected by the bees from the flower of the indigenous Manuka tree.  Research at Waikato University has shown that all varieties of honey have some anti-bacterial activity.  Manuka Honey tested as having a much higher level of activity, up to many tens of times greater than the other honeys tested.  The term 'active' or 'UMF' is used to indicate that the honey has been tested for increased anti-bacterial activity and then rated as to the strength of that activity.  All Manuka Honey used by Honey and Herbs (NZ) Ltd is independently laboratory tested and certified as Active.

What makes it special ?
There are a number of reasons for the anti-bacterial activity of honey.   The high sugar content of all honey means there are few water molecules available, making it difficult for micro-organisms to establish, and the generally low pH is enough to inhibit many animal pathogens.  The primary reason for anti-bacterial activity in most honeys is the release of hydrogen peroxide in a slow release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase when honey is diluted.  However, this hydrogen peroxide can be broken down by heat and light, and may also be broken down by the human catalase enzyme as it fights infection.

Manuka Honey has an additional anti-bacterial ability which has been called the "Unique Manuka Factor" and is much more stable.  This unique manuka factor is active in full strength honey, which provides a more potent anti-bacterial action and diffuses deeper into skin tissues than the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey.

Manuka Honey is tested for its levels of activity and issued a number to indicate how active it is.  So, a rating of 10 indicates the same level of antiseptic potency of a 10% solution of Phenol (Carbolic Disinfectant).  The higher the rating, the higher the activity and therefore the greater the healing ability.

Why put it in our skin care?
Manuka Honey has been shown to provide a number of benefits to the skin in addition to the anti-bacterial abilities outlined above.

• Is deeply penetrating and hygroscopic (attracts moisture to it) and therefore very hydrating
• Accelerates tissue repair, aiding in skin repair and the reduction of scarring
• Has anti-fungal and soothing anti-inflammatory properties
• Acts as a natural anti-oxidant
  

All of the Manuka Honey included in Honey and Herbs products has an activity rating of 16+.