Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Tag: arthritis

  • Manuka Honey for Arthritis: Benefits, Risks, and Nao Medical’s Comprehensive Healthcare Services

    Manuka Honey for Arthritis: Benefits, Risks, and Nao Medical’s Comprehensive Healthcare Services

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One such treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is manuka honey.

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. It is known for its antibacterial properties and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, sore throats, and digestive issues.

    Manuka Honey for Arthritis

    While there is limited scientific research on the use of manuka honey for arthritis specifically, some studies have suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce joint pain and swelling. Additionally, manuka honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which could help prevent infections in people with arthritis who are at a higher risk of developing them.

    Is Manuka Honey Safe for Arthritis?

    While manuka honey is generally considered safe for most people, there are some risks associated with its use. Some people may be allergic to honey, and consuming it could cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, manuka honey is high in sugar and calories, which could be a concern for people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight.

    Allergic Reactions

    If you’ve never consumed honey before, it’s a good idea to do a skin patch test before consuming it. Apply a small amount of honey to your skin and wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction. If you experience itching, redness, or swelling, you may be allergic to honey.

    Diabetes and Weight Concerns

    It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before using manuka honey if you have diabetes. The high sugar and calorie content of honey could negatively impact blood sugar levels. Additionally, if you are trying to lose weight, consuming honey should be done in moderation due to its caloric content.

    Treatments for Arthritis

    There are many treatments available for arthritis, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which treatment options are best for you. It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor about your symptoms and goals for managing your arthritis.

    Nao Medical’s Comprehensive Healthcare Services

    At Nao Medical, we understand the challenges of living with arthritis and are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals offers a range of services, including urgent care, primary care, telehealth, multi-speciality care, mental health, women’s health, nutrition services, and more.

    Exceptional Care and Convenience

    We offer same-day appointments, minimal wait times, exceptional and empathetic staff, stunning clinic environments, a technologically driven approach with a comprehensive app, and extensive after-hours virtual care. We strive to make your healthcare experience as convenient and comfortable as possible.

    Book an Appointment with Nao Medical

    If you’re struggling with arthritis, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Nao Medical today. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you manage your symptoms effectively. You can book an appointment by visiting our website at https://aboutmanukahoney.com or by calling us at (917) 310-3371.

    Nao Medical Locations

    We have multiple clinic locations to serve you conveniently. Here are our addresses:

    • 932 East 174th Street Bronx, NY 10460
    • 37-15 23rd Ave Astoria, NY 11105
    • 1908 Grand Ave Baldwin, NY 11510
    • 2063A Bartow Avenue Bronx, NY 10475
    • 1472 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore, NY 11706
    • 3805 Church Ave Brooklyn, NY 11203
    • 100-22 37th Avenue Corona, NY 11368
    • 341 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11216
    • 232 W. Old Country Road Hicksville, NY 11801
    • 421 Hunts Point Ave Bronx, NY 10474
    • 80-10 Northern Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11372
    • 90-18 Sutphin Blvd Jamaica, NY 11435
    • 30-07 36th Ave Queens, NY 11106
    • 135 Mineola Blvd Mineola, NY 11501, USA
    • 259 1st Ave New York, NY 10003
    • 308 Graham Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Conclusion

    While there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Manuka honey has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could potentially benefit people with arthritis. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. At Nao Medical, we are here to support you on your arthritis journey and provide comprehensive healthcare services to help you live a full and active life. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward managing your arthritis symptoms effectively.

  • Manuka Honey for Arthritis: Promising for Bone Growth and Infection Prevention

    Manuka Honey for Arthritis: Promising for Bone Growth and Infection Prevention

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    This article discusses the potential use of manuka honey for arthritis. Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign conducted a study to explore whether manuka honey can inhibit bacterial infection and promote bone growth in collagen scaffolds. The study aimed to address the need for infection prevention in bioresorbable implants used in bone repair applications.

    Collagen Scaffolds and Infection Prevention

    The bones of the face and skull are susceptible to various conditions, including cleft palate defects, traumatic injuries, cancer, and bone loss from dentures. While bone replacements are commonly used to regenerate missing tissue, they are vulnerable to bacterial infection. The research team investigated the incorporation of manuka honey, derived from tea trees, into collagen scaffolds to prevent bacterial infection and stimulate bone growth.

    Incorporation and Soaking of Manuka Honey

    The researchers used two methods to add manuka honey to the scaffolds: incorporation and soaking. In the first method, they blended honey with a collagen suspension to create scaffolds with honey embedded in their structure. In the second method, they soaked the prepared collagen scaffolds in manuka honey for 40 hours. The aim was to assess the impact of manuka honey on bone growth and its ability to resist bacterial infection.

    Enhanced Bone Production

    The study results showed that when the scaffolds were soaked in 5% honey, there was a higher formation of minerals and increased production of osteoprotegerin. These findings suggest that the addition of manuka honey can enhance bone production in the scaffolds. The researchers concluded that soaking mineralized collagen scaffolds in 5% manuka honey improves their ability to produce minerals and promote osteogenesis.

    Resistance to Bacterial Infection

    Another aspect of the study focused on testing whether manuka honey inhibits the growth of bacteria commonly found in bone wounds. The researchers soaked paper discs in honey and placed them on bacterial lawns. While the honey-soaked scaffolds prevented bacterial attachment, they did not completely inhibit bacterial growth. The study highlighted that bacterial survival was observed even when using higher concentrations of antibiotics. This finding suggests that collagen scaffolds may provide a protective environment for bacteria, posing a challenge for infection prevention.

    Future Research and Implications

    The research team acknowledged the need for further investigation into manuka honey’s potential to prevent infection. Marley Dewey, the first author of the study, expressed her desire to establish her own lab to continue studying biomaterials and their role in infection prevention. Dewey aims to create models that can be used to study implant infection and gain a better understanding of bacterial interactions within scaffold structures.

    In conclusion, manuka honey shows promise for enhancing bone production in collagen scaffolds. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its ability to prevent bacterial infection. The results of this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop effective infection prevention strategies for bioresorbable implants used in bone repair applications.

    For more information on manuka honey and its potential benefits, visit https://aboutmanukahoney.com.

  • Manuka Honey Health Benefits: Alleviating Arthritis Symptoms

    Manuka Honey Health Benefits: Alleviating Arthritis Symptoms

    Table of Contents

    Manuka Honey Health Benefits: Alleviating Arthritis Symptoms

    Introduction

    Arthritis is a common condition characterized by joint inflammation, affecting approximately 58 million adults in the U.S. This painful condition significantly impacts one’s quality of life. While medications can provide relief, their regular use often comes with side effects. As a result, many individuals are turning to natural remedies to alleviate their arthritis symptoms. Two natural remedies that have gained attention are manuka honey and propolis. In this blog post, we will explore the potential health benefits of manuka honey and propolis individually for arthritis relief, based on scientific research.

    What is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. It can affect people of all ages, but is more common among older adults. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain and restricted movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, resulting in inflammation.

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is a type of honey that is made in New Zealand and Australia by bees that pollinate the manuka tree. It contains a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which is not found in other types of honey. This compound gives manuka honey its unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties make manuka honey a potential natural remedy for arthritis.

    Benefits & Mechanisms of Action of Manuka Honey for Arthritis

    The unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey are attributed to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO has been shown to have both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Additionally, manuka honey is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, such as MGO. These compounds can scavenge harmful free radicals that contribute to joint inflammation and damage in arthritis.

    How to Use Manuka Honey for Arthritis

    There are several ways to use manuka honey to alleviate arthritis symptoms. It can be consumed orally by incorporating it into your diet. For example, you can add manuka honey to your tea, yogurt, or use it as a sweetener in recipes. Consuming one tablespoon of manuka honey a day straight up is another option.

    Manuka honey can also be applied topically to the affected joints as a natural topical ointment. It is recommended to mix the honey with a carrier oil, such as castor oil. Additionally, you can add propolis and even manuka oil to enhance the effects.

    What is Propolis?

    Propolis is a bee-made resin that is produced by bees using plant resins, a bit of honey, and a little bee saliva. Bees use propolis to fill in small cracks in the beehive, maintain hive temperature, prevent predators from entering, and protect against dangerous microbes and fungi. Propolis has also been found to have potential health benefits for arthritis relief.

    Benefits & Mechanisms of Action of Propolis for Arthritis

    The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis are attributed to its high content of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

    How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

    Propolis can be consumed orally by taking it in the morning. While there are no official dosage recommendations, a recommended dose is ½ – 1 dropper daily. Place the propolis under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. If you dislike the flavor, you can place the propolis in a glass of juice and drink it slowly.

    Propolis can also be applied topically to the skin. It is recommended to mix it with a carrier oil, such as castor oil, before applying.

    Disclaimers & Known Drug Interactions

    It is important to note that neither manuka honey nor propolis has known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs. However, caution should be exercised when combining propolis with medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs). Propolis is thought to slow blood clotting, although more studies need to be conducted on this topic.

    Additionally, allergic reactions, such as skin or respiratory symptoms, may occur, particularly in people who are allergic to bees or bee products. If you experience any allergic reactions, it is important to seek medical attention.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, both manuka honey and propolis have potential health benefits for alleviating arthritis symptoms. Manuka honey’s unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content, make it a promising natural remedy. Propolis, on the other hand, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to its high flavonoid content, also shows potential for arthritis relief. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including the use of natural remedies like manuka honey and propolis.