Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Tag: Manuka honey pneumonia natural remedy

  • Manuka Honey for Pneumonia A Comprehensive Guide

    Manuka Honey for Pneumonia A Comprehensive Guide

    Table of Contents

    Manuka honey has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. Derived from the bees that pollinate the flowers of the Manuka bush in New Zealand and Australia, it contains active compounds that set it apart from regular honey. Many people have praised its ability to soothe a sore throat and support gut health as a prebiotic. In addition, Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer protection against gastric ulcers and gut infections, such as gastroenteritis. It has even shown promise in shortening the duration of diarrhea and inhibiting flu viruses. Furthermore, Manuka honey is being explored for its potential benefits in wound healing and treating skin disorders like rosacea and acne.

    The Unique Properties of Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey is known for its unique composition, which sets it apart from regular honey. It contains non-digestible carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics and help increase levels of “good” bacteria in the gut. These oligosaccharides also contribute to its potential gut health benefits. Manuka honey also contains naturally occurring compounds called methylglyoxal (MGOs), which are not found in regular honey. The MGO rating of Manuka honey indicates the concentration of these compounds and provides an indication of its nutritional benefits. Higher MGO ratings indicate a higher concentration of MGOs and, therefore, a greater nutritional benefit.

    Testing Different Brands of Manuka Honey

    Given the wide variation in price among different brands of Manuka honey, I decided to conduct a taste test of three jars from Holland & Barrett, Aldi, and Lidl. To ensure comparability, I chose jars with an MGO rating of 100. I tasted a spoonful of each brand for a week to see if I could discern any differences.

    Holland & Barrett’s Manuka Doctor Premium Monofloral Manuka Honey

    • Price: £29.99 for a 250g jar (equivalent to £11.99 per 100g)
    • Current offer: Buy one, get one free, making it £14.99 per jar (£5.99 per 100g)
    • Description: Tested and certified, natural and pure, helps support immunity
    • Customer rating: 4.7 stars from 100 reviews

    Holland & Barrett’s Manuka honey had a seal inside the lid, ensuring its freshness. It had a thicker and denser viscosity compared to the other brands. The taste was unique, with a sharper and less sweet flavor. It felt pleasant on the throat and left a pleasant aftertaste. After a couple of days of consuming this honey, I noticed a change in my bowel habits, indicating a potential impact on gut health.

    Aldi’s Specially Selected Multifloral Manuka Honey

    • Price: £4.99 for a 225g jar (equivalent to £2.22 per 100g)
    • Description: Made and packed in New Zealand

    Aldi’s Manuka honey had a glossy and shiny appearance. It had a runny consistency and tasted more like traditional honey, with a sweet flavor. It felt velvety on the tongue and was pleasant on the throat. However, after a week of consuming this honey, I did not notice any changes within my body. I also caught a cold and throat infection during this period, suggesting that it did not boost my immunity.

    Lidl Deluxe Manuka Honey

    • Price: £5.55 for a 250g jar (equivalent to £2.35 per 100g)
    • Description: 100 percent pure and authentic New Zealand Manuka Honey

    Lidl’s Manuka honey had a plastic seal around the lid and a sweeter taste compared to the other brands. Its consistency was not as smooth and velvety as Aldi’s version, but it was equally runny. Like Aldi’s honey, I did not notice any changes in my body after a week of consuming this honey. However, I found that taking a spoonful of it before bed helped calm my tickly cough during the night, although it did not cure the underlying illness.

    Overall Verdict

    It was challenging to determine the extent of the impact these honeys had on my health. After completing the two weeks of Aldi and Lidl’s versions, I returned to the Holland & Barrett Manuka honey and noticed a difference in my gastric health. My cold symptoms also eased during this period. However, when I stopped taking the Holland & Barrett honey, my symptoms returned.

    Based on my experience, if you are interested in boosting your immunity and gut health with Manuka honey, the Holland & Barrett Manuka honey may be worth trying. While the Aldi and Lidl varieties did not seem to offer any additional health benefits compared to regular honey, they were more expensive. Standard honey can be purchased for just 75p from Aldi, making these alternatives less cost-effective. Although the Holland & Barrett Manuka honey is relatively pricey, it appears to have more significant effects on the body.

    In conclusion, if you are considering using Manuka honey for its potential health benefits, it is essential to choose a reputable brand with a high MGO rating. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or using natural remedies for medical conditions.

  • Manuka Honey for Pneumonia A Natural Remedy for Respiratory Infections

    Manuka Honey for Pneumonia A Natural Remedy for Respiratory Infections

    Table of Contents

    Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree in New Zealand, has been praised for its potent antibacterial properties. While it is commonly used as a natural sweetener and immune booster, recent research suggests that Manuka honey may also be beneficial in treating respiratory infections, including pneumonia. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of Manuka honey for pneumonia and how to use it effectively as a natural remedy.

    Understanding Pneumonia and Its Symptoms

    Pneumonia is a respiratory infection characterized by inflammation and infection of the lungs. It can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia typically presents with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

    The Role of Manuka Honey in Treating Pneumonia

    Manuka honey is well-known for its unique antibacterial activity, which is attributed to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a compound found in Manuka honey that has been shown to possess potent antimicrobial properties. Studies have demonstrated that Manuka honey can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains.

    The Antibacterial Effects of Manuka Honey

    The antibacterial effects of Manuka honey are due to several factors. Firstly, its high sugar content creates an environment with low water activity, making it difficult for bacteria to survive. Secondly, Manuka honey produces hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with bodily fluids, further contributing to its antibacterial properties. Lastly, the presence of MGO in Manuka honey enhances its antibacterial activity, making it a powerful natural remedy for respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

    Manuka Honey for Pneumonia: How to Use It

    To reap the potential benefits of Manuka honey for pneumonia, it is important to choose a high-quality, authentic Manuka honey with a high MGO rating. Look for a honey with a minimum MGO rating of 400+, as this indicates a significant concentration of antibacterial compounds.

    Method 1: Consuming Manuka Honey

    One of the simplest ways to use Manuka honey for pneumonia is by consuming it orally. Follow these steps:

    1. Take one to two tablespoons of Manuka honey.
    2. Consume the honey directly or mix it with warm water or herbal tea.
    3. Repeat this remedy two to three times a day, or as needed, to soothe symptoms and support respiratory health.

    Method 2: Manuka Honey Steam Inhalation

    Steam inhalation with Manuka honey can help relieve congestion, ease breathing, and deliver the antibacterial properties of the honey directly to the respiratory system. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Boil a pot of water and remove it from the heat.
    2. Add one to two tablespoons of Manuka honey to the hot water.
    3. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot, allowing the steam to be inhaled.
    4. Breathe deeply for 10-15 minutes, taking breaks if needed.
    5. Repeat this steam inhalation two to three times a day, or as necessary, to alleviate respiratory symptoms.

    Method 3: Manuka Honey Chest Rub

    A Manuka honey chest rub can provide localized relief for cough and chest congestion. Follow these steps:

    1. Mix equal parts of Manuka honey and coconut oil or olive oil in a small bowl.
    2. Apply the mixture to your chest and throat and gently massage it in.
    3. Leave the chest rub on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, if desired.
    4. Repeat this process two to three times a day, as needed, for symptom relief.

    Precautions and Considerations

    While Manuka honey is generally safe for consumption, it is important to note the following precautions:

    • Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to honey. If you have a known allergy to honey or bee products, avoid using Manuka honey.
    • Infants: Manuka honey should not be given to infants under the age of one year due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious condition.
    • Quality Assurance: To ensure you are using authentic Manuka honey, look for products that have been independently tested and certified by reputable organizations, such as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Association.

    Conclusion

    Manuka honey offers a natural and potentially effective remedy for respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Its antibacterial properties, attributed to the presence of MGO, make it a valuable addition to conventional treatments. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Manuka honey as a primary treatment for pneumonia. Incorporate Manuka honey into your overall wellness routine to support respiratory health and boost your immune system.