Manuka honey, a type of honey derived from New Zealand's native Manuka plant, is an ancient treatment for infected wounds. Numerous scientific studies have been done regarding its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. New research suggests that preparations containing Manuka honey may be effective at controlling periodontal disease. The only condition that has been scientifically proven to be cured by the use of Manuka honey is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infections.
MRSA
Manuka honey is scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for MRSA infected wounds. The treatment of using Manuka honey has been extensively clinically studied and has been effective for complete eradication of the MRSA bacteria in every study found. One of the studies, done by the University of Wales College of Medicine, included an immunosuppressed patient with leg ulcers colonized with MRSA. A Manuka honey dressing fully eradicated MRSA from the ulcer. In addition, wound healing was increased.
Periodontal Disease
Current research indicates that Manuka honey as sweetner may reduce gingivitis and resulting periodontal disease. Although the study was done with a small group of volunteers, there was a highly significant statistical difference between the two groups tested. While currently not a cure for gingivitis and , future studies with varying concentrations may prove that using Manuka honey as a sweetener is beneficial as an adjunctive therapy to reduce periodontal disease.
Misconceptions
There are claims that Manuka honey is a cure for a large range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. However, the only extensively studied use for Manuka honey as a true cure has been in relation to MRSA. When considering to use Manuka honey as a treatment or cure for any condition, be sure to look for actual facts to back up the information. New studies are reaching completion on a regular basis, so studies on related uses of Manuka honey may be available in the future. However, Manuka honey is not the only honey that has curative properties. Some types of honey contain enzymes that are more effective at controlling different pathogens than the enzymes in Manuka honey. When researching honey as a cure, be sure to pay attention to which type of honey was used in the study.
Warning
The information in this article is not intended to be medical advice. If you choose to use Manuka honey as a wound dressing or to treat bacterial or viral infections, you should continue to stay in touch with your doctor. While numerous studies have shown that Manuka honey can control bacterial infections, including MRSA, a physician should be consulted regarding the treatment chosen for any skin infection.
Potential
Many scientists agree that additional large-scale studies should be done regarding the therapeutic value of Manuka honey. However, the current scientific findings indicate that Manuka honey is an effective cure, control and/or adjunctive therapy for numerous bacterial, fungal and viral infections. In the future, with proper testing for potency, the use of Manuka honey will likely become more widespread as an antibiotic treatment to prevent and control infections with microbials that have become antibiotic resistant.
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