Honey has been used since ancient times to heal the body. This sweet liquid has been forgotten about in the medical field until a recent study* showed that it is actually a Super Natural Antibiotic. Many traditional antibiotics are no longer effective at killing bacteria because the bacterium has adapted to resist these over-prescribed medicines. Honey and particularly Manuka Honey is a powerful ally in health care that can not only destroy bacteria but also cause no harm to the body.

Manuka Honey can help...

• Heal wounds and ulcers
• Kill bacteria
• Fight fungal infections
• Help skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

So what exactly are Antibiotics?

Pharmaceutical Antibiotics are prescribed medications used to treat bacterial infections. They have been the first line of defence against bacterial infections for years. This medicine has been considered a ‘safe’ choice to give to both children and adults for all types of infections (often including viral infections, which are caused by viruses, not bacteria! and do not respond to antibiotics!). Antibiotics worked for years until their overuse caused bacteria to became immune or resistant which in turn created ‘superbugs', and these have proved very difficult to kill. Prescription antibiotics also kill off good bacteria needed by your body for many healthy processes and this can cause other health issues.

Why does honey work as a natural antibiotic?

Manuka Honey has unique properties that allow it to not only kill bacteria but also speed wound healing. It also doesn’t promote the formation of disease resistant bacteria. Manuka Honey works in the following ways:

• Hydrogen peroxide Sounds strange but honey releases hydrogen peroxide when applied to wounds. Studies show that many bacteria cannot grow in an environment that is high in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide not only prevents bacteria from growing it also helps disinfect and heal
• Polyphenols Honey contains many vitamins and polyphenols or antioxidants. Polyphenols have been shown to fight bacteria, fungus and other germs. They also help support your immune system that helps keep your body well.
• Osmotic effect Simply said, the high sugar content of honey has the ability to ‘pull’ water out of bacterial cells causing them to dehydrate and die
• Inhibits bacterial growth Bacteria create biofilms, which then communicate with other cells to create more bacteria. Honey breaks up the biofilm before it can cause more bacteria to grow. Manuka Honey, from a variety of Tea Tree also contains the anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties of the Tea Trees blossom upon which the honey bees feed.
• Viscosity Honey, when applied to the skin, forms a protective layer - a ‘scab’ over wounds that helps them heal without scarring. It also supplies skin with the nutrients it needs to heal and regenerate tissue.

Manuka Honey can be used both topically and internally

• Topical A small amount of Manuka honey can be applied to any clean superficial cut or wound. Allow the honey to form a ‘skin’ before covering with a bandage, if needed
• Internal Manuka Honey is best consumed straight from the jar or mixed with warm water. For the recommended amount per day, 'Ask a Naturopath' at Mr Vitamins and they will be able to give you advice for your specific needs

Mr Vitamins recommends

Comvita Manuka Honey

Find out more and shop online for Comvita Manuka Honey 

*This study was presented the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).