So how can Manuka Honey help you and improve your health?
Honey has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Honey for sore throats? Honey applied to wounds? Hot lemon and honey as a drink when we're unwell.
But new research by scientists in New Zealand suggests that Manuka Honey - a particular kind of honey has special antibacterial abilities. They claim that Manuka Honey can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions - everything from skin conditions to stomach and bowel complaints.
The use of Manuka is on the increase worldwide. Manuka Honey producer's in New Zealand are struggling to keep up with the demand at times.
Manuka is made by bees that collect pollen from the manuka bush which grows wild in New Zealand.
It has an unusual and mildly medicinal flavour. When Manuka Honey is applied to skin it can effectively treat wounds and ulcers that have not improved with standard medicine.
The honey can fight infection and help tissue healing but it also seems to reduce inflammation and scarring.
When taken by mouth Manuka has been used successfully for the treatment of diarrhoea, indigestion, excess stomach acid and gastroenteritis. The healing properties of Manuka seem to be due to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase. This enzyme causes the release of the antiseptic - hydrogen peroxide. The high sugar content of the Manuka also seems to inhibit bacterial growth. But these remain just theories because in truth, researchers are unable to pinpoint any one particular constituent to explain why manuka honey has such strong antibacterial qualities. They do know that it works however!
Manuka Honey is classified into different strengths - called the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Strengths range from UMF5, which is believed to be equivalent to a 5 per cent solution of a standard antiseptic, to UMF20, which is equivalent to a 20 per cent solution of antiseptic. Different strengths are recommended for treating different conditions.
In 2003, a study published in the European Journal of Medical Research suggested that manuka honey was at least as good, if not better, than some conventional treatments used for healing surgical wounds.
In 2004, manuka-honey wound dressings and sterilised manuka-honey creams were licensed for use in NHS hospitals. Some researchers wonder if it might help fight against the so-called superbug: MRSA.
Manuka honey is made by bees that collect pollen from the manuka (or myrtle) bush.
You can take it by mouth or apply it to the skin but only sterilised honey, intended for medical use, should be used on wounds.
The different strengths of honey are used for different purposes. Manuka below UMF 10 is recommended for maintaining general health and good digestion.
UMF10 to UMF15 honey is for indigestion, heartburn and diarrhoea. Sterilised honey at this strength can also be used on cuts, grazes, burns, fungal infections and wounds.
Some say that UMF20 can treat gastroenteritis and stomach ulcers. Finally, there are also manuka honey creams for cold sores and acne.