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I have read that some people take manuka honey.Why?

ptliverpool profile image
18 Replies

Is it for COPD, Asthma or just general health. How much is the usual amount to take before it does any good? How would this be taken?

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ptliverpool profile image
ptliverpool
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18 Replies

It is worth while doing a little research on this commodity. I know there are experts, here, that can tell you about it. It comes in different strengths and is expensive. I am afraid I cant say say more but a lot of people swear by it.

sadie1951 profile image
sadie1951

Hi, I know about it needs to be the "active" type and as annie says, it's expensive. If you are thinking of using it to help prevent infections, then one of the cheapest tried and tested things is garlic. I'm afraid I'm always suspicious of the latest "wonder" supplement, particularly if it's expensive. First the celebrities latch onto it and it then becomes the next must have thing. There is bound to be a massive choice out there, each containing varying amounts of the key ingredient so you need to research well. Not trying to discourage you, just my opinion! Sadie xx

peege profile image
peege

it's a natural antibiotic and it's honey, pure & simple, no other ingerdients added. It does come in different strengths as Annieseed says. The higher the better and the more it costs. A teaspoon a day most people take. Some have it in a drink withwarm (not hot) water. I have mine neat, it's delicious.

I've now been taking it regularly for a few months and in that time I've not had an exacerbation so I shall keep taking it.

I get Wellbeing 20+ 500 grm pots via Amazon, free postage . ..... in fact you will get loads of information about Manuka if you go on Amazon and read the reviews. I put off buying it for a very long time but as dear Chris says "you're worth it". peeg

ps it's far from being the latest thing, it's been around for many many years. Read the reviews. You can also put it on wounds.

sadie1951 profile image
sadie1951 in reply to peege

Hi Peeg, I wasn't suggesting Manuka honey is something new, I imagine it's been around as long as the Manuka bush! I was just making the point that every few years people latch on to another health food supplement as the best thing since sliced bread. There's a link to an interesting article below. All I am saying is do your research and know what you're buying - as the article says some can be 100 times more potent that others. Sadie xx

webmd.boots.com/vitamins-an...

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

Agree with peeg. Manuka honey has been used by folks in New Zealand for many years. It is supposed to have antibiotic properties and peeps in NZ use a medical grade for cuts grazes. One of the companies recommended to me by a friend in NZ was Convita.

I don't take it every day, but recently I have had pretty severe GI problems following high dose IV antibiotics which appear to have knocked out the good bacteria. I am taking prescribed probiotics and have recently bought a quality manuka honey 20+ (the higher the number the better) in the hope it will gently aid healing. It is extremely expensive. I feel it can't do any harm (except to my pocket).

This is just a personal choice and I am in no way promoting manuka.

Love cx

stone-UK profile image
stone-UK

Hi

If you wish to try Asda do a smaller jar 10. For £9 99.

Not sure about meaning of number 10, there is 10/15/20 I believe.

It is a product of New Zealand not some home brand.

rick1 profile image
rick1

I have a spoonful of Manuka 10 on my Weetabix with hot milk every morning.

people who suffer from hay fever are better with local honey I've been told.

Sooki profile image
Sooki

Hi,I take manuka honey 25+ it is expensive ,I try to take it 3 times a day ,since I started taking it my cough has gone away .It is a natural anti biotic.Hospitals have started to use it for dressings,and the control of MRSA,it cures ulcers etc where other things have failed.There is a UK site called Manukadirect.co.uk,itvwasvthe cheapest site i Found especially if you order more than one,you can get a free jar,although it is probably 3 months since I last ordered it,I paid about the equivalent of approx £20 I think which is cheap for 25+.I have IPF so it keeps the cough at bay.You can find info on the web about it.Linda

You might want to familiarise yourself with the true UMF+ factor- it should have an R in a circle after it. Something you can check when considering your purchase. Info here:

About UMF® Manuka Honey

UMF® is a quality mark set up by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA).

It helps protect consumers from being misled into purchasing honey with little or no activity.

The UMF® quality mark consists of an internationally accepted measure of the additional antibacterial potency found in some manuka honey, as well as wider quality standards. Not only is the honey independently tested before being packaged, but AMHA run an ongoing monitoring and auditing process for further consumer confidence. The UMF® standard is the only independent, globally accepted measure of the antibacterial strength of manuka honey, and is also the only 'whole quality' system.

Only licensed producers that continue to meet all of the quality standards are able to use the UMF® mark on their jars.

Did you know that all honeys are 'active' to some degree? All honey contain some antiseptic properties from natural hydrogen peroxide activity, though the level can vary greatly between different honeys. While it has some benefits, and helps explain why many cultures have used honey as a medicine, this hydrogen peroxide activity can be degraded or destroyed by light, heat, and body fluids.

Some Manuka honey (not all) naturally contains an additional, non-peroxide antibacterial activity, extra to the hydrogen peroxide part, that remains stable even under adverse conditions. It is this additional property found in some Manuka honey that has made Manuka famous and the supporting research is based on.

The UMF® rating (number) shows the antibacterial potency solely from this unique, additional non-peroxide component. As used in supporting research.

What about 'Active' honey? - well, anyone can label their honey as 'active'. And what activity are they measuring? Are they giving the hydrogen peroxide activity, or the total activity (both of which do not relate to the UMF® measure), or something else?

newzealandhoneyshop.co.uk/u...

UMF = Unique Manuka Factor

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees in reply to

Thanks BC, very useful.

in reply to O2Trees

I noticed one of my local health food shops were selling active+ without the UMF (r), I mentioned to them I wouldn't buy manuka honey without the UMF(R) on the jar, others are not the real deal.

Hi when my husband was ill earlier this year and after three courses of ab's - I decided to get some manuka honey. I dissolved a teaspoon in hot water five times a day and he definitely improved by day 3. This winter I am going to make sure he takes it once a day in the. "Flu" season. I know a couple of my friends swear by it at the first sign of a cold/sore throat. I did buy an expensive one and kept it hidden from the kids in case they put it on toast!! Take good care TAD x x

ptliverpool profile image
ptliverpool

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have bought a jar of 15+ made by ROWE they are a good old company so should be genuine.

I have Bronchiectasis so it is important for me (like you all) to avoid infections.

I had my first dose this morning on my breakfast toast and must say that I wish all medicine was so pleasant. Will keep you all informed as to how well it works.

pettle profile image
pettle

Honey is a natural healer , i was given it as a child and take it now for my bronciectasis .. i believe it works and would recommend ;]

ptliverpool profile image
ptliverpool in reply to pettle

Thanks Pettle. Would appreciate it if you could let me know what else you take (medicine) for your bronchiectasis. My doctor keeps trying to treat me for COPD, but I have read that this may not be the way to go. Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

PT x

pettle profile image
pettle in reply to ptliverpool

Hi, i am very big on the natural remedys , i find steaming daily also helps hugely and clears the airways , along with my sprays, healthy eating and walking .. ;] . I have got cystic bronchiectasis ,which is a little rarer ,but with all the above in place ,i feel well . Hope you find the best remedys for you and stay well .. x

ptliverpool profile image
ptliverpool in reply to pettle

Steaming sounds a good idea. I may mention this to my doctor and see what he says. What "sprays" have you found best. I tried Symbicort inhaler but it was definitely not for me.

At the moment I only have the Salamol to use when needed but to be honest I dont think it really does anything.(except mayby in my mind) It seems to be for Asthma.

Is cystic bronchiectasis the one that people are born with?

Hope you keep feeling well

PTxx

wobbley58 profile image
wobbley58

iv heard that salt pipes are a good healer but not sure of the truth anyone now out there

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