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  • Writer: Totika Nature Team
    Totika Nature Team
  • Oct 15, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 20

The Healing Powers of Manuka Honey: A Natural Remedy for Stomach Ulcers


New Zealand Manuka Trees
New Zealand Manuka Bush

Manuka honey, a special kind from New Zealand, is gaining attention for its healing abilities for stomach ulcers. Ulcers are painful wounds in the stomach's lining that can make life quite uncomfortable. What's remarkable about Manuka honey is that it's not just a folk remedy; actual science shows it can help.


Research has found that it can soothe the stomach and reduce the signs of ulcers. It does this by boosting the body's natural defence systems and calming inflammation, which is often a cause of these ulcers. So, adding Manuka honey to your diet might be a sweet way to support your stomach's health.


Scientific Evidence Supporting Manuka Honey's Efficacy

Recent research highlighted in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity journal has shown that Manuka honey benefits stomach health. The study found that Manuka honey can significantly lower the risk of developing stomach ulcers and protect the stomach lining from damage. It does this by increasing certain protective substances in the stomach that act as antioxidants, essential for preventing damage to the stomach lining. Additionally, Manuka honey helps reduce the presence of harmful substances in the stomach that can lead to inflammation and ulcers. Manuka honey is a promising natural remedy for maintaining a healthy stomach.


Manuka Honey's Unique Components

Hill Labs
Totika Nature Manuka Honey Test results Sample

Manuka honey from New Zealand is not just a sweet treat; it's recognised for its healing qualities. This honey contains unique ingredients like methylglyoxal (MGO), which, along with other compounds, makes it good at killing germs. It's especially effective against bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. There's a system in place that checks the quality of Manuka honey based on how much MGO it has. The more MGO in the honey (for example, MGO250 or higher), the better it is for health purposes. So, when you see Manuka honey labelled with high MGO numbers, it's packed with these beneficial properties.


Incorporating Manuka Honey into Your Diet

Adding Manuka honey to your meals might help if you have stomach ulcers or want to avoid them. You can enjoy it straight from the spoon or mix it into your tea, yoghurt, or toast as a healthier alternative to sugar. Just ensure you get the good stuff, like the honey from Totika Nature NZ Manuka Honey, because Totika Nature produces high-quality manuka honey from their farm and factory, with no middlemen, from hive to your honey jar. Remember, Manuka honey is excellent, but it's not a cure-all. It's best used along with the usual treatments your doctor recommends for stomach ulcers. And don't forget to check with your doctor before you start using it as part of your health routine.



Comb honey with bee
Totika Nature Manuka Honey on Comb


How NZ Manuka Honey Helps with Stomach Ulcers

1. Scientifically Proven Benefits

a. Improving Digestive Health

  • Prebiotics for Gut Health: 

    • Manuka honey contains prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

    • It can help reduce inflammation, bloating, and other digestive problems.

    • Specifically, it is effective against H. pylori infections, a common cause of stomach ulcers.

b. Healing Wounds and Infections

  • Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: 

    • Manuka honey's strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for wound healing.

    • It can help heal wounds, burns, cuts, and infections.

    • Additionally, it prevents the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promotes tissue regeneration.

c. Enhancing Overall Health and Immunity

  • Boosting Immune System: 

    • Manuka honey supports the immune system, helping to fight off viruses, colds, and flu.

    • It also improves energy levels skin, oral, and cardiovascular health.


References:


How to Use Totika Nature NZ Manuka Honey

  • Choose the Right Grade:

    • Totika Nature offers different grades of manuka honey based on their MGO (methylglyoxal) rating (global standard in identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of Manuka honey)

    • The higher the MGO rating, the more potent the antibacterial activity of the honey.

    • Select from MGO 250+, MGO 620+, or MGO 850+ (and even higher) based on your needs and preferences.


      Totika Nature Manuka honey grades
      Totika Nature Manuka honey grades

  • Incorporate into Your Diet:

    • Enjoy Totika Nature's certified manuka honey with your favourite food or drink.

    • Add a spoonful of warm water or herbal tea for a soothing drink.

    • Drizzle it over oatmeal, yoghurt, or toast for a nutritious boost.


Why Choose Totika Nature Manuka Honey?

  • Quality Assurance:

    • Totika Nature produces high-quality manuka honey from their farm and factory, with no middlemen, from hive to your honey jar.

    • Totika Nature manuka honey is independently tested and certified for its MGO content, and lab test results can be provided upon request.

    • You can trust its authenticity and healing properties.


      Totika Nature outlet and honey packing plant
      Totika Nature outlet and honey packing plant

  • Ethical and Sustainable:

    • Totika Nature's manuka honey is pure, raw, and unadulterated, preserving all the natural goodness; we think differently and understand bees and honey scientifically.

    • Our practices ensure the welfare of bees and the environment.


Manuka mountains
Totika Nature Farms

Remember to consult a healthcare professional before significantly changing your health regimen.



Updated: Feb 6


Manuka Flowers
Bee Foraging on Manuka Flowers

There are some scientific evidence that suggests the potential benefits of Manuka honey for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, we cannot give you medical advice. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. That being said, studies have shown that Manuka honey may have the potential to reduce side effects of chemotherapy, such as oral mucositis or inflammation.


A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Manuka honey promoted wound healing and reduced the incidence of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy (Shen et al., 2019). Another study published in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice reported that patients who received Manuka honey had a lower incidence of oral mucositis and a decreased need for opioid analgesics (Al Omairi et al., 2020).


These findings suggest that Manuka honey may have potential benefits for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration of Manuka honey for these patients.

Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for cancer, which involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. While chemotherapy can be effective in eliminating cancer cells, it can also cause damage to healthy cells, leaving patients vulnerable to side effects and infections.



Manuka Honey, has been gaining popularity in recent years for its potential benefits in supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree found in New Zealand, is known for its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide numerous health benefits.

In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of Manuka honey for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.


Manuka Honey has Anti-inflammatory properties

Chemotherapy can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to a variety of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey can help to reduce inflammation, thus alleviating these symptoms.


Studies have also shown that Manuka honey may help to reduce the risk of developing mucositis, a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes that commonly occurs in the mouth and throat during chemotherapy.


Manuka Honey has Antibacterial properties

Chemotherapy can also weaken the immune system, leaving patients more susceptible to infections. The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey can help to prevent and treat infections while supporting the immune system.


Medical-grade Manuka honey is used in many hospitals worldwide to treat wounds, such as burns and ulcers, as it has been shown to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote wound healing.


Manuka Honey has Antioxidant properties

Chemotherapy can cause oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells and contribute to the development of cancer. Antioxidants help to protect cells from this damage and may even be able to reverse some of it.

Manuka honey contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and protect healthy cells from damage.


Manuka Honey May Help with Digestive Health

Chemotherapy can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive problems. Manuka honey may help to alleviate these symptoms and promote digestive health.


Studies have shown that Manuka honey can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stomach ulcers. In addition, the prebiotic properties of Manuka honey can help to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in digestive health.


Manuka Honey May Help with Skin Health

Chemotherapy can cause skin inflammation, itching, and dryness. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Manuka honey can help to alleviate these symptoms and promote healthy skin.


Manuka honey has been shown to be effective in treating various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It can also help to promote wound healing and reduce scarring.



While there is currently limited research on the specific benefits of Manuka honey for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, its unique properties suggest it may be beneficial in supporting their overall health and wellbeing during treatment.


Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties can help to alleviate many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress. It may also help with digestive and skin health.

If you are interested in using Manuka honey as part of your cancer treatment regimen, it is important to talk to your oncologist first, as honey consumption may not be appropriate for all cancer patients. Additionally, it is important to choose medical-grade Manuka honey, such as the Best Manuka Honey NZ, to ensure that it is safe and effective for medical use.


Overall, Manuka honey shows potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, providing additional support to their overall health and wellbeing.


References:

1. Shen, Y., Wang, M., Zhou, L., & Xu, L. (2019). Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of honey dressing in the treatment of oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Journal of Chemotherapy, 31(6), 330-342.

2. Al Omairi, N. E., Al Habori, M., & Alhothaly, K. A. (2020). Manuka honey for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 1078155220976982.

Publisher Details:

Happy Beekeeping
Happy Beekeeping Logo

Home | Happy Beekeeping | Manuka honey | New Zealand https://www.happybeekeeping.co.nz/

+6494077712 414 Kerikeri Road Kerikeri 0230 Northland










Updated: Feb 20

by Rachel Nall, RN, MSN, CRNA






How is Manuka honey used on wounds?

People have used honey for thousands of years for wound healing. While we now have other very effective wound-healing options, honey may still be good for healing certain wounds.

Manuka Honey has antibacterial properties and a unique pH balance that promotes oxygen and healing compounds to a wound.


Before you reach into your cabinet, know that wound-care professionals use medical-grade honey for healing chronic wounds and other injuries.


Is honey effective for healing?

Honey is a sugary, syrupy substance that has been shown to have bioactive components that can help heal wounds.


According to a literature review published in the journal Wounds, honey offers the following benefits in healing wounds:


  • Acidic pH promotes healing. Honey has an acidic pH of between 3.2 and 4.5. When applied to wounds, the acidic pH encourages the blood to release oxygen, which is important to wound healing. An acidic pH also reduces the presence of substances called proteases that impair the wound healing process.


  • Sugar has an osmotic effect. The sugar naturally present in honey has the effect of drawing water out of damaged tissues (known as an osmotic effect). This reduces swelling and encourages the flow of lymph to heal the wound. Sugar also draws water out of bacterial cells, which can help keep them from multiplying.


  • Antibacterial effect. Honey has been shown to have an antibacterial effect on bacteria commonly present in wounds, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Part of this resistance may be through its osmotic effects.


Most medical professionals use a specific type of honey on wounds called Manuka honey. This honey comes from Manuka trees. Manuka honey is unique in that it contains the compound methylgloxal. This compound is cytotoxic (kills bacteria) and is a small molecule that may pass more easily into the skin and bacteria.


Honey and types of wounds

Wound healing professionals have used honey to treat the following wound types:

Researchers have conducted a variety of studies regarding the effectiveness of honey as a treatment for a variety of wounds. The Cochrane Review published a large-scale literature review of 26 such clinical trials, which encompassed 3,011 participants total.


The researchers concluded that honey appears to help heal partial-thickness burns and infected post-operative wounds better than many conventional treatments. However, there weren’t enough large-scale, high-quality studies to conclusively make recommendations for other wound types.

How do you apply honey for wounds?

If you have a wound or burn that won’t heal, it’s important to check with a doctor before using honey on the wound. Ask the doctor if honey is a possibility for treatment.

For severe wounds, it’s best a doctor or wound-care nurse shows you how to apply the honey the first time. This is because the amount of honey and the way the dressing is applied can impact how effective the wound-healing will be.



Tips for applying honey on wounds

If you’re applying honey on wounds at home, here are some general tips for application.


  • Always start with clean hands and applicators, such as sterile gauze and cotton tips.

  • Apply the honey to a dressing first, then apply the dressing to the skin. This helps to cut down on the messiness of honey when applied directly to the skin. You can also purchase honey-impregnated dressings, such as MediHoney brand dressings, which have been on the market for several years. An exception is, if you have a deep wound bed, such as an abscess. The honey should fill the wound bed before a dressing is applied.

  • Place a clean, dry dressing over the honey. This can be sterile gauze pads or an adhesive bandage. An occlusive dressing is best over honey because it keeps the honey from seeping out.

  • Replace the dressing when drainage from the wound saturates the dressing. As honey starts to heal the wound, the dressing changes will likely be less frequent.

  • Wash your hands after dressing the wound.


If you have any questions about applying honey to your wound, follow up with a physician.



Happy Beekeeping Manuka Honey
Happy Beekeeping Manuka Honey

What are the possible complications of honey for wounds?

It’s always possible that honey or its container can become contaminated, or, a person could have an allergic reaction. Sometimes, this is to the bee pollen that’s naturally present in honey.


Allergic reactions

Signs you could be having an allergic reaction to the honey include:


  • dizziness

  • extreme swelling

  • nausea

  • stinging or burning after topical application

  • trouble breathing

  • vomiting

If you experience these symptoms, clean your skin of the honey and seek medical attention.


Do not apply the honey again until you talk to a doctor.


Risks with raw honey

Some researchers have raised concerns regarding the use of raw honey, which is made from honeycombs and unfiltered, for wound treatment. They theorize that there’s greater risks for infection using this honey type.


While this is more of an idea than something that is proven, it’s important to be aware of the risks, according to the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine.


Ineffective

It’s also possible honey may not work to heal your wound. Frequent applications are required to see a benefit. This could take a week or more. If you aren’t seeing any improvement, talk to a doctor or nurse.

You should always check with their doctor before using this honey type to ensure it’s safe to apply to the wound.


Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN on November 16, 2018 —

Written by Rachel Nall, RN, MSN, CRNA





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