Manuka honey – worth the cost or not?
Honey has been used since ancient times for its healing properties in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It has become even more popular in recent years with the introduction to the market of Manuka honey which is produced in New Zealand and parts of Australia.
Manuka honey is probably the most widely scientifically researched honey for its medicinal properties. It is said to be more potent than other honeys because of its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MG) derived from a compound found in the flowers of the manuka bush which is native to New Zealand. This compound makes it the most therapeutic honey available for its antibiotic and antibacterial effects when applied to minor burns and wounds. It should be noted, however, that only Manuka honey marked as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Honey, or Active Manuka Honey, has been sterilized and is considered of medical-grade use in the treatment of wounds and skin infections.
There is also some evidence that Manuka honey is beneficial for prevention and treatment of the following conditions: high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, eye, ear and sinus infections.
According to TCM, honey has sweet and neutral properties, and is beneficial to lungs, large intestine, spleen and stomach. Its main functions are to tonify the spleen and stomach, to restore qi, remove toxins and reduce phlegm. In Ayurveda, honey is considered to be one of only two gifts freely given to us by animals (the other being milk) and is valued for its rejuvenating properties. It should always be consumed raw and cold as it has a toxic effect when heated. If you wish to add it to hot tea, do so when the tea has cooled to a temperature at which you can drink it. Honey can be used freely for vata constitutions. Long-term use may aggravate pitta constitutions. Although kapha constitutions should avoid all sweeteners, raw honey can help reduce kapha dosha.
Following the principles of staying in harmony with nature and your environment, the best honey for consumption would be that which is produced by bees in your immediate locality, or within a 400 mile radius of where you live. This, along with the cost of Manuka honey, may influence your decision to purchase it or not.
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