Brief History of New Zealand Manuka Honey

As early as 1000 years ago, the early settlers of New Zealand, the Maori people used the manuka leaves, bark and extract for treating many ailments from constipation to head colds and the sap used on scalds and burns.

Captain James Cook in 'A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World' wrote about the manuka plant, “…the leaves were used by many of us as a tea which has a very agreeable bitter taste and flavour when they are recent but loses some of both when they are dried. When the infusion was made strong it proved emetic (induced vomiting) to some in the same manner as ‘green tea’” That's how the manuka plant came to be known also as the (New Zealand) tea tree.

For the last 25 years, Prof (Dr) Peter Molan at the Honey Research Unit of the University of Waikato of New Zealand has done extensive study on the special properties of the manuka honey.

What is UMF?

The Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF, is the naturally occurring antibacterial property found in some manuka honey. UMF is unique because it is found only in manuka honey and only in some (not all) manuka honey. This enhanced antibacterial potency is in additional to the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property found in most honey. Dr Peter Molan, MBE, University of Waikato Honey Research Centre, was the first person to discover UMF in some strains of manuka honey. The name UMF is followed by a number indicating the strength of the UMF property. A UMF rating of 10 is the minimum to be effective for therapeutic use. 

The UMF Ratings (measure of antibacterial strength):
0-4: Not detectable
5-9: Maintenance levels only
10-15: Useful levels endorsed by the Honey Research Unit at The University of Waikato
16 and over: Superior levels with very high activity. 

What's so special about UMF rated or active manuka honey?

In laboratory studies the UMF property has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including the very resistant helicobacter pylori (this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers), the wound-infecting bacteria staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli, streptococcus pyogenes (causes sore throats). UMF rated manuka honey could be very effective in helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis, and can be applied externally for the natural healing of skin disorders (eg eczema), wounds and burns. Click here to find out more

The UMF(R) Guarantee
UMF(R) is a registered trademark and can be used only by licencees of the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA). Only UMF(R) labeled manuka honey is guaranteed to have the special UMF healing property and be of the same quality as that referred to in the research and clinical trials.

Some of the Uses of Apiaries UMF rated Active Manuka Honey

• As a Daily Supplement or Energy Food * Consume a teaspoon of the honey daily as a supplement for enhancing general well-being and boost your immune system. * It provides energy for enhancing sports performance and gym workouts.
• For Treating Cough (including Dry Cough), Sore Throat and Cold: * Consume the honey straight from a plastic teaspoon. * You may consume the honey up to three times a day (like consuming your medication) from 1 teaspoon to a tablespoon. * We recommend that you do not drink any fluid at least half an hour before and after you consume the honey.
• For Digestive Ailments (including gastritis, gastric flu), Stomach Ulcer and other digestive discomfort: * Take a piece of bread and pinch it into small pieces. Coat each small piece with the honey and swallow it. This will hold the honey longer in the stomach and while digesting the bread, the stomach lining will be smeared with the honey for more effective healing. * The honey can also neutralise the gastric acid juices in the stomach.
• As a First Aid: Because of its natural anitbacterial properties, manuka honey may be applied to minor cuts, grazes and burns to promote natural healing. We recommend you clean the affected areas, use sterilised equipments for the application and dressing. Do keep the affected area dry at all times.
•  Eczema: Consume regularly and may be applied externally to affected areas. 
• Acne: May be applied directly on acne. It really works! 
• Facial Use: Clean face thoroughly. Apply honey directly on face for a natural honey facial. Leave it on for 30 mins and wash away. Feel the difference of your face!

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on clinical and anecdotal experiences of people who have benefited from the use of active manuka honey. It does not constitute medical advice. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.