Honey as Medicine has a Long History—New Zealand Honey is Focus of Intensive Research

Healthfacts, Nov, 2000 by Maryann Napoli

"The strongest evidence for efficacy beyond wound healing comes from clinical trials showing shortening of the duration of bacterial diarrhea and alleviation of gastric ulcers," said Dr. Molan in an e-mail interview. Do-it-yourself honey treatment of wounds is not recommended without a professional diagnosis. But the downside is minor for other uses; Dr. Molan notes, "An allergic reaction may occur rarely, as happens with many foods, and diabetics should take into account the sugar content of honey, which is about 30% glucose." That said, he sees no reason to use self-care "straight off for minor problems and for first aid, and for any condition not responding to professional therapy, where possible continuing the professional therapy as well as using honey."

Some of the Web sites selling manuka honey (see below) cite Dr. Molan's research. While he has assisted and advised many companies that produce manuka honey, Dr. Molan says he has done so "without payment, out of personal enthusiasm for the health benefits of honey [and] to make it more widely available in a convenient and effective form."

The messiness of applying honey to an open wound has prompted the commercial availability of several types of honey-impregnated bandages. Dr. Molan said that his University has patented a completely different version of wound dressing material that will hold the honey in place. It has yet to be put through the required premarket testing and registration.

Resources

For more information about the studies that have been conducted with manuka honey, visit the web site of the University of Waikato in New Zealand (http://honey.bio.waikato.ac.nz). Health professionals who want to learn more about using honey to treat wounds will find detailed information on the topic.

Of all commercially available honeys, only active manuka honeys from New Zealand and Australia are tested for antibacterial activity, according to Dr. Molan. Use your search engine to find sources of these products by typing the word manuka. Since manuka honeys can also vary in their level of antibacterial activity, look for companies whose products have a unique manuka factor or UMF, of 10 or more. Everyone has access to the Internet through the local public library.