Honey shows healing power
08 Jun, 2004
Source: BBC News
A particular type of honey with special healing power has been identified by a New Zealand biochemist.
Professor Peter Molan, from Waikato University, has discovered that honey made from the flowers of Manuka, has antibacterial ability. His research has shown the most common wound infecting species of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, is very sensitive to the honey.
Professor Molan has termed the special honey ingredient ‘unique Manuka factor', or UMF. Unfortunately it is only Manuka from certain areas in New Zealand that produces honey with the special UMF ingredient. Clinical trials at Waikato Hospital have confirmed the UMF Manuka honey’s amazing healing properties.
"The Manuka honey works on bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. We haven't found any infectious organisms it doesn't work on," Professor Molan says. It can even tackle antibiotic resistant bacteria strains, which are an increasing problem for hospitals. Professor Molan is now working on a no-mess honey wound dressing with the New Zealand company Comvita.
For more information visit the Waikato Honey Research Unit's web site at: http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey/
