Most types of honey contain hydrogen peroxide, which gives it an antibiotic effect. However, what distinguishes some types of honey, including Manuka honey, is that it contains antibacterial properties.

The benefits of manuka honey for the stomach

Stomach ulcers are one of the most common diseases among humans. They are sores that form on the lining of the stomach, causing bloating and stomach pain. They are sores caused most often by H. pylori bacteria.

One study has proven that eating a tablespoon of original Manuka honey by mouth daily for two weeks helps reduce the H. pylori bacteria, thus preventing stomach ulcers.

Improve digestion

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include:

• Having diarrhea or constipation
• Cramping and abdominal pain
• bloating
• Excess gas
• The appearance of mucus in the stool

Researchers have concluded, through laboratory studies on mice, that consuming manuka honey may help reduce these symptoms.

It is also considered an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile infection, which results in severe diarrhea and inflammation of the intestine. Which is usually treated with antibiotics.

In order to take advantage of the benefits of manuka honey to improve digestion and enhance the functioning of the immune system, you can eat between one to two teaspoons of honey every day, either alone, or by adding it to your favorite food or drink.

Manuka honey to treat stomach germs

A number of researchers concluded that natural honey has an inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori (stomach germ). Laboratory experiments have been conducted in order to determine the concentrations of honey that will help inhibit the germ.

The study concluded that the use of New Zealand manuka honey at low concentrations of up to 5% v/v was able to completely inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. And that the concentration of 2.5% v / v works on partial inhibition of the growth of stomach germ.

Although this study was not conducted on a large scale, the volunteers in that study were treated with original manuka honey, or with manuka honey and omeprazole.

Symptomatic treatment of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. It affects mucus-producing cells and digestive juices, making the secretions abnormally sticky and thick. Which leads to blockage of tubes and passages, especially in the lung and pancreas.

However, some preliminary studies, conducted by experts at the University of Swansea in the United Kingdom, have concluded that Manuka honey may contribute to the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis. Where honey can play a vital role in fighting the bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections, especially the deadly bacteria found in cases of cystic fibrosis.

This is when the use of honey with antibiotics was tried, which contributed to improving the efficiency of antibiotics that were not able to work on their own, as the use of manuka honey with antibiotics succeeded in killing 90% of bacteria in the test laboratories. However, more human studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Other benefits of honey

1. Oral health

Oral bacteria are the main cause of gum problems and tooth decay. So in order to maintain healthy gums and teeth, it is important to reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth. This can be achieved by using Manuka honey.

Studies have shown that original Manuka honey attacks harmful bacteria and discourages their growth, fights gingivitis, and tooth decay.

2. Sore throat treatment

Manuka honey has antibacterial properties that cause inflammation of the mucous membrane. It works to reduce inflammation, thus reducing the feeling of pain associated with inflammation.

So it is an ideal choice for those who suffer from sore throat. As it coats the inner lining of the throat, which calms the inflammation. Honey is also generally considered an effective cough suppressant.

And to take advantage of its benefits, you can eat half a tablespoon to a tablespoon of manuka honey daily. This helps relieve your symptoms of inflammation. But if you do not suffer from sore throat, it will also help you to boost your immune system, and reduce the risk of infection.

3. The benefits of honey for the eye

Honey such as the original New Zealand Manuka honey with drops of sterile saline solution can be used as a home remedy for many eye diseases by applying it topically to the eye or skin or by using artificial tears that contain honey, and among the diseases that it helps to treat are the following:

• Blepharitis, which causes inflammation and swelling around the eyelash line.
• Dry eye, which results from the lacrimal glands not producing enough tears to lubricate the eye.
• Reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles around the eye area, as honey moisturizes and tightens the skin.

Warning: It is not recommended to use honey as a therapeutic prescription except under the supervision of a doctor, and it is not recommended to use it in the event that a person suffers from an allergic reaction to honey.

What distinguishes manuka honey?

Manuka honey has a nutritional content of up to 4 times that of regular flower honey. It also contains higher concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is an organic substance with strong antibacterial properties. This led to the increasing popularity of this type of honey, and pharmaceutical companies tended to add it to the ingredients of some types of antibiotics and some types of cosmetics for skin care.

Cautions when using

The use of original Manuka honey in the treatment of indigestion problems is considered safe, but it is preferable to consult a doctor before use, especially for the following cases:

• Diabetic patients: Since all types of honey contain high levels of natural sugar, it may affect blood sugar levels.
• Honey allergy: Some people may have an allergic reaction to eating or using Manuka.
• In the case of infants: It is not recommended to give honey to children under the age of one year, to prevent the risk of infant botulism.
• Chemotherapy: Manuka honey may affect the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs.