Michael Ellis
Some Manuka honeys have outperformed conventional antibiotics in treating infected caesarean sections, stomach ulcers and burns. Now Manuka honey is being investigated for its potential to aid in the fight against cancer. In the UK people are swallowing Manuka honey by the spoonful for sore throats, drizzling it on their morning porridge for energy and stirring it into recipes and drinks. Manuka honey, a New Zealand variety, is enjoying a renaissance of its own. It is said to have antibacterial properties that can be used to treat everything from skin conditions to digestive disorders. There are also suggestions that eating certain types of honey can ease hayfever. The so-called unique manuka factor was first identified by Waikato University biochemist Professor Peter Molan, and the discovery led to some manuka honey strains being used to battle bacteria causing stomach ulcers, and to promote wound healing. These strains have proved increasingly valuable as they have also proven effective against some antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Prof Molan's work enabled manuka honey producers to register a trademark, UMF, and rate their honeys according to an antibacterial potency rating. Manuka Health chief executive Kerry Paul says the UMF used to describe the honey's anti-bacterial effect has been trademarked by the Active Manuka Honey Association. The news that German scientists have just identified the mystery chemical in New Zealand's Manuka honey might be the most exciting health news in years.