It wasn’t that long ago that buying honey at the supermarket didn’t cost that much. Now big, bold numbers appear on jars of manuka honey and the price has skyrocketed. Manuka honey’s lesser known, but more potent sibling, manuka oil, is making an appearance too. So what are the great health benefits of manuka, that are different to other species, and justify the hefty price tag.
A Brief History of Manuka in New Zealand
Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have long known about the health benefits of the manuka bush. Leaf infusions were used to reduce fevers and treat stomach and urinary problems. Leaves were boiled with the bark and the liquid rubbed on to rheumatic joints. This liquid was also used as a diuretic, a sedative, a mouthwash and for healing fractures. Manuka gum was used as a moisturiser for burns, and to ease coughing, and the seed pods were eaten to ease an upset stomach.
The species of bee needed for commercial honey production was introduced to New Zealand by the sister of a Methodist missionary, Mary Bumby. Bumby, an English beekeeper, brought two hives to New Zealand on a six month voyage by ship from England in 1839. She settled on the eastern shore of the North Island in an area surrounded by manuka bushes. Therefore the first honey produced in New Zealand was most likely manuka honey.
Modern Science and Marketing Steps In
Dr. Peter Molan, a noted biochemist and Waikato University professor, was the first to report the unusual activity of manuka honey and began testing its action against a wide range of different bacterial species in the mid 1980s.
Domestic demand grew on the back of this discovery, but manuka honey didn’t become an international sensation until 1991, when Bill Floyd, a marketing specialist hired by the National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand, coined the term UMF or Unique Manuka Factor. A well-timed launch into the US coincided with a boom in alternative health and wellness, and set up New Zealand manuka as the premium brand.
The health benefits of manuka were proven when the specific active ingredient that differentiates manuka honey from other types of honey was discovered in 2008. Two independent laboratories identified methylglyoxal (MGO) as the unique component in ‘non-peroxide activity’ or NPA.
By 2014, aided by the increase in New Zealand tourism, the manuka honey craze was well underway in China.
The rise in popularity and price has caused issues in authenticity and this is why you need to know the provenance of your honey when buying it.
Knowing your UMFs from your MGOs
Comvita, one of the largest producers of manuka honey explains it well.
‘The MGO in Manuka honey refers to Methylglyoxal, which is a chemical compound that is found in Manuka honey. MGO provides the antibacterial effect that is so-often spoken about. The MGO grading system tests for the Methylglyoxal contained within the honey. However, Methylglyoxal can be produced synthetically and added to the honey during manufacturing process, so the test does not offer a true sign of purity and quality when it comes to evaluating genuine Manuka.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) on the other hand, tests for all three naturally-occurring chemical markers of the honey; Methylglyoxal (MGO as mentioned, the antibacterial element), Dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA, the age of the honey), and Leptosperin (the indicator of genuine Manuka). Only UMF standard tests for Leptosperin, which can only be found in Manuka honey and cannot be fabricated.
To offer a comparison with the MGO Manuka honey you may see, here are the levels of Methylglyoxal found within each UMF rating:
UMF 5+ has a minimum MGO 83.
UMF 10+ has a minimum MGO 263.
UMF 15+ has a minimum MGO 514.
UMF 18+ has a minimum MGO 698.
UMF 20+ has a minimum MGO 829.’
What Grade Do I Need?
You might think going for the highest MGO will give you the greatest benefit, it’s the antibacterial effect after all. However, this is not the case. For a start only the lower levels are recommended for ingestion (eating), with the higher strengths being used for external use on the skin. Also, it can get very expensive, so you want to make sure you have an appropriate strength for the health benefit you need.
For boosting general health use UMF5+ to a maximum of 10+. Take it in the morning, before breakfast with some water, which is better than taking it alone.
If you have a bacterial infection like helicobacter pylori, or staphylococcus aureus use UMF10+ or 15+.
UMF20+ or 25+ are the grades used externally for wound care. It is appropriate to use on wounds, burns and skin infections.
Once you are getting up to this strength, you may want to consider manuka essential oil, which packs a strong punch and can be used in a wide range of conditions.
The Health Benefits of Manuka Oil
Essential oils are experiencing a resurgence as people turn back to nature as an alternative to modern medicine. Manuka oil is extracted by steam distillation from the branches and leaves of the manuka bush.
Studies show that manuka is 20 to 30 times more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, compared to tea tree oil. Research attributes the oil’s powerful antibacterial abilities to the levels of β-triketones present in the oil. The highest levels of β-triketones are found in manuka of the East Cape and the Marlborough Sounds and these levels have a direct correlation to the antibacterial properties.
As with all potent essential oils care is needed in their use and how they combine with other ingredients. It is not advisable to apply straight manuka oil directly on the skin. Recommended carrier oils include coconut, rosehip and jojoba oil. Do not ingest essential oils.
There is an impressive array of conditions and diseases that manuka oil can be used to treat. From those first discovered by Maori, to more recent additions, here’s a comprehensive list of Uses of Manuka Oil.
A more superficial, but nonetheless intriguing, health benefit of manuka is that it may be the wrinkle fix of the future according to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory benefits, along with antioxidants that reduce damage from free radicals, it is also antibacterial and protects against wrinkle-causing UVB rays. I’m tempted to give it a try.
References
Brad Japhe: The Wild Story of Manuka, The World’s Most Coveted Honey
Stuff: Northland iwi turns family pastime into multi-million dollar manuka honey operation
Dee A. Carter, et al: Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative
Justin Bergman: Sweet Obsession: China’s Manuka Madness
Comvita: The MGO Manuka Honey Grading System Explained
Healthy with Honey: What is UMF and how to read the label of manuka honey
Unique Manuka Factor Honey Grading System: Grading System Explained
Cheree Morrison: Understanding manuka oil, a powerful essential oil from the manuka tree grown on the East Cape of New Zealand
Kiera Carter: The Wrinkle Fix of the Future
Heather Ogden-Handa
Good to meet you! I’m a marketer and writer interested in aging and longevity. I see lots of great information out there, so I’m keen to share topics that take my interest. Over time I hope the knowledge and community around this blog will have a positive impact on the healthy lifestyles of many individuals.