Regular honey products that are available from your local grocery store might be quite different from the “Medical Grade Manuka Honey”. Let’s first explain why it is called “manuka honey”.

In New Zealand and at the southeast region of Australia, there is a native plant or bush that grow on these areas which is a manuka plant. The bees loves these kinds of plants to harvest their nectars. This kind of bush is actually known all over the world due to many health benefits that it can offer. According to research, the nectar of the flower contain the main antibacterial ingredient.

The term “medical grade” simply refers to the standards and consistency of the bee product. So in order for a manuka honey to be considered medical grade, it has to undergo rigorous process of testing such as checking for microbiological contamination, water content and phytochemical compositions. If it happens to pass the testing process, the substance will be filtered and blended to achieve purity and consistency. This procedure has to be performed for the manuka honey in order for it to qualify and withstand moist environment.

There is also an additional process for the manuka honey used for “dressings”. This is a more complicated process which involve “terminal gamma sterilization”. We won’t be going through the whole process on how it is done but the main keyword here is the word “sterilization”. This means that the medical grade honey will be sterilized to remove any “residual microbial spores”. Of course, this process ensures to preserve the effectiveness of the substance.

Treating Wounds with Medical Grade Manuka Honey

Wounds are injuries of the skin which has been cut open due to a cut, burn, blow or powerful impact. When not treated well, wounds tends to get infected which is a very serious condition that requires specialists in order to get treated.

Medical grade honey has already proven throughout the world that it is very effective in treating wounds including infections. These includes burns, surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, slough wounds and many other skin injuries.

How Medical Grade Treats Infected Wounds?

I used to be a soccer player during my younger days. But on one of the game where I participated, I got a serious blow on my lower leg causing a wound. I always thought of myself being a tough person so I just left it because just like any other wounds that I already experienced, it will naturally get healed and just normally goes away.

However, I was wrong. I never expected that the wound turned into an infection where it even expanded or grown into a larger size. Just to let you know, the common symptoms for an infected wound is very similar to an inflamed wound. So you should notice redness, puss, itchiness, swelling and pain.

I was so embarrassed to play soccer again. When I do, I always wear jogging pants or long socks just to cover my disgusting wound.

Enough of my story. So to cut it short, I went to a specialists where I received an injection from the butt and she gave me a medical grade honey product used for treating my infected wound.

As a result, it just took me two to three weeks and my wound got fully healed.

According to some research, the main explanation about why medical grade honey is so effective in treating wounds are due to the 3 factors discussed below.

1. Low Water Content

The purpose of the filtering process is to lower the water content of the substance. So in most cases, the water content is between 18 to 20 percent only. Some medical grade manuka honey even have lower water content.

What literally happens when the substance is applied on the wounded skin, it absorbs the water out from the cells of the tissues which gets rid of them.

2. Low pH Level

This natural bee product turns out to have a low pH Level which is between 3.3 and 4.6. In comparison to other common types of honey, chestnut honey has 5 to 6 while honeydew honey has 4.5 to 6.5.

For those who does not know anything about pH Level, it is actually a measurement for any type of solution regarding about their hydrogen-ion concentration, acidity or alkalinity.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Honey do naturally contain an enzyme called, “oxidase”. This ingredient has a vital role where it breaks the glucose down into two elements which are “gluconic acid” and the “hydrogen peroxide”.

On the wound, there is a serum from the tissues. This serum will be responsible in diluting the bee substance causing it to raise its pH Level, adds sodium and triggers the oxidase. The best part is that, hydrogen peroxide is produced in small quantities from the wound due to this natural reaction.

Is Medical Grade Manuka Honey for Everyone?

Unfortunately, just like any other honey products there is a limitation particularly those individuals who have allergic reaction to any bee products. Take note, negative side effects of honey products to an allergic person can be fatal. Also, do not use or give to infants.

If you have diabetes and you want to use medical grade manuka honey to treat your wound, then you should check or constantly monitor your sugar level. Anyway, it is known that the bee substance cannot be absorbed directly into the blood stream. But if the wound is too big, it is best to stay safe by checking your sugar level for any changes.

In most cases, when medical grade manuka honey is applied on the wound for the first time, most individuals will feel a discomfort. This is actually normal because it should subside at a short period of time. Individuals who cannot withstand it can take an analgesic. But if the discomfort persists, you should immediately stop the treatment and clean your wound with saline solution.

Moreover, medical grade manuka honey is not just used for treating wound injuries. Other uses also includes treating sinusitis, gingivitis, tooth decay and strengthening of the immune system.