Nectar collected from New Zealand Manuka tea tree flowers and processed into honey has unique anti-bacterial properties which are not present in honey from other plants.

Honey from some plants are no more antibacterial than sugar, while Active Manuka honey with a high UMF® rating can be diluted more than 100-fold and still halt the growth of bacteria.

Honey collected from the flowers of many different plants (including Manuka tea tree) contains the enzyme glucose oxidase which in the presence of oxygen produces Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial in contact with body tissue or serum.

UMF® Manuka honey contains antibacterial properties additional to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase. This second factor is called the "Unique Manuka Factor".