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Cellulitis protection

bill — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:21:18 +1200

Cellulitis protection with natural Manuka plant extracts

New Zealand Manuka oil and UMF® honey are proven in scientific studies to be strongly antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, providing effective natural protection against Cellulitis infection.

Cellulitis should not be confused with cellulite which is caused by fat deposits below the skin causing a dimpling appearance.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin affecting both the outer layer of the skin and the deep subcutaneous tissue below the skin, caused mainly by the presence of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It will most commonly infect exposed areas of the body such as the lower legs, feet, arms and face. It can be common in elderly people, diabetics and people with lowered immune systems, causing poor blood circulation and leading to ulcers of the lower legs and feet.

Cellulitis infection is also very common amongst dense populations where hygiene facilities are shared, and include gymnasiums, rest homes, swimming pools and military installations.

Anything which results in damage to the skin can trigger the onset of Cellulitis, incidents such as chickenpox, shingles, insect or animal bites, surgery, eczema, burns or boils, can be the entry point and opportunity for the bacteria to spread and multiply.

The initial signs of a Cellulitis infection will be redness, warmth, pain and tenderness of the infected area which may be accompanied by fever, headache and nausea.

Once the bacteria become established below the skin, a very serious infection can result by entering the lymph nodes and bloodstream, and spreading throughout the body.

If allowed to get to this stage Cellulitis can require oral or intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization, and a medical practitioner should be consulted immediately.

It is vital that people in any of the ‘at risk’ groups take great care of their skin, and treat any area of skin damage immediately with a topical antibiotic to prevent escalation of the infection.

Treatment:

One of the best natural topical antibiotics is Manuka UMF® honey, applied either directly and covered with gauze, or as a cream. Manuka essential oil in diluted form or as a cream is also highly effective.

Both Manuka UMF® honey and essential oil have been proven in scientific studies to completely eliminate even the most persistent Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, (a major cause of Cellulitis) which is resistant to many of the synthetic antibiotics.

MRSA has become such a serious problem in many hospitals and clinics around the world that natural compounds have undergone extensive study, with Manuka extracts having been found to be one of the most effective ways of eliminating the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

The following Manuka essential oil and Manuka UMF® honey products offer a natural alternative for protection against Cellulitis infection, and in many cases, may provide superior results;

Manuka UMF® 15+ or 20+ HoneyManuka UMF® Honey Cream (containing Manuka oil and 30% Manuka UMF® honey)

Manu 25% East Cape Manuka oil

East Cape Manuka Cream (4% Manuka oil)

Manu Manuka Soap (1.5% Manuka oil)

Recommendation for use:

Apply any of the products listed above immediately to any area of skin trauma, (even to the smallest scratch, or insect bite) repeat after 2-4 hours and thereafter twice daily until the area is fully healed, use the Manuka soap for washing affected areas as required.

Quantity to order:

People who are in an ‘at risk’ group and who could be susceptible to Cellulitis infection, should have a selection of Manuka products available for immediate use, as the time delay between ordering products and applying them to the skin could result in a more serious development of an infection.

Because Cellulitis infection can in extreme cases be life threatening, it is vital to treat any damaged skin without delay to prevent further infection, if redness, swelling or nausea continues, consult a medical practitioner immediately.

Important health benefits from using natural remedies Manuka oil is a natural compound found in nature that is not chemically altered in any way. No adverse side effects have ever been reported from the use of Manuka honey or oil products. Manuka oil will safely and effectively control most strains of bacteria that can cause Cellulitis.

Manuka UMF® Honey is not chemically altered in any way, it is highly anti-bacterial in its natural form, and is known to penetrate deeply into the epidermis, greatly assisting the control of bacterial infection. It is important to remember that everything that you apply to your skin is absorbed into your body, so by using natural products you can enjoy a healthier and happier life by eliminating the use of products that could have harmful side effects. To order, click on an individual product below, or for the full selection click here

Unconditional money back guarantee Simply try our products for at least 30 days. If you are not completely satisfied - for any reason - return the product to us within 60 days for a complete refund less shipping fees.Ship any unused portion of the products with their original containers via prepaid Airmail to: Manuka Skincare Ltd., PO Box 29-396, Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Manuka products listed below have been carefully formulated to provide an optimal balance of natural active ingredients and selected herbal extracts to aid the prevention of infection which can lead to Cellulitis.

Manuka and other Tea Tree Species

bill — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:21:10 +1200

Tea Tree is the common name for a number of different species of shrub that grow in Australia and New Zealand.

Before you purchase any medicinal products derived from these "Tea Tree" plants it is important to understand that the compounds contained in their essential oil and honey have very different characteristics, and antimicrobial properties.

The term "Tea Tree" was first used by Captain James Cook when he circumnavigated the world in the search for new lands in the late 18th Century.

The need to re-provision the ship on a long voyage meant that Cook had to experiment with new species to replace food items that were running low, and the need for tea to provide refreshment and to ward off scurvy (caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C) amongst his crew led to the adoption of new plants to replace tea.

Cook spent quite a lot of time in Australian and New Zealand waters charting the coastlines and with his botanist Joseph Banks collecting plant species on trips ashore.

Tea Tree broadly falls into three plant families, Melaleuca, Leptospermum and Kunzea. Within these families there are several species whose essential oils contain different chemical compounds.

It is the essential oil of some (but not all) of these Tea Tree species which provide remarkable antimicrobial properties, some oils have been shown to be highly effective in controlling gram positive bacteria, some are more effective against gram negative bacteria, some will control fungi, and yeasts, while others will be less effective.

Melaleuca alternifolia is most common and widely publicized species of Tea Tree. This oil has been in commercial use for over a hundred years and is a proven antimicrobial, often referred to in publicity as a "first aid kit in a bottle". The main antimicrobial constituents of Melaleuca alternifolia are Terpinen-4-ol, Gamma terpenol, Alpha terpenene and 1-8-Cineole.
Therapeutic grade Melaleuca alternifolia should contain a minimum of 35% Terpinen-4-ol, and a maximum of 3% 1-8-Cineole, as higher levels of 1-8-Cineole can cause allergies in some people.
Melaleuca alternifolia is most effective in controlling gram negative bacteria such as Escheria coli, and fungi such as Aspergillus niger.

Melaleuca bracteata also known as Black Tea Tree, White Cloud Tree, Bracteate Honey-Myrtle, is also said to have antiseptic properties, but it appears to have little other commercial application except as a possible attractant for fruit fly.

Melaleuca ericifolia also known as Lavender Tea Tree, Rosilina, and Swamp Paperbark contains large quantities of the constituent Linalool. This oil is good for relieving congestion of the upper respiratory tract when inhaled and useful treating colds, dandruff and acne.

Leptospermum liversidgei also known as Citronella Tea Tree or ‘Mossie Blocker' contains high levels of Citronellal, while another chemotype of this species has high levels of Citral.
It is said to be antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal, but its main use appears to be as an insect repellent when grown in gardens, reportedly being very effective in repelling mosquitoes.

Leptospermum petersonii also known as Lemon Scented Tea Tree or Citratum, has a strong lemon scent, and is said to be antiviral and antiseptic, useful in treating oily skin and acne. It is also being recommended as a natural insect repellent.

Kunzea ericoides or New Zealand Kanuka when used as an antimicrobial oil has many similar attributes to Melaleuca alternifolia in its effectiveness in controlling gram positive bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

But it is the New Zealand Tea Tree Leptospermum scoparium, named Manuka by the Maori people that has been gaining most attention in recent years.

Leptospermum scoparium has not been as well publicised as Melaleuca alternifolia, but this is now changing as its powerful antimicrobial properties are becoming better known and understood by the pharmaceutical industry and the public.

Manuka tea tree Leptospermum scoparium grows all over New Zealand and Southern parts of Australia, but the very high quality antimicrobial essential oil and Active Manuka honey only comes from one area of New Zealand's North Island, the East Cape region.

The main antimicrobial constituent of Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka tea tree oil from the East Cape region of New Zealand is a group of compounds called Triketones which make up more than 25% of this Manuka oil.
These naturally occurring triketone compounds are responsible for the remarkable activity against gram positive bacteria in particular, although these compounds are also effective against gram negative bacteria, fungi and yeasts that can cause serious infection in humans and animals.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka tea tree) essential oil, when tested at independent laboratories and research institutions has been found to be 20-30 times more active than Melaleuca alternifolia against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Sarcina lutea, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Leptospermum scoparium was found to be less active than Melaleuca alternifolia against gram negative bacteria Coliforms, Proteus, and Vibrio although it was about the same for Pseudomonas.
While small differences were found in favour of Melaleuca alternifolia in tests on Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp.,

Leptospermum scoparium was shown to be 5-10 times more active against Chaetomonium globosum, Microsporum canis 90-359, Trichophyton rubrum 90-364, Trichophyton mentagraphytes 90 - 196.

Independent scientific studies show that essential oil produced from different species of Tea Tree contain different chemical compounds, some of which are more effective in controlling certain microbes than others.

New Zealand Manuka tea tree oil provided the broadest spectrum of antimicrobial activity.

These findings have now made it possible to produce a range of topical oils, creams and soaps for various skin problems including acne, candida albicans, eczema, foot and body odor, athlete's foot and nail fungus, ringworm, herpes and seborrheic dermatitis.

In addition Leptospermum scoparium oil is effective in controlling external parasites lice and scabies and for repelling biting insects.

However it doesn't end there, Leptospermum scoparium honey better known as Manuka honey also possesses additional antimicrobial properties (described as the ‘Unique Manuka Factor' and covered fully on other pages) not found in any of the other Tea Tree honeys.

New Zealand Manuka tea tree or Leptospermum scoparium clearly provides the most effective active antimicrobial essential oil and honey on the market today, and the reason that this website has been produced.

We hope you can benefit from the healing properties of this remarkable plant.

East Cape Manuka Oil

bill — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:27:15 +1200

Active anti-microbial properties of ‘Tea Tree' oils show wide variation between species and within species at different locations.

Manuka, Kanuka and Australian Tea Tree are wild plants that grow naturally throughout New Zealand and Southern Australia, and which can be broadly divided into the following groups:

New Zealand Tea Tree or Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
New Zealand Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides, formerly Leptospermum ericoides)
Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

All these species contain oils which have generally been referred to as Tea Tree oil.

For more than two centuries there has been anecdotal evidence supporting the ability of this group of tea tree oils to provide relief from various bacterial and fungal skin complaints.

Recently however, there has been considerable research undertaken to verify the effectiveness of New Zealand tea tree or Manuka oil, compare it with other Tea Tree oils, and to identify which chemotype within the Manuka species is most active against a number of organisms.

Four major chemotypes were found to be present in New Zealand tea tree Manuka oil.

They are Monoterpene rich oils, Sesquiterpene rich oils, Triketone enriched oils and Methyl Cinnamate enriched oils.

The Triketone rich oils occur only in the East Cape region of the North Island.

Furthermore, the Triketone levels in the East Cape Manuka oil were found to be four to five times higher than the average of the oils collected from other locations in the North Island.

What is greatly significant about the Triketone chemotype is that this compound is highly effective against a number of gram positive bacteria and fungi.

This specific East Cape Manuka oil has also been shown to be up to 30 times more effective against gram positive bacteria than Australian Tea Tree oils.

References:
In a study to ‘Define North Island Manuka Chemotype Resources' undertaken in 2001 by M. Douglas, R. Anderson, J. van Klink, N. Perry and B. Smallfield, four major chemotypes were found to be present in New Zealand Manuka oil in foliage collected and analysed from 132 plants from 44 sites throughout the North Island.

Dr. Noel Porter, Crop & Food Research Lincoln, Dr. Jeff Reid, Crop & Food Research Hawke's Bay.

Superior antimicrobial effectiveness of East Cape Manuka Chemotype

The active ingredient that is highly effective against gram positive bacteria and fungi is the Triketone rich chemotype containing Leptospermone, Iso-leptospermone and Flavesone. These natural compounds are present in East Cape Manuka Oil at concentrations of 25 to 30 %. (Determined by % peak area of GC-FID)

This Manuka oil from the East Cape region of New Zealand has been found to be more active than any other Tea Tree oil against pathological bacteria e.g. Staphylococcus, Listeria, Enterococcus, and some fungi e.g. Trichophyton and Microsporum as well as having anthelmintic (internal parasite) and insecticidal activities.

The unique activity of the East Cape Manuka oils against gram positive bacteria e.g. Staphylococcus Aureus and its antibiotic resistant strain MRSA has been conclusively proven to be due to the presence of Triketones in the East Cape Manuka oil.

Note: it is vitally important to understand that while other Manuka and Tea Tree oils may exhibit some therapeutic qualities, only the Triketone rich Manuka oil from the East Cape region of New Zealand will be effective against the bacteria and fungi in the recommended concentrations described in the scientific studies on this website.

Production and harvesting restricted by topography and plant characteristics

While Manuka, Kanuka and Tea Tree plants are widely distributed throughout New Zealand and Southern areas of Australia, the geographical area which produces Triketone rich Manuka oil is relatively small, often includes steep hillsides and is remote geographically.

Because the Manuka plant grows in the wild, and is not cultivated in commercial plantations it is not sprayed with chemicals nor is its growth stimulated with chemical fertilizers.

In this sense it can be considered to be grown organically, although it is probably more accurate to describe it as ‘collected from the wild'.

To ensure continuing production of the resource, only small quantities of leaf material can be harvested from each plant, and it can only be harvested every second year.

Studies continue into selection of superior plant material for propagation and establishment in plantations. However there is wide variation between individual plants in both growth habit and oil production, further compounded by the slow growth of the species.

Therefore commercial production from plantations of Manuka is considered to be many years in the future.

Steam distillation method used to extract Manuka oil

To produce Manuka Essential oil, young foliage is cut from the Manuka bushes and shrubs in the wild populations, bagged and taken to the distillation plant.

There it is chopped and compressed into cartridges that are loaded into the still pot. The oil is then extracted by passing steam through the plant material.

Because the Triketone rich oils of the East Cape Manuka chemotype are less volatile than other Tea Tree oils, steam extraction takes up to five hours.

Once the oil is separated from the plant material by the steam, it is cooled so that it returns to liquid. The distillation equipment must be carefully adjusted to achieve the best compromise between good oil yields and high extraction costs.

Smaller commercial quantities and a longer production process inevitably lead to higher production costs so this special Triketone rich oil is more expensive than other more abundant, more accessible and more easily extracted Manuka and ‘Tea Tree' oils.

The unique and proven characteristics of this Triketone rich oil make it highly sought after as a pure oil and for inclusion in healing creams and cosmetics, putting further pressure on the supply and demand equation.

When you purchase Manuka or Tea Tree oil skin care products, if you want the highest levels of antimicrobial activity, you should check that the oil is sourced from the East Cape region of the North Island, New Zealand.

Products containing tea tree oil from other species or locations should always be cheaper on a volume basis, but in terms of active ingredient (Triketones), they are more expensive and a lot less effective.

Scientific Reports

bill — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:55:24 +1200

Scientific studies demonstrate New Zealand East Cape Manuka tea tree oil to be highly effective against a range of bacteria and fungi even at very low concentrations

The Cawthron Institute testing showed NZ East Cape Manuka tea tree oil to be active against a wide range of micro-organisms that cause irritation and infection of the skin and body.

Some of these bacterial micro-organisms are serious such as MRSA (more commonly known as the H-bug) while others are more common, such as fungi which cause Athletes foot.

The Cawthron Institute concluded that East Cape Manuka tea tree oil was 20 - 30 times more active than Australian tea tree oil against gram positive bacteria. Further testing has confirmed that East Cape Manuka tea tree oil is effective in combating bacteria including those associated with acne, and combating fungi that cause Tinea (Athletes foot), foot and body odour.

Comparison of effectiveness of NZ East Cape Manuka tea tree oil and Australian tea tree oil against selected bacteria

Please Note: The graphs shown here are expressed in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (ie the lowest concentration which will inhibit the growth of a specified organism) therefore the shorter the bars are on the chart, the more effective the product will be in controlling the organism.

PRODUCT NAME: Manuka Oil
INCI NAME: Leptospermum Scoparium Oil
TRADENAMES: Tairawhiti Manuka Oil, Manex Oil

TAIRAWHITI (EAST CAPE) MANUKA OIL has been independently tested against a wide range of organisms and has been found to be active against all of those tested.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (ie the lowest concentration which will inhibit the growth of a specified organism) was determined. A list of some of these follows:

Organism. MIC (% w/v) Gram Positive Bacteria - (liquid culture method)
Staphyloccocus Aureas 147	0.078
Staphyloccocus Aureas MRSA NS	0.020
Staphyloccocus epidermis	0.078
Staphyloccocus faecalis	0.039
Staphyloccocus agalactiae	0.039
Micrococcus luteus	0.020
Sarcina lutea	0.078
Bacillus subtilis	0.156
Listeria monocytogenes	0.039

Gram positive bacteria

Scientific studies - Fungi

bill — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:02:30 +1200

Study of effectiveness of East Cape Manuka Oil and Tea Tree Oil against selected Fungi

Fungi - (poison food method)
Aspergillus niger	> 1.250
Microsporum canis 90-359	< 0.039
Trichophyton rubrum 90-364	< 0.039
Trichophyton mentagrophytes 90-196	0.078

Fungi

MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) levels in % w/v (poison food method)

Manuka Kanuka Melaleuca

Aspergillus niger >1.25 >1.25 0.625

Penicillium sp. >1.25 >1.25 0.625

Microsporum Canis 90-359 <0.039 0.31 0.156

Trichophyton rubrum 90-364 <0.039 0.156 0.156

Trichophyton mentagraphytes 90 - 196 0.078 0.625 0.156

Conclusion:

The two common environmental organisms Aspergillus niger and the Penicillium sp were not affected by the Manuka and Kanuka at 1.25 % but the Melaleuca did have activity at this concentration. The difference is of doubtful significance. For the remaining 4 organisms tested, Kanuka and Melaleuca were very similar but the Manuka Oil was 5 to 10 times more effective.

Microsporum and the Trichophyton organisms are ringworm fungi and the high activity of the Manuka Oil suggests a possible topical, pharmaceutical product targeted at this complaint.

Scientific Studies - Gram Positive Bacteria

bill — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:34:44 +1200

Scientific studies demonstrate New Zealand East Cape Manuka tea tree oil to be highly effective against a range of bacteria and fungi even at very low concentrations

The Cawthron Institute testing showed NZ East Cape Manuka tea tree oil to be active against a wide range of micro-organisms that cause irritation and infection of the skin and body.

Some of these bacterial micro-organisms are serious such as MRSA (more commonly known as the H-bug) while others are more common, such as fungi which cause Athletes foot.

Comparison of effectiveness of NZ East Cape Manuka tea tree oil and Australian tea tree oil against selected bacteria

PRODUCT NAME: Manuka Oil
INCI NAME: Leptospermum Scoparium Oil
TRADENAMES: Tairawhiti Manuka Oil, Manex Oil

TAIRAWHITI (EAST CAPE) MANUKA OIL has been independently tested against a wide range of organisms and has been found to be active against all of those tested.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (ie the lowest concentration which will inhibit the growth of a specified organism) was determined. A list of some of these follows:

Organism. MIC (% w/v) Gram Positive Bacteria - (liquid culture method)
Staphyloccocus Aureas 147	0.078
Staphyloccocus Aureas MRSA NS	0.020
Staphyloccocus epidermis	0.078
Staphyloccocus faecalis	0.039
Staphyloccocus agalactiae	0.039
Micrococcus luteus	0.020
Sarcina lutea	0.078
Bacillus subtilis	0.156
Listeria monocytogenes	0.039

Bateria Study

Manuka products - Background

bill — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:46 +1200

Modern scientific analysis confirms the coming of age of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) as a source of one of the world's great medicinal plant extracts.

To many, it may seem strange that in an age where technology appears to rule the world that we are in a sense, turning back the clock by promoting a range of totally natural skin care products.

But when you think about it, most of today's prescription drugs are no more than synthetic reproductions of natural plant compounds that have served the human population well since the beginning of time.

Today, there is a renewed interest in botanical solutions for a wide range of human ailments, particularly skin conditions, as the complex botanical compounds are becoming better understood, along with the realization that in many cases they can offer a more balanced solution than their synthesized derivatives.

New Zealand's geographic isolation for possibly two hundred million years has yielded a large number of endemic plants that are not found anywhere else in the world.

It is estimated that 85% of the flora of New Zealand is endemic in contrast to the British Isles where there are virtually no endemic plants at all.

Some of these endemic New Zealand plants have strong medicinal properties, and although identified and appreciated by the early settlers, they have only recently been fully understood through scientific study.

One such plant (of many that have medicinal properties in New Zealand) and the main subject of this website is the outstanding Tea tree or Manuka plant.

New Zealand Tea Tree or Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is a shrubby bush that can grow to a height of six metres in sheltered stands, or in open spaces as a lower more bushy form.

Early in New Zealand's history of European settlement, large areas of native forest were cleared, the valuable timber recovered for industry and housing and the remaining branches burnt before being sown in grass for sheep and cattle to graze on.

Not all of the land that was cleared was suitable for farming, and after the initial flush of growth of the newly sown grass, the fertility that came from the ash of the burn gradually diminished and much of the grassland began to revert to native species again.

More arable areas survived for farming with the introduction of super phosphate topdressing, but many of the areas that were remote and hilly could not be fertilized economically.

In many parts of New Zealand one of the first species to repopulate these areas was the Manuka plant.

In time and left alone the Tea Tree or Manuka stands will eventually give way to the towering forest trees again. Trees like the giant Kauri, Totara, Kahikatea, Rimu, Miro, Matai, Rata, Tawa and Rewarewa.

Farmers battled to eradicate Manuka to preserve grazing land

For many years farmers in these remote regions employed men termed 'scrub-cutters' to slash the young Manuka re-growth in order to retain the pasture land for their grazing animals.

During years of depressed farming returns and increasing wages the scrub cutting had to be reduced to the point where some farms now have large areas that have reverted to Manuka.

In times of depressed wool and meat prices farmers tended to look at other ways to diversify their income stream and they began to look at the Manuka tea tree plants that were now growing wild on their farms.

The valuable essential oil production of Australian Tea Tree was already known as was its distant relationship with the New Zealand Tea Tree or Manuka plant.

But it was not until the 1980's that scientists began looking more closely at New Zealand Tea Tree, and trial extractions of its oil were made.

What scientists discovered when they tested this new oils' effectiveness against a range of micro-organisms was amazing, it was up to 30 times more effective against gram positive bacteria than the already acclaimed Australian Tea Tree oil.

It was also found to be highly effective against a range of fungi which commonly infect the human skin.

This was an important discovery as it meant that Manuka oil could now be added to skin care formulations at a much lower rate than Australian Tea Tree oil and still be more effective against a range of micro-organisms.

Minimum inhibitory concentration comparisons are reported in the section scientific studies.

Manuka UMF® honey also highly effective anti-bacterial agent

In the meantime and quite independently Dr. Peter Molan, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, New Zealand was studying the antimicrobial properties of a range of monofloral honeys collected from different species throughout New Zealand.

What Dr. Molan discovered when he tested the honey collected from the flowers of the Manuka plant was that it was quite different than the honey collected from other plants.

All honey has antimicrobial properties due to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase, which, when it comes into contact with body tissue or serum produces hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial.

However the honey from the Manuka plants had something more, it remained antimicrobial even after the glucose oxidase component was removed.

Furthermore, it was found to be highly effective against bacteria that were notoriously resistant to other forms of antibiotic, notably the H bug staphylococcus aureus and helicobacter pylori.

This discovery led to the term Unique Manuka Factor to describe the additional non glucose oxidase antimicrobial properties of this Manuka Honey.

This special honey now has its own testing and grading system and only registered users can use the trademark UMF®.

Its effectiveness in healing wounds that have failed to respond to traditional forms of treatment has been reported around the world and is the subject of a number of papers presented by Dr. Molan and others.

We have another page dedicated to Manuka Honey in Medicine.

The unique properties of this outstanding New Zealand native Tea Tree plant have now led to the development of a range of topical healing creams, oils, soaps and the UMF® Manuka honey itself, that can provide either a complete cure or substantial relief from a wide range of bacterial and fungal skin conditions described on other pages.

We hope that people will read the other pages of this website and particularly the link to Dr. Molan's research at Waikato University to gain a full understanding of the true healing potential of this outstanding botanical.

We have no doubt that the NZ Manuka plant and its derivative products incorporating UMF® honey and essential oil will become recognized in time to come as one of the great natural therapeutic plant discoveries of the modern world.

Manuka oil - History of use

bill — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:46 +1200

Oral and written history of New Zealand records the use of Manuka for medicinal purposes by the early Maori settlers up to 1000 years ago.

Maori meeting houseFrom the earliest human habitation of New Zealand by the Maori people around 800 to 1000 years ago, the Manuka tea tree plant (Leptospermum scoparium) was known to have special medicinal and therapeutic properties.

The Maori people used the leaves and bark for a wide range of ailments, including urinary problems and as a febrifuge (to reduce fever).

The leaves were boiled and the hot vapour inhaled for head colds. Leaves and bark were boiled together and the warm liquid rubbed on stiff backs and rheumatic joints.

It was also used as a diuretic, a sedative, a painkiller, for inflammation of the breasts, and for healing fractures.

Boiled bark was used to relieve constipation, as a gargle and for bathing sore eyes. The emollient gum was given to suckling babies, and was applied to scalds and burns.

Fresh sap was taken as a blood purifier, seed capsules were boiled and the fluid used externally for bruises and inflammation, and internally for diarrhoea and dysentery.

Raw seed capsules were chewed for colic, and when powdered, used in a poultice to dry and heal open wounds or running sores.

“New Zealand Medicinal Plants” written by S C Brooker, R C cambie, R C Cooper. Published by Heineman Publishers, Auckland, NZ. Third Edition, 1987.

“Medicine of the Maori written by Christina McDonald. Published by William Collins (NZ) Ltd, Auckland, 1974. Reprinted.1975

Maori carvingIt is amazing to discover that all these therapeutic uses of the Manuka plant were identified by the Maori people centuries ago, and only now, in the past two decades, has modern science shown that these uses were legitimate and that the active ingredients have been identified and confirmed in scientific analysis.

Captain James Cook discovers benefits from using Manuka tea tree

Captain James Cook first visited New Zealand in 1769 and described the Manuka plant as a ‘tea plant’ hence the colloquial name tea tree.

Cook wrote: “…the leaves were used by many of us as a tea which has a very agreeable bitter taste and flavour when they are recent but loses some of both when they are dried. When the infusion was made strong it proved emetic (induced vomiting) to some in the same manner as ‘green tea’”

Cook, J “A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World”. Strahan & Cadell, London, 1777

During the following two centuries since Cook wrote about Manuka in his journal, little more information of scientific nature was published.

Modern scientific study confirms medicinal properties

However since the 1980’s there has been considerable scientific study to identify the active compounds in this plant genus and test these compounds for their effectiveness against a number of bacterial and fungal organisms that can cause skin ailments.

It has been described in scientific papers that one variety of Manuka tea tree, grown almost exclusively in the East Cape region of New Zealand’s North Island, has significant antibacterial and antifungal properties and that this oil is a genuine alternative to conventional synthetic forms of medication.

Not only are products containing high Triketone Manuka oil an alternative to traditional forms of treatment, it has been shown in many cases to have given superior results.

Further confirmation of the therapeutic properties of Manuka honey can be found in the sections on Scientific Studies and Manuka Honey in Medicine.

Manuka honey - Unique Manuka Factor

bill — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:38:37 +1200

Manuka honey with the "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF®) honey has been proven in clinical studies to assist the healing of burns, leg ulcers, boils, ulcers and infected wounds, even where conventional antibiotic treatment has failed.

There is now an overwhelming body of medical evidence supporting the use of Manuka tea tree UMF® honey in the treatment of serious infections which have failed to respond to conventional treatment.

Rather than attempt to select examples from the very large number described in papers presented by Dr. Peter Molan, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Honey Research Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, New Zealand, we provide the following link: http://bio.waikato.ac.nz/honey/contents.shtml

We have the utmost admiration for the research undertaken by Dr. Molan and others, who have established without doubt that Manuka UMF® honey is a highly effective treatment for severe flesh infections.

We strongly recommend that people study these reports in detail.

What you will read regarding the healing properties of Manuka UMF® honey in treating severe and long standing infections will astound readers unfamiliar with this natural product.

It is safe to say that if such a material were the invention of a drug or pharmaceutical company today, it would be hailed by many as a wonder drug.

‘Unique Manuka Factor’, (UMF®) explained

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”.

UMF® is the Trade Mark of the Active Manuka Honey Industry in New Zealand and this mark is only available to licensed users.

The labeling of UMF® Manuka tea tree honey will also show the strength of the Unique Manuka Factor.

The level of “Unique Manuka Factor” contained in the honey can vary between locations, between seasons and even vary throughout a season depending on the time of flowering and collection.

A minimum of UMF 10+ is required to carry the UMF®, trade mark, and to be considered suitable for medicinal purposes, although other “Active” Manuka honey may have some Unique Manuka Factor present at lower levels.

All Manuka honey carrying the UMF® label has been tested and certified in a licensed laboratory.

There is also evidence that UMF® and glucose oxidase provide synergistic antibacterial action.

The UMF® numbers (UMF 20+, UMF15+, UMF 10+, etc.) come from a standard laboratory test of anti-bacterial activity, with the honey being compared with a standard antiseptic phenol, (also known as carbolic) for potency.

For example, a honey with a UMF® rating of 10+ would be equivalent to the antiseptic potency of 10% solution of phenol, as used as carbolic disinfectant; a honey with a rating of 15+ would have a potency equivalent to a 15% solution of phenol.

UMF® is stable, so there is no concern about Manuka honey losing its activity in storage.

The UMF® anti-bacterial activity has been shown in scientific studies to diffuse deeper into skin tissues than does the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey.

Honey with UMF® is more effective than that with hydrogen peroxide against some types of bacteria. For example, Active Manuka tea tree honey with UMF® is about twice as effective as other honey against Eschericihia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causes of infected wounds.

Although the nectar that is collected from the Manuka tea tree flowers is from the same wild locations as the Manuka tea tree oil, the resulting honey can not be termed organic in the strictest sense because honey bees range over a wide area from their hives and will always collect the nectar that is most desirable and accessible to them.

Manuka UMF® honey in Medicine

bill — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:47:11 +1200

Manuka UMF® honey provides outstanding success in treating infected wounds that have not responded to conventional treatment.

Throughout history honey has been known to posses healing properties, and that certain plants from specific regions were more effective than others.

Since 1981, Dr Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, New Zealand, has been researching the various healing properties of honey sourced from different plants in New Zealand.

Most forms of honey have antibacterial properties due to the glucose oxidase enzyme contained in the honey, which when it cones into contact with body tissue releases hydrogen peroxide, which in turn acts against bacteria which may be present.

When studying honey from the New Zealand Manuka shrub (Leptospermum scoparium), Dr Molan discovered that the honey from this plant contained a second antibacterial component in addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme.

This component appears to be unique to the Manuka plant and it is also strongly anti-bacterial, even against highly resistant forms of bacteria such as the H bug staphylococcus aureus and helicobacter pylori.

This second compound, present in some (but not all) Manuka honey has now been named the Unique Manuka Factor, (UMF) and the effectiveness is able to be quantified in laboratory testing.

To date no harmful bacteria have been found to be resistant to UMF® Manuka honey.

UMF® Manuka honey is resistant to heat, and has been found to be more resistant to the catalase effect of body serum which can affect the hydrogen peroxide activity of other honeys.

UMF Honey can safely be taken for stomach upsets and sore throats by stimulating the immune system and helping to prevent dehydration.

Excerpt from the University of Waikato, Honey Research Unit

The following is reprinted from the University of Waikato Website, with their permission.

By Dr. Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

For the past 19 years honey researchers at the University of Waikato have been investigating what many local New Zealanders have accepted as common wisdom: our local Manuka honey is a superior treatment for wound infections.

Manuka honey is gathered in New Zealand from the Manuka bush, Leptospermum Scoparium, which grows uncultivated throughout the country. (More recently, as a result of systematic screening of Australian honeys, a honey with the same properties has been found to be produced from Leptospermum polygalifolium, which grows uncultivated in a few parts of Australia.)

After the results of this work became known through publications in scientific journals, many people contacted the Honey Research Unit to find out what is so special about active Manuka honey. The pertinent facts are:

Honey has an antibacterial activity, due primarily to hydrogen peroxide formed in a "slow-release" manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present in honey, which can vary widely in potency. Some honeys are no more antibacterial than sugar, while others can be diluted more than 100-fold and still halt the growth of bacteria. The difference in potency of antibacterial activity found among the different honeys is more than 100-fold.

"Active Manuka UMF® honey" (and its Australian equivalent) is the only honey available for sale that is tested for its antibacterial activity. It contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from Leptospermum plants: what has been called the "Unique Manuka Factor" UMF®. There is evidence that the two antibacterial components may have a synergistic action.

UMF is not affected by the catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum. This enzyme will break down, to some degree, the hydrogen peroxide which is the major antibacterial factor found in other types of honey. If a honey without UMF were used to treat an infection, the potency of the honey's antibacterial activity would most likely be reduced because of the action of catalase.

The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat and light. But UMF® is stable, so there is no concern about Manuka honey losing its activity in storage.
The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey becomes active only when honey is diluted. But UMF® is active in full strength honey, which will provide a more potent antibacterial action diffusing into the depth of infected tissues.

The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey needs oxygen to be available for the reaction, so may not work under wound dressings or in wound cavities. Honey with UMF® is active in all situations.

The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey becomes active only when the acidity of honey is neutralised by body fluids, but then the honey is diluted.

The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey could be destroyed by the protein-digesting enzymes that are in wound fluids.
The UMF® antibacterial activity diffuses deeper into skin tissues than does the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey.

Honey with UMF® is more effective than that with hydrogen peroxide against some types of bacteria. For example, active Manuka honey with UMF® is about twice as effective as other honey against Eschericihia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causes of infected wounds.

Many medical professionals are using active Manuka honey - and getting good results in patients with wounds that have not responded to standard treatment.

For example, a successful trial of active Manuka honey on unresponsive skin ulcers was recently published in the New Zealand Medical Journal.

In addition, staff at a large hospital in Brisbane, Australia, recently used active Manuka honey as a wound dressing on a patient for whom honey without UMF had failed. In other hospitals clinicians have likewise noted improvement in healing rates when changing from other honey to a Manuka honey with a good level of UMF.

None of the results being obtained clinically should be considered evidence that active Manuka honey is more effective than other honey - a comparative clinical trial will be needed to establish that. Nevertheless, there are good theoretical reasons for choosing to use active Manuka honey with a good level of UMF for management of wound infections.

To rate the potency of antibacterial activity of honey, I devised the testing method and the UMF number. The UMF numbers come from a standard laboratory test of antibacterial activity, with honey being compared with a standard antiseptic (phenol, also known as carbolic) for potency.

For example, a honey with a UMF rating of 4 would be equivalent to the antiseptic potency of 4% solution of phenol, as used as carbolic disinfectant; a honey with a rating of 10 would have a potency equivalent to a 10% solution of phenol.

Medical professionals in New Zealand use active Manuka honey with a rating of UMF 10 or higher. Although good results may be obtained with lower levels of activity, there is a chance that the lower activity will not be enough to fully clear an infection.

In addition, honey with a lower level of activity will not allow as much of the antibacterial elements to diffuse into infected tissue, which could mean that effective control of infection may not be achieved in deeper tissue.

To alleviate any concern over the possible risk of introducing infection by the use of an unprocessed natural product on wounds, honey can be sterilised by gamma irradiation without loss of any of its antibacterial activity. Active Manuka honey and the Australian Leptospermum honey are commercially available sterilised in this way.

The way honey is used as a wound dressing (practical information)

Note: The information provided in this web-site does not constitute medical advice. It is important that wounds that are not healing are seen by a registered medical practitioner - failure to heal may be the result of malignancy (cancer) or defective blood circulation. Varicose leg ulcers usually require professionally applied pressure bandaging over the dressing to heal successfully.

The following points have come from clinical experience of many people using honey as a wound dressing:

The amount of honey required on the wound depends on the amount of fluid exuding from the wound. The various beneficial effects of honey on wound tissues will be reduced or lost if small amounts of honey become diluted by large amounts of fluid. Likewise the frequency of dressing changes required will depend on how rapidly the honey is being diluted by fluid.

Daily dressing changes are usual, but up to three times daily may be needed.

If the dressing sticks to the wound this indicates that more frequent changes of dressing are needed.
Exudation of fluid should be reduced by the anti-inflammatory action of honey, so less frequent dressing changes may be needed later - a few days between changes.

More honey is required on deeper infections, to obtain an effective level of antibacterial activity diffusing deep into the wound tissues.
Typically, 20 ml of honey (25 - 30 g, 1 ounce) is used on a 10 cm X 10 cm (4 inch X 4 inch) dressing.

Occlusive (waterproof) or absorbent secondary dressings are needed to prevent honey oozing out from the wound dressing. (Occlusive dressings are better as they keep more of the honey in contact with the wound - absorbent dressings soak the honey away from the wound.) Adhesive tape or bandages can be used to hold the dressings in place if an adhesive occlusive dressing is not used.

Pressure bandaging is used over the honey dressing for varicose ulcers.
Dressing pads pre-impregnated with honey are the most convenient way of applying honey to surface wounds. (Dressing pads pre-impregnated with active Manuka honey are available commercially.).

If pre-impregnated dressings are not available, it is best to spread the honey on the dressing rather than on the wound.
Abscesses, cavities and depressions in the wound bed are filled with honey before applying the honey dressing pad, so that there is honey in contact with the wound bed. The honey dressings are cut to a size that extends beyond the edges of the wound and any surrounding inflamed area.

Copyright: The research material above has been copied from the Waikato Honey Research Unit Website, with their permission. The compilation of all content on this page relating to research undertaken by the Waikato University Honey Research Unit is the exclusive property of The University of Waikato Honey Research Unit and protected by international copyright laws. No part of the text or images may be reproduced without the express permission of Dr Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato New Zealand.