What is Manuka Honey? ¨ is honey produced in Australia and New Zealand from the nectar of the Manuka tree. The honey is commonly sold as an alternative medicine. ¨ is produced by introduced European honey bees (Apis mellifera)feeding on the Manuka or tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) which grows uncultivated throughout New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Why is Active Manuka Honey So Unique? ¨ Bees have developed a unique preservative system for honey. They inject an enzyme that protects it from bacterial degradation. As long as no air or water can get into the honey it will last for thousands of years. Honey found in the pharaohs tombs in sealed jars was still edible after 3000 years of storage! ¨ This preservative system produces hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria, but can only be used once. Manuka Honey is unique in that is has a range of compounds collected from the nectar of the Manuka flower which provide a second and more effective preservative system, now known as Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). ¨ NPA levels will very depending on where the Manuka honey is collected from, This is the secret that the Maori have held close for hundreds of years. They understand the plantations that yield the honey with the highest NPA levels. Beekeepers are now discovering this and we can bring you honey with some of the highest anti-bacterial properties in the world. What Are The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey? ¨ Professor Peter Molan at the University of Waikato was one of the first to recognise the true potential of the anti-bacterial properties of Manuka Honey. His research demonstrated that Manuka Honey from different plants not only had activity against different bacteria but also that plants in different areas produced Manuka Honey with different levels. ¨ In his research he found that the different levels of activity had different and varied effects with respect to human health and wellness. For example a lower activity honeys were excellent for gastric health, the mid range activities were better suited to immune function improvement and the highest levAels were excellent for assisting with repair of skin conditions ranging from burns through to bacterial infections and also common cuts and abrasions. ¨ Active Manuka Honey has been shown to be effective in the treatment of gastric and digestive ailments, overall immune function improvement, treatment for ulcers, strep throat, cold sores, pressure ulcers, staph infections (including MRSA), cuts, abrasions and burns… ¨ Active Manuka Honey is Healing