Manuka Honey

[Andaiz]

Recently had a discussion with a colleague with twin gals. She's been giving them Manuka honey (UMF12) for daily use; and UMF 18 when they fall sick and she claims they've not been to a doctor for minor ailments for a year now.

I'm seriously thinking of building the children's immunity through this...been reading about Manuka honey - and wondering if there are any KSP's who have had real-life experience?

Is there a great difference between Organic and non-organic versions? The prices are really different though...even with the same UMF level.

TIA!

[tree nymph]

I've not tried it with my kids - I understood that kids below 12 months of age cannot take Honey. But i've just bought some and the sales lady told me that for kids below 12, we should not be giving anything more the UMF15. too strong for them i understand. Anyway, my uncle takes UMF15 everyday and he claims that its is very good. I took some the other day when i felt that i'm coming down with a flu and sore throat and i got well very quickly.

But i have not started my kids on it yet...

[Blobbi]

Our family doc highly recommends a cup a day (although we've gotten lazy, so seeing this thread helped to jog the memory. Thanks, Andaiz!).

Anyway, Manuka honey has anti-bacterial properties. When we're ill, we up the dosage considerably because there is no overdose limit. It's even supposed to be neutral on the teeth. We're supposed to take it with a UMF that is in the teens for daily use. A UMF of above 20 is considered medical grade.

Our experience is that the regular manukah honey sold at pharmacies have been more effective than the organic ones. Not sure why though.

[Funz]

I have been giving my kids manuka honey since they were 2yrs old. Whether it is a result of their own immune system being pretty robust or whether it is due to the manuka honey, I cannot say for certain. But my kids hardly fall sick and even if they do have the sniffles, they recover pretty fast.

They normally get the manuka in the form of drinks with their meals. But if they were to complain of sore throat or constipation, then I will give them a teaspoon of the honey itself, morning and night.

If you are taking it as a supplement, UMF 15 is sufficient, whether for kids or adults. Personally, I will not pay the price difference for the organic one, especially when I am not eating organic for other stuff.

The other product that I find good is the manuka propollis spray. Very good for ulcers and sorethroats too. But for this, gotta be more careful to test for allergies before using.

[autumnbronze]

Any particular brand to recommend?

[Andaiz]

Thanks all.

Autumnbronze, Nature Farm and health supplements shops have quite a ready stock. Important is to buy the ones with UMF which stands for Unique Manuka Factor - this is the antibacterial property which is supposed to be naturally present in some strains of manuka honey. These strains have the health-giving qualities the mummy's here talk about and therefore are generally more expensive when compared with the MF ones.

Apparently, to be "accredited" UMF, there are guidelines to the level of "antibacterial property":

Genuine UMF® Manuka Honey complies with all five of the following criteria:

1. It has the name UMF® clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF®.
4. It has the UMF® licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF 5 or more.

quoted from weblink http://www.umf.org.nz/The-UMF-Trademark.html

[autumnbronze]

Thanks all.

Autumnbronze, Nature Farm and health supplements shops have quite a ready stock. Important is to by the ones with UMF which stands for Unique Manuka Factor - this is the antibacterial property which is supposed to be naturally present in some strains of manuka honey. These strains have the health-giving qualities the mummy's here talk about and therefore are generally more expensive when compared with the MF ones.

Apparently, to be "accredited" UMF, there are guidelines to the level of "antibacterial property":

Genuine UMF® Manuka Honey complies with all five of the following criteria:

1. It has the name UMF® clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF®.
4. It has the UMF® licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF 5 or more.

quoted from weblink http://www.umf.org.nz/The-UMF-Trademark.html

Andaiz, for such a comprehensive explaination. Something to consider for my DS

[Blobbi]

Wah Andaiz, that's a lot of research. Thanks!

I finally got to my fridge to check my half used bottle - the brand is "Manuka Health, New Zealand". Sounds like it fulfills Andaiz's list, whew.

[pokemon]

Wah Andaiz, that's a lot of research. Thanks!

I finally got to my fridge to check my half used bottle - the brand is "Manuka Health, New Zealand". Sounds like it fulfills Andaiz's list, whew.

mine nt manuka, only the norm type. I only heard honey is good,didnt know must be manuka so far has tried some general ones from australia and new zealand. So far not too bad,i also find less sniffling for the ds.

[Funz]

Wah Andaiz, that's a lot of research. Thanks!

I finally got to my fridge to check my half used bottle - the brand is "Manuka Health, New Zealand". Sounds like it fulfills Andaiz's list, whew.

Do not keep honey in the fridge. It should be kept in a cool dark place. And pure honey will not turn mouldy or go sour and they normally do not have any expiry dates.

For manuka honey do not use metal spoons and the honey should be taken with room temperature water, not hot or cold water as all these destroys all its antibacterial properties.