Honey has been used a medicinal powerhouse for centuries, and we’ve talked about its array of health benefits before. However, there is one particular type of honey, indigenous to Australia and New Zealand, that is worth knowing about. It’s called manuka honey, and researchers are discovering that some of the compounds have the ability to kill off antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Aside from this possible breakthrough, there are also plenty of other benefits associated with manuka honey that make it a perfect addition to any survival medicine cabinet. Let’s take a closer look at this potent natural remedy and how it can benefit you and your family.
Super-Charged Honey
All real, raw honey contains levels of amino acids, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, and a host of other essential nutrients that we need every day. This is why honey is such a valuable item to have on hand now as well as in our emergency stockpiles. However, some varieties of manuka honey have concentrations that can be four times greater than standard honey alone. Additionally, manuka honey has high concentrations of certain enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide as they interact with damaged tissues, and this can reduce infections while speeding up the healing process of wounds.
Wound Care
Numerous studies have shown that applying manuka honey to wounds or burns keeps bacteria from spreading while killing it off at the same time. It also helps to speed up the healing process as it nourishes and protects damaged skin and tissues. Manuka honey also reduces inflammation, irritation and foul odors associated with certain wounds as well.
Oral Care
While manuka honey does not restore damaged teeth, it inhibits bacterial growth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. People who have used manuka honey for toothaches, treating sore, swollen or bleeding gums as well as mouth ulcers have consistently reported either complete healing or a significant reduction in symptoms. Consequently, this is one of the best survival oral care medicines to have on hand as it not only cleans and disinfects the mouth, but it also kills infections.
Digestive Aid
While most of the enzymes that promote skin care and wound healing are destroyed through the digestive process, other compounds become activated in the stomach and small intestine that kill harmful bacteria. This bacterial buildup is the leading cause of acid-reflux, low stomach acid, abdominal pain and bloating. Taking manuka honey internally can bring the lower digestive tract back into balance and eliminate many problems at their source. Additionally, manuka honey is considered to be one of the most-effective natural remedies for treating irritable bowel disease.
Sore Throats
Not only does manuka honey soothe inflamed tissues that lead to sore throats, but it also contains compounds that are thought to inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes strep throat. Not only can this help the patient, but it can also reduce the chance of that person being able to spread the bacteria to others as well.
These are just a few examples from a long list of benefits associated with manuka honey. While most natural honey products contain similar compounds that make it an important medicinal food in a survival situation, few are as potent as manuka. Learn more about this amazing natural resource and how it can benefit you now as well as during a prolonged crisis.
