HEALTH Manuka honey may beat MRSA superbug

[Reborn]

Manuka honey may beat MRSA superbug
LONDON, April 13 (KUNA) -- A type of honey used for centuries to treat wounds may be the ultimate weapon against drug resistant bacteria, research suggests Wednesday. Manuka honey fights three types of bacteria that commonly infect wounds, including the notorious MRSA "superbug". The honey prevents microbial growth in unusual ways and may even be able to reverse resistance to antibiotics, say scientists.

Traditional remedies containing honey were used to treat wounds by many ancient civilizations. Bees produce manuka honey from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand. Experts have recognised the value of this type of honey, leading to its inclusion in many modern wound-care products. However, the secrets of its healing powers are still largely unknown.

A team led by Professor Rose Cooper, from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), found that manuka honey prevents the attachment of bacteria to tissues - an essential step in the infection process. Prof Cooper said "Inhibiting attachment also blocks the formation of biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and allow them to cause persistent infections.

"Other work in our lab has shown that honey can make MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics such as oxacillin - effectively reversing antibiotic resistance. This indicates that existing antibiotics may be more effective against drug-resistant infections if used in combination with manuka honey." The findings were presented today at the spring conference of the Society for General Microbiology in Harrogate, northern England. Prof Cooper said the research may increase the clinical use of manuka honey as doctors are faced with increasingly resistant microbes.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2159610&Language=en

 

[Amazed]

Isn't it amazing how the people of long ago had remedies that we are just now starting to appreciate in our modern world. This is great if it pans out. Now how to get some for our preps. Hmmmm.

 

[Trivium Pursuit]

Seems I've read this stuff also crushes allergies, been thinking about it myself.

 

[dylanM]

Do you eat the honey or put it on the wound?

 

[Moggy]

Put it on the wound...make sure it is Active Manuka Honey.

http://www.manukahoneyusa.us/

 

[feralmama]

The Maori and pakeha in NZ have been touting this for years. I can attest to the fact that it has wonderful healing properties for eczema and burns.

 

[xbeeman412]

As a beekeeper I can tell You it works on burns and cuts. Just rub it in or on the effected area.

 

[kytom]

Isn't it amazing how the people of long ago had remedies that we are just now starting to appreciate in our modern world. This is great if it pans out. Now how to get some for our preps. Hmmmm.

if it works it will be banned by congress to protect the drug companies.

 

[Double_A]

This honey is available made into commercially available bandages and other dressings.

 

[Reborn]

Put it on the wound...make sure it is Active Manuka Honey.

http://www.manukahoneyusa.us/

Wow, new prep item! Moggy, thank you for the link. I've loved honey all my life (thank you beekeepers) but didn't really know that much about it. I'm going to get some of this! Thanks to everyone who added to this thread. I'm always learning something new here.

 

[ParanoidNot]

Maybe "Manuka" honey works better than other honeys, but I have known for years that a 50/50 mix of cane sugar and any raw (unpasteurized) honey makes a very good poultice for open infected wounds. The white sugar acts to dry the wound and the raw honey is an anti-bacterial/viral/fungal that kills the nasties living in the wound. All honey is anti-bacterial/viral/fungal. That's why bees can make it and it stores for long periods of time without spoiling.

I learned this recipe from an old time horse veterinarian back in the 60's. I have used it on my livestock and myself more that a few times with very good results.

And just for the record, I am not a doctor, nor have I ever played one on TV. YMMV.

 

[NWPhotog]

If MRSA is internal - can it still help

 

[Moggy]

MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Staph Auereus

MRSA, also referred to as ‘Hospital Superbug’, is not only passed on in hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, dialysis and wound care centers under the watchful eye of medical staff, but also in other surprising circumstances. To learn more about MRSA and how to prevent contracting it, keep reading…


Active Manuka Honey seems to be effective against MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus, also called Golden Staph or Hospital Superbug.

Active Manuka Honey has been researched over 20 years by Dr. Peter Molan at the Waikato University in New Zealand and found to naturally destroy staph aureus, streptococcus as well as h. pylori.

From our Customer Testimonies, we know that Active Manuka Honey has also proven to be effective against wounds contaminated with MRSA and VRE staph infections.

http://www.manukahoneyusa.com/mrsa.htm

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Honey was used for topical wound care in WWI. I would not call those "ancient civilizations". All the new wonderful antibiotics were being discovered and honey fell by the way side of modern medicine. Now new and improved super bugs have adapted to withstand anitbiotics due in part to theit over use. When all else fails go back to what worked. In this case honey.

 

[willowlady]

The recipe in ancient Egypt, IIRC, was a mix of 50/50 honey (not Manuka) and goose grease. My guess is the honey killed and/or prevented infection, and the goose grease helped the skin retain it's moisture and scar less. Honey of all types has nearly magical qualities. No wonder the ancients believed in magic!