manuka honey Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Manuka Honey Fights Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Plus So Much More

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:58 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – The steadily worsening problem of antibiotic-resistant pathogens – cause for grave concern in the medical community – has researchers working overtime to discover solutions. But several studies raise hope that Manuka honey may hold the key to combating MRSA and other drug-resistant strains. In one study conducted at Cardiff Metropolitan University and published in 2012 in Microbiology, researchers moved closer to understanding the mechanisms by which honey inhibits the formation of biofilms – difficult-to-treat communities of bacteria – and helps to clear chronic wounds. Manuka honey Quickly Incapacitates Infection-Causing Bacteria Researchers found that Manuka honey produced in New Zealand and Australia has the ability to attack a common bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, often responsible for chronic infections, as well as the destruction of skin grafts. In fact, it took only modest concentrations of honey to kill 85 percent of the biofilms in a Petri dish – within two hours. And, S. pyogenes isn’t the only pathogen susceptible to honey – numerous studies demonstrate that Manuka honey is antiviral, antifungal, and active against 80 different species of bacteria, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The team noted that there are no instances of any type of honey-resistant bacteria on record. Remarking that honey was both cheaper and safer than conventional drugs, they called for its use as a complementary therapy in conjunction with antibiotics. Manuka Honey Not Only Treats Bacterial Infections – It Can Prevent Them From Developing in the First Place Researchers discovered that honey disrupts the interaction between S. pyogenes and a protein called fibronectin, which exists on the surface of damaged cells. The fibronectin acts as a fixative or glue, allowing bacteria to stick to wounds. Honey disrupts the bond of two different types of fibronectin, known as Sof and Sfbl. But honey is not just a “one-trick pony” when it comes to its tools for fighting infection and healing long-standing wounds. According to research presented in 2014 at the 247th meeting of the American Chemical Society, honey also uses hydrogen peroxide, acidity, and antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols – such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid – to inhibit bacteria. In addition, it employs an osmotic effect, in which its high percentage of sugar draws water from bacterial cells, dehydrating and then killing them. To form biofilms, bacteria use a communication system called quorum sensing; by interrupting this system, honey works as a signal jammer, preventing biofilms from developing. Honey Accelerates Wound Repair Plus So Much More Of course, Manuka honey can be used for more than wound healing. University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it may be taken to alleviate laryngitis, sore throats, pharyngitis, and cough. Honey has also been used in folk medicine and Ayurveda to promote digestion, relieve constipation, and soothe acid reflux. Naturally, you shouldn’t use honey to treat medical conditions unless under the guidance of a trusted medical professional. But, there’s no doubt, raw honey is highly-effective at promoting optimal health. With All the Different Brands and Varieties, How Do I Know Which Honey to Choose? Natural health experts all seem to agree: it’s best to opt for raw, unfiltered organic honey, available in health food stores and online. Manuka honey, of course, is considered the queen of healthful honeys and well worth the extra expense – but local, raw honey can be just as effective in many cases. Avoid filtered “supermarket” honey; many contain antibiotics and (surprise!) high fructose corn syrup. In addition, the bee pollen has been removed. Raw, organic honey, on the other hand, still retains all its vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and pollen. In addition to its potent germ-fighting properties and its value as a safe and trusted home remedy for minor ills, raw honey is a delicious alternative to refined white sugar. So, bottom line, always look for ‘raw’ honey – and buy as local a variety as you can get. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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How to Prevent the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:00:53 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – As cases of coronavirus continue climbing, scientists have been scrambling to control the virus and find new ways to fight infection. But although it has become a global problem, there are plenty of steps you can take to help prevent coronavirus, right at home. In addition to practicing cough etiquette, washing your hands frequently and keeping your distance from others who are sick to prevent the spread of germs, there are several natural remedies that may be useful as well. This article will take a closer look at all things coronavirus, including what it is, how to prevent it and what scientists are working on to help contain and combat it. What Is the Coronavirus? Coronviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses found in a variety of mammals and birds. In humans, these viruses can cause a number of conditions, ranging from mild respiratory infections to more serious illnesses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that was recently identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means that they can be transmitted from animals to humans. SARS, for example, is believed to have originated from civet cats while MERS was first transmitted to humans from dromedary camels. Like other respiratory infections, coronaviruses can also be spread from person-to-person through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood or urine. As of now, scientists have still not traced where exactly COVID-19 originated. Currently, it’s also unclear exactly how contagious COVID-19 is. However, until a vaccine or treatment is released for the virus, taking a few basic protective measures against coronavirus can help keep you and those around you safe. Statistics Now that we’ve covered what exactly coronavirus is, let’s take a closer look by the numbers. As of February 27, 2020, there were 82,294 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 95 percent of which were in China. The global death toll for the virus is 2,804. There have been cases confirmed in 46 different countries. Apart from China, the top countries affected include Korea, Italy, Japan and Iran. Symptoms can emerge between 2–14 days after infection. Without containment measures such as quarantine, it’s estimated that an infected person could spread the virus to 1.5-3.5 people. Although the virus can infect anyone, the mortality rate increases with age. Those who are in their 50s, for example, are three times as likely to die from coronavirus as those in their 40s. Meanwhile, older adults over 80 have a mortality rate of nearly 15 percent. The World Health Organization has appointed 15 COVID-19 referral laboratories around the globe, including in countries like Australia, Senegal, France, Russia, India and the U.S., among others. Diagnosis Healthcare providers may diagnose coronavirus by conducting a physical exam, taking your medical history and performing lab tests, including bloodwork, sputum tests or throat swabs. Those who have recently traveled to China or have been in close contact with someone who is infected are at a higher risk. The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory infections, including the common cold. Some of the most common symptoms include: Fever Shortness of breath Cough Runny nose Headache Difficulty breathing Sore throat Chest pain In severe cases, coronavirus may also cause more serious issues, including pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome or even death. How to Prevent Taking a few basic protective measures against infection is a simple strategy that can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Here are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself and others. 1. Wash Hands Frequently Wash your hands regularly using either soap and water or an alcohol-based rub, which can help kill off any viruses and prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to wash hands for at least 20 seconds before eating and after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or using the bathroom. 2. Maintain Distance Ideally, try to maintain at least three feet of distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This can help prevent you from breathing in any liquid droplets containing the virus, which can be sprayed through the nose or mouth through coughing and sneezing. 3. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Washing and disinfecting surfaces that you regularly use can help block the spread of germs to prevent infection. 4. Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose and Mouth Your hands can pick up viruses from the surfaces that you touch. Touching your face with unwashed hands can transfer these germs, which can then enter the body and cause infection. 5. Practice Cough Etiquette and Respiratory Hygiene Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or using a tissue to cover your mouth can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Be sure to also dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands thoroughly after exposure to any respiratory secretions. 6. Stock Up On Supplies Although health authorities do not recommend using a face mask unless you’re actually sick or in direct contact with those who are infected, you may want to stock up on other household supplies and anything else you regularly use for your health. Ideally, you should have a 30-day supply of essentials, including laundry detergent, soap, diapers and pantry staples. 7. Stay Up-to-Date to Make Sure the Virus Is Not in Your Region Find and bookmark the website of your local health department, which can help you stay up-to-date with the latest news and ensure that you know who to contact in case of infection. 8. Seek Medical Attention Early If you’re not feeling well, it’s best to stay home to avoid infecting others. If you experience more serious side effects like cough, fever or shortness of breath, contact your own health provider or local health authority to determine the next steps. Natural Remedies? In addition to practicing the strategies above, incorporating a few immune-boosting natural remedies into your routine may also be beneficial. Keep in mind that these remedies should not be used to replace hand washing or respiratory hygiene and you should seek immediate medical care if you experience any symptoms. 1. Vitamin C and D3 Vitamin C plays a central role in immune function and could be a useful tool to help bump up your body’s defenses against coronavirus. Although the effects of vitamin C on COVID-19 have not been studied directly, a 2006 trial in Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism found that getting enough vitamin C in your diet could help decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory infections. Daily needs for vitamin C for prevention is 300 milligrams daily and to fight an infection, 1,000–3,000 milligrams daily. The best dietary sources of vitamin C are fruits and veggies, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers and berries. Vitamin D3 is also beneficial for its ability to enhance immunity and protect against infection. A deficiency in this important micronutrient can actually increase the risk of infection, and vitamin D3 is also integral to the function of immune cells in the body. Dosage recommendations vary from 400 to 800 IU per day to up to 5,000 IU. 2. Red algae Some research shows that certain compounds isolated from red algae, also known as Griffithsia, could be help protect against viral infections. According to one 2016 in vitro study, griffithsin, a lectin isolated from red algae, was able to prevent infection with MERS by blocking viruses from entering host cells. What’s more, other studies have found that it could also be beneficial against other viral infections, including HIV. However, more research is needed to determine whether red algae could be used to protect against COVID-19. 3. Licorice root Glycyrrhizin, an active compound found in licorice root, may possess powerful virus-fighting properties. An in vitro study in Lancet examined the anti-viral properties of several compounds and found that glycyrrhizin was the most effective at blocking the replication of SARS. Another in vitro study had similar findings, noting that glycyrrhizin also exhibited cytotoxicity against the SARS virus. Still, additional studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of licorice on COVID-19. 4. Elderberry syrup Although the impact of elderberry syrup against coronavirus has not yet been studied, it has been shown to help improve symptoms of the flu in some clinical trials. For example, one study out of Israel found that taking elderberry syrup four times daily for five days significantly shortened the duration of the flu compared to a placebo. Another analysis in 2019 concluded that elderberry could also help treat upper respiratory symptoms. While more research is necessary on COVID-19 specifically, these studies suggest that it could potentially help alleviate symptoms. 5. Immune-boosting foods and herbs that support the lungs Dr. Josh Axe also recommends top immune-boosting foods that support the lungs, according to 3,000 years of Chinese medicine studies. This includes foods that are light yellow or white in color, including: Chicken broth Garlic Ginger Similarly, he recommends that you consume a diet rich in vegetables, vitamin C–rich fruits, manuka honey, herbs, spices, and wild organic meat like poultry and bone broth. An ideal meal for boosting immunity, for example, is homemade chicken soup (add ginger and garlic to recipe). Native to New Zealand, manuka honey is a type of honey that has been extensively studied for its powerful healing properties. Studies show that it could have anti-viral properties, which may make it a useful natural remedy against infections like coronavirus. In fact, one in vitro study found reported that manuka honey was able to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus. Further research is necessary to assess whether or not it offers similar benefits against coronavirus. In addition, studies indicate that the herb echinacea is both antiviral and antimicrobial. One study showed it to be a potent antiviral for respiratory virus infections. 6. Oregano essential oil A study measured the antiviral efficacy of oregano oil and its primary active component, carvacrol, against the nonenveloped murine norovirus (MNV), a human norovirus surrogate. It demonstrated the potential of oregano oil as a natural food and surface sanitizer to control the human norovirus. A separate study indicated the antiviral potential of oregano oil against a human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and warranted further study. Future Medical Treatment According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. Those who are infected should receive medical care to help alleviate symptoms, which may also include care to support vital organ functions in more severe cases. There are no approved treatments for coronaviruses and very few effective antiviral medications in general. Additionally, developing new drugs can require a massive investment in terms of time, money and resources, which can make it challenging to find medical treatments against COVID-19. In the mean time, researchers have been experimenting with using existing drugs to treat new infections like coronavirus. According to a recent case report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, physicians at Providence Regional Medical Center in Washington received permission from the FDA to treat a case of coronavirus using an investigational antiviral therapy originally designed to treat Ebola. After eight days of hospitalization, the patient’s clinical condition began to improve and symptoms like cough and fever had decreased in severity. Although research in humans is lacking, in vitro studies have found that this novel therapy could potentially decrease the growth of coronavirus to help control infections. Other antiviral medications are also being investigated, including lopinavir/ritonavir, which is a medication used to treat HIV. In addition to developing antiviral medications to treat coronavirus, other organizations have begun looking for solutions to help contain and prevent outbreaks. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for example, has begun conducting clinical testing on antibody-based therapies to help prevent the virus from entering and infecting cells in the first place. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop antibody treatments against coronavirus....

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10 Proven Manuka Honey Benefits and Uses

AHA Publisher — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 07:00:14 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – What is the best honey in the world? New Zealand Manuka honey, which is often considered the healthiest type of honey, is made by the bees that pollinate the Manuka tree. Historically, Manuka honey has been used for medicinal purposes dating back thousands of years. Whether it was with the Far Eastern Vedic tradition, ancient Greek mythology or in Biblical times, where the promised land was known as the “land flowing with milk and honey,” cultures around the globe have praised honey for being an amazing healing treasure. Seeing that it is one of nature’s richest antimicrobial sources, it shouldn’t surprise us to hear that many archeologists claim that while excavating the tombs of Egyptian royals from thousands of years ago, they even discovered unspoiled honey in pots. Yet because of industrialization, honey isn’t what it used to be. Like most things today, not all honeys are created equal. In addition to the more than 300 varieties of honey to choose from, you have the following options: • Pasteurized or raw honey • Filtered or unfiltered • Comb (with the edible beeswax inside) liquid or whipped • Local or imported As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for, and most products at conventional supermarkets are not much different from high fructose corn syrup. To get high-quality Manuka honey today, you pretty much have to go to your local health food store, local farm co-op or go online to purchase the real deal. However, it’s not impossible to find Manuka honey, and as you’ll see, there are many reasons to seek it out. So is raw honey good for you? Is Manuka honey worth the money? And what are the benefits of Manuka honey? Here’s everything you need to know about how to use Manuka honey to maximize its medicinal properties. What Is Manuka Honey? Manuka honey, produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the Manuka tree, is one of the most unique and beneficial forms of honey in the world. It has a rich, earthy flavor and has been associated with a number of health benefits. There are also many Manuka honey uses that range from healing sore throats and digestive illnesses to curing Staph infections and gingivitis. These days, Manuka honey is available in many different forms. In addition to being added to herbal antibiotics and creams, you can also find plenty of Manuka honey face masks and skincare products. Like other types of honey, such as sour honey, it’s also used medicinally and combined with other herbs and spices to help promote healing. So is honey good for you? What is the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey? And what is so special about Manuka honey? Keep reading for more about what Manuka honey can do, plus the top 11 benefits of this incredible ingredient. Top 11 Manuka Honey Benefits Manuka honey benefits have been touted in the natural health world for a long time and even more in recent years because a growing body of research is starting to support thousands of years of folk medicine use. Some of the top Manuka honey uses are and benefits include: 1. Helps with SIBO, Low Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), low stomach acid and acid reflux go hand in hand. Because of the natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties found in Manuka honey, it is a great medicine for any bacteria-related digestive disorder. In fact, in a recent study, one dangerous bacteria related to all three conditions, Clostridium difficile, was found to be quite susceptible to Manuka honey’s bactericidal effects. Thus, taking Manuka honey is very beneficial at reducing acid reflux and balancing your digestive system to heal stomach and intestinal imbalances. 2. Promotes Skin Health The internet is filled with patient testimonials that Manuka honey works marvelously for acne and eczema patients. At this time there are few clinical trials to support these claims, but taking into account its proven antimicrobial and healing properties, it’s believed honey can help with these skin conditions. One recent review of clinical and cellular studies on Manuka honey’s effects in treating atopic dermatitis found that it “is potentially effective in the treatment of AD lesions based on both clinical and cellular studies through different mechanisms. This needs to be confirmed by randomized and controlled clinical trials.” Looking for how to get rid of milia? Milia are small, white bumps that appear on the skin. Adults often develop milia under the eye or around the cheeks. Manuka honey is widely used as a milia treatment and is believed to be an effective natural method for how to remove milia. Manuka is often mixed with cinnamon and applied in a thin layer to skin for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off. Most people claim that applying honey on wounds or affected areas for a few minutes and then washing off with gentle soap and water usually does the trick. Repeat this every day or every other day for the best results. 3. Combats Staph Infections (MRSA) You’ve probably heard of the superbug that has plagued hospitals over the years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overuse of over-the-counter antibiotics (OTC antibiotics) and drug ineffectiveness have caused certain strains of Staph to become virtually indefensible using typical hospital and nursing home medical protocols. Spreading so rapidly, many people affected by MRSA end up getting so infected that they require invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, artificial joints or intervenes tubing, to save their lives against these dangerous superbugs — as antibiotics often don’t work. However, U.K. researchers from Cardiff Metropolitan University offer some natural hope. They discovered that Manuka honey downregulates the most potent genes of the MRSA bacteria. Some scientists now suggest that regular topical use on cuts and infections (especially in the hospital and nursing home setting) may keep MRSA naturally at bay. 4. Treats Burns, Wounds and Ulcers According to research published in the Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, “The use of honey leads to improved wound healing in acute cases, pain relief in burn patients and decreased inflammatory response in such patients.” Moreover, because of its rich antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, Manuka honey has been shown to prevent infection in rats with ulcers and may even block the growth of a specific type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers in humans. It has also been used quite effectively as a wound dressing to promote rapid, improved healing. 5. Prevents Tooth Decay and Gingivitis Several studies have come out describing how Manuka honey can help treat and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Due to its superior antimicrobial activity, researchers from the School of Dentistry at the University of Otago in New Zealand discovered that chewing or sucking on a Manuka honey product not only caused a 35 percent decrease in plaque, but it led to a 35 percent reduction in bleeding sites in people suffering from gingivitis. The calcium, zinc and phosphorus found in Manuka honey are all important nutrients for healing teeth. 6. Aids IBS and IBD Treatment When evaluating the effect that Manuka honey has on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats, researchers from Chandigarh Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research discovered several astounding findings: • Manuka honey at different doses provided protection against TNBS-induced colonic damage. • All the treated groups showed reduced colonic inflammation, and all the biochemical parameters were significantly reduced compared with the control in the Manuka honey treated groups. • Manuka honey at different doses restored lipid peroxidation as well as improved antioxidant parameters. Morphological and histological scores were significantly reduced in the low dose Manuka honey treated group. • In the inflammatory model of colitis, oral administration of Manuka honey significantly reduced the colonic inflammation. Manuka honey not only treated intestinal inflammation and pain, but also repaired free radical damage and protected against further damage. 7. Improves Sore Throat and Immunity In 2007, data published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggested that, “A 5.8-kDa component of Manuka honey stimulates immune cells via TLR4.” This is interesting because previous studies have indicated that honey stimulates cytokine production from human monocytes. Coupling with this 2011 in vitro research showing how Manuka stops the growth of sore throat-causing Strep bacteria, it is no wonder that so many people benefit almost instantly from taking a spoonful of honey when they don’t feel well. Recently it has even been approved by the National Cancer Institute to be used to treat inflammation in the throat from chemotherapy. 8. Helps Allergies A study conducted by the South Karelia Allergy and Environment Institute in Finland examining the effects of honey and birch pollen on allergies had remarkable results. The participants were given regular honey, honey with birch pollen added to it and some used only their allergy medicines as a control group. The results were impressive: …patients reported a 60% lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, and 70% fewer days with severe symptoms, and they used 50% less antihistamines compared to the control group. The researchers also found that there was very little difference between the birch pollen honey users and the regular honey users. Thus, taking Manuka honey on a regular basis may really help your seasonal allergies and lessen your need for medications. 9. Beauty Treatment and Health Booster Taken daily, Manuka honey has an elixir effect that boosts energy and enhances your quality of life. Because of its nutrient-dense profile, it boosts vitality, youthful energy, and has been known to improve skin tone and texture. Use it in a homemade face wash to exfoliate and fight free radicals in the skin. Use it in your shampoo or make a Manuka honey mask to boost the shine of your hair. One of my favorite uses is in a detox drink to get the most benefits inside and out. 10. Improves Sleep Manuka Honey helps promote restful deep sleep, working as a natural sleep aid. It slowly releases the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep. There are many health disorders associated with poor sleep, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke and arthritis. Since honey is proven to aid in quality sleep, it could potentially help reduce the risk of these and many other heath problems. 11. May Reduce Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes a specific type of protein to malfunction, leading to an overproduction of thick mucus that can clog the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Promising research shows that Manuka honey could potentially help kill off bacteria to fight off infection, especially in those with cystic fibrosis. According to a study published in the Archives of Microbiology, Manuka honey was able to block the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia spp, two strains of bacteria that can be especially problematic for those with cystic fibrosis. Manuka Honey Uses Wondering how to take Manuka honey? To experience the most benefit for skin health, immune function or milia removal, you should use a Manuka honey dosage of about one to two tablespoons per day. The easiest way is to just take it straight, but if it is a little too sweet for you, then you can add it to your favorite herbal tea, drizzle it over yogurt or spread it on sprouted grain toast. If you want to enhance the immune-boosting effect or heal a sore throat, add one teaspoon of cinnamon. Research shows that the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon and Manuka honey are so powerful that they can really help you recover fast. Manuka Honey Nutrition What makes Manuka honey different is its amazing nutritional profile. Regular raw honey is already known for its tremendous nutritional and immune-boosting abilities. Generally speaking, raw Manuka honey is a rich source of: • Amino acids • B...

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