Vancomycin is the last chemical antibiotic in existence that is capable of fighting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, a deadly mutation of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics. Chemical treatment options are few; therefore there is a need for natural medications that are just as potent and reliable.
In New Zealand, the balsamic and earthy smelling tea tree, the Manuka, has blossoms used to produce Manuka Honey, a natural product successfully used to treat MRSA. Honeybees take nectar from the Manuka bush and make honey with extraordinary antibacterial properties. In addition to the hydrogen peroxide found in all types of honey, Manuka Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that do not change when the honey is exposed to light, heat or when it is diluted.
The use of Manuka Honey against MRSA is not a home treatment; there is scientific evidence for the viability of the honey. MRSA replicates by dividing into two cells once every half hour; however, when Manuka Honey is present, the cell cycle is interrupted. Manuka Honey prevents MRSA bacteria from completing division, effectively disabling the bacteria. When Manuka Honey interacts with MRSA it destroys the bacterium by drawing water out of the cells and compromising the microbe’s foundation.
Manuka Honey contains an additional antibacterial component known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF, which is also used to rate the anti-bacterial strength of the honey. Highly active Manuka Honey has a UMF rating higher than 10 and is labelled as “active”. It is an entirely natural product, free of pesticides and other harmful chemical agents and that can be used to cure a myriad of diseases, from staph infections to fungal infections. The osmotic effect of Manuka Honey has the additional benefit of preventing MRSA bacteria from developing a resistance, unlike the common chemical treatments that MRSA has already overcome.
Manuka Honey is so beneficial that it is now being marketed to hospitals across the globe as a treatment for MRSA.
http://www.herbalremedies.com/manuka-honey.html
February 18th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Excellent article!!!
Manuka honey is increasingly being used in hospitals through out the world to treat such infections. Really an amazing Natural Product.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I have two Sheltie dogs which were diagnosed with MRSI. They have been on antibiotics and once they stop, the staph infection comes back again. I’ve heard that manuka honey is good for this. Please advice if so and how is it applied to or taken by them. Many thanks!
March 12th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
3/12/2009 update. I found it in a Whole Food store next to me and started applying 3 days ago. There skin is no longer red and irritated. There are no new Staph scabs. They are also on 25mg of Benadryl 2xday.