Blog / Honey

Tired of the relentless itch of eczema? Manuka honey might just be your skin's new best friend. 

You've likely heard about the extraordinary benefits of manuka honey, but have you considered its potential for your skin? Let's uncover the secrets of this golden contender.

The Science: 

Manuka honey isn't just a healthier sweetener; it's a powerhouse against skin conditions. Studies have shown promising results, highlighting its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend these with its impressive humectant nature, and you've got a formidable tool in your skincare arsenal.

Research on its role in burn and wound treatment reveals its knack for tissue healing – a quality that extends to calming rashes from eczema, dermatitis, and even acne. 

While the scientific journey continues, countless online groups share tales of triumph over various skin conditions with the help of Manuka honey. With no side effects to worry about, why not give it a shot? 

Choosing the Right Strength: 

For external use, we recommend a minimum of 300+ MGO, though for more stubborn challenges, reaching for something stronger might be the key. And why stop at external care? Introduce a tablespoon of Manuka honey internally each day to tackle inflammation at its root, potentially easing those pesky flare-ups.

How to Apply: 

Apply this golden elixir directly to the affected area, let it work its magic for 15-30 minutes, then rinse. Simple, effective, and oh-so-sweet.

In the battle against eczema, Manuka honey stands out as a natural ally. As science and success stories converge, the path to relief seems sweet and promising. So what do you have to lose except that itchy skin? See if manuka honey holds the sweet relief you need. 

Pacific Resources International (PRI) - the name that first brought manuka honey to the United States market over 30 years ago. Where did it start? Warning: the tale is as gooey as the honey we sell!

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…also known as New Zealand, a young surfer named David Noll embarked on a vacation that would change his life forever. He fell head over heels for a Kiwi named Linda, her captivating country, and the remarkable benefits of manuka honey. What started as a holiday soon transformed into a 13-year journey filled with love, marriage, children, and close connections with some of the finest beekeepers in NZ.

When the time came for David and Linda to return to California in the 1980s, they carried with them a vision that was as sweet as the honey they cherished. David, fueled by his passion for manuka honey, began establishing the very first company to introduce this golden elixir to the U.S. market - Pacific Resources International!

PRI is more than just a company; it is a family-owned and operated business. We collaborate with multi-generational beekeepers who share our unwavering commitment to the well-being of bees. Every batch of our manuka honey undergoes rigorous independent testing to ensure both purity and potency, surpassing the standards set by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

Transparency is a core guiding principle, which is why each jar of PRI manuka honey features a QR code on the lid. By scanning it, you can access the test results for your specific batch and information about the MPI-approved lab that conducted the testing!

At PRI, we believe in protecting our future, educating our present, and preserving the health of our land, bodies, and spirits. Naturally.

Thus, we offer the broadest range of manuka products available on the market. From manuka and propolis oils, tinctures, cough, cold, and flu remedies to beauty products and delightful treats, you will find the right fit for your budget and health needs. 

Moreover, a portion of every honey purchase contributes to the Save the Bees Foundation. From our family to yours, we thank you for supporting our small business, our beekeeping partners, and the bees themselves. It is truly an honor to help you feel and do your best.

Why your gut health needs a dose of liquid gold!

Study after study illustrates the potential of manuka honey to be one of your greatest allies in the fight against stomach concerns. Head over to Reddit and find hundreds of tales reporting that it has cleared or greatly reduced symptoms of issues like IBD and Crohn’s disease. But why is it so effective? Let’s begin with the basics.

What makes Manuka so special in the first place?

If you’re here, you likely know all about the unique component of manuka honey - MGO. Short for methylglyoxal, this is the magic ingredient that gives manuka honey its superpowers. You probably also know that MGO is a highly effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. So let’s take a closer look.

Inflammation, Bacteria, and Your Gut

Manuka honey is a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidants which cause inflammation. Almost every disease is caused or exacerbated by inflammation.

When you pair this with manuka honey’s antibacterial benefits, it starts to become clearer why it can be such a boon for your digestive health. Studies show manuka is highly effective against over 50 bacteria strains, many of which can be found in the gut. Additionally, manuka honey creates a prebiotic called fructo-oligosaccharides, which support your gut’s probiotic content.

So now that you know why manuka honey should be a part of your gut health routine, you need to know how to take it! We recommend one tablespoon per day, broken down into three teaspoons taken about 15 minutes before a meal or maximal gut support.

What MGO Strength is Right for You? Check out our handy chart below to see where to start!

MGO Strength			Suggested Use
PRI Manuka Honey Blend 50+			Everyday Sweetener! If you use honey a lot but want it to have some extra benefits, this is a great low-budget option.
PRI 60+ Manuka Honey			Everyday Sweetener. Another great lower budget option for honey enthusiasts.
PRI Manuka Honey 100+			Everyday Immune Support.
PRI Manuka Honey 200+ and +300			General and Digestive Health Maintenance, Skin Health.
Manuka Honey 500+			Best for specific health concerns like digestive & inflammatory conditions, cold & flu season, and helping to soothe specific skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema, and Psoriasis.
PRI Manuka Honey 1000+			Extreme skin conditions, inflammatory conditions, upper respiratory infections, MRSA & much more!

 

Wishing you the best health of your life in 2024.

What is sustainable beekeeping? While the word “sustainability” means different things to different people we generally define it as meeting the needs of our current population without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. 

Beekeeping or apiculture is the process of maintaining honeybees and hives. It is a centuries old tradition. A beekeeper collects honey and other products that the hive produces like Honey, Royal Jelly, Propolis and Pollen.  Bee population has been declining in recent years and the role of the beekeeper is very important when it comes to achieving sustainable development. By restoring healthier bee populations and using management care for bees in a way that respects their natural processes can improve the ecological agriculture which can help pollination. 

We asked Terry Bone, third generation beekeeper, to describe in further detail what sustainable beekeeping means, in practice. Here is what he said:

• Balancing bee health and welfare with a viable commercial operation. 

The aim is to protect and maintain healthy, capable and indigenous honeybees. This is about balancing the amount of honey or other bee products taken from hives to make the business viable vs. leaving enough honey for the bees to survive without excessive supplementary feeding of cane sugar and pollen substitutes. 

• Do not put anything into the hive which did not come from the bees.

This introduction of certain chemical substances like pollen substitute, stimulants, antibiotics etc., can cause the bees to display disorientation or unusual behavior.

• Do not take anything out of the hive which the bees cannot afford to lose.

Collecting honey and pollen doesn’t harm the bees, only a small amount is taken during the collection process. The honey and pollen that is not harvested goes to feed the colony.

• Keep bees local. Bees are best suited to their own unique conditions and environment. 

In NZ, bees are certainly moved to be near a pollen source like manuka or for pollination, but the distances are not large. Honeybees can thrive and adapt well in their natural habitat or domesticated environments.  

Hives are not moved by great distances. In NZ, hives are typically kept within regions. In some larger countries like the US, hives are transported across many states to pollinate crops like almonds. This is very tough on bees. 

• Leave enough honey for bees to feed through winter and minimize supplementary feeding of cane sugar.

There has to be enough honey in the hive to carry the colony through winter. If too much honey is taken the cane sugar can be a valuable management tool to supplement a shortage, but is not ideal. 

• Keeping intervention into hives at a minimum.

Bee hives require good management and natural intervention techniques to ensure the survival and production, enabling good bee colony health. 

• Not treating disease with antibiotics which can filter through to honey.

In NZ, the use of antibiotics is illegal. Beekeepers are required to burn any hives and equipment which become infected by disease like AFB (American Foulbrood). Beekeepers must take preventive measures through managing honey bee colonies to reduce the spread of disease.

 

Supporting the process of sustainable development through education and innovation can protect our ecosystem and preserve natural resources for future generations. In the long term, it can reduce the risk of natural hazards and the entire world benefits.  If you are interested in learning more about this, Terry recommends watching “Queen of the Sun” a film which explores mysterious colony collapse disorder and how beekeeping is practiced around the world.

PRI is supporting research and preservation efforts to provide “best practices” education for beekeepers and farmers that will help honey bees. A portion of  proceeds from PRI’s honey sales go to the cause led by the Glory Bee. The SAVE the BEE initiative is a partnership committed to protect honey bees by increasing public awareness of the role honeybees play in a healthy food supply. 

 

Resources: 

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/why-do-we-need-bees

https://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/bees/honey-bees/habitat-of-a-honey-bee

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587718307906

https://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainability/

 

 

 

Sleep… so crucial for healing and health, but hard to get enough of! Insufficient sleep can decrease the immune system’s health, overall body, and muscle functionality. Honey is more than a sweetener! Honey can help you sleep and is one of the few sleep aids without side effects. 

Dr. Ron Fessenden has written about how honey can help with sleep. He recommends taking it before bedtime after your glycogen is depleted during wakefulness, which is associated with increased energy demand. 

Honey before bed has been shown to slowly release glycogen, which you need for essential body functions during sleep, reducing how often you wake up. 

With the increased stress levels in the last few years, sleeping problems are more common than before, but thankfully honey can be used as a health aid for sleepless nights.

Compared to melatonin, studies show it is an effective and affordable intervention to enhance sleep quality with no associated adverse effects. 

Like sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to improve mood, relieve stress, boost your energy levels, promote and help you fall asleep, and ensure you wake up well-rested. 

Here are three simple ways to take it:

1 - One - two teaspoons of delicious raw manuka honey straight up.

2 - The famous milk and honey tip. 

3 - Delicious hot chocolate with stress-reducing adaptogens. 

Manuka Honey is an excellent source of many health benefits as it not only contains a lot of antioxidants and vital nutrients but has greater antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties than other honey. 

Of course, good sleep habits begin hours before you get to bed. Incorporating other simple practices into your routine alongside honey could improve the quality of your sleep even more! Here are some ideas:

-Use blue light-blocking glasses in the evening. Blue light, like that from your phone, laptop, and other devices, messes with your circadian rhythm. It signals your brain to wake up when it should be winding down.

-Aromatherapy. There are many herbs and oils associated with good sleep. One of our favorites is manuka oil!  

-Limit caffeine and alcohol intake in the afternoon & stop drinking at least 3-4 hours before bed. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages also confuse your sleep cycle. Give your body enough time to process them first for more restful sleep.

Resources:

https://www.livinghoney.biz/the-honey-revolution.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4544655/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30390870/

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207281

https://mytinylagunakitchen.com/recipe/adaptogenic-holiday-hot-chocolate-holiday-stress-reducing-tips/

Those who have it, know how difficult psoriasis is to both manage and live with. As there is currently no cure for psoriasis, those who have been diagnosed with this autoimmune disease not only have to endure internal & external pain but also live with skin lesions that can make them feel self-conscious. If you are one of the over 7 million people in the U.S. affected by psoriasis and want to learn more about how manuka honey can help, along with other management tips, click here.

If you want to know more about what psoriasis is, read on!

Like many autoimmune diseases little is known about the cause of psoriasis however, enough is understood about our immune response to understand how & why it manifests the way it does. When you have psoriasis your T cells, which normally help your body protect against threatening foreign substances, are overactive. This overactivity causes them to attack not just disease-causing substances but also healthy skin cells. 

Everyone’s skin cells are constantly dying and regrowing, a process that would normally take about a month. For someone WITH psoriasis though, this takes only a few days causing painful, red, itchy, scaly patches of build-up on the skin. 

This cycle doesn’t tend to stop without some sort of treatment and can be more or less severe depending on many factors. These factors are different from person to person but can include stress, change in the weather, cuts, burns or scrapes, seasonal allergies, and dryer weather such as in dry desert climates or during winter.

While there are not many studies directly related to the use of Manuka Honey on psoriasis, it is thought to have great promise in treating psoriasis lesions. Unlike other honey, Manuka contains a unique component known as MGO; MGO has been shown to be a great aid in anti-inflammatory & antibacterial treatments. In addition to this, there is an overwhelming number of anecdotal reports on the effectiveness of Manuka Honey in reducing the severity of psoriasis outbreaks (by regular internal use) and the management of skin lesions/ external pain (when applied externally).

Manuka oil is shown to have many of the same benefits when used externally. Additionally, both the oil and honey have been shown effective against Staphylococcus Aureus, which has long been associated with atopic dermatitis. 

Given there are no known side effects from using Manuka oil or honey in conjunction with other treatments or on their own, why not give it a try and see if it can be beneficial to your symptoms? In fact, here is a special code just for you for 15% off any PRI Manuka Honey or Oil with the code SKINHELP.

Here are some great and easy ways to incorporate manuka products into your routine:

1. Add manuka oil and/or honey to your current moisturizer, body, or face wash. Adding to your shampoo and conditioner can also be a great help if you have scalp psoriasis 
2. Apply manuka oil and/or honey directly to your skin. (Note 100% Manuka oil needs to be diluted before external use. This can be done with any of your favorite carrier oils; simply add 10 drops of manuka oil to 2 Tablespoons of carrier oil.) We also have a pre-diluted 10% manuka oil (carried in almond oil) which is great for use right out of the bottle! If using Manuka honey, simply apply to the affected area and cover before bed!
3. Add manuka honey and/or oil + Epsom salts to your bath. The salts will help you shed dead skin, while the manuka will help kill bad bacteria & fungus while locking in moisture. You can also add ground-up oats for some extra love.
4. Help remove irritating dead skin and soothe inflammation with the most gentle exfoliating technique ever: honey tapping! Using only honey and your hands or a spoon honey tapping is a great way to exfoliate sensitive skin.
5. Take at least one tablespoon of manuka honey per day to help fight internal inflammation.

And, make sure to catch some sun! Ultraviolet B rays have also been shown to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and  as little as 10 minutes in direct sun can be enough. 

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694078/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562472/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%20(eczema)%20is%20a,irritating%20but%20it%27s%20not%20contagious

https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/

Sweeteners……the choice these days can be overwhelming. Which is best…less calories…lowest glycemic index…how can we know for sure what is best for our bodies? We at Pacific Resources, www.shoppri.com are taking the time to try and help with this when it comes deciding between the popular Agave sweetener versus using raw natural Honey. Our bodies… More Agave better than Raw Honey…..not this time!

Label-reading just got easier!

Listen, we don’t have hours to spend researching everything and we know you don’t either. So after months of deliberation, and gathering feedback from our loyal customers (that’s you!) we are excited to announce that we are moving to a quick and easy rating system that will help you understand your honey at-a-glance.

In June 2022, P.R.I. will be moving to a single-number MGO* on the label, and a QR code that you can scan (for those of you who crave all the juicy details about what’s in your jar.)

 "We believe making a purchase shouldn't require hours of research! To that end, the PRI team has long been in discussion to find the best way to label our Manuka Honey strengths in a clear and transparent manner. As the original importer of manuka honey to the U.S., we have used the standard rating systems originally used by all, to differentiate the strengths of Manuka. 

 However, over the years, our understanding of what makes manuka honey unique has expanded tremendously & testing and regulations have evolved along with that knowledge. MGO has now become a standard around the world for labeling the strengths of Manuka Honey. Our first step was to introduce the MGO level on our labels, putting this next to our original rating numbers. We hoped this would help customers in the transition and be able to easily compare our Manuka to that of the newer Manuka companies that have popped up over the last few years. Over the last 6 months, we have been gathering feedback from our customers and other experts in the field, and we decided to relaunch our Manuka range with just 1 number - MGO. Additionally, we are giving our customers a way to easily access test results for each batch of manuka honey we sell via a  QR code* right on the label. Simply scan the code with your phone for all the details about your honey!"

~ Kristy (CFO of P.R.I.)

*Click here to learn about MGO and how to read your test results.

Ranking the 16th most searched question about Manuka honey, in this blog post, we answer the question: “How to use Manuka honey for IBS?”.

First, let’s talk about what IBS is. Short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS is a disorder of the large intestine & affects nearly a quarter of Americans, causing symptoms ranging from bloating & abdominal pain to loose stools & undesired weight loss.

IBS can have many triggers, including: 

• Stress
• Food allergies
• Hormone imbalance
• Leaky gut
• Parasites
• Yeast overgrowth
• Antibiotics
• SIBO
• Poor thyroid function
• Poor hydration.  

Conventional medicine would say it is irreversible, but clinics specializing in treating the root causes of IBS have successfully reversed many cases. Those with IBS must manage their symptoms through various diet and lifestyle changes, so how can Manuka honey help?

Among many other things, Manuka honey can:

-Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

-Act as a prebiotic by stimulating the growth of good bacteria.

-Actively fight against disease-causing bacteria in the gut. 

All honey does contain fructose, which can be an IBS trigger for some. It's essential to ingest the honey raw as the raw enzymes make the sugars easier to digest. 

You can take up to 1-2 tablespoons per day but space it out and take a little before each meal so you can harness its prebiotic effects. If your IBS is severe and you find you tolerate the honey well,  try a high MGO Manuka such as a 500+ or even 1000+ MGO. These strengths are typically for external uses; however, certain severe internal conditions can also benefit.

Meet Terry Bone, one of PRI’s beekeepers! Terry has been keeping bees for so long, his friends refer to him as “Honeyman”.

Terry is a competitive ocean swimmer, winning gold in his age group nationally (and silver the year before – his first full year of national competition). Terry also has Crohn’s disease, this and intensive swim training are hard on his body.

He is really interested in food and natural health so Terry landscaped the backyard of their cottage building terraced vegetable gardens, planting fruit trees he could in the small space and sourcing reclaimed landscaping items.

He is currently developing a section of regenerating native trees at Lake Rotoiti. He is planting additional natives on the land and will build a simple two-bedroom cabin there. The plan is to have the shell built and to complete a lot of the internal design and fitout using recycled and handmade materials. 

Swimming and bees take most of his time, but he unwinds in the kitchen. Terry loves preparing food from scratch. He also built his own outdoor pizza oven. People who come to their house will receive a meal whether they want one or not and will probably leave with a jar of something homemade. 

Terry truly believes in supporting the holistic guardianship of the bees. The underlying ethos is that humans and bees are now interdependent for survival. This is a complex issue but we believe it is vital that we pay and empower those who raise and care for bees. Read more about what it means to be a Sustainable Beekeeper in our recent blog post. 🐝

 

Ditch the side effects for a dose of nature

Dreaming of hot chocolate, cozy fires & even cozier slippers…hopefully minus the sore throats, congestion, coughs and fevers that seem to also come along with the colder weather.

Unfortunately, the most common drug class for OTC cold & flu remedies including products such as Tamiflu contain questionable ingredients and around TEN common side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to mood changes! 

Luckily for us all, nature already has the answer and more and more studies are being done to prove it. A recent study published in the Archives of Medical Research titled, “Anti-influenza Viral Effects of Honey In Vitro: Potent High Activity of Manuka Honey,” tested several different types of honey on the common H1N1 influenza strain. Researchers that conducted the study stated: “In conclusion, the results obtained showed that honey, in general, and particularly manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against influenza virus, demonstrating a possible medicinal value. Further investigations are required to identify the active antiviral components in Manuka honey and to determine its synergistic effects with known antiviral drugs.”

The study also showed that when manuka honey was added to the use of OTC medications, manuka significantly increased the antiviral effectiveness of both compounds. This might be necessary especially in extreme cases and is important to note. 

Manuka honey has been shown to increase the release of Cytokines, especially during an inflammatory response. Cytokines help white blood cells identify and eliminate damaged or infected tissues. 

If you are having a particularly sore throat or upper respiratory issues, physicians from Oxford University's Medical School and Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences analyzed existing evidence to see how honey affects the symptoms of URTIs. Concluding, in the article in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine "Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections,” also stating "Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate. However, a lack of effective alternatives, as well as a desire to preserve the patient-doctor relationship, both contribute to antibiotic over prescription."*

It’s easy to incorporate manuka into your care routine. Fun fact about manuka is that when its heated, the MGO, or active component in manuka, is not killed so you can add it to your tea! If you prefer a cold treat when ill, check out our Throat Soothing Popsicles Recipe.

And, because being sick doesn’t always mean you get to lay in bed, we have all your on the go Manuka solutions such as our own alcohol-free cough elixirs, lozenges, throat soothing lollipops & honey sticks. 

** Please note, we are not medical professionals and you should not consider this medical advice. You know your body and when you need to seek medical attention, listen to that voice! And, in the meantime, eat Manuka, drink lots of water & get some rest ❤️

Resources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24880005/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6594701/

https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/22/health/antibiotics-surgery-cancer-england-uk-intl/index.html

Words from our Director and Founder David Noll….. Clean is the seen in pristine New Zealand. As consumer demand continues to increase for high quality healthy gourmet products, New Zealand continues to answer the call with products found nowhere else in the world. Pacific Resources International after 30 years of importing exclusive New Zealand products… More PRI in 2015