Blog / Pacific Resources International

Summer is a season we all look forward to, with its promise of exciting outdoor adventures and barbeques with friends and family.. While the usual grilling items take center stage, we believe that no BBQ is complete without a delectable cheese plate. Today, we want to share with you our favorite go-to recipe that effortlessly elevates any cheese plate and adds a touch of sophistication to your summer spread. As an added bonus, you can pull out that kitchen torch you got for Christmas 10 years ago! 

Introducing our Hot Manuka Honey Feta Brûlée recipe—a delectable combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This extraordinary dish pairs perfectly with baked crostinis, crackers, and pita chips, but it also is a delightful accompaniment to chicken or lamb. 

If you find yourself enamored with the Hot Manuka Honey, don't hesitate to make extra! Try drizzling it over pizza or wings for a delicious, unique twist! We even like to add it our chai tea for a little extra warmth!

Evidence of honey used for burns & wounds can be traced back centuries. From the Sumerians of Mesopotamia to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Medicinal honey use has been mentioned in the Bible & Quran and is ingrained in ancient Ayurvedic & Chinese medicine practices. Today, it is recommended by dieticians and holistic doctors, used in hospitals, and even prescribed by some MDs! 

In this article, we will tackle the following topics:

• What is the difference between raw manuka and the manuka used in hospitals (aka “medical-grade”)?

• What strength of manuka honey should you use to treat your injury?

• Why is further research so important?

• What are the different types of burns & wounds, and when should you seek medical attention?

• Why is manuka honey an effective treatment? Plus, a look at related studies. 

• How to use manuka honey on burns & wounds.

The Difference Between Raw Manuka & the Manuka Used in Hospitals:

You likely know what raw honey means: pure, unadulterated, not pasteurized or ever heated above hive temperature.  You might not know that the only difference between raw manuka & the manuka used in hospitals is that the latter is typically treated with high heat or gamma radiation to “sterilize” the honey. 

When it comes to the honey itself, there is no such thing as “medicinal or medical grade” honey. All real manuka honey from New Zealand has to meet strict testing & reporting requirements to leave the country. You can also find high MGO strengths in raw and sterilized honey options. 

Sterilizing does kill the raw benefits, affecting the honey’s ability to provide nutrients like amino acids, vitamins & minerals, which speed healing. However, it does not affect the MGO content, which is one of the reasons manuka honey is used in hospital settings vs. other honey types. 

Since manuka has a potent antibacterial effect, why does it need to be sterilized? If you ask, we don’t think it does. Numerous clinical trials use untreated honey, and none of the participants experienced infections. Additionally, raw honey has been used for so long on so many people without adverse side effects.  

The other reason it is the honey of choice in medical settings is that manuka is the only honey with high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is the anti-bacterial/microbial/inflammatory component of manuka. 

Other honeys’ properties come from peroxide activity, which is short-lived in your body and is killed off by high heat. MGO has also been found to be more effective than standard honey for most medicinal uses. 

What Strength Should You Use?

The strength you choose can vary depending on the severity of what you are treating. For instance, we use a low MGO (60+) on kitchen burns and minor scrapes, which works great. More severe cases might warrant higher activity. 

Even though “medical grade” is not a recognized grade or system, you’ll still see the term floating around on a lot of packaging. We’ve seen it on the strengths of MGO 400+ and up, while other brands don’t disclose what strength manuka they are using. So, even if a product is labeled medical grade, you must always look for the MGO content to know what you are getting. 

At PRI, we carry grades up to 1000+ MGO, which would be great for new surgical, severe, and non-healing wounds, in addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor. 

Generally speaking, honey with an MGO of 400+ and up is recommended for either external purposes or more severe internal issues like significant inflammation, injury to the stomach lining due to other digestive problems, chemotherapy, and more. If your nutritionist wants you on an anti-inflammatory diet, adding high MGO-content honey to your routine could be very helpful. 

For burns & wounds, it comes down to how your injury affects your quality of life & what you can afford to incorporate into your ongoing routine. We see many success stories with lower MGO content honey, while others need to step it up. 

The Importance of Further Studies Relating to Manuka Honey, Burns & Wounds

There are centuries of data on the use of honey for medicinal purposes, along with a good number of promising current studies. It is clear we need more research on this topic, especially given what many experts are now calling the biggest threat to global health: antibiotic resistance. 

Antibiotic resistance is thought to be caused by the extreme overuse of antibiotics and the ability of microorganisms, like bacteria to evolve to survive. More and more organisms are becoming antibiotic-resistant every day. This issue will affect everyone worldwide with higher death rates, higher costs, more hospital stays, and a wider spread of drug-resistant infections. 

On the other hand, honey has never caused bacterial resistance and has been shown to be effective against many antibiotic-resistant organisms. Pseudomonas (the bacteria that cause pneumonia), staph infections, and MRSA are just three examples of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that manuka honey can treat.

New Research on Manuka Honey and Wound Healing

In recent years, scientific interest in Manuka honey for wound care has continued to grow. Modern studies are helping explain why Manuka honey has long been used in burn and wound treatment, particularly its ability to support healing while managing bacteria and inflammation.

A recent study using a porcine (pig skin) burn model, widely regarded as one of the closest comparisons to human skin, found that wounds treated with Manuka honey showed faster re-epithelialization and increased collagen formation compared to wounds treated with standard antibiotic ointments [1]. These markers are essential for proper skin regeneration and structural repair during burn healing.

Additional animal research has demonstrated that Manuka honey may help shorten healing time and improve tissue quality in burn wounds when used topically, reinforcing its potential role as a supportive treatment in wound care protocols [2].

How Manuka Helps Treat Burns & Wounds and Related Studies

The application of honey to burns & wounds has shown the following functions:

Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Support

• Helps fight harmful bacteria

• Effective against some antibiotic-resistant strains

• Helps reduce risk of infection

Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Support

• Helps reduce inflammation

• Neutralizes free radicals

• May help reduce pain and swelling

Tissue Repair & Skin Regeneration

• Stimulates tissue repair processes

• Promotes epithelialization (new skin growth)

• Supports collagen formation

• May help reduce scar formation

Protective Barrier & Moisture Balance

• Creates a protective barrier over the wound

• Maintains a moist healing environment

• Helps clean and deodorize wounds

There are often multiple studies related to each function. You can see all of them, along with descriptive processes, here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158441/.

We also found this study on manuka honey for non-healing wounds interesting, though the mechanisms of healing are the same: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8386265/.

Support for Chronic and Non-Healing Wounds

Beyond burns, clinical observations have shown promising results for Manuka honey in chronic and slow-to-heal wounds. In a clinical case series, patients with long-standing wounds experienced significant wound depth reduction and complete epithelialization after treatment with Manuka honey dressings, along with reduced inflammation and no increase in infection risk [3].

These findings suggest that Manuka honey may be particularly helpful in wounds where maintaining a balanced healing environment is critical.

Why Manuka Honey Works

Researchers attribute Manuka honey’s wound-healing potential to several key factors:

Its ability to help limit bacterial growth, including certain antibiotic-resistant strains [1][2][3]

Support for a moist wound environment, which is essential for tissue repair [1][3]

Potential to modulate inflammation, allowing the body to progress more efficiently through the healing process [2][3]

Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey retains its antibacterial activity even when diluted by wound moisture, making it uniquely suited for topical wound applications.

Burns vs. Wounds

Below, we will explore the different types of burns & wounds and when to seek medical attention. The practical functions of manuka honey on both types of injuries are the same, as well as how one would use honey to dress the injuries. 

Types of Burns and When to Seek Medical Care

A burn is tissue damaged by heat. Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. Here are the four types:

• First-Degree Burns or Superficial Burns are mild. These cause pain and reddening of the outer layer of the skin or epidermis. Examples of these burns would be minor cooking burns or a good sunburn. No medical treatment is needed for these types of burns.

• Second-Degree Burns or Partial-Thickness Burns affect the outer layer of the skin or epidermis and the lower layer of the dermis. Examples of these burns could be from boiling water, chemical heat packs, curling irons, or friction burns. Typically, no medical treatment is needed, but use your discretion. 

• Third-Degree Burns or Full-Thickness Burns go through the lower layer of the skin or dermis and affect deeper tissues. These burns require immediate medical attention and could be caused by prolonged exposure to scalding liquid, flames, or electric or chemical sources. 

• Fourth-degree burns go deeper than third-degree burns and can affect your muscles and bones. Nerve endings are damaged or destroyed, so there is no feeling in the burn area. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience this type of burn. Prolonged flame exposure, scalding oils, and electric or chemical sources typically cause these burns. 

Types of Wounds and When to Seek Medical Care

There are two main types of wounds: penetrating and closed wounds. They each have their subsections & ranges of severity. Use discretion as to whether your injury is severe enough for medical attention. 

When in doubt, get checked out!

Penetrating wounds can be:

• Surgical wounds and incisions

• Puncture wounds

• Thermal, chemical, or electric burns

• Bites and stings

• Blunt force trauma

• Abrasions

• Lacerations

• Skin tears

Closed wound examples are:

• Contusions 

• Blisters

• Seroma 

• Hematoma

• Crush injuries

• Ulcers

How to Use Manuka Honey for Burns & Wounds

First, the area must be cleaned. You can do this with a diluted honey & water mixture or a saline solution. 

Next, you apply the honey to the injury. You can do this either:

• Directly by simply coating the area with clean or gloved hands

• By adding it to a sterile bandage first & then applying it to the injury

• Or by mixing the honey with a carrier oil (we like castor for this purpose) to create a thinner solution that can be applied directly to the injury without needing to cover it. Note that if you do not cover the area with a bandage, make sure any clothing that goes over it is clean.

A Complement to Modern Wound Care

While more large-scale human studies are still needed, existing evidence supports what traditional use has suggested for centuries: when properly sourced and applied, Manuka honey may serve as a beneficial complement to modern wound and burn care [1][2][3].

Serious burns or deep wounds should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

References / Further Reading

1 - Porcine burn wound study – Manuka honey enhanced re-epithelialization and collagen deposition in burn wounds. PubMed ID: 40143075. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40143075/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2 - Rabbit burn wound study – Topical Manuka honey improved wound closure and tissue quality compared to controls. PubMed ID: 35711790. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35711790/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3 - Chronic wound clinical case series – Patients with non-healing wounds showed significant depth reduction and complete epithelialization after treatment with Manuka honey dressings. PubMed ID: 34483582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34483582/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

When it comes to manuka honey, transparency is not just a buzzword but a core principle that has guided our brand for over three decades. You may have heard about our QR codes and access to test results, but do you truly understand why transparency is crucial? In this blog post, we delve into the world of manuka honey, highlighting the vital role transparency plays in ensuring you get the real deal.

The Murky World of Manuka Labeling:

Each year, there is an alarming amount of honey falsely labeled as manuka. Although exact figures are hard to pin down, export data reveals the magnitude of the issue. The recent legal tussle between New Zealand and Australia further complicates matters. While Australia emerged victorious, many New Zealand brands staunchly claim that genuine manuka only hails from their shores.

However, a shift has occurred. In recent years, rigorous testing has demonstrated that several types of the manuka tree in Australia produce honey with high MGO content. Yet, here's the catch: regulations and testing standards in Australia aren't as stringent as those in New Zealand. This disparity offers some brands the opportunity to deceive consumers. Some even export manuka from New Zealand in bulk containers, blending it with other honey before jarring. Meanwhile, others jar the honey in New Zealand but obscure its MGO content to sell lower-strength manuka at a premium price.

The Gold Standard: Transparent Test Results:

So, how can you ensure that you're purchasing genuine manuka honey? The answer is straightforward: transparent test results. If you can't readily access the test results for the honey you're considering, it's a major red flag. Now, you might wonder, can't a company manipulate the test results and provide fake information? It's a valid concern. That's why we go a step further by providing comprehensive details about the accredited lab that conducts the tests. This level of transparency ensures you can trust the authenticity of our manuka honey.

In the world of manuka honey, transparency isn't just a marketing slogan; it's a safeguard for consumers. With counterfeit honey on the rise, having access to authentic test results is essential. We believe that this transparency builds trust and ensures that you are getting the genuine, high-quality manuka honey you expect.

For full instructions on how to read your test results click here or learn by video. 

 

Why Manuka Honey Can Help You Stay Well

Are you looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and support your overall health? Look no further than manuka honey—nature's sweetest creation, renowned for its exceptional immune-supporting properties.

Here's why manuka honey is your ally in maintaining a strong and resilient immune system:

Unique Composition: Manuka honey is crafted by bees that pollinate the Manuka tree, resulting in a honey rich in MGO (methylglyoxal), a powerful compound not found in other types of honey. This unique composition gives manuka honey its unparalleled immune-supporting benefits and why it is the only honey approved for medical use. 

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties: Studies have shown that manuka honey exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a wide range of pathogens and harmful bacteria. By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, manuka honey helps fortify your body's natural defenses.

Rich in Antioxidants: Manuka honey is packed with antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative stress. By combating oxidative damage, manuka honey supports your immune system's ability to function optimally.

Prebiotic Benefits: The prebiotic properties of manuka honey promote a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in immune function. By nourishing beneficial bacteria in your gut, manuka honey strengthens your body's first line of defense.

Versatile Applications: Whether enjoyed on its own, added to teas and smoothies, or used as a natural sweetener in recipes, or used topically for skin conditions, burns and wounds, incorporating manuka honey into your daily routine is a delicious and convenient way to support your health.

As the original U.S. importers of manuka honey, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality manuka honey sourced from New Zealand and Australia. 

Click here to explore our full range of manuka honey products and start your journey to better health.

Manuka honey boasts a long-standing reputation for its natural goodness. However, not all Manuka honey is created equal. The MGO (Methylglyoxal) rating plays a significant role – the higher the MGO, the more potent the honey. PRI's 1000+ MGO Manuka honey is a robust addition to your healthcare regimen. High-strength manuka is rarer, and thus is priced higher so you may wonder, "Is the highest strength right for me?" In this blog post, we'll explore situations where high MGO Manuka honey is the ideal choice.

1. Dealing with Health Issues: If you're seeking the potential health benefits of Manuka honey, such as immune support, wound healing, or digestive health, the highest strength is a suitable choice.

2. Targeted Therapeutic Use: High-strength Manuka honey is often employed for more severe health conditions, especially when traditional treatments have limitations or side effects.

3. Resistant Infections: In cases of stubborn or antibiotic-resistant infections, the potent antimicrobial properties of high-strength Manuka honey can be invaluable. Please note that this is not treatment advice, so consult your healthcare provider if you have infection concerns.

4. Topical Healing: For skin conditions, wounds, or burns, high-strength Manuka honey can deliver superior results.

5. Personal Preferences: Some individuals simply prefer the stronger flavor and enhanced benefits of higher-rated Manuka honey.

PRI has been dedicated to providing you with the finest Manuka honey for over 35 years. We collaborate with third-generation sustainable beekeepers to deliver the highest quality honey available. Our transparency offers peace of mind, and you can even scan the QR code on the lid to review the test results and lab information.

In a world where wellness is more crucial than ever, embracing the natural power of high MGO Manuka honey can be a game-changer. Say farewell to synthetic additives and welcome a more vibrant, healthier you. Explore the full range of PRI's high MGO Manuka honey products today to experience its full potential.

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.

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/

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.

A new year means a fresh start for many people. Many make resolutions in hopes that making a formal commitment to their goals will make them more likely to achieve them. Most of us find however, that they are a lot easier to make than keep! That’s why we’ve rounded up some tips on how to create resolutions you are more likely to keep & achieve:

• Set Attainable Goals - When making a significant change in your lifestyle try to think of  realistic goals and be specific, start with small steps and then build them. Once you have that goal in mind, think about how you can build habits to stay motivated.

• Plan - Yes, planning is essential to achieve your goals. Research says by positively framing your goals, creating fun activities or finding small ways to incorporate activity into your day can help decrease stress and improve your overall outlook toward working on your resolutions.

• Adopt Slowly - Building habits takes time, you don’t have to do it all at once! Always remember to be kind to yourself and be patient. These may seem like small changes, over time, they'll provide huge benefits to be successful. 

• Focus & Commit - Find your why, that’s right! Remind yourself why you are doing this. On tough days, take a few minutes to reflect and reevaluate your strategies. This will help you focus and stay committed during the process, you'll actually help yourself stay on track toward achieving your long-term goals.

• Track Progress - This is a powerful tool to help you stick to your goals, it gives you a realistic picture. This will determine what you need to improve and identify any corrective action which may need to be taken. Remember this is not a race to finish however, putting a deadline for yourself can be a good solution. Deadlines will encourage you to work hard.

• Enjoy & Be Grateful - Remember to enjoy and have fun during the process of achieving your goal because your physical, mental, and emotional health all work together. So after spending time on those resolutions and once you’ve met your goals, write down the things you’re grateful for, this is a good reminder that something you’ve never done before can be fun, too.

The New Year can be an opportunity to improve your lifestyle, so don't give up if you find yourself struggling. Sticking to your resolutions requires dedication and motivation, it becomes easier to achieve if you know your goals. Focusing on small changes can make the process more enjoyable. As a result, you can turn these changes into long-lasting routines.

Resources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/12/making-your-resolutions-stick

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/seven-steps-for-making-your-new-years-resolutions-stick