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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

In the last post we talked about the salty facts and how solar dried sea salt was the way to go if you want to enjoy your salty pleasure with a little less guilt. Well, lets dive a little deeper, no pun intended, and look at one specific mineral that is found in solar dried… More Diving Deeper

The competition for Manuka Honey is greater than ever. Many forestry companies and farmers are charging beekeepers resulting in competition for beehive sites. According to stuff.com.nz, “Nelson city councilors found out that the Department of Conservation had pumped up its prices from $6 a hive to $15 for standard hives and $50 for those areas… More Beekeepers battling for the best hive sites as competition ramps up

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

Manuka Oil has long been recognised and well-known for its Medicinal purposes like antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Many are most familiar with manuka oil's cousin, tea tree oil. Manuka oil has actually been shown to be up to 33x stronger against most bacteria than tea tree oil!  Long before there were honey bees in NZ to make manuka honey, the Maori peoples were using manuka oil, bark and leaves to treat a variety of issues from skin conditions to oral care. Our Manuka Oil—drawn from the leaf of the Manuka tree through a steam distillation process that keeps everything natural—using low temperature with no added chemicals, is packed with active compounds. Below are five amazing benefits of Manuka Oil:

• Natural Antiseptic - For centuries, Manuka Oil has been used to prevent disease-causing microorganisms. It is effective to inhibit the growth of microbes to reduce the possibility of infection.
• Cicatrisant - This means wound healing, when Manuka Oil is applied to the affected areas it promotes the growth of new cells and encourages the skin to form scar tissues and also can help fading scars.
• Skin, Hair & Nails - The soothing and hydration benefits of Manuka Oil can improve your skin’s appearance, reduce wrinkles and can help treat irritations, blemishes and acne. Massaging your scalp can help in increasing blood circulation which moisturizes, nourishes, promotes hair growth and strengthens the hair roots. You can apply a few drops to your nails and between your toes, the antifungal properties may be an effective treatment for nail fungus. 
• Relaxation - The aromatic substance of Manuka Oil helps relieve stress, boost your energy levels, helps provide enough restful sleep and it leaves a soothing effect on your body and mind. 
• Deodorant - Manuka Oil is an effective natural deodorant because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes you feel clean and fresh! You can also add a few drops to your body wash.
• For Cleaning - Manuka Oil acts as a natural disinfectant, just add a few drops into your spray bottle together with water or your favorite cleaning solution.

 

 

Resources: 

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

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3677636/

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/13/11/343/htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7414039/

https://pharmacy.mahidol.ac.th/journal/_files/2017-44-4_4.pdf

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.783832/full

Have you ever stopped to think about the difference between Raw and non-raw honey? We at Pacific Resources believe that this difference is monumental! Processing honey not only affects the basic taste and look of honey but also takes away the nutrition value that you get from eating raw honey.  Raw natural honey is best… More Raw Honey VS Processed Honey

What’s poppin’ friends? Caramel popcorn that’s what!! In honor of National Caramel Day, Caramel Popcorn Day and, of course, our new Manuka Caramel Chocolates, we wanted to whip up this incredibly tasty, easy, healthier snack option. 

Add some fun sprinkles and voila - the perfect dairy and gluten free Easter treat! 

Speaking from experience, we can also tell you that you could use any of our new (or OG) manuka chocolate flavors with great success! You could even mix up flavors like caramel with coffee….ooooh, brb... having a sudden snack attack!!

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn

• 1 bag PRI Manuka Honey Caramel Chocolates
• 4 cups popcorn (popped popcorn) or ¼ unpopped
• Natural sprinkles of choice

Instructions:

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
2. Use microwave popcorn or  pop it on the stove like we did with 3 tbsp oil. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Melt the chocolate caramels in a double boiler on the stove, while regularly stirring until completely melted.
4. Pour the tempered caramel chocolate over the popcorn in the bowl and stir with a spatula until the popcorn is covered in chocolate.
5. Transfer popcorn onto the cookie sheet and let cool.
6. Place popcorn back in the bowl and pour your sprinkles over. Enjoy! 

For centuries, Manuka Honey has been popular for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is generally used for treating wounds, burns, and other many other conditions both internal and external. Using Honey can accelerate healing, pain relief and decreased inflammatory response. You can apply a thin layer of Manuka Honey on a bandage before putting it on the affected area. 

Manuka Honey is produced by the bees from the nectar of the Manuka Tree that originated from New Zealand and Australia. MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, it is the compound that makes Manuka Honey unique. Manuka is the only honey that exhibits non-peroxide activity due to the MG component that is present. Manuka honey comes in a range of MGO ratings. The higher the number on the label, the higher the concentration of MGO. For external uses, especially for burn treatment, we recommend an MGO rating of at least 200+. 

Burn is a damaged tissue, after contact with heat and this can happen in many circumstances. Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. There are four types for burns below. 

• First-Degree Burns or Superficial Burns are mild. These cause pain and reddening of the outer layer of skin or epidermis.
• Second-Degree Burns or Partial Thickness Burns affect the outer layer of the skin or epidermis and lower layer of the skin or dermis. These cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
• Third-Degree Burns or Full Thickness Burns go through the lower layer of the skin or dermis and affect deeper tissues.
• Fourth-degree burns go even deeper than third-degree burns and can affect your muscles and bones. Nerve endings are also damaged or destroyed, so there’s no feeling in the burned area.

It appears that using Honey can heal Superficial or Partial Thickness Burns and when applied to the skin it helps to regenerate burn surface or tissue forming in wounds, reducing infection, providing relief and speeds up the healing process. 

If you feel your burn is severe, or just aren’t sure, please seek medical attention.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941901/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK78502/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25742878/

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-caused-by-burns

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6023338/

BY PETER BERK

FAKE MANUKA HONEY CONTINUES TO SATURATE U.S. MARKET

With more consumers learning about the considerable culinary and wellness attributes of New Zealand Manuka Honey every day, it’s no surprise that numerous brands are trying to capitalize on this lucrative trend by offering knock-off products that deflect their lower quality by selling for a lower price.

Indeed, not only are many of these brands making highly questionable authenticity claims on their labels that fall well short of New Zealand’s strict industry guidelines, but some are even sold in clear bottles despite the fact that Manuka honey is extremely light sensitive.

Why We Shouldn’t Count on Pollen Counts                                             

Among the most troubling developments in the “fake Manuka” category, today are brands which try to validate the purity and effectiveness of their products by relying on pollen counts (i.e. K Factor) and other grading systems as a supposedly authoritative form of testing.

For consumers seeking high-quality Manuka honey products from New Zealand that can enhance their cuisine and potentially improve their health, a high pollen count would, on the surface, seem to make perfect sense. Honey. Bees. Pollen. What could possibly be wrong with that equation?  

As it turns out – a great deal.

UMF – the Certified Gold Standard                                                                                              

According to John Rawcliffe, General Manager of New Zealand’s respected Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Honey Association, developing a fool-proof definition of Manuka honey has proven easier said than done over the years, but pollen counts (the measurement of the concentration of pollen trapped in honey) are certainly not the answer.

The independent UMF certified labs of New Zealand test every batch of Manuka honey for its potency, purity, and effectiveness — not once but three times to ensure accuracy. The lab measures the active and leptosperin content of Manuka that determines its unique antibacterial properties. Other sellers of Manuka use pollen count like K Factor, which is a misleading and ineffective designation and devoid of any medicinal attributes.

Moreover, UMF labeled products should have a lab tested batch number on each jar. Some UMF suppliers do NOT test every batch and therefore can’t supply a Certificate of Analysis for each jar.

Introducing our new Manuka Honey labels! Featuring a clear MGO number on the front and a QR code on the lid, linking to the test results for that specific jar of Manuka Honey! Read on for how to read your test results so you know you’re getting genuine Manuka:

The independent labs that we work with are based all over New Zealand and Australia and the different labs send confirmations in a variety of layouts, which you may notice when purchasing different PRI Manuka honeys! 

However there are key points that you can look for when reading your batch certificate.  

• Sample ID OR lab reference  - Your honey's batch number - This shows the report is for and the batch that your honey came from.

• Manuka honey test results always show 4 key markers, but the two you really need to pay attention to are:

• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - It gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties, the higher the concentration, the stronger the antibiotic effect. MG is derived from the compound DHA.
• Methylglyoxal (MGO) - This compound is found in high concentration in the nectar of the Manuka Flower.

• Your test result for PRI Manuka Honey will alway show these 2 markers, which confirm what you have purchased is active Manuka Honey. 

• The activity marker that is used to determine the different strengths is the Methylglyoxal or MGO level. This is what can be seen on the front of our new labels or in our older labels it is stated on the left hand panel of the jar.

• Your report will show a number in the line or column under or beside the MGO heading. For example if you have purchased our PRI Manuka 10+ or MGO 100+  you may see the following:
• This batch tested at an MGO level of 149. 
• Every batch varies and is rarely exactly MGO 100 and is why we always put the "+" .
• In this example the honey in your jar will be at a minimum a MGO level of 100 but has actually tested higher. 

 

Bees. Superheroes to every human - and really to every animal -  around the world. Essential to our survival, bees along with many other important pollinators, are responsible for at least a third of the crops we use every day. In New Zealand specifically, they team up with the mighty manuka shrub to create the most magical, medicinal honey in the world - manuka honey!

While native Maori peoples had been using all parts of the manuka shrub both medicinally and to create their homes and tools, there were no bees in NZ to make honey until 1839. This was the year Mary Bumby, sister of a Methodist missionary, brought two hives ashore and introduced European Honeybees to New Zealand. 

Brought over specifically to make honey, these bees also quickly became vital to crop pollination across the country, especially since most NZ crops are non-native. Used to pollinate everything from apples to the clover in dairy fields. Over 100,000 honeybee hives are used each year in New Zealand just to pollinate kiwifruit vines alone.

Over the years, the popularity of our favorite bee product - manuka honey - has seen a major increase. The number of hives has grown from around 300,000 to over 700,000 just between the years 2000 and 2019 more than doubled the value of pollination services in New Zealand. 

While PRI has always focused on sustainable beekeeping practices, this increase has made it more important than ever to ensure that we value and protect our honeybees to ensure not only their health but the health of our world and future generations. 

These practices are an important qualifier for PRI’s beekeeping partners. By restoring healthier bee populations and using managed care for bees, in a manner that respects their natural processes, we can help improve ecological agriculture and pollination. PRI supports research and preservation efforts to provide “best practices” education for beekeepers and farmers. Our beekeepers’ goal is first and foremost to meet our needs in a way that will also improve life for future generations. 

As part of the SAVE the BEE initiative,  a sustainable-beekeeper-only partnership committed to protecting honey bees by increasing public awareness of the role honeybees play in a healthy food supply, a portion of every purchase of our jarred honey is donated to help the bees. 

Want to know how you can help your local pollinators? Start by planting a bee garden and going chemical-free in your yard. Use this free resource to find plants native to your area, along with how many different types of pollinators will enjoy them!

Is your manuka honey real? 

Why manuka bottled “at the source” can help ensure purity & potency.

Trying to find the right brand & strength of manuka honey for your needs can be really, really confusing. There is so much conflicting and, frankly, outright incorrect information out there it’s easy to become discouraged! 

Over the years, we’ve provided various guides as to what the numbers on the bottles mean, MGO vs UMF, and more but there is one key topic we’ve discovered that just isn’t talked about much - where your manuka honey is actually bottled!

The short(ish) answer is that New Zealand has strict regulations for manuka honey and acknowledges that it has unique, testable compounds (read: MGO) which give it medicinal benefits. The FDA, on the other hand, states that no honey (or food in general) can have health benefits and doesn’t recognize MGO as a medicinal compound.  This is despite the fact that there are hundreds of studies that have been done showcasing the amazing benefits of manuka honey and it’s even medically approved for use for burn and wound treatment & more.

It’s quite frustrating both for your clarity as a customer and for us, as a small family business trying to spread the word about the magic of manuka honey!

How does this impact the importance of where the manuka honey is bottled? New Zealand MPI, the agency responsible for food safety, quality &  import/export regulations, requires each batch of honey to be independently tested and checks those results against the label showing the honey’s strength and if it is multi-floral aka a blend. These regulations apply to honey leaving NZ both in individual jars and in bulk. However, once the bulk honey leaves NZ it is no longer under the MPI’s purview, meaning it can be mixed with other kinds of honey, sweeteners, etc., and labeled as any strength or type.

Even before manuka honey became well-known as a powerful superfood & topical agent NZ has had strict rules for food export. Once manuka honey became well-known and given its higher price point and scarcity, these regulations became even more specific as fake manuka honey began to flood the market. While there are some downsides to bottling in NZ such as higher packaging prices and lack of many packaging options, we feel that it is an important way for you as a customer, and for our own peace of mind, to ensure that our honey is of the highest quality and is exactly what it says it is.

To further ensure as few middlemen are in the process as possible PRI works with family-owned beekeepers who have their own on-site extraction, creaming & bottling equipment. As the original importer of manuka to the U.S. market over 30 years ago, we’ve even worked with more than one generation of beekeepers because they are simply the best!

You may ask how this applies to our line of Australian Manuka Honey. Currently, Australia does not have any regulations on manuka however, we apply the same testing and labeling methods as on our NZ manuka. Due to the lack of regulations & the size of the country (re: more production), Australian manuka does come in at a lower price point but, as with any manuka, you as a buyer should be diligent about ensuring the manuka honey you are purchasing is authentic.  

 

At PRI, we are proud to offer test results for ALL of our manuka honey upon request. Simply send your batch number to orders@pri-nz.com