Honey, the New Antibiotic

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(Free-Press-Release.com) February 24, 2008 -- An old household remedy is finding its way back into modern medicine. Scientists are now discovering that a particular type of honey is more effective in treating wounds than most antibiotics. Even chronic wounds infected with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria can be healed quickly with this honey. It's called 'Manuka Honey' and it comes from beehives located in New Zealand.

The use of honey for medical purposes was known to the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago. Even in the last two world wars, bandages with honey were used to treat wounded soldiers. However, the advent of antibiotics replaced this household remedy with the misconception that medicine was more effective than honey. The problem is that today we are faced with germs that are resistant to almost all types of antibiotics. As a result, the medical use of honey is becoming attractive again for the treatment of wounds. The reason being is that recent studies show that honey is actually more effective, despite what doctors once thought.

"It has already been proved that Manuka Honey can destroy antibiotic-resident bacteria such as MRSA, says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. "Additionally, Manuka Honey is also known to have an antiseptic effect." When producing honey, bees add an enzyme called glucose-oxidase. This enzyme produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide which is an effective antiseptic. The advantage of the hydrogen peroxide found in honey is that small concentrations are able to kill the bacteria because it is constantly being produced in a slow-release manner. Normally, much larger quantities of hydrogen peroxide are required because hydrogen peroxide loses its potency over time. However, in large concentrations it damages skin cells. This is a side effect that does not occur with honey.

Honeymark's wound care product containing Active UMF Manuka Honey is called "First Aid Antiseptic Lotion" and it is available on their website. Honeymark expects to have their products on the shelves of major retailers later this year. In addition to their wound dressing, Honeymark also makes Manuka Honey products that are effective in treating eczema, arthritis, ringworm, athlete's foot, psoriasis, etc. Honeymark also plans to introduce a cosmetic line containing Manuka Honey by mid 2008. For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

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