Manuka Honey

Manuka is a flowering tea tree native to New Zealand. The honey that is collected from these flowers has long been renowned for its remarkable beneficial properties.

Manuka Honey contains special antibacterial properties including an enzyme that produces Hydrogen Peroxide which is a proven antiseptic. Manuka Honey has higher levels of this enzyme thereby containing a greater level of antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is extremely rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals and has the outstanding ability to nourish, soothe and heal sensitive skin.

Manuka Honey also contains active antioxidants that neutralise free radicals which are responsible for skin cell damage. Manuka Honey assists in the growth of new cell and tissue regeneration. 

 

what is UMF®?

Research has shown that some strains of Manuka Honey contain an effective anti-bacterial agent known as the “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF®). UMF® is a guarantee and measure of the anti-bacterial strength of Manuka Honey. The UMF® standard is the only standard in the world in which the anti-bacterial potency of Manuka Honey can be measured.

Our unique products contain a UMF® OF 16+ making it one of the highest levels of anti-bacterial activity available in Manuka Honey, therefore ensuring the superior quality of our New Zealand Made products.

Dr Peter Molan MBE, Associate professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, New Zealand, has since 1981 researched into the healing properties of honey. This research has shown that the UMF® 16+ anti-bacterial activity, diffuses deeper into the skin than other types of honey.

This research is documented and can be found on the University’s website:

www.waikato.ac.nz search honey

can anyone use the term UMF®?

UMF® is the registered trademark of “The Active Manuka Honey Association Incorporated”. To be able to use these words and letters you must be an approved licensed holder or have approval from a licensed holder to use these. We have approval from a licensee holder number 1001, SummerGlow Apiaries Limited to use these.

what does 16+ mean?

The name UMF® is followed by a number that indicates the strength of the UMF® anti-bacterial property in a batch of Active Manuka Honey tested in a licensed laboratory after the honey has been packed.

A UMF® level of 10 is the minimum to be endorsed by the honey research unit at The University of Waikato as having special uses

0-4+ Not detectable

4-10+ Maintenance levels only

15+ Superior levels endorsed by The University of Waikato

It is important to know that the + does not and should not be confused with a percentage, for example a Manuka Honey with a UMF of 10+ at 4 % would have a higher level of activity than a Manuka Honey with a UMF of 6+ at 15%