COMVITA的品牌介绍

1.历史:于1974年在纽西兰丰盛湾成立,最初历史可追溯到1920年。是世界上唯一一家生产的上市公司。

2.原料

★直接从世界上最清洁的雨林和新西兰牧场收获纯洁、高品质的天然原料。

★在纽西兰精心挑选的养蜂人负责供应的蜂蜜包括麦卢卡、卡玛西和雷沃雷沃蜂蜜

★纽西兰政府是世界上唯一立法禁止蜂农利用抗生素喂食蜜蜂的国家.

3.标准

★纽西兰第一大蜂胶品牌

★在纽西兰蜂胶市场达到75﹪的市场占有率(Comvita)

★所有产品均标有蜂胶类黄酮指数(Propolis Flavonoid Level, PFL)，是第一家为蜂胶制定产品活性成分衡量系统的公司，亦即坚持按照活性成分－类黄酮，而非按照蜂胶的浓度，作为及标准化生产蜂胶的认证

★通过GMP（药品生产及管理规定）认证、GMFREE（无基因改造成分）认证及QONZ（纽西兰品质标志）认证

★纽西兰品质标志：获得标志的公司需要透过一系列严格评估来证明。这里使用的评判标准起源于鲍德利奇品质奖体系在并在世界范围内作为评判各种机构的基准。

4.非基因改造

“无基因改造”标志着产品不包含任何利用基因技术采自植物或动物身上经过改造的原料（通常称为“基因改造”或“基因过程”）。

COMVITA 产品中使用的动植物原料是天然产品，纽西兰不种植经过基因改造的任何商业性农作物。公司反对基因改造。坚信基因改造食品的安全仍存有严重问题，并坚持公众有权了解消费的产品中是否含有基因改造成份（GMO）。COMVITA 公司还反对在农业中使用基因工程，因为蜂蜜产品是最可能受到基因改造成份污染的食品。

COMVITA公司已经对其产品有关基因改造状况进行了核查，并且已确认全部原料都来自无基因改造成份的产品。

5.生产流程
★原料:蜂蜜供应给的大桶可装300公斤蜂蜜.这个数量的蜂蜜需要艰苦工作的工蜂在花间采蜜12亿次。

★蜜桶加温系统:这个系统有12个加热器，一次可以溶化12桶蜂蜜。蜜桶稍微加温，使蜂蜜呈液态，而不会损坏其天然精华。这个过程需要大约24-36小时。 

★储存:蜂蜜储存缸每个可储存多达4000公斤的蜂蜜。

★搅拌:每一批蜂蜜需要搅拌24小时，确保蜂蜜的粘稠度一致。在送达包装车间之前对蜂蜜进行更多的品质检查。

★包装:包装车间是一个工业化的蜂房！从储存缸倒入（需要8-12小时的时间）各种不同尺寸的容器内，然后贴上标签，进行压缩包装。

★冷藏:包装好的蜂蜜放入冷库至少48小时，然后存入库房等待批发。

　　纽西兰蜂蜜独特的玛努卡(manuka)蜂蜜产品：纽西兰拥有茂盛的天然玛努卡茶树(tea tree)林。玛努卡树叶及树皮是纽西兰原住民毛利人的天然草药，可制成镇痛解热剂、药及消毒水。玛努卡野生蜂蜜具有特别的风味与抗菌性。纽西兰waikato大学生化大学教授peter molan多年的研究发现，玛努卡蜂蜜具有特别的医疗作用，比一般的蜂蜜更好，甚至超些传统的药物。

纽西兰Manuka 的蜂蜜有下列的优点:

*有助消化-帮助减轻症状- helicobacter的pylori-利于敏感的消化-维持健康的肠细菌平衡。

*对于喉咙痛是缓和、润滑的。

*防止中的酸而且可以帮助阻止中洞的发展，援助口头的卫生保健。

*提高综合健康-高水平的抗氧化物。

*它是有助改善身体的耐力和快速恢复失去的能量的极好的能量食品。

*来自世界上最后一片净土的新西兰纯粹天然蜂蜜完全没有添加剂的。能被享受如美好的食物。

科学家已经解开了玛努卡蜂蜜为什么具有抗菌性能的秘密。德国德勒斯登科技大学的研究人员发现﹐玛努卡蜂蜜的抗菌性来源于一种叫甲基乙二醛（methylglyoxal, MGO）的化合物。研究人员试验了80多种来自世界各地的蜂蜜，他们发现玛努卡蜂蜜里的甲基乙二醛含量在每公斤350到700毫克之间，而一般蜂蜜的含量为每公斤0到10毫克。根据之前的研究结果显示，可可与咖啡是各种食物与饮料中含甲基乙二醛浓度最高的﹐含量大约为每公斤100毫克。(资料来源﹕2007年7月3日纽西兰先区报) 

坊间对“究竟什么是药性玛努卡蜂蜜”有太多的传言与困惑。“活性” 是什么意思﹖UMF代表什么﹖为了使您觉得物有所值﹐我们就来帮您解释解释。

活性Manuka 蜂蜜有何特别之处﹖
 

在过去十九年中﹐纽西兰怀卡托大学的蜂蜜研究人员一直在致力于研究一项纽西兰老少皆知的常识﹕那就是Manuka 蜂蜜对治疗伤口感染有奇效。这种神奇的蜂蜜就来自纽西兰全国随处可见的野生玛努卡灌木林。

  

“活性” 是什么意思﹖
 

代表活性的数字如“+10﹐+15﹐+20”来自实验室对蜂蜜抗菌性能的标准﹐把蜂蜜与标准的抗菌剂的性能做比较。数字表示的是玛努卡蜂蜜内所含的抗菌活性。UMF是一个商标﹐代表Unique Manuka Factor﹐意思是“独特玛努卡因子”。UMF与“活性玛努卡”均需具备活性级别。
部分蜂蜜生产商选择使用UMF作为产品商标标﹐而另一些则没有。活性Manuka 蜂蜜与UMF蜂蜜在实验室的测试方法完全相同﹐并由相同的实验室签发相同的测试证书。纽西兰医用的Manuka 蜂蜜其活性级别都在+10以上。活性级别较低的蜂蜜虽然也有一定的功效﹐但效果不一定能彻底消除感染。

因此﹐

使用蜂蜜的原则为﹕“如果不是用于早上抹面包﹐那么就请选择活性或UMF10+(或更高级别的)的玛努卡蜂蜜。”

活性蜂蜜的使用方法：

创伤？割伤？溃疡﹕ 

清洗伤口﹐然后在患处直接涂抹上厚厚的一层活性10+ (或更高级别的)玛努卡蜂蜜。也可以将蜂蜜当敷料倒在消毒纱布上(或用小杓舀)﹐然后将纱布贴在患处。注意﹐蜂蜜接触到皮肤后会被体温软化而散开﹐因此需要包扎稳妥。至少一天以后﹐按相同步骤更换纱布及蜂蜜。换药时不要除去伤口上的蜂蜜以免干扰伤口的愈合。蜂蜜接触伤口时会有刺痛感﹐这是正常的。伤口从边缘开始愈合﹐这样不会产生硬壳或结痂﹐也不会留下疤痕。

烧伤或烫伤﹕ 

将蜂蜜立即抹在伤处﹐这样可以防止伤口进一步接触空气﹐并能够减轻疼痛﹐这是对轻微的烧伤或烫伤的处理方法﹐但对较严重或可能发生感染的皮肤组织损伤﹐则应按照对创伤的处理方法进行包扎﹐以便加速愈合和防止留疤。

咽喉痛？胃溃疡？泻肚？呕吐及其它不适﹕

早餐与晚餐前一小时各吃一片抹有一汤匙活性10+ (或更高级别的)Manuka蜂蜜的面包﹐注意不要同时饮用流质。面包的作用是延长蜂蜜在胃里停留的时间。

感冒与咽喉感染﹕ 将一茶匙活性10+ (或更高级别的)玛努卡蜂蜜放入口中﹐慢慢溶化(将蜂蜜留在舌头下面以防快速吞咽)﹐一日一至二次。也可以将等量的蜂蜜溶入四分之一杯温水里﹐慢慢啜饮。

注意﹕建议不要给二岁以下的儿童喂食蜂蜜或蜂产品

COMVITA Manuka 蜂蜜（UMF 10+）500g

COMVITA Manuka 蜂蜜（10+）500g

【产品规格】500g
【主要成分】100%纯天然Manuka 蜂蜜，含10％以上活性麦卢卡因子 UMF 10+
【产    地】纽西兰

【服用方法】
饭前服用一羹匙来舒缓胃溃疡和消化不良症状
急救治疗可直接敷在伤口或烧伤处
每日两次用敷料敷在慢性伤口和创伤处
清爽,安全,消毒可直接擦于皮肤上

【适宜人群】
经常性胃痛、抵抗力弱、肺部功能弱、易感冒、服用降血压药者年老体弱
孕妇及二岁以上人士

【保质期】即时采购，保证都是市场上最新鲜的

【产品介绍】
COMVITA 活性Manuka 蜂蜜UMF10+, 15+, 20+含有天然独麦素(UMF),它是由纽西兰怀卡托大学教授，皮得.莫兰博士发现的一种特殊的无过氧化氢抗菌活性物质.目前未有在任何其它蜂蜜中发现UMF 物质,致使UMF Makuka 成为世界上最珍贵的蜂蜜之一.

COMVITA Manuka 蜂蜜UMF10+, 15+, 20+获受权使用活性麦卢卡蜂蜜企业机构的商标.每批COMVITA 活性物质独麦素10+,15+,20+Manuka 蜂蜜 的UMF 抗菌活性物质都经过独立实验室测试,运用怀卡托大学得出的实验规范而且保证每瓶蜂蜜的抗菌作用作用高于标准抗菌剂的2.5---5倍。

COMVITA Manuka 蜂蜜UMF10+, 15+, 20+装在一种不易破裂的褐色"药剂类"似问题容器内,专门保护蜂蜜中的重要天然成分不受光线的损坏.这是一种 纯天然的"生"蜜产品,含丰富的天然酵素和花蜜以及安放在货架期内,对其保健品质具有非常好的防腐作用.一瓶蜂蜜著实是"天然的伤患者的急救试剂盒".

健胃强肺、增强体质
COMVITA是世上最知名活性Manuka 蜂蜜产品品牌. 蜂蜜产于纽西兰最偏远且无污染的原始森林里的Manuka 树.科学家发现Manuka 蜂蜜具有一种独特抗菌性能.所以具有杀菌和促进伤口愈合的能力.对经常性胃痛、肺弱、易感冒、肌肤干燥、便秘和肠胃敏感也很适合。

胃溃疡、喉咙炎
纽 西兰 Waikato 大学生化大学教授 Peter Molan 多年的研究发现，Manuka 蜂蜜具有特别的医疗作用，比一般的蜂蜜更好，甚至超越传统的药物。古埃及有人利用蜂蜜作治疗的纪录，其中包括喉咙、眼睛发炎、烧伤 及胃溃疡。Dr. Molan 研究证明Manuka 蜂蜜是所有蜂蜜中疗效最好的，它可以成功的消除各种细菌包括幽门杆菌。

纽西兰怀卡托大学的生化教授发现在Manuka 蜂蜜中含有一种独特的活性抗菌物质UMF独麦素，它具有强大而独特的抗菌及抗氧化能力，并可促进棉衣系统及天然疗伤,它的特殊治疗能力甚至超过很多传统的药品.

UMF10+代表其抗菌能力与苯酚10%的水溶液抗菌效力相同；

UMF15+代表其抗菌能力与苯酚15%的水溶液抗菌效力相同；

UMF20+代表其抗菌能力与苯酚20%的水溶液抗菌效力相同；

UMF10+以下的麦卢卡蜂蜜可以抑制细菌的生长和发展，用于一般保健UMF10+以上的Manuka 蜂蜜可以杀死细菌，用于直接治疗不同程度的胃部疾病

 

【产品益处】

帮助消化，呵护敏感型肠胃，可维持肠细菌的平衡，杀死引起胃部疾病的细菌，保证抗菌功能高于标准抗菌剂的2.5-5倍
 

减轻肠胃疾病（胃溃疡，腹泻，十二指肠溃疡等）的症状，帮助痊愈，只有此种蜂蜜获证实能够杀死与胃溃疡有关的幽门螺旋杆菌
中和口腔里过多的酸性物质，保持牙齿健康及口腔卫生
含有高水平抗氧化物质，提高人体综合免疫能力，获证明可杀死对抗生素产生抗体的金色葡萄菌
天然能量食品，可增加身体耐力，快速回复能量
蜂中含有寡糖不含蔗糖，食用不会发胖，反而有助减肥
对治疗顽固皮肤溃疡和褥疮病症具有显著疗效

【注意事项】

本品不能替代药物的治疗作用,24个月以下婴儿不建议喂食蜂蜜及花粉,糖尿病人不建议使用蜂蜜产品

Manuka 蜂蜜

Manuka 蜂蜜源自紐西蘭最少污染的郊外樹林，以其獨特芳香的甜味及卓越的保健效益而聞名。這種非凡的蜂蜜採自Manuka 樹（學名：Leptospermum scoparium），是一種源自紐西蘭，長滿粉紅或白色小花的植物。

幾個世紀以來，人類皆認知到所有蜂蜜都有保健功效，但近代的研究發現，Manuka 蜂蜜有著與眾不同的活性成份，這種非一般的成份被命名為（UMF®），只有採自紐西蘭紅茶樹科的蜂蜜才擁有此珍貴的成份。UMF®  Manuka 蜂蜜絕對天然純正，其味道更是獨特芳香，令人難忘。
 

什麼是UMF® Manuka 蜂蜜？

UMF®是英文Unique Manuka Factor 的縮寫，亦即「獨麥素」，是活性成分的單位指標。而只有紐西蘭Manuka 樹的花蜜所提煉出的蜂蜜，才含有這種活性成分。

能配上UMF®標籤的Manuka 蜂蜜代表其活性程度達到一定的標準以上，深受廣大歡迎。

UMF®是活性Manuka 蜂蜜協會（AMHA, Active Manuka Honey Association）的註冊名稱及商標，只授權予在其嚴格規管及評核下所生產的蜂蜜質量完全達到標準的生產商。紐西蘭蜂蜜界代表（AMHA）嚴格執行 以防止任何麥蘆卡蜂蜜的誤導訊息在市場中流傳。

認明正貨

UMF®註冊商標的主要目的是確保顧客避免選購到活性不足的Manuka 蜂蜜。一般來說，客戶選擇Manuka 蜂蜜：
• 因其獨特芳香之美味作為食用
• 會留意UMF®商標及其活性指數以作為保健用途
要享有UMF®商標之權利，Manuka 蜂蜜生產／營銷商必須通過檢測成為AMHA（www.umf.org.nz）合格會員。同時，亦須遵守以下規定：
1. UMF®商標須明確顯示於產品正面標籤之上
2. 必須生產及標籤於紐西蘭
3. 由AMHA授權之合格會員所生產
4. 產品之正面標籤上必須列明獲授權公司之名稱
5. 產品的活性指數為UMF® 5+或以上

Honey for Dental Health

Recent research is indicating that UMF Manuka Honey could be effective for oral hygiene as it inhibits acid production and helps prevent the development of cavities in teeth.

Trials are currently under way using honey to decrease dental plaque and gingivitis, and to prevent the development of dry socket after removal of impacted third molar teeth.

Sore Throats, General Health, Energy Replacement

Sore Throats.
Laboratory studies are showing the UMF property in UMF Manuka Honey is effective, in vitro, against the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes (causes sore throats).
The honey has an anti-inflammatory action as well as an antibacterial action. Studies are showing UMF Manuka Honey to be effective for relieving sore throats.

It has also been heard of that rose prickles could gives an entry for streptococcus pyogenes, hence wisdom of applying a little UMF Manuka Honey to rose scratches and cuts as a precaution.


Systemic Health.
The possibility of UMF Manuka Honey as a systemic healer is being considered. There could be value in applying UMF Manuka Honey to the wound externally, and eating UMF Manuka Honey to help the body fight the problem from the inside.


Antioxidants & General Health.
Research in its early stages has found that New Zealand honeys have useful levels of antioxidants with UMF Manuka Honey having the highest of all. UMF Manuka Honey could help stimulate the immune system to help the body deal with infections.


Energy Replacement.
Studies are showing honey could be an effective energy replacement and energy booster, this is particularly significant for sports recovery.

Honey for Wound Care

Varicose and Skin Ulcers, Diabetic Ulcers, Wounds, Burns, Boils, Pressure Sores, Cracked Skin, Acne, Atopic Eczema

Studies and clinical trials are showing that high activity Sterilized UMF Manuka Honey provides an optimum germ-free moist wound-healing environment which supports and facilitates the natural healing of varicose and skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin ,cuts and grazes.

A very successful clinical trial using UMF Manuka Honey on unresponsive skin ulcers and chronic wounds was carried out at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, in 1999-2000


The following information has been gathered from some of the many reports about the healing qualities of honey. The relevant reports are listed in the Bibliography later in this section.


Medical studies are showing that a moist wound environment produces the best healing results.
* Moist healing speeds up the healing process. Tissue regrowth is slowed if a wound dries.
* Moist healing results in less scarring. A scab (dried serum) is the body's natural attempt to keep a wound moist.
But the type of cell growth under a scab results in a pitted scar. A totally moist environment prevents the development of scabs.
* A moist wound environment is less painful, requires fewer dressing changes and produces better cosmetic results.
If dressings stick to the scab of a dry wound, when the dressings are changed the scab is torn off, causing pain and also the tearing away of newly re-grown skin tissue.


But Bacterial Infection Develops in a Moist Environment
A wound will not heal if infected or inflamed.


Honey can provide a germ-free moist wound healing environment
Honey applied to wounds provides a moist wound environment, could deal with bacterial infection and it nourishes new growing tissue.


But the Antibacterial Potency of Honey Varies
Honey heals primarily because of a hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity. When honey comes into contact with body moisture the glucose oxidase enzyme introduced to the honey by the bee slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide.
This is released at sufficient levels to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging.
But the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity in honey can vary widely according to:
1. Honey floral type (some nectars contain a catalase which destroys the hydrogen peroxide)
2. How the honey has been handled, especially during processing (the glucose oxidase enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide is easily destroyed by heat, fluid and sunlight).
3. The hydrogen peroxide can be broken down by a catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum, so reducing the antibacterial potency when used on a wound or infection.


The non-peroxide antibacterial activity (the trademark UMF identifies honey which has this activity) is more stable and more powerful making it very effective for wound care
Laboratory research has shown that:
1. The non-peroxide antibacterial activity is very stable and not easily destroyed.
2. The non-peroxide antibacterial activity is not affected by the enzyme catalase present in the tissues and serum of the body (this catalase breaks down the hydrogen peroxide).
3. Laboratory studies have shown manuka honey which has the special non-peroxide antibacterial activity is more effective against the most common bacteria infecting wounds than that which does not have this unique activity
4. UMF Manuka Honey has both the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity common to most honeys as well as the non-peroxide antibacterial activity.
There is evidence that these two antibacterial activities together may have a synergistic action in which their combined effect is greater than the sum of the parts - making UMF Manuka Honey doubly potent and effective.



Sterilized UMF Manuka Honey can support the body's natural wound healing processes because:
1. Antibacterial. UMF Manuka Honey has both the hydrogen peroxide activity common to most honeys and the more powerful non-peroxide antibacterial activity. These two activities together are believed to have a synergistic effect enhancing the effectiveness of each other.
2. The non-peroxide activity can diffuse deeply into skin tissues. The hydrogen peroxide activity cannot penetrate tissues.

3. The glucose oxidase enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide needs oxygen, but the non-peroxide activity does not.
So it could remain effective even when smothered by wound dressings or in wound cavities.
4. Honey has a debriding cleaning effect.
The osmotic effect of honey gently lifts dirt out of the wound bed.
5. Dressings do not stick to the surface of the wound allowing easy removal of dressings.
The osmotic effect of the honey keeps the wound moist, clean and prevents the dressing sticking to the wound. Tissue damage and pain are reduced when dressings are changed as there is no tearing away of newly formed tissue. Healing is more rapid.
6. Reduces scarring. The osmotic action of honey draws body fluids and nutrients to the wound area and so assists cell growth and prevents a scar forming as the wound is kept moist.
Honey provides nutrients (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) to tissues
7. Promotes more rapid healing because the honey stimulates tissue regeneration.
* Angiogenesis is stimulated new blood vessel growth giving oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
* Fibroblast growth is stimulated by hydrogen peroxide.
* Epithelial cell growth is stimulated these cells grow level with the skin so that no scab is formed and so no scarring and hypertrophication.
8. Acidity of honey releases oxygen from haemoglobin new growing cells need oxygen. Honey stimulates the white blood cells.
9. Hydrogen peroxide in honey has an insulin-like effect and promotes wound healing. Insulin is a growth hormone
10. Anti-inflammatory action of honey soothes and promotes healing, reduces pain and swelling
11. Honey forms a protective barrier to prevent cross-infection of wounds.
12. Honey removes malodour from wounds by killing the bacteria which produce ammonia
13. Honey does not damage the surrounding tissue
14. Honey minimizes the need for grafting

Antibacterial Activity of Different Honeys

The following are some of the results observed in laboratory studies, in vitro results, when comparing the antibacterial activity of honeys against particular bacteria. (Source: Manuka Honey as a Medicine by PC Molan, 2001. Honey Research Unit Website).


Other Honey is honey which has antibacterial activity due to hydrogen peroxide.
Manuka honey is that which has activity due to high levels of the UMF (it is not manuka honey which does not have UMF).


Note. In some studies catalase was added to the manuka honey to break down any hydrogen peroxide.
In the cases where catalase was added (such as test result #1 wound-infecting bacteria; and #11 mastitis-causing bacteria) the results for the manuka honey would been approximately halved if the hydrogen peroxide was present because of the synergistic action of the two properties.


The results are summarised as follows, expressed as the minimum concentration of honey (% v/v) that will completely stop the growth of each species of micro-organism:

*1. Seven common wound-infecting species of bacteria (Willix et al 1992): Manuka Honey: 1.8 to 10.8%; Other honey: 2.6 to 7.1%

*2. 20 isolates of Pseudomonas from infected wounds (Cooper and Molan, 1999): Manuka Honey: 5.5 to 8.7%; Other honey: 5.8 to 9.0%


*3. 58 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus (Cooper et al 1999): Manuka Honey: 2 to 3%; Other honey: 3 to 7%

*4. 82 epidemic strains of MRSA (Allen et al 2000): Manuka honey: 4 to 7%; Other honey: 3 to 7%


*5. 56 strains of VRE (Allen et al 2000): Manuka honey: 5 to 10%; Other honey: 8 to 20%


*6. 16 isolates of haemolytic streptococci(Cooper RA, Halas E and Molan PC: paper in preparation): Manuka honey: 4.5 to 9.7%; Other honey: 8 to 20%


*7. 20 strains of Burkholderia cepacia isolated from the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients (Cooper et al 2000) Manuka honey 2.1 to 5%; Other honey: 2.8 to 5.3%


*8. Seven species of dermatophytes commonly causing tineas (Brady et al 1997): Manuka honey: 10 to 50%; Other honey: 5 to 20%


*9. 7 isolates of helicobacter pylori from biopsies of gastric ulcers (Al Somai et al 1994): Manuka honey: 5%; Other honey: >40%


*10. Twelve species of bacteria commonly causing gastroenteritis (Brady NF and Molan PC: paper in preparation): Manuka honey: 2 to 11%; Other honey: 3 to 8%


*11. Seven species of bacteria commonly causing mastitis in dairy cattle (Allen and Molan 1997): Manuka honey: 5 to 10%; Other honey: 5 to 10%


Conclusions:
1. The activity of honey is sufficient to expect a good therapeutic antibacterial action if honey was used clinically.

2. Manuka honey with high levels of UMF could be expected to be more effective than other honey when used therapeutically because:
A. The UMF property is stable.
B. The hydrogen peroxide of honey is broken down by the catalase effect of body serum and fluids. So, in vivo, the activity of honey due to hydrogen peroxide would be less than is seen in laboratory testing.
C. The UMF property will diffuse more deeply into body tissue than does the hydrogen peroxide property.
D. The presence of both hydrogen peroxide and UMF together gives a synergistic effect making the honey even more effective.



Select Honey for Therapeutic Uses Carefully
The results tabulated above are for manuka honey with high levels of UMF. Not all manuka honey has UMF.
That which has good levels of UMF is identified by the name UMF and its level clearly displayed on the front label.
The name UMF indicates the honey has a high antibacterial component and indicates the antibacterial strength of the honey.
The higher the UMF rating the greater the antibacterial strength of the honey.
Higher levels of UMF ensure best results.

Honey for Healing? It's a Food Isn't It?

Honey is one of nature's oldest folk remedies. Ancient civilisations used honey to help heal wounds.
There are many reports in medical literature of honey being successfully used for wounds, burns, skin ulcers, boils, infections.
Scientific university research is showing the reason why honey could assist the natural healing process and that Genuine New Zealand UMF Manuka Honey (with activity higher than UMF10) has even greater healing qualities because of its enhanced antibacterial potency.

University Research confirms Honey as a Healer

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Dr Peter Molan, MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, has since 1981 researched the ancient healing properties of honey. He has found that honey heals primarily because of a natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property present in varying levels in most honeys.

Bees gather nectar from flowers. Back in the hive to help preserve the honey they add an enzyme, glucose oxidase, to the nectar when they are processing it into honey.

When honey comes into contact with body moisture the glucose oxidase enzyme slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide. This is released at levels sufficient to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging.


In the research laboratory a catalase was added to honey samples to remove the hydrogen peroxide and then the honeys were tested again to see if there was still any antibacterial activity.
Some manuka honey samples were found to still have significant antibacterial activity - known as non-peroxide activity.
Manuka Honey which has this unique non-peroxide antibacterial activity is denoted by the trademark UMF (Unique Manuka Factor).


The hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity in honey can vary widely according to:
1. Honey floral type. Some floral nectars produce a catalase which destroys the glucose oxidase enzyme.
2. How the honey has been handled, especially during processing. The glucose oxidase enzyme is easily destroyed by heat, fluid and sunlight.
3. The hydrogen peroxide can be broken down by a catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum, so reducing the antibacterial potency when used on a wound or infection.






A Second Natural Antibacterial Agent
Dr Peter Molan and his research team at the Honey Research Unit at New Zealand's Waikato University found in some specific strains of manuka honey a second natural more powerful and more stable non-peroxide antibacterial activity. Manuka Honey which this non-peroxide activity is denoted by the trademark UMF.
The non-peroxide activity is additional to the hydrogen peroxide activity and gives the honey a wider range of uses and effectiveness.

In laboratory tests honey with high non-peroxide activity (over UMF10) has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including:
• helicobacter pylori - this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers,
• staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli - the most common cause of infected wounds and MRSA,
•streptococcus pyogenes - causes sore throats.


Laboratory tests showed that honey with only the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity, this includes ordinary manuka honey, is not effective against helicobacter pylori.


The non-peroxide antibacterial activity is very stable. It is resistant to heat and more resistant to being broken down by the catalase effect of body fluids than is the hydrogen peroxide activity.


Studies are showing UMF Manuka Honey with high UMF rating (over UMF10) could be very effective in:
• digestive care by supporting the body's natural digestive bacterial balance which bring relief to stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis
• wound care by assisting the natural healing of skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers, wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, pressure sores, MRSA, eczema, dermatitis
• soothing throats
• oral hygiene.


The non-peroxide actibacterial activity denoted by the trademark UMF is a phytochemical activity meaning it is a floral derived activity coming from the nectar of some manuka flowers. For this reason it is in only some specific strains of manuka honey.
The hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity is from the enzyme glucose oxidase which the bees have added to the honey.

How to Use UMF15+ Manuka Honey

For Digestive Care, Duodenal and Stomach Ulcer Relief:
* Try having a teaspoon to a tablespoon of the honey three to four times a day, ideally one hour before meals and again at bedtime.
* Try to have nothing to drink immediately after having the honey so as not to dilute the honey.
* Having the honey on bread, toast or cracker biscuit helps hold the honey in the stomach for as long as possible.
* Many people have experienced good results if they have the honey straight from the teaspoon.
* It is 100% pure honey so it does not interfere with regular medications.
* Adjust the amount and frequency to suit your own needs. Most people have a generous amount of the honey initially, then reduce it as they feel warranted.

Only UMF Manuka Honey is guaranteed to have the special UMF activity factor that has been shown in laboratory tests to inhibit Helicobacter Pylori (this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers).




For Enhancing General Health and Energy: Enjoy SummerGlow UMF16 Manuka Honey as often as desired on bread, in drinks, by the spoonful.
SummerGlow UMF16 Manuka Honey is 100% pure natural honey sourced from the flower of the manuka bush which grows in the remote unspoilt areas of NZ.
It has no additives and is safe to have as much as you like whenever you like.


As a First Aid
SummerGlow UMF16 Manuka Honey may be applied to minor cuts, grazes and burns to promote natural healing.
Clean the wound. Then apply SummerGlow UMF16 Manuka Honey generously to the affected area. Cover and keep dry. Change dressing at least once a day.
Always have clean hands, dressings and spatula.
Always cool a burn immediately under cold water before applying honey.


For Wound Care to Assist Natural Healing. Topical Use on Minor Burns, Cuts, Wounds, Some Ulcers and Infections.
* Spread the honey generously and evenly on to a clean dressing pad ensuring there is enough honey for a generous coverage of wound surface and any surrounding inflammation.
* Apply to the full surface of a clean wound. Cover well.
* Use about 1 tablespoon of honey to a 5cm wound.
* The dressing should extend beyond the edges of the wound and any surrounding inflamed area.
* It is best to apply the honey to the dressing to avoid damaging the wound.
* For skin ulcers and large wounds a dressing with a waterproof backing is preferable.
* Change the dressing at least once a day, if possible. Change more frequently (up to three times a day) if the wound is weeping a lot. The exudation of fluid (weeping) reduces as the wound heals, so less frequent dressing changes may be needed later when there could be a few days between changes.
* If the dressing sticks to the wound this usually indicates that more frequent changes of dressing are needed or that not enough honey is being used. Be sure to use plenty of honey.
* Waterproof dressings are better as they keep more of the honey in contact with the wound. Absorbent dressings soak the honey away from the wound. Adhesive tape or bandages can be used to hold the dressings in place.
* Pressure bandaging is used over the honey dressing for varicose ulcers.
* Abscesses, cavities and depressions in the wound bed are filled with honey before applying the honey dressed pad, so that there is honey contact with the wound bed.
* Sometimes transient stinging may be experienced after honey is applied. This is due to the acidity of the honey. The acidity is part of the way in which honey stimulates healing. Usually the stinging is transient and soon subsides. Use of honey should be discontinued if the stinging is severe. Some people have stopped using the honey for a short while and then find no problems when they recommence using the honey.
* Be sure to use a clean and sterile spatula for spreading the honey and clean, sterile dressings.
* Healing results may be slowed by underlying conditions such as poor blood circulation or diabetes.

What is UMF and Why is it Important?

• UMF means Unique Manuka Factor.
• UMF is the name of a very beneficial antibacterial activity found in some strains of manuka honey.
• UMF is not in all manuka honey, not even in all honey called active manuka honey.
• UMF is a guarantee and measure of the antibacterial potency of honey.
• UMF Manuka Honey (UMF10 is minimum level) has enhanced antibacterial potency giving it special healing qualities.
• UMF Manuka Honey with high UMF activity (over UMF10) is the preferred honey when selecting honey for special therapeutic uses.
• UMF is a registered name, trademark, and standard indicating antibacterial quality
• The UMF standard is the only standard worldwide identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of honey.

Checklist to Identify Genuine UMF Manuka Honey. It must comply with all five of the following criteria:
* 1. It has the trademark UMF clearly stated on the front label.
* 2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
* 3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the trademark UMF.
* 4. It has the UMF Licensee's brand name and licence number on the front label.
* 5. It has a UMF rating as a number on the label. The higher the number, the greater the UMF test result and corresponding antimicrobial, therapeutic and healing qualities.




UMF was first discovered by Dr Peter Molan, MBE, of Waikato University's Honey Research Unit.
Honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, a proven antiseptic with antibacterial properties.
Dr Molan's research found another more powerful and more stable antibacterial activity, called UMF, in some strains of manuka honey.
UMF is additional to the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity.
These two activities together have a synergistic effect enhancing their effectiveness.
Studies are showing the enhanced antibacterial qualities of high activity UMF Manuka Honey gives the honey special healing qualities.




There are Two Types of Manuka Honey:
1. Ordinary manuka honey with only the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property common to most honeys. A very nice table honey.
2. UMF Manuka Honey with both the natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property plus its own natural UMF antibacterial property, giving it increased antibacterial potency. A specialty honey identified by the name UMF.
Low activity UMF5 is a nice table honey but is not recommended for special therapeutic use.
High activity UMF Manuka Honey (higher than UMF10) is the preferred honey for wound dressing and other special therapeutic uses.




Quality Control.
UMF Manuka Honey from a New Zealand company licensed to use the trademark UMF is audited and monitored to ensure it is true to label.
You know what you are getting if you get UMF Manuka Honey from a New Zealand company licensed to use the trademark UMF.
Look for the name UMF clearly stated on the front label of the jar




What is Active Manuka Honey?
* Originally manuka honey which had the extra UMF activity was known as Active Manuka Honey (and is often referred to by this name in the research papers and articles). However, the name "active" is now being used by many to refer to either the peroxide antibacterial activity or to honey with UMF levels too low to be recommended for therapeutic use.
* The word "active" does not indicate the honey has the special UMF property.
* There is no independent auditing and monitoring of honey called active manuka honey or manuka honey with any descriptive other than that labelled UMF.
* Great care needs to be taken when selecting honey for special therapeutic use - make sure it is genuine UMF Manuka Honey - and make sure the activity is above UMF10.



The Name UMF
To distinguish between the two types of manuka honey Dr Molan (honey researcher) and the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) have named the additional antibacterial activity UMF (meaning Unique Manuka Factor).
It is unique because it is only in manuka honey and in only some (not all) manuka honey.


UMF Licensees.
The name UMF is the seal and trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Association and can be used only by licensed users who must meet set criteria.

Note: A licensee must be a New Zealand company. No overseas company is licensed to use the name UMF.



The UMF Standard is an industry registered standard indicating which honey has the special UMF activity.
The name UMF on the front label guarantees the honey has this special property.




UMF Guarantee
The name UMF is a guarantee that the honey being sold has the special UMF antibacterial activity to at least the level indicated on the label.
It applies only to honey packed and labelled in New Zealand and tested after each batch is packed.
It does not apply to honey in drums, etc still to be packed, nor to honey not packed in New Zealand.
Note: Only New Zealand companies are licensed to use the name UMF. Do not be misled by overseas companies claiming they have UMF honey under their own brand label - they are not licensees.




The UMF Rating
The name UMF is followed by a number indicating the strength of the UMF property after the honey has been packed in New Zealand. A UMF rating of 10 is the minimum.




Laboratory Testing of Manuka Honey for UMF Rating:
The special UMF antibacterial activity is not found in all manuka honey.
The presence of this activity can be detected only by special laboratory testing.
Samples of honey are sent to New Zealand Laboratory Services (NZ Labs), the only laboratory appointed to test honey for antibacterial activity using criteria laid down by the Honey Research Unit at Waikato University, New Zealand.
These tests measure the presence of and level of the UMF antibacterial activity.




The Test Results
The testing of the honey provides two sets of results:
1. Total Activity rating. Most honeys have a Total Activity rating with activity being due to the hydrogen peroxide property.
Note:Total Activity does not identify the UMF property.

2. UMF Activity rating indicates the strength of the UMF property. For this test a catalyse is added to the honey sample to remove the hydrogen peroxide so that all that is measured is the strength of the UMF property.
The UMF activity rating is the most important when identifying manuka honey with the special UMF property.





The UMF Ratings (measure of antibacterial strength):
0-4: Not detectable
5-9: Maintenance levels only (a nice table honey but not recommended for special therapeutic use)
10-15: Useful levels endorsed by the Honey Research Unit at The University of Waikato
16 and over: Superior levels with very high activity.




What Can UMF Do?
1. In laboratory studies honey with high UMF activity (over UMF10) has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including the very resistant helicobacter pylori (this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers), the wound-infecting bacteria staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli, streptococcus pyogenes (causes sore throats).


2. Studies are showing UMF Manuka Honey with high levels of UMF activity (over UMF10) could be very effective in helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis, and when applied topically, in assisting the natural healing of skin ulcers, wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, MRSA.
Studies are also showing high UMF activity (over UMF10) helps make UMF Manuka Honey excellent for relieving sore throats and oral hygiene.


3. The UMF activity is very stable, unlike the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activitycommon to most honey. The hydrogen peroxide activity is easily destroyed by heat, light and water and also destroyed by the catalase effect of the body serum.
But the UMF activity is quite stable, making honey which has UMF the preferred honey for therapeutic use.





Why is UMF In Only Some Manuka Honey?
Bees gather manuka honey from the nectar of the flowers of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which is a native plant of New Zealand.
The manuka bush grows wild on undeveloped, unspoilt and regenerating land, and is commonly found throughout the country.

Manuka honey with UMF activity is gathered from the manuka flowers in only a few places in New Zealand - UMF is not in the nectar of all manuka flowers.
It is also evident that some areas of manuka bushes do not produce honey with UMF activity every year, and the concentrations of UMF can vary from batch to batch and year to year.
For this reason samples of every batch of UMF Manuka Honey are tested after the honey has been packed into jars.

UMF is a phytochemical-derived activity (it comes from the nectar of the flower); whereas the hydrogen peroxide activity common to most honey is from an enzyme added to the honey by the bee.
The reason why only some manuka honey has the unique UMF antibacterial activity is not yet known.
It could be from a sub-species of manuka or due to some environmental factor such as soil type. The researchers are currently looking into this question.