7Stone distributes Manuka honey in UAE

The world is harnessing the healing powers of honey from the Manuka Bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which grows uncultivated throughout New Zealand.

According to Mr Michael Stallion, from SevenStone, distributor of Spirits Bay Manuka honey in the United Arab Emirates, honey was used thousands of years ago by many civilizations to treat different ailments.

"It was the advent of penicillin and antibiotics in the 1900s that saw honey taking a back seat as a home remedy. Today, the tables are turning, where modern medicine is unsuccessful, clinical studies are showing the positive benefits of honey," he said

"Manuka honey is not something that has just surfaced, it has been the subject of in depth studies at a dedicated Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand for more than 19 years."

Active Manuka honey contains an additional antibacterial component found only in honey produced from leptospermum plants. This component is called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) and is considered beneficial to human health due to antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Stallion cautions,"Not all Manuka honey has the special antibacterial properties, this is why the UMF is so important. Honey which bears the name UMF has undergone testing a minimum of three times to earn its right to the UMF label and rating for its unique non-peroxide activity."

The UMF rating is a measure of potency. A rating of 5 - 10 is considered low, 10-15 is medium and above 15 is high.

The antibacterial activity of Manuka honey is primarily due to hydrogen peroxide formed in a "slow release" manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase. All honeys have a degree of this antibacterial action, which is created by the enzyme Glucose Oxidase, however this peroxide activity quickly decomposes by dilution, heat and light.

Active Manuka honey, however, has a second unique antibacterial property described as 'non-peroxide activity'. This powerful unique activity remains stable to heat, light, dilution and is difficult to destroy or break down. For example, Active Manuka Honey can be diluted more than 100 times and still successfully halt the growth of bacteria.

Spirits Bay Manuka Honey has a wide variety of healing applications including:

·boost and stimulation of the immune system to fight infection,colds and flu
·rehydration of the body following bouts of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upsets
·promotion of healing and tissue growth
·supporting the body's natural defenses.

High-rated Manuka Honey has the ability to destroy Staphaureus and Streptococcus bacteria, typically linked to the common cold, sore throat, canker sores and fever blisters. It can be used to treat cuts and abrasions, acne, burns, fungal infections and other skin problems.

Case study

'Bernie' was 15 years old when amputations were performed below the knees. Heavy growth of Staphylococcus aureus was reported and after 9 months of conventional treatment there was little evidence of healing. Dressings with Active Manuka honey were applied. Complete healing of all lesions occurred within 10 weeks.

"We have received tremendous support from the medical fraternity particularly alternative medicine practitioners as well as consumers," said Mr Stallion.

The Spirits Bay Manuka beekeepers battle mountains and streams, extreme elements of climate and the unpredictable cycles of nature to bring this pure elixir within our reach.