Manuka is a unique native tree of New Zealand, best known for its antibacterial properties. It can be found in unspoiled forests in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

The Maori people of New Zealand used the Manuka tree for medicinal purposes. A drink made from the leaves reduced fever and treated colds; preparations from the bark acted as a sedative and crushed leaves produced antiseptic oil.

Manuka honey has attracted worldwide attention and modern research proves beyond doubt the healing properties of this honey. Manuka honey has been found to be most effective in the treatment of wounds, burns and throat infection.

Manuka honey has a strong butterscotch flavour and can be used in cooking, spread on bread, or eaten straight from the jar.

Many medical professionals are choosing to use UMF Manuka honey and are getting excellent results with the treatment of wounds which have not been responding to standard treatment. (A trial of UMF Manuka honey on unresponsive skin ulcers was successfully carried out at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand results have been published in the New Zealand Medical Journal).

Dr. Molan recommends using Active UMF Manuka Honey with a rating of 10 or higher be used, which is the level of activity for honey used by medical professionals in New Zealand. Although good results may be obtained with lower levels of activity, there is a chance that it will not fully clear an infection. Honey with a lower level of activity will not allow as much of the antibacterial elements to diffuse into infective tissues, and this could mean that effective control of infection may not be achieved in deeper tissues.

Kiwi Gold UMF Manuka honey standard rating is 15+.