Benefits Of Manuka Honey In Natural Remedies For Dogs
Manuka honey is a specific type of honey produced in New Zealand from the nectar of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). It is known for its unique antibacterial properties and is used in natural wellness remedies for a variety of ailments.
Manuka honey differs from raw or processed honey in that it has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), an antibacterial compound that is responsible for its unique properties.
Manuka Honey is shown to include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties making it beneficial to include in topical or oral remedies.
Uses of Manuka Honey
Some common uses include:
Wound healing: Manuka honey can be applied topically to minor wounds, cuts, or hot spots on a dog's skin to help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. (first aid)
Ear infections: Manuka honey can be used to help alleviate symptoms of ear infections in dogs. It can be mixed with warm water and used to clean the ears, or applied directly to the affected area.
Skin conditions: Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can be applied directly to the skin or used in a face mask.
Digestive issues: Manuka honey can be used to help alleviate symptoms of digestive issues in dogs, such as acid reflux and ulcers. It can be mixed with water and added to the dog's food.
Kennel Cough: Due to its antibacterial properties, manuka honey can be mixed with warm water to make a natural remedy for coughs. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey can help to relieve symptoms. (respiratory)
Skincare: Manuka honey can also be used in skincare products, such as shampoos and conditioners, to help soothe and moisturize a dog's skin.
Emergency Nutritional Support: In situations where a dog experiences low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or lacks appetite due to illness, medical-grade Manuka honey can serve as a quick and palatable source of energy. Its high sugar content provides a rapid energy boost, helping stabilize blood sugar levels in emergencies. The enticing taste of Manuka honey can also encourage ailing or picky-eating dogs to consume food or medication when mixed with their meals, aiding in their recovery process.
For a dog mama, having manuka honey on hand can be a game-changer. It provides a natural, safe, and effective way to address minor health issues in dogs. Its versatility in treating various ailments, coupled with its natural origin, makes it a valuable addition to a holistic pet first aid kit. However, it's crucial to ensure that the honey used is genuine, with a certified UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating, which indicates its medicinal quality.
What’s The Difference Between Manuka Honey and Raw Honey
Manuka honey and raw honey share similarities but also have distinct differences, especially concerning their composition and medicinal properties.
Source and Production: Manuka honey comes specifically from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand. Bees pollinate these flowers, resulting in honey with unique properties. Raw honey, on the other hand, refers to any unprocessed, unfiltered honey straight from the hive, which can come from various floral sources.
Active Ingredients: The major difference lies in their active ingredients. Manuka honey contains a significantly higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its strong antibacterial properties. This compound is usually found in trace amounts in most types of honey but is present in much higher levels in authentic Manuka honey due to the specific flowers the bees feed on.
Antibacterial Properties: While raw honey, in general, has some antibacterial properties due to its low pH and enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey's antibacterial strength is notably more potent because of its higher MGO content. This gives it a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity. Propolis, produced by bees, is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics.
Certification: Manuka honey is often tested and certified based on its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which measures its antibacterial strength and quality. This rating system helps consumers identify the potency and authenticity of Manuka honey.
Regarding benefits:
Both raw honey and Manuka honey offer wound-healing properties, but Manuka honey's higher MGO content gives it an edge in terms of efficacy in wound care and healing.
Raw honey from diverse floral sources may have mild antibacterial properties but might not be as potent or effective in treating infections compared to Manuka honey. It may however be a good start until you can get Manuka Honey Ordered.
While both types can be beneficial for general health, Manuka honey's unique composition provides stronger support for various health issues like digestive problems, skin conditions, and immune support due to its higher levels of MGO and antioxidants.
For specific medicinal purposes, especially for addressing wounds or infections in dogs, Manuka honey's distinct properties and higher concentration of active compounds make it a preferred choice over regular raw honey. However, both can be valuable in promoting overall health when included in a dog's diet in moderation.
What Is Medical Grade Manuka Honey
Medical-grade Manuka honey refers to a specific classification of Manuka honey that meets certain criteria regarding its purity, potency, and quality for medical or therapeutic use. This type of Manuka honey undergoes rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure its suitability for medical applications.
Here are some key characteristics of medical-grade Manuka honey:
High UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Rating: UMF is a quality standard used to measure the potency and quality of Manuka honey. Medical-grade Manuka honey typically has a higher UMF rating, indicating greater concentrations of beneficial compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), which contributes to its antibacterial properties.
Purity and Authenticity: Medical-grade Manuka honey undergoes strict quality control measures to ensure its authenticity and purity. It should be free from additives, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Certification: Reputable brands or producers of medical-grade Manuka honey often have their products tested and certified by recognized organizations or laboratories to verify their quality. Certifications may include UMF certification or other industry-recognized standards.
Clinical Use: Medical-grade Manuka honey is commonly used in clinical settings, hospitals, and wound care centers. It's applied to wounds, burns, ulcers, and other skin conditions due to its potent antibacterial and wound-healing properties.
Higher Cost: Due to its superior quality and specialized production, medical-grade Manuka honey tends to be more expensive than regular Manuka honey or other types of honey.
It's important to note that the term "medical-grade" indicates a higher standard of quality and suitability for medical purposes, particularly in wound care and certain therapeutic applications. Individuals seeking Manuka honey specifically for medical use or therapeutic benefits may opt for products labeled as medical-grade due to their higher potency and purity. Always look for reputable brands and certifications to ensure you're getting a genuine, high-quality product suitable for your intended use.
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Manuka Essential Oil
Manuka essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the manuka bush. The essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can be used topically or diffused for its benefits. It may be included balms, salves, and ointments.
Honey Cough Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of dried wolfberries, or elderberries.
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of manuka honey
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add 1/4 cup of dried elderberries to the boiling water.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the elderberries.
Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, add 2 tablespoons of manuka honey and stir well to combine.
Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
To use:
Shake the syrup well before using.
Give 1 tsp of syrup per 10lbs of body weight up to 3 times daily.
For Added Benefits include essential oils lemon, cinnamon, clove, and thyme. The quantity of essential oils depends on the size of your dog. And remember quality of your Essential Oils matter.
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Dosing Mankua Honey
Small dogs (under 10 lbs / 4.5 kgs) = ¼ teaspoon a day
Medium dogs (10-20 lbs / 4.5-9 kgs) = ½ teaspoon a day
Larger dogs (20-50 lbs / 9-22 kgs) = 1 teaspoon a day
Large-breed dogs (over 50 lbs / 22 kgs) = 2 teaspoons a day
Manuka Honey Warnings
Do not use in dogs with diabetes unless instructed by a veterinarian or pet wellness practitioner
Do not use in puppies under 1 year old due to sugar content & immune system development
Do not use with obese or immuno-compromised dogs.
Be aware that excess sugar is not healthy for any dog and could lead to excess energy (like a kid with too much candy) and may have a negative effect on dental care.
One teaspoon of honey contains 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories. You may see a wide range of suggested daily amounts. Don’t over do it. Less is more in most cases!
Honey contains live enzymes. It’s believed that using metal spoons will deactivate those enzymes. Use wooden or plastic spoons.
Disclaimer: Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information/product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.