Kanuka is the name of a type of honey produced in New Zealand that has significant health benefits. It is related to the more well known Manuka honey. Both types of honey are made by bees that feed on types of native New Zealand shrubs belonging to the Myrtaceae family
The honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to help heal burns, bruises and other wounds. Studies have shown that it can also be an effective treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and acne.
It has also been shown to stimulate an immune system response in the body which could make it effective in fighting off illness and infection although research has proven inconclusive so far. Nonetheless, Kanuka is a uniquely powerful natural substance with few if any side effects.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the honey arise from high levels of hydrogen peroxide that it contains. The chemical is a naturally occurring substance in honey that is created by an enzyme called glucose oxidase. This substance, as well as other compounds found in the honey helps kill off bacteria and fungal infections as well as helping reduce inflammation.
These properties make Kanuka a powerful natural treatment for wounds, infection and some skin conditions. Because it is a natural substance it tends to have fewer side effects than other treatments, such as antibiotics, and also provides a natural barrier to prevent re-infection of wounds. It is so effective, in fact, that some hospitals are starting to use Kanuka honey based formulations to treat wounds and burns.
Kanuka has also been proven to help with a number of skin conditions including rosacea which causes a chronic red rash on the face – particularly around the cheeks and nose.
In a trial, participants applied honey face masks made from Kanuka twice a day to treat the condition. The results showed significant improvements in 65% of the participants while 34% showed major improvement and 13% reporting that their symptoms had disappeared completely.
To date, the only clinical treatment for rosacea has been long-term use of antibiotics, which can have significant side/effects, including increasing antibiotic resistance in the population. The use of the honey resulted in no reported side effects.
Another study has shown similar results for the treatment of acne. The trial showed that using a high-grade Kanuka honey face wash had a significant impact on reducing redness and inflammation and helped in healing acne lesions for many participants.
