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How Do I Use Manuka Honey for Ulcers?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Manuka honey comes from bees that collect nectar primarily from manuka plants, or New Zealand tea tree plants. Since it can kill the bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers, this type of honey can often be used as a treatment for ulcers. To use manuka honey for ulcers, you simply need to eat a piece of bread coated with the honey before a meal. This natural ulcer treatment is generally considered much safer than traditional ulcer medications.

A monofloral honey is a type of honey that is produced almost solely from the nectar of just one type of honey. Manuka honey is a type of monofloral honey that is produced by bees that collect the nectar of a flowering shrub known scientifically as Leptospermum scoparium. This shrub may also be referred to as New Zealand tea tree, and it is native to New Zealand and Australia.

Manuka honey.
Manuka honey.

Scientists have found many medicinal uses for manuka honey. Besides using manuka honey to treat ulcers, some people also use it to relieve acne and eczema. It can be used as a mild antibacterial agent on open wounds and sores. Heliocobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes the majority of stomach ulcers, can also be killed with this type of honey.

Using manuka honey for ulcers is a very simple process. All you need to do is ingest some of this honey several minutes before you eat anything. The honey helps coat and protect the stomach, and it kills the bacteria that causes the ulcers.

Piece of a honeycomb with manuka honey.
Piece of a honeycomb with manuka honey.

While some people claim that eating a spoonful of manuka honey for ulcers is sufficient, most experts recommend spreading some of this honey on bland food, such as bread or crackers. This will help ensure that the honey reaches and stays in the stomach. Also, make sure that you do not drink anything after you eat the honey. This can dilute the honey, which will make it less effective.

Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help treat ulcers.
Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help treat ulcers.

Traditional ulcer treatment typically involves prescription antibiotics. While these antibiotics can effectively kill the bacteria that causes ulcers, they can also cause a number of side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. Ulcer patients are also usually given acid blockers, which help reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These medications can also cause side effects, including constipation and abdominal pain. Individuals who use manuka honey for ulcers, however, hardly ever experience any side effects.

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    • Manuka honey.
      Manuka honey.
    • Piece of a honeycomb with manuka honey.
      Piece of a honeycomb with manuka honey.
    • Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help treat ulcers.
      By: Pasi Välkkynen
      Manuka honey, which is secreted by bees that feed on the manuka bush, may help treat ulcers.
    • Manuka honey refers to honey made from bees that mostly feed on manuka plants.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Manuka honey refers to honey made from bees that mostly feed on manuka plants.
    • Manuka honey kills the bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers.
      By: decade3d
      Manuka honey kills the bacteria that causes most stomach ulcers.