Honeymark, a manufacturer of high-end skin care products has developed an antiseptic cream containing a special type of honey that is effective in successfully treating Staph infections caused by MRSA and other infectious bacteria.

MRSA is not airborne but, rather spread by touch or contact. Statistics indicate that six out of seven people infected with MRSA contracted it at a hospital or some type of healthcare facility. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that MRSA claims more than 18,000 lives per year. This number supersedes the amount of people who die of AIDS. About two million hospital patients, nationwide, contract infections (MRSA-related or otherwise) during hospital stays each year, 100,000 of which end up being fatal.


Hospitals, however, are by no means the only place where MRSA can be contracted. About 30 per cent of the general population unknowingly carry MRSA on the surface of their skin without any noticeable side effects. In addition to hospitals, outbreaks have been known to occur in places such as schools and public gyms. Private residences and even pets are also places that can harbour and spread this potentially life-threatening bacteria. Public hysteria over MRSA has been amplified by the fact that antibiotics tend to be ineffective in treating it.

Antibiotic-resistant disease is a man-made problem caused by the abuse and overuse of antibiotics. Prior to the advent of antibiotics, honey was often used to treat wounds and clear infection. Now that antibiotics have proven to be less effective against certain types of infections, medical professionals are reverting back to the use of honey for medicinal purposes.


One of the most medicinally potent honeys of all is found in New Zealand. As well as clearing any infection that may be present, Manuka Honey has a very potent anti-inflammatory action which soothes wounds and removes the inflammation which otherwise would stop it from healing. It stimulates tissue growth and repairs wounds. Manuka Honey also stops scarring from appearing during the healing process.


The secret behind honey’s healing power is glucose oxidase, which is an enzyme that is found in the saliva of honeybees. This enzyme, combined with the nectar of flowers, produces honey. The enzyme’s antibacterial properties protect the honey from contamination. This enzyme also converts glucose to hydrogen peroxide, which is a gentle disinfectant.


The acidity of honey is enough to stop bacterial growth. The hydrogen peroxide present in honey is produced at safe levels (1/1000th of the level of a bottle of hydrogen peroxide antiseptic), but still potent enough to stop bacteria from growing. This is another factor that makes Manuka Honey a powerful antibacterial agent.


It’s important to know that not all honey should be used for medicinal purposes. The antibacterial properties in honey vary greatly, depending on the flowers that the bees gather nectar from. Manuka Honey, which is derived from the Manuka plant in New Zealand, is the only honey that should be used for medical purposes. Manuka Honey has extremely high levels of antibacterial properties, significantly higher than that of other types of honey. Manuka Honey also contains a mystery ingredient known as the Manuka Factor. It is believed that this unique antibacterial factor is its secret weapon in battling the MRSA superbug.


Manuka Honey is unique in terms of its healing properties. There is no other honey like it in the world. It has the ability to penetrate skin very well, getting to deeply infected tissues. Manuka Honey is now being considered the best topical solution to treat serious infections.


Honeymark’s first aid antiseptic lotion contains active Manuka Honey as a natural healing agent. "Our first aid antiseptic lotion has been used to successfully treat MRSA Staph infections," says Frank Buonanotte, chief executive officer (CEO) of Honeymark International. "Patients no longer have to suffer with the negative side effects of antibiotics that usually end up being ineffective anyway. Manuka Honey is a safe and effective treatment alternative."


In addition to the treatment of MRSA, prevention is also a concern. Honeymark’s hand sanitizing gel, antiseptic spray and liquid hand soap, all contain Manuka Honey and can be used to prevent the spread of MRSA and other infectious bacteria.