MRSA Treatment with Manuka Honey

As data on the prevalence of MRSA continues to mount, hospitals are taking an aggressive approach in preventing the spread of this resilient infection. Statistics indicate that about 2 million patients develop infections while being treated in the hospital every year and 100,000 of them die from the infection.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the proportion of infections that are antimicrobial-resistant has been growing each year. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for 2% of the total number of staph infections; in 1995 it was 22% and in 2004 it was 63%. In fact, a report issued by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control found that MRSA infections are 8.6 times more prevalent than previous estimates and that the antibiotic-resistant bacteria is found in all wards throughout most hospitals.

Studies show that 30-50% of the population carry MRSA on their bodies. The fact is, MRSA can coexist on the surface of the skin very harmoniously without causing any significant health complications. It's only when the bacteria penetrates the skin by way of a wound or puncture where it can become harmful.

Despite the grim reality of MRSA infecting our communities, there is a viable treatment solution. A special type of honey found in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia has proven to be effective in destroying this resilient bacterium. It's not so much the bees in this region that are special, rather than the flowers that grow on the Manuka bush. These flowers produce a unique nectar that contains extraordinary antibacterial properties. The bees use this nectar to create what has become known as Manuka Honey.

It has been discovered that Manuka Honey contains healing properties not found in other types of honey. Manuka Honey destroys MRSA by drawing moisture out of the bacterial cell, making it impossible for them to survive. This is very similar to what happens when you pour salt on a slug.