Alternative treatment - Does Manuka Honey help with eczema?

When my baby Marcie got hand-food-and- mouth disease, my brother introduced me to Manuka Honey as it supposedly can help to reduce the ulcers in the mouth. After doing a google search, I am surprised to find that there are many links relating to how manuka honey can help with eczema. Being curious, I did a little research and though the verdict is still not conclusive, Manuka Honey seems to be a fairly safe product with no known side effects.

What is Manuka Honey?

– Produced by bees that collect pollen from manuka bush native to New Zealand, proven to have anti-bacterial property above ordinary honey

– UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factors, where say a UMF 12 stands for 12% solution of antiseptic

How does it help with Eczema?

– Stops infection and reduces inflammation

– Moisturize, soothe and repair dry, cracked and damaged skin

Other Benefits

Other benefits published in a 2006 article DailyMail.co.uk suggest ability to fight superbugs, bacteria that causes gum disease, soothes sore throat and helps with digestion

Word of Caution

– Got to find active manuka honey in cream form, rather than applying honey direct onto baby, o.w. so sticky (and yucky or yummy, depending on how you see it!)

– One teaspoon is recommended for adults, so not to be given in excess to children

– Not to be given to babies below one year old (some links recommend 2 year old)

Update: View this post in 2014 with a compilation of studies on honey’s effect on eczema

- 12%