Why is Manuka Honey good for Kids?
There are many types of honey around the world and one in particular is Manuka Honey!
Originating from New Zealand, this honey has been known as a healing remedy by the locals for several centuries as it contains up to four hundred times more healing substances than regular honey. But is this honey also digestible for children? Because what is healthy for adults is not necessarily good for children. This article will answer many questions about Manuka Honey.
What exactly is Manuka Honey?
This honey is still relatively unknown. Manuka Honey originates from New Zealand where it is extracted by bees from the nectar of the South Sea Myrtle. The plant grows in much of northern New Zealand, in the mountains and in the south-east of Australia. This honey is said to have many positive effects, on the one hand it is said to strengthen the immune system and to stimulate the digestive system positively. Furthermore, it can be effective against external and internal inflammations, as well as against fungal diseases and, among other things, provide for healthy teeth. Numerous studies in Australia and New Zealand have already tested the positive effects of honey. Even the USA and Canada are already showing interest in this product and numerous studies are already underway to test its effectiveness.
Applications of Manuka Honey
This honey is especially suitable for external and internal use. Among them are colds, intestinal complaints or certain other infections. External applications are mainly for wounds or inflammations of the skin. The honey is either diluted or taken pure.
Manuka Honey is now even recognised by orthodox medicine. The medicinal honey itself is largely Manuka. However, as with all medicines, caution is advised, especially for small children.
At what age can children start taking Manuka Honey?
The reason Manuka Honey should only be taken from around the age of one is because it contains Botulinum bacteria. A baby should therefore not be given such honey as it can cause serious illness. The spores that are present in the honey cannot be processed at this age. The risk of getting botulism is therefore much too high for small children.
How can honey help children?
Manuka Honey can help the children especially with the following diseases:
Coughing - As a syrup, honey can help children especially with coughs and colds. Because this natural remedy is free of chemical substances, side effects occur only in very few cases.
Gastro-intestinal complaints - Manuka Honey can help very well with this disease. Because honey contains antibacterial agents, the germs in the child's stomach are killed. Furthermore, the sugar present helps against energy deficiency, which is usually associated with such diseases. Also here the treatment is in most cases without any side effects.
Skin problems - Manuka Honey is also ideal for external use. Spreading the honey on the wound is sufficient to provide relief. A dressing should then be applied to the coated wound to protect it from external environmental influences. This dressing should be changed several times a day, as otherwise dirt and skin particles will collect and bacteria will be attracted. When it comes to external application, this remedy is not dangerous.
To administer the honey in which strength? - In order to be able to make a correct dosage, it must first be known how much methylglyoxal the particular honey contains. With most products the MGO value (short for methylglyoxal) is already noted. A good dosage starts at an MGO value of around 100. Medically effective, this honey is only effective at a dosage of 400. This means that several spoons must be taken to achieve the desired dosage.
With children it is very important that they do not take the honey before the first year of life, as mentioned above. The reason for this is that small amounts of botulinum are released - a toxin - which, although small, can cause serious health problems in small children. After the first 12 months, however, it should not be a problem for children to take this honey. Therefore the same dose applies as for adults. For external use there should be an MGO value of around 100 or more and for internal use 400 or more. However, the latter dosage should only be administered to larger children.
Can side effects occur?
No side effects are generally known to occur with Manuka Honey. However, due to the high proportion of MGO, a too high dose is not recommended. Honey is generally very high in sugar and is therefore not suitable for diabetics. Even if children do not tolerate honey well, care should be taken.
Our conclusion:
It should be said that Manuka Honey is definitely a healthy alternative to traditional remedies. The fact that honey can be used to treat a variety of conditions and injuries makes it an ideal panacea. However, it is very important for children to maintain an accurate dosage. Especially small children under 10 months should not be given honey.
For the Love of Lore.