Honey has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of medical conditions such as wounds, burns, skin ulcers and scrapes. Now researchers are discovering strong antimicrobial properties in a special type of honey which is made by honeybees that gather nectar from a particular flower, indigenous to New Zealand. This special honey is called "Manuka Honey" and it is now being used as a main ingredient in various health care products on account of its incredible ability to heal.

Even though honey was used as a medicine thousands of years ago, it lost its popularity as a wound dressing when antibiotics were invented during World War II. However, new research is bringing this natural remedy back into the contemporary medical use, especially with the increase in Staph infections and findings of antibiotic-resistant strains bacteria.

Manuka Honey helps wounds in several ways. Its thickness provides a protective barrier around the wound. The hydrogen peroxide it contains is released slowly, killing bacteria that may exist in the wound. Manuka Honey also reduces inflammation and speeds up the growth of healthy tissue. It even makes wounds smell better. Scientists believe this could be because when the bacteria in wounds eat the sugar that's in the honey, they give off sweeter smelling gases. Patients that use the honey dressings on their wounds report that they experience less pain, leaking of wound fluid and scarring.

The special bacteria-killing properties found in Manuka Honey comes from the nectar of the flowers on the tea tree (Leptospermum) which grows wild in New Zealand. This antibacterial component has become known as the "Unique Manuka Factor" or more commonly known as UMF. Manuka Honey has been proven in clinical studies to destroy MRSA and heal staph infections where antibiotics have failed. This is gaining increased interest within the medical community as more cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria plague our hospitals and communities. Manuka Honey has worked in very desperate cases where nothing else has.

To make Manuka Honey, beekeepers set their hives close to tea trees so the bees will gather their nectar. Since the Manuka tree is indigenous to New Zealand and certain parts of Australia, this special type of honey is becoming quite a commodity.

Studies so far have found no negative side effects to using Manuka Honey for medical purposes either internally or topically on the skin.

Ken D'angelo

One U.S. manufacturer called Honeymark International uses Manuka Honey in all their health care products and is now developing a line of cosmetic products containing Manuka Honey, due to be released later this year. "Honeymark currently has products to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, infected wounds, arthritis, ringworm, athlete's foot, etc.," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Shortly we'll be introducing a Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer, Liquid Hand Soap, Antiseptic Spray, Sanitizing Hand Gel and an Anti-Aging Serum, all containing Manuka Honey."

For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit http://www.HoneymarkProducts.com

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Treatment for incontinence depends on what is causing the condition. For example, if a prostate gland problem is the cause, treatment for that condition can cure incontinence. In severe cases, an artificial sphincter, which allows you to control its open and closed settings, can be surgically implanted. Collagen injection therapy-where in collagen is injected into the external bladder to add bulk to the urethra is effective in some cases for women with sphincter deficiency and for men who experience urinary stress incontinence after prostate surgery. Medication also may be prescribed to treat incontinence; commonly prescribed drugs are anticholinergic agents (Pro Banthene), alpha-adrenergic agonist drugs, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, and antispasmodics (Bentyl, Ditropan, and Urispas). Postmeonpausal women with stress incontinence may benefit from estrogen either orally or by applying a cream to the vagina.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda views incontinence as a vata disorder that's caused by a weak bladder sphincter. Your Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend taking an Indian herbal blend containing ashwagandha and also may suggest eliminating or reducing your intake of alcohol and coffee and other caffeine-containing foods, which intensify the urge to urinate as well.

If symptoms persist, see your doctor for evaluation and assistance.

Bodywork and Somatic Practices

Oriental bodywork, reflexology, massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, polarity therapy, and CranioSacral Therapy are helpful first options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Chinese medical experts believe that incontinence is caused by a lack of energy in the kidney and spleen and their related meridians. To combat this imbalance, they work on the points that correspond to these areas and to the bladder.

Acupressure Points that may be focused on during an acupressure session to treat incontinence are Conception Vessel 2, Spleen 6, and related auricular points.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbs may be given to help tone the kidney and spleen and to strengthen bladder functions.

Yoga and Meditation

Exercise is always beneficial for strengthening muscles, including those of the bladder and surrounding areas. Try these easy yoga exercises several times daily to combat incontinence: Ashwini Mudra and Stomach Lock. Consult a trained practitioner for proper technique. Avoid these poses if you're pregnant.

Read out for Home remedies. Check out green tea and body mass index calculator

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Nutrition and Supplementation

Your diet should include at least 50 percent raw fruits and vegetables. Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are recommended as are "green" drinks made from dark green leafy vegetables.

Experts recommend limiting the amount of meat and diary products in the diet because these foods increase arachidonic acid which increases inflammation. It is also important to eliminate caffeine and alcohol, dairy products, fried foods, red meats, sugar, salt, junk food, and fast food. Foods Containing phytoestrogens can be beneficial and include soybean products, such as tofu, miso, and tempeh, and legumes, such as lentils, pinto beans, lima beans, yellow split peas, alfalfa sprouts and peanuts. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and turnips, are also indicated.

One of the functions of the liver is to remove excess hormones from the system, so keep the liver healthy with liver-cleansing foods, such as beets, carrots, and lemons.

Essential fatty acids help reduce the inflammation associated with the excess buildup of the endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Essential fatty acids suppress prostaglandins that increase the cramping that often accompanies endometriosis. Foods sources include salmon, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed oil; evening primrose oil is another source.

Daily supplements include:

Most Important

vitamin B complex (50 mg)-balances hormones, supplemented with vitamin B6 (50 mg 3 times daily) (Caution: doses over 100 mg are not recommended for long-term use, as side effects may result)

vitamin C (2000 mg 3 times daily) (Caution: high doses may cause diarrhea)-use buffered form

vitamin E (800 to 1200 IU)

evening primrose oil (1500 mg)

vitamin K (200 mcg)-clots blood

iron (as directed by healthcare provider)-a deficiency is common with endometriosis

Also Recommended

vitamin A (5000 IU)

folic acid (400 mcg)

magnesium (1000 mg at bedtime)

calcium (1500 mg)-supplies minerals

selenium (400 mcg)

flaxseed oil (1 tblsp)

potassium (3 to 4 times a day; see package for dosage instructions)

(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

The essential oils of cypress, geranium, and rose can help calm the symptoms of endometriosis.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda considers endometriosis a vata imbalance. As such, treatments are the same as those for premenstrual syndrome. See the "Premenstrual Syndrome" entry.

Read out for Home remedies. Check out skin problems and herbal remedies

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