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Posted 3/30/2012 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I've seen a few posts on the boards about taking active Manuka Honey and the benefits it can have.

I have picked up some active UMF 16+ and will start it daily , but wondering if anyone has noticed any improvements with symptoms from it, as it is rather expensive honey.

 

Posted 3/30/2012 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Depends on your situation. I have GERD symptoms. Manuka honey did help me, but not a lot. Manuka honey alone will not alleviate your GERD symptoms.
Posted 3/30/2012 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Adam

I'm on a PPI and also made diet changes, so I'm hoping the honey will help out in some way. Thanks

 

Posted 3/30/2012 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I tried Manuka but I didn't notice any change in my GERD or gastritis symptoms. It's supposed to be good for you generally so I keep meaning to finish the second pot!

MMM
Posted 4/1/2012 6:44 AM (GMT 0)
Can anyone specify the Manuka they have used?

Brand and UMF? And how did you take it?

Please.

Thanks.
Posted 4/1/2012 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am using Bio Active 20+ Manuka Honey. I bought it at wholefoods store. Amazon also carries it. I take it after dinner. I used to take it in the morning before eating anything else with ginger and banana for my gastritis.
Posted 4/2/2012 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I am using Wedderspoon Active 16+. I take it 30 minutes before meals with a cracker or on a piece of banana
Posted 4/2/2012 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Is it helping you Cylon? How long have you taken it?

I just bought the same one
Posted 4/2/2012 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
@Nickles

I've only been taking it for a few days, so no noticeable changes yet.  Then again, Im not certain what changes it might make.  All I know so far is that I have a small hiatal hernia with slight reflux, so I am not sure if that is the full reason for my symptoms, or if the honey will have much use

But figured I'd try anything.

Posted 4/2/2012 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
I would question anything you've read about Manuka and claimed benefits for GERD. Manuka does have impressive anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. I've taken it for years, an eighth-teaspoon at a time, as a "lozenge". It will prevent 90% of plaque from growing on teeth, keep throat infections at bay, and "perhaps" have some impact on pylori numbers in the stomach.

If your GERD is exacerbated by gastritis or infection in the stomach, then it's possible, I suppose, for Manuka to somewhat improve symptoms. But you can't candy-coat GERD. If you've been diagnosed with this condition, it's occurring because of a malfunction with the LES.

Permit me to get on my soap box for a moment, as I have read all the homeopathic remedies for GERD on the internet. GERD is a progressive condition, that can take several years to fully express symptoms. As the condition begins, it may come and go, and respond well to certain remedies. Someone who has experienced reflux for the first few times, and how awful it is, will be overjoyed when the symptoms go away. This could be due to an herbal concoction, or, more likely, the condition has improved on its own. The human brain being what it is, is sure that the sufferer was successful in "beating" it in a clever manner without seeing a doctor.

There are a handful of herbal remedies that will help soothe a scorched throat, or calm a stomach. But stop the reflux, no.

Does Manuka have health benefits? If you are troubled by what I described above, then yes. Will it stop/moderate GERD? No.

-Bruce
Posted 4/2/2012 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
It's good to have you back Bruce.

I wouldn't say GERD is necessarily progressive, there are people out there who have had isolated run-ins with GERD, lasting quite a long time, who have later become symptom and medication free. Those people tend not to need this forum of course. I had a 3 year remission between episodes - with zero symptoms in between. I believe it "recurred" rather than "progressed". Telling everyone this is a progressive disease is a bit harsh I think. Even though mine came back, it has remained pretty much the same for 2 years now. The clinical studies indicate it tends to stay the same/stable in most people.

http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v105/n2/abs/bjc2011214a.html
This study (quoted in my thread for New Members Concerned about Barretts) illustrates the point.

It's also worth remembering the most common cause of death for people with Barretts is not cancer - it's heart disease!

I think some people have success with natural remedies because they may have had undiagnosed Helicobacter - something manuka honey might be able to influence. The brand I tried was Nelson's 15+ - and if there's any chance of it doing my teeth good I may get another pot!!

MMM
Posted 4/2/2012 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for correcting me, MMM. I neglected to say, after the point I made about GERD being progressive, is that the progression isn't the same for everyone. It "progresses" to the point it will stop progressing, is probably the best way to put it.

The point I was trying to make, however, is that the internet is rife with "cures", written by folks who are probably early in the condition. No one ever retracts these statements of supposed healing when they don't prove to be so, either because they are lazy, are ashamed to admit they were mistaken, or have something to sell. I'm reminded of someone here on this board who claimed that garlic healed their GERD. OK, who am I to refute their change in symptoms, but, on the flip side, there needs to be a healthy dose of skepticism with all these claims...usually which is nonexistent because folks want to maintain hope of something that the medical community has overlooked. Tops on the list, is whether folks making claims have even been officially diagnosed with GERD, or are just suffering from occasional heartburn or stomach ache. This makes a big difference whether or not an herbal remedy may be able to provide some relief.

I wish that I had come across good, solid, realistic information years ago...leading up to my surgery last year. Instead, I wasted time searching for nonexistent cures, while I got worse and worse. I wish I had the money back I spent on herbal remedies, and the false hopes. I'm glad they work for some, but I question their long-term value.

As far as Manuka brands goes, I have found that Wedderspoon has the most consistent quality-control. The other brands I have tried vary from batch to batch, which makes me wonder how much I can trust the contents.

-Bruce
Posted 4/2/2012 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again Bruce,

I do understand your point - each person's GERD 'evolves' and the point at which things level off varies.

The first time I had GERD it went away with just licorice - this time the licorice seems to help but I agree, I certainly can't repeat the trick of pulling off another remission with it.

I'm personally happy to keep experimenting with natural remedies, especially because I've had other health problems improve with them over my life time. For other problems natural remedies seemed to either help or do no harm. With GERD, certainly for me, lots of things make it worse: apple cider vinegar, licorice tea, green tea, vitamins - all akin to swallowing fire in my case! Honey at least feels nice even if it doesn't help!!

I don't mind experimenting because I'm not looking for a miracle cure, just adjuvant treatments that may make things a bit more liveable.

I'm not sure if there's a 'sticky' about natural remedies - because you're right about the risk of a person delaying seeking professional help. The standard advice should be to get a clear diagnosis first and to follow through on all the tests and medical treatments until one reaches a plateau, from which you can, from experience, tell if you're headed for trouble!

It's good to see you around again Bruce.

MMM
Posted 4/9/2012 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hello


I've tried the Manuka (16+ Active) for a week, and while it is quite tasty, I have not noticed any help from it, not sure what I was really hoping for.

I will continue to use it until my jar is done, and perhaps it is healthy for my stomach and intestinal flora, but it's too costly for me to keep buying if it isn't really going to help with my throat issues.


 

Posted 4/9/2012 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
In conjunction with a good diet, it has helped soothe my stomach. It has not prevented reflux but it has perhaps healed any damage from it for me.
Posted 9/5/2012 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
It's true manuka honey will not "cure" gerd, however it is a proven healer and I feel it will aid in healing any damage done to your throat or stomach. After all most gerd is due to a poor LES, so "if" you can heal the LES you will be able to "cure" the gerd. Any form of healing from natural healers will take a long time of daily use, one can not expect to heal serious damage just after taking anything for a short period of time.

 

Posted 2/9/2015 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
I have been using Manuka Honey for my Gerd for the last month. Within two days I was able to reintroduce coffee, pasta sauce (Tomato), and chocolate without heartburn. IF this is a placebo effect, I don't care (!). I can eat these foods, and not suffer. But I DO believe the Manuka was very helpful. I only use 3/4 of a TEASPOON also, not the table spoon recommended on the bottle. I have the 100 mg, also, although my healthfood store ran out of this size (was I not the only one buying it at $20.00 a jar?), so now I have 250 next time.

So, COOL to find something that worked for me. NONE of the GERD prescription drugs did. I had intense diarrhea from all of them and even had 'issues' with just TUMS if I took more than 4 a day. THIS is nothing short of a miracle to me. cool
Posted 3/17/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I just read this somewhere and I am starting this 5 day regimen (May be more than 5 days). Says the Manuka Honey (or any raw unfiltered unpasteurized honey) is to heal the damage done to the esophagus and sphincter. Take 2-3 tsp a day. Then be sure to keep your acids down with low acid foods to continue to heal (banana, apple, raisins, white bread, tuna, avocado, vanilla ice cream that I can remember). Be sure to chew your food completely so it is mush like baby food (also to help heal). Once healed you should be fine. Your sphincter should close completely. I am starting my 5 day regimen today. Hope it works!

Post Edited (schwabbie) : 3/17/2015 4:43:23 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/20/2015 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning !
I was diagnosed May 1, 2015 with Esophogitis, GERD and LA Grade C and Hiatal Hernia.

My doc put me on PPI regimen after my endoscope.

I am 58, a little overweight, active work and was devastated about being put on a medicine for the rest of my life.

So, I tried natural remedies first. DGL, probiotics and Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey DOES work, but DO YOUR RESEARCH!
You have to have honey from a company with a license from New Zealand. The honey that starts with W does NOT!!! It is a rip off in my opinion.

I modified my diet a little, and take real Manuka honey, from a company with a license, and it worked.

I had a Trans Nasal Endoscope from an ENT doc---which was 10 minute procedure instead of that whole be knocked out miss a day of work endoscope ---- 60 days later, and other than still having a hiatal hernia, there were no more lesions, or any redness!! So happy!!

The PPI pills are dangerous in my opinion long term, so again, do your research and see what happens.

IF you have any questions, I would be happy to help!!

Posted 8/21/2015 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
madpear, thank you for sharing such a good results! Grade C - is not a joke and it is super that you managed to get rid of it!
Also i find it rather brave - to try natyral remedies first with this grade of esophagitis.

How exactly do you take Manuka honey and what is the brand that you use? Also what kind of probiotics is helpfull for you?


PS I should definitely give probiotics a try. Manuka honey i've tried but i didn;t have any system with it. I just ate it with tea without any progress.
Posted 8/21/2015 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
In my case, I found that Manuka honey was no better or different than taking in regular organic honey, so I stopped using it. I'm glad to hear that it's helped out some of you, but for me there was no noticeable improvement in any of my symptoms when I took Manuka honey as compared to not taking it. 

I also found no clinical evidence that it repairs the esophagus or any other part of the digestive tract. However, there have been some studies that indicate it does have benefits to applied topically on skin with certain infections. But as far as healing the digestive tract, I have yet to find a single reliable reference.

Some people say that it's effective against the H. Pylori bacteria and while I didn't find any proof of this, there was a study that showed it has been shown to inhibit the growth of over 80 different types of bacteria, though no one knows how or why it does this.  Maybe that's where the connection lies.

 

Posted 8/22/2015 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Booklady14

Glad to hear the manuka honey is helping you. What brand did you buy? Do you think the honey might be coating the esophagus & throat where you just don't feel the reflux?
Posted 8/23/2015 10:11 AM (GMT 0)
Davome

I have a Gerd problem, and have used many things to reduce acidity, the best results have come from Golden Syrup, when the reflux first starts happening.
I use a teaspoon of Golden Syrup, and let it rest in my mouth, for a long time, and let it slowing descend.
Within 2 days, my acidity, excess Gas went away, and I can now sleep in a warm bed, instead of sleeping in a vertical position
The reason I think is, that the syrup lines your gullet on the way down, and also helps your valve on the way down.
What I can't work out is the excessive Gas I was fighting, disappeared also
I also don't use the same amount of syrup, after every meal and the pain has gone away also
The best way I can describe it, is a method of healing the effects of the acidity in your gullet, and it is a automatic process.
Just remember to leave it in your mouth as long as possible, for the slow transfer to your gullet
Take notice of how hard it is too clean the excess syrup from your spoon, I think that's why it works so well on your gullet
Posted 12/1/2016 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
After seeing information regarding GERD and using manuka honey to end it, I am here to say that my husband started using it.

The suggested amount was 2 Tbl a day and then reduce to 1 Tbl and then use as needed.

He lived, literally for decades, on acid reflux medications daily.

After taking the honey as suggested he is off any medication. He will take about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon if he eats something that he fears will cause some indigestion (buffalo wings, tacos, etc.) and he hasn't had issues at all since.
He is living GERD free!

I also use it for upset stomachs and a little indigestion from certain foods. It gives almost instant relief.

Yes, it is expensive but it is well worth the cost & once you have the GERD under control you don't have to use it daily.

I can say not only YES, manuka honey HAS "cured" my husband's acid reflux but continues to be the only way we reach for indigestion relief in this house. yeah
Posted 12/1/2016 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have to disagree with your comment that manuka honey cannot cure your GERD.

My husband took PII's for DECADES. When we met I suggested he try the manuka honey. He was hesitant about it because of the price; however, compare the price to the price you pay taking PII's continuously.

He not only no longer has GERD after decades, but keeps it at bay with taking a spoonful of the manuka honey as needed to head off possible situations where indigestion is likely (spicy foods, etc.).

So I can attest that it can put an end to the GERD in some cases and his was fairly bad.

With anything, natural or prescription, not all things work the same way for all cases. To say it absolutely cannot cure your GERD is not correct. My husband is proof of this. It may help reduce your constant battles with GERD, it may help with certain situations, help with being able to eat more, or just like in my huaband's case it could create a situation where the GERD is no longer a problem.

Just my 2 cents about those that make cover statements based on their results. We are all different. It's worth a try and for $25 (around here at the Whole Food Co-Op Store we belong to) it can make a big difference in your life. It may not be a cure in your case, it may just help in certain situations, or it may end up not being helpful at all. But it's worth the try, as my husband can attest to!


bcfromfl said...
I would question anything you've read about Manuka and claimed benefits for GERD. Manuka does have impressive anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. I've taken it for years, an eighth-teaspoon at a time, as a "lozenge". It will prevent 90% of plaque from growing on teeth, keep throat infections at bay, and "perhaps" have some impact on pylori numbers in the stomach.

If your GERD is exacerbated by gastritis or infection in the stomach, then it's possible, I suppose, for Manuka to somewhat improve symptoms. But you can't candy-coat GERD. If you've been diagnosed with this condition, it's occurring because of a malfunction with the LES.

Permit me to get on my soap box for a moment, as I have read all the homeopathic remedies for GERD on the internet. GERD is a progressive condition, that can take several years to fully express symptoms. As the condition begins, it may come and go, and respond well to certain remedies. Someone who has experienced reflux for the first few times, and how awful it is, will be overjoyed when the symptoms go away. This could be due to an herbal concoction, or, more likely, the condition has improved on its own. The human brain being what it is, is sure that the sufferer was successful in "beating" it in a clever manner without seeing a doctor.

There are a handful of herbal remedies that will help soothe a scorched throat, or calm a stomach. But stop the reflux, no.

Does Manuka have health benefits? If you are troubled by what I described above, then yes. Will it stop/moderate GERD? No.

-Bruce

nono
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