Medihoney™ FAQs

Q: WHAT HONEY IS USED IN MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS AND WHY?

A: All of our specialised products in the Comvita Medihoney™ range contain Medihoney™ Antibacterial Manuka Honey. This is a standardised medical grade of antibacterial honey from the Leptospermum species commonly known as Manuka. Advanced biomedical research by Comvita has identified specific Manuka cultivars that produce honey with exceptional properties to maximise this honey’s potential in all its wound and skincare products. This honey is produced to exacting quality standards and is controlled against a rigorous set of standards to ensure the consistency, efficacy and integrity of every batch. It comes from a traceable source (Comvita can trace all of its honey back to the hive where it is sourced from) and is free of pesticides and antibiotics.

Q: WHY SHOULD I USE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS?

A: MedihoneyTM products can be used for a wide range of skin conditions. MedihoneyTM First Aid products can be used for:

Burns
Cuts and grazes
General wounds
Leg & Foot ulcers
To reduce the risk of infections

MedihoneyTM Skincare products can be used for:

Skin prone to Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Chafing
Nappy rash and incontinence dermatitis
Dry and itchy skin
Sensitive skin

Depending on your condition you can choose between six different MedihoneyTM products specifically designed for your special needs. Medihoney™ products have been used in hospitals and clinics around the world with outstanding results.

Q: WHERE DOES MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL MANUKA HONEY COME FROM?

A: Medihoney™ Antibacterial Manuka Honey is sourced from Comvita’s own hives and processed in our purpose built, state of the art facility. The entire process is supervised by our beekeepers whose sole focus is producing medical grade honey for Comvita. Our hives are positioned in remote locations of New Zealand far from human population, livestock, and agriculture or horticulture crops to ensure optimal purity of the honey. All of our honey is tested to ensure there are no residues from herbicides, fertilisers or pesticides. Comvita has developed a world-leading medical Manuka honey supply and extraction methodology into a system that has helped redefine honey industry standards. This has resulted in products licensed for use in hospitals in Europe and the United States.

Q: WHAT PROCESS DOES OUR HONEY GO THROUGH TO BECOME MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL MANUKA HONEY?

A: The extraction and processing of medical honey is vastly different to that of table honey. A key difference is the number of processes designed to minimise environmental contaminants. All of the tools we use to remove honey frames are sanitised and the frames are hygienically transported to our specialised extraction and processing facility. Automated closed extraction and filtration procedures minimise exposure to contaminants. At Comvita we use only the most stringent standards to ensure the consistency, efficacy and integrity of every product. Each batch is tested by an independent laboratory for its antibacterial activity and is sterilised to make it safe for use on infants.

Q: CAN I USE MANUKA HONEY IN A JAR ON MY WOUND?

A: No. Manuka Honey that is purchased in a jar is for oral/internal use only. Wounds, cuts and scratches or broken skin should only be treated with sterilised honey. Therefore, Comvita recommends using medical grade antibacterial Manuka honey for such conditions. MedihoneyTM First Aid products are CE marked to European medical device standard 93/42/EEC and are the first honey-based products cleared for medical use by the FDA (North America), Europe and Australasia.

Q: DO MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS CONTAIN PETROLATUM, MINERAL OILS, PARABENS, SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES AND COLOURS?

A. No. MedihoneyTM First Aid and Skincare products do not contain any of the above.

Q: CAN I USE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS WHEN I HAVE DIABETES?

A: Yes. People with Diabetes are able to use Medihoney™ on their wounds. There is no evidence that applying honey topically to a wound results in an elevated blood glucose level. However, we always advise that people with diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels while using these products.

Q: IF I AM ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS, CAN I STILL USE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS?

A: Yes. Bee sting allergies are a reaction to the bee venom. Honey is a bee product but is very different to bee venom. Honey is a combination of nectar from flowers and enzymes from the bee. If you are unsure or have life-threatening allergies, you should check with your healthcare professional.

Q: CAN I USE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS IF I AM ALLERGIC TO HONEY OR POLLEN?

A: True honey allergy is very rare but it is a recognised allergy. The cause of honey allergy is not exactly known but it is thought to be caused by pollen or other minor constituents of honey. If someone suspects they have an allergy to honey we advise them to consult their healthcare professional before using Medihoney™ products.

Q: WHY DOES HONEY SOMETIMES CAUSE PAIN WHEN APPLIED TO WOUNDS?

A: Due to the properties of honey some people may experience some discomfort such as a stinging or drawing sensation upon application. This will subside over time. If discomfort is of an unacceptable level, remove the dressing and wash the affected area.

Honey has a low pH which can be responsible for the stinging sensation. Honey also has a very high sugar content and low water content. Excess fluid from the wound is drawn towards the honey which can cause a drawing or slight throbbing sensation.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL MEDICAL HONEYTM AND THE MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL WOUND GEL TM?

A: Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM is 100% Medical Grade Manuka Honey whereas Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel™ contains 80% Medical Grade Manuka Honey and natural wax (derived from plant based raw materials) to thicken the product for easier application. Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM is not recommended for use in deep wounds i.e. if the bottom of the wounds cannot be seen, where the removal of the protective wax layer may be difficult.

Q: CAN MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS BE USED BY CHILDREN AND BABIES?

products whereas MedihoneyTM Skincare products contain sterilised honey. Therefore all MedihoneyTM products are safe to use on children and babies. Only honey out of a jar which is not sterilised should not be given to children under the age of one.

Q: CAN MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS BE USED BY PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING MUMS?

A: Yes. All MedihoneyTM products have been formulated with natural ingredients wherever possible. As with any other product, when using for the first time, patch test on a small area of skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM and Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM are both sterile products. When using the Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM or the Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM for cracked nipples while breastfeeding, gently remove the product with a warm, wet flannel before feeding the baby. Reapply after baby has fed.

Q: WHAT IS THE UMF® RATING OF MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS AND WHY IS IT NOT STATED ON THE PRODUCT PACKAGING?

A: UMF® stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It is a term that was first used to help describe the unknown antibacterial properties that scientists had discovered in Manuka honey. This antibacterial activity is found in variable levels in Manuka honey and so a standardised grading system was developed to measure the antibacterial potency of each batch. For example a UMF® 10+ honey has the equivalent potency of a 10% solution of phenol, a common antiseptic. The Medical Grade Manuka Honey that is used in MedihoneyTM products contains a minimum of UMF® 12+ honey. Scientists have now discovered that the principal component responsible for this UMF® activity is Methylglyoxal. Although Methylglyoxal is a potent antibacterial compound, it is not the only important factor in honey’s ability to support the wound healing process. Comvita led research indicates there are different properties in honey that work synergistically and this is why Comvita does not single out a particular component of the honey.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MEDIHONEY™ GENTLE BODY LOTION AND THE MEDIHONEY™ ECZEMA CREAM?

A: The Body Lotion is a light, hydrating lotion suitable for applying to the whole body. It can be used for sensitive skin including skin prone to dryness, eczema or dermatitis. Medihoney™ Body Lotion contains 10% medical grade honey. The Eczema Cream is a natural solution for the symptomatic relief from eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or dry skin. It helps relieve itching and protects and soothes dry skin and minor skin irritations. Eczema Cream contains 30% medical grade honey.

Q: CAN I USE MEDIHONEY™ FIRST AID PRODUCTS ON LEG ULCERS?

A: Yes, Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM and Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM are suitable for use on leg ulcers. Serious wounds should be managed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Q: HOW DO I USE MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL WOUND GEL TM AND MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL MEDICAL HONEYTM FOR BURNS?

A: All burns should be cooled with water first according to standard first aid protocols. Once cooling measures are complete, the burn should be assessed and medical attention sought if the burn is deep, large or over critical areas such as the face, genitals or over joints. Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound GelTM or Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical Honey TM can then be applied to a wound and covered with an absorbent dressing. If the burn is on the face, then the Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM is easier to apply because it has a thicker consistency and will not run as easily. Burns may have much higher levels of exudate (wound fluid) than many other wounds. When using Medihoney™ products, which draw wound fluid into the dressing and appear to increase drainage of wound fluid, you might have to change the dressing more than once a day in the first few days of the burn.

Q: WHAT ARE THE WHITE FLAKES THAT ARE ON MY WOUND WHEN I TAKE THE MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL WOUND GEL TM DRESSING OFF?

A: Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel™ contains a natural wax and this can sometimes leave a protective layer on the skin. The wax can be easily washed away with warm water.

Q: HOW NATURAL ARE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS?

A: MedihoneyTM Antibacterial Wound Gel TM and MedihoneyTM Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM are both 100% natural. Medihoney™ Barrier and Eczema Cream are formulated with naturally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Medihoney™ Gentle Body Lotion and Gentle Body Wash are also formulated in the same way and contain ingredients such as Medihoney™ Antibacterial Manuka Honey, Coconut oil, German Chamomile flower extract, Evening Primrose Oil, Aloe Vera and Grapeseed Oil. MedihoneyTM products do not contain steroids, artificial colour or fragrance, lanolin, parabens or mineral oils.

Q: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MEDICAL GRADE ANTIBACTERIAL MANUKA HONEY IS IN THE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS?

Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM >>> 100%
Medihoney™ Antibacterial Wound Gel TM >>> 80%
Medihoney™ Eczema Cream >>> 30%
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream >>> 30%
Medihoney™ Gentle Body Lotion >>> 10%
Medihoney™ Gentle Body Wash >>> 5%

Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE DRESSING WHEN USING MEDIHONEY™ FIRST AID PRODUCTS?

A: Reapplication and dressing changes should be carried out daily or as directed by a healthcare professional. If there is wound fluid present more frequent reapplication of the product and dressing changes may be required. The maximum length of time that the dressing may be left in place for is 7 days.

Q: IF I USE THE MEDIHONEY™ BARRIER CREAM AROUND A WOUND, WILL ADHESIVE DRESSINGS STILL STICK TO THE SKIN?

A: No. Medihoney™ Barrier Cream contains emollients to support the natural barrier properties of the skin. These emollients may prevent adhesive dressings from sticking to the skin. When using Medihoney™ Barrier Cream around a wound, it is best to use bandaging or non-adhesive fixation methods to secure the dressing in place.

Q: CAN I USE MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS UP MY NOSE?

A: Yes. If you are applying Medihoney™ in the nose, it is recommended that you use the Medihoney™ Antibacterial Medical HoneyTM as this is 100% Manuka honey.

Q: IS MEDIHONEY™ ANTIBACTERIAL MANUKA HONEY TESTED FOR TRACES OF VARROA MITE TREATMENT?

A: Yes, Medihoney™ Antibacterial Manuka Honey is tested for traces of miticides used to control the Varroa mite.

Q: WHY SHOULD I TRUST COMVITA®

A: Comvita’s Medihoney™ products have been tested in laboratories, used by healthcare professionals around the world and are supported by over 120 clinical papers and case studies. You can trust Medihoney™ products because Comvita is:

Independently certified to ISO13485:2003
Independently certified to EU Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified
The first company to have honey based products approved by the FDA

Q: WHERE CAN I BUY MEDIHONEY™ PRODUCTS?

A: Medihoney™ products are used in hospitals and clinics around the world with outstanding results. Now you and your family can experience these scientifically advanced products in your own home. Medihoney™ products can be purchased: