What is UMF?
The Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF, is the naturally occurring antibacterial property found in some manuka honey. UMF is unique because it is found only in manuka honey and only in some (not all) manuka honey. This enhanced antibacterial potency is in additional to the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property found in most honey. Dr Peter Molan, MBE, University of Waikato Honey Research Centre, was the first person to discover UMF in some strains of manuka honey. The name UMF is followed by a number indicating the strength of the UMF property. A UMF rating of 10 is the minimum to be effective for therapeutic use. The UMF Ratings (measure of antibacterial strength): 0-4: Not detectable 5-9: Maintenance levels only 10-15: Useful levels endorsed by the Honey Research Unit at The University of Waikato 16 and over: Superior levels with very high activity. What’s so special about UMF rated or active manuka honey? In laboratory studies the UMF property has been found to be effective against a w
