Mānuka Honey has been recognised for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is an essential part of the body's response to infection or damage of tissue and it is what triggers the immune response to infection but excessive inflammation can cause pain, damage to tissue and scarring.
Research has found that Mānuka Honey contains potent anti-inflammatory activity which does not slow the healing of wounds and can also be used safely on eyes. They have found that it can also minimise scarring.
This anti-inflammatory benefit is not only thanks to the native Mānuka plant but also our clever little bees. When the bees collect the nectar they add a protein to it called Apalbumin 1, this protein suppresses the action of white blood cells engulfing bacteria and other particles, which is the start of the inflammation process. It was found that high levels of MGO (Methylglyoxal, the key marker of Mānuka Honey) react with Apalbumin 1 to make it even more effective in suppressing white blood cells.
This information is based on research conducted by Dr Peter Molan - The anti‐inflammatory activity of honey - http://waikato.academia.edu/PeterMolan