How It Works

The Science Behind First Honey

First Honey® products are powered by the healing properties of Manuka Honey. This unique honey comes from the Leptospermum species of plant in New Zealand and has been clinically proven to kill bacteria and assist with wound healing.



first honey flower illustration

Step 1

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a natural saccharide found in the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as the Manuka tree, in New Zealand.







first honey bee illustration

Step 2

Bees draw their nectar from the Manuka flowers on our First Honey farms and turn it into honey. Over time the DHA in the nectar is gradually converted into a compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO) through a natural chemical reaction.







first honey drop illustration

Step 3

MGO is the main chemical responsible for the unique antibacterial activity in Manuka honey. Read the published research here.








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Step 4

Our beekeepers carefully harvest the Manuka honey, and collect a sample from each batch which is independently lab tested for the precise level of MGO. The batches with the highest proven concentration of MGO are selected for further processing.






first honey fh illustrationStep 5

The final step is our Medical Grade extraction line which removes any impurities and potential allergens from the honey, yielding the purest Manuka honey with certified levels of MGO for use in our First Honey® first aid product range.

 

Curious? Try First Honey for yourself. Click here to buy now.

 

Some further scientific reading that supports the clinical use of medical-grade Manuka honey:

Comprehensive In Situ Killing of Six Common Wound Pathogens With Manuka Honey Dressings (Watson D, Bergquist S, Nicholson J, Norrie DH) Read
The Use of Medical Grade Honey in Clinical Practice (Acton C, Dunwoody G) Read
The Use of Honey-Derived Dressings to Promote Effective Wound Management (Dunford C) Read
Pressure Ulceration and the Use of Active Leptospermum Honey for Debridement and Healing (Chaiken N) Read