ALTERNATIVE REMEDY

PHARMACIST Gemma Fromage reveals the unexpected uses for everyday products. This week: Manuka honey for oral health MANUKA honey is produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, native to New Zealand. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits, and acts as an antibacterial, with use in dental hygiene. It inhibits the growth of oral bacteria such as P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, associated with tooth decay, reported the Swiss Dental Journal in 2014. Previous research also showed sucking a manuka honey ‘sweet’ for ten minutes three times a day reduced plaque and gum bleeding.