Most honeys contain a naturally occurring active agent that is believed to support good health, but is easily destroyed when exposed to heat and light. Manuka honey contains an extra, naturally occurring active ingredient that makes it distinctive from other honeys. This additional component is stable and doesn't lose its potency when exposed to heat, light or dilution. The quality is detected through laboratory testing in order to gain the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating that decorates jars of medical grade honey. Aligning with the UMF rating, the type of Manuka honey to keep in the medicine cabinet is that which has an ‘Active’ quality, meaning that its enzymes create chemical reactions within the honey. For the Manuka honey to be properly effective you should be looking at ‘Active UMF 10+’ or higher.
