If you ever had a sore throat, then you know that it is no fun! Your throat is tender and painful, as well as feeling scratchy and burning. A really severe sore throat can even make swallowing or talking rather painful.

Sore throats are a common malady prompting more than 13 million visits to the doctor’s offices each year.¹

But sore throats are not as straightforward as you may think. Sore throats are divided into three types, depending on which part of the throat is affected. One type is called pharyngitis which affects the area right behind at the mouth. Another version is tonsillitis, which is the swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth. And then there is laryngitis, the swelling and redness of the voice box, or laryngitis.

Sore Throats are Tricky to Diagnose
Unfortunately, not all sore throats are the same, which makes them tricky to diagnose. Some sore throats are caused by a bacterial infection and others are viral in origin. About 90 percent of sore throats are the first sign or symptom of a viral infection that then turns into a cold or flu. The discomfort of a sore throat will generally disappear after a day or two to be followed by the typical flu symptoms, i.e., runny nose, congestion, cough, red or watery eyes and sneezing.

The other type of sore throat, called a strep throat, is due to a streptococcus bacterial infection. Strep throats cause the throat and tonsils to be inflamed and painful. This type of sore throat may last two weeks or more, making swallowing and talking difficult. While strep throats are commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 5 to 15, adults are by no means immune. Unlike a sore throat that is from a virus, a strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection spread by sneezing, coughing, sharing foods and drinks, etc.

Another throat problem can be laryngitis, the inflammation of the voice box, or larynx, an organ in your upper neck just beyond the back of your throat. There are both infectious and noninfectious causes of laryngitis. However, the most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection that lasts about one to two weeks.

The non-infectious form of laryngitis can come from straining the vocal cords due to singing, talking or shouting. Breathing in chemical pollutants can also causes irritation and inflammation of the larynx.

Loss of Voice
Excessively loud, prolonged and improper use of the voice can lead to strained vocal cords. This occupational hazard of overuse or misuse of vocal cords is a common problem for singers and professional speakers (and overly enthusiastic sports fans) resulting in hoarseness or temporary loss of their voice. Even coughing can irritate and inflame the vocal cords causing a sore throat and hoarse voice.

Other Health Issue Affecting the Mouth
Several conditions can also lead to problems in the mouth. A mouth ulcer, also known as canker sore, is a small painful lesion that develops in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Although they usually disappear after a week or two, and are not considered infectious or dangerous, they can certainly make eating, drinking, and even talking very uncomfortable. While there seems to be no definite causes, some of the potential triggers include nutritional deficiencies, stress, viral or bacterial infections, and food sensitivities.

Another common mouth problem is dry mouth, or the lack of adequate saliva production. Contrary to popular belief, dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. It is, however, the result of compromised functioning of your saliva glands.

Medications often list dry mouth as a recognized side effect. In fact, there are more than 500 prescriptions and overthe- counter medications that cause dry mouth.² Other causes include dehydration, mouth breathing, autoimmune diseases and radiation treatments for cancer.

Adequate saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. Saliva also enhances the ability to taste. Lack of saliva will reduce the presence of enzymes, which are necessary for proper digestion. A persistent dry mouth condition can, therefore, be the source of many health issues.

Silver Biotics and Manuka Honey—A Powerful Duo for the Mouth and Throat
When it comes to the health concerns affecting our mouth and throat, there are, in fact, few safe and effective pharmaceutical options. The viral form of strep throat has no medical interventions while antibiotics are prescribed for the bacterial version, increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Most cases of laryngitis or strained vocal cords are cured by resting the voice and limiting talking. While canker sores and dry mouth remain a serious problem for many people, there are only limited solutions available for resolving these problems.

The powerful duo of SilverSol® nano-silver and New Zealand Manuka honey, found in the new Silver Biotics® Silver Lozenges, is the latest breakthrough formula by American Biotech Labs LLC. This unique product has the proven ability to resolve throat irritation, while at the same time soothing hoarseness and strained vocal cords and increasing saliva production. It is formulated with a high concentration of SilverSol at 60 parts per million(ppm) for effective throat soothing action.

The Proven Benefits of SilverSol Technology
For thousands of years, various forms of silver solutions have been used for a wide variety of issues. Even the famous Greek healer, Hippocrates, praised silver for its ability to promote healing and improve recovery rates.

American Biotech Labs (winner of numerous medical innovation awards) has developed one of the most effective nano-silver technologies in the world. They currently hold more than 400 independent studies/test series from more than 60 different private, US government, military and also university labs, on their products.

Their innovative scientific, published medical reports have challenged some of the greatest scientists in the world, covering topics such as HIV, Malaria, Bird Flu, Influenza A (H3N2), MRSA, VRE, and numerous other problem pathogens. As evidence of safety and efficacy, their innovative silver products have received numerous government clearances and approvals from around the world.

Manuka Honey—Nature's Most Powerful Honey
Raw honey is truly a healing balm. Its wound healing benefits have been know for thousands of years. Raw honey is known for its potent antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Manuka honey has been proven to be a far superior form of honey. Manuka honey is made from bees pollinating the flowers of the Manuka bush, which grows wild in New Zealand. The Manuka Bush, Leptospermum species of the shrub, contains exceptionally strong antibacterial compounds.

What makes Manuka honey even more powerful for healing is the discovery that its nutritional content is up to four times that of normal flower honey. Research has found there are two main components of Manuka, which gives it so many health benefits:

• Hydrogen peroxide, a naturally occurring antibiotic found in all honey
• Methylglyoxal (MG) a powerful antibiotic compound found in large amounts in Manuka honey

It is the MG compound that sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey. MG is much more stable than hydrogen peroxide and won't lose its antibacterial properties when exposed to light and heat. For example, Manuka honey has been shown to have 100 times more MG than other conventional honeys and effective against 60 species of bacteria.³

A special global standard was created to identify and measure the antibacterial strength of Manuka honey. This Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating insures the medicinal strength of the honey being sold. Only New Zealand honey from the Manuka bush is eligible to receive this rating.

Based on the UMF rating system, a UMF number of at least 5 guarantees therapeutic amounts of the antibacterial properties of hydrogen peroxide and Methylglyoxal in a Manuka honey product.

Beyond it antibacterial effects, Manuka honey is renown for healing sore and inflamed throats, heals mouth ulcers, helps strep throats from either viral or bacterial infections, soothes hoarse throats and moistens dry mouth.

The Dynamic Synergy of Silver Biotics and Manuka Honey
There is no doubt about it. The synergy of SilverSol Technology. and Manuka Honey (UMF) in the Silver Biotic Silver Lozenges makes a powerful one two punch for the many challenges for a healthy mouth and throat. This dynamic combination soothes sore throats and laryngitis (due to hoarse or strained vocal cords), and is beneficial for dry mouth issues.

Aside from the many medicinal benefits, Silver Biotics Silver Lozenges are a great way to support and enhance your immune system. Since they are formulated with a 60 ppm concentration of SilverSol Nano-Silver, they can also be taken to strengthen and enhance your immunity!

So, whether you desire added protection during flu season or want to stay healthy while traveling on airplanes, etc, Silver Biotics Silver Lozenges should be a part of your preventative plan.

Silver Biotics Silver Lozenges are made with certified New Zealand Manuka honey (UMF10) guaranteed for purity and potency. The natural mint flavoring also gives the lozenges a great taste! All the ingredients are organic and natural as well as free of gluten, soy and nuts!

Once again we have to thank nature for a safe and effective solution to the many health challenges affecting our mouth and throat. Silver Biotics Silver Lozenges should always be at the ready whenever there is the very first sign of a tickle, cough or hoarseness! But also remember, they are a healthy treat for you and your immune system!

References:

1. PLoS One. 2014; 9(11): e111727. Rapid Antigen Group A Streptococcus Test to Diagnose Pharyngitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2. Plemons JM, et al. "Managing xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction: executive summary of a report from the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs." J Am Dent Assoc. 2014 Aug;145(8):867¡V73. doi:10.14219/jada.2014.4
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pmc/Articles/PMC3065476/

Looking through the world’s history books, honey pops up time and time again, including in records from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. As well as being a desired food, it is also one of the oldest known medicines, with famous philosophers, such as Aristotle and Dioscorides, mentioning it being used for ulcers, wounds and even a salve for sore eyes.

In more recent years, MGO Manuka honey, sourced from the wildest, most beautiful areas of New Zealand, has developed a reputation for being the most powerful of all and it’s easy to see why. Manuka honey is widely believed to soothe, moisturize and nourish troublesome skin, and support digestive health. Studies have also shown that it is effective at treating upper-throat infections and wounds. It has been the go-to health and beauty product for health enthusiasts for years with stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lizzie Jagger and world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic, raving about it.

How To Identify Manuka Honey
Typically a dark brown color, Manuka honey is a thick, smooth, rich tasting honey. It is produced by honeybees feeding on Manuka tree nectar, a beautiful plant with white flowers, that grows uncultivated and flowers for just 2–6 weeks a year, in some of the most scenic and untouched areas of New Zealand. Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have long treasured the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) for its special powers. Their medicine men boiled the bark and leaves for colds, using Manuka steeped in water for rheumatism, stomach upsets and dysentery and the bark for skin ailments. They even presented Captain Cook with a Manuka tea when he landed on New Zealand shores, which he continued to take after their meeting, as did his crewmen, to promote good health.

In more modern times, the power of Manuka honey was discovered when New Zealand farmers supplementing cattle feed with the honey realized that their stock never fell ill. Since then, it has become firmly associated with New Zealand and celebrated throughout the world as a naturally powerful ingredient and remedy.

Bees are faultless in their work but despite their best efforts, the quality and potency of the end product can vary. Honey can be damaged if it isn’t stored, processed or packaged properly, and there are also strict guidelines around what can be labeled as genuine Manuka honey. As with any food or health product, it’s important to be informed on how to identify the real deal. Along with taste, color and texture, there are several other factors that distinguish good quality Manuka honey from other honey varieties.

Shopping For Authentic Manuka Honey—Look For MGO
Those wanting to purchase the best Manuka honey products can find genuine, undamaged, premium New Zealand Manuka honey by following a few simple rules. One way to distinguish authentic Manuka is to look for honey with proven methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO is a naturally occurring compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honey—up to 100 times greater than ordinary honey—according to the University of Dresden in Germany—and is thought to be responsible for the unique bioactive and antibacterial properties of genuine Manuka honey.

The MGO system was first launched in 2008 and has since come to be the most widely accepted measure of determining genuine Manuka honey. It is supported by industry groups and organizations, such as the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand, and leading international scientists, such as Professors Molan—founder of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato, New Zealand and Henle—the head of the Institute of Food and Chemistry at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany. The higher the level of MGO in a product, the more potent the Manuka honey. For example, MGO 100+ Manuka honey is guaranteed to contain at least 100 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. The MGO scale runs from 30 –1000, though experts recommend opting for at least MGO 100+ to enjoy the health benefits associated with Manuka honey. MGO 550+ is the highest level of methylglyoxal available from most producers and indicates an exceptionally strong and powerful Manuka honey.

It is also important to determine that Manuka honey has come from New Zealand, renowned for its native Manuka plant, and for producing honey untainted by antibiotics, additives and other chemicals. With some brands, this information can be found on the back of the jar or packet. If consumers choose a honey that is proven to be of a high MGO level and is produced from Manuka plants grown in New Zealand, they can be confident that they will get the genuine Manuka honey experience.

How Cyclodextrins Can Turbo-Charge Manuka Honey
Another exciting recent discovery is that the already powerful qualities of Manuka honey can be boosted further when combined with other beneficial natural ingredients. One of these complementary ingredients is cyclodextrins; a plant starch derivative that Japanese scientists at the highly regarded Kobe University discovered can aid the transportation of bioactives into the body.

When combined with active ingredients (such as the methylglyoxal molecules found in Manuka honey), it has been shown that the naturally fibrous cyclodextrin molecules can substantially elevate the beneficial activity by making them more stable, soluble and bioavailable for more efficient delivery over a longer period of time. Cyclodextrins also actively lower the glycemic index of Manuka honey, meaning this combination is an ideal solution for diabetics or people on low sugar diets. Like Manuka honey, cyclodextrin is a prebiotic to help aid in digestion.

Some pioneering Manuka honey producers in New Zealand are combining Manuka honey and cyclodextrins in tablets and capsules for more effective supplementation. This protected delivery system means it is now much easier to deliver the benefits of Manuka honey where it is needed most. Other delivery systems, such as nasal sprays and eye ointment are also likely to be developed in the future as the technology and capability of the ingredients is even better understood.

Top Three Reasons To Use Manuka Honey

ENERGY: Manuka honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, which means it is a good natural source of long-lasting energy. Try switching out white sugar for Manuka honey in teas and coffees. It’s also a great addition to a pre-workout breakfast. Blend into a delicious fruit smoothie with banana and ginger or a ripe mango.

SKIN HEALTH AND HEALING:Manuka honey is known to be anti-inflammatory and have antibacterial properties when applied to the skin. Clinical research has supported the idea that Manuka honey helps heal skin burns and wounds, it even works against some of the superbugs. This means that it may help in treating sore throats and irritated skin. To soothe skin, add Manuka honey to a homemade face mask. Leave on the skin for 10–20 minutes, and then gently wash it away with warm water.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH: It is widely believed that Manuka honey can assist with digestive health. Scientific studies have shown that Manuka honey may be effective in the stimulation and growth of beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract. Mix with warm water and enjoy as a healthy drink to kick off the day. Make sure the water isn’t boiling as this will damage the nutrients in the honey. Alternatively, eat straight off the spoon!

Endnotes:
Mavric, E. et al. MGO mechanism of action: Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2008, 52