First Health’s UMF20+ Manuka honey with propolis lozenges are the first of its’ kind in the region.

The powerful combination of both UMF20+ Manuka honey and propolis aids in boosting overall immunity, and this is a thoroughly safe, quick fix for sore throats, dry throats and even smoker’s cough.  The health conscious will love this powerful combination as well since it also contains antioxidants and bioflavonoids which help them manage good health. First Health’s UFM20+ Manuka honey lozenges with propolis provide antibacterial and antiseptic properties and are custom packed in a convenient, ready to eat, resealable bag so you are always ready to face what harsh weather might throw at you.

With the additional propolis content, you will relish a pleasant bitter sweetness when you first consume the lozenges; as each slowly dissolves in your mouth, the sweetness of Manuka honey will follow to complement the taste profile of the lozenges to provide a lasting and soothing effect on your throat.

What is propolis made up of?  What makes propolis good for health?

Propolis is a potent medicinal weapon in the medicine cabinet that bees create and use to help protect their colony.  Bees create propolis as a valuable immunity to counter dangerous pathogens in their environment especially since they live in such close proximity of each other. This produce from the bees is very important because the moist and warm nature of hives, coupled with the high levels of sugar and protein in honey, makes it essential to collect and produce propolis to coat and sterilise surfaces of the hives to prevent fungal and bacterial infection. So far, at least 180 different compounds have been identified in propolis.  Such abundance in its compound properties points towards the beneficial use of propolis in the human body.  This is similar to how bees use propolis as a natural source of anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and immunity boosting component in their daily lives. 

Propolis’ natural composition offers humans a range of health benefits when taken regularly.

Lab tests and reports show propolis is naturally full of goodness.  Propolis contain high amounts of Silica, Potassium, Vitamins B2, B3 and B6, Vitamin C, essential oils plus varying amounts of other daily dietary supplements that support the human immune system. 

Vitamin C is known for its essential role in tissue and bone growth and in repairing them. Reputed as an antioxidant, Vitamin C is also great for protecting our cells and helping to combat oxidative stress, while the cosmetics industry has been using ascorbic acid in a myriad of skincare products.

B vitamins have many important functions and are vital for maintaining good health and are typically available as B complex. Specifically, B2 (riboflavin) helps convert food into energy and also acts as an antioxidant. Other than cellular signaling, B3 (niacin) contributes to our body’s metabolism and DNA production as well as repair. B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production and the creation of neurotransmitters.

Both B vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble which means our bodies do not store them. There is thus a need to replenish our daily requirement for both types of vitamins through our diet every day.  Perhaps it then makes sense for those who require replenishment of such vitamins to try propolis, which has rich plant-derived compounds as well as Vitamins B and C.

(Source article: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b-complex )

Are taking lozenges or cough drops bad? What are the possible side effects?

It seems the number of lozenges and cough drops that one consumes in a day has a direct impact on one’s health and a few of the side effects can be worrying for most.  According to a recent report shared by Hong Kong’s Consumer Council, the former British colony’s consumer watchdog:

The report found that four throat drop samples of Strepsils, a popular brand with Hongkongers, contained 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol – both antiseptics used to treat mouth and throat infections – which could lead to stomach discomfort, irritation to the central nervous system, swelling of the face and breathing difficulties in case of an overdose.

The Consumer Council also found excessive use – about eight tablets a day – of Dequadin Lozenges Lemon could lead to tongue & mouth pains, since it contained 0.25g dequalinium chloride, a topical bacteriostat in each lozenge.”

In comparison to the usual lozenges and cough drops marketed by mass consumer brands in the market place, Manuka honey lozenges have hardly any ill effects.  First, Manuka honey has been used for centuries to treat wounds, improve digestive ailments and to soothe sore throats because of its unique antibacterial properties found in the honey. It is a native type of raw honey produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium flower, commonly known as the Manuka bush or tree.

Second, the major antibacterial component in the Manuka honey is Methylglyoxal (MGO) and comes from the conversion of another compound dihydroxyacetone that is found in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial and antibiotic effect of the Manuka Honey.

By using the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading methods, honey producers can grade Manuka honey based on the concentration levels of MGO in the precious raw honey. The higher the number in UMF ratings, the higher the concentration of MGO is in the Manuka honey.  For Manuka honey that is considered potent enough to be used for general medicinal purposes, it is typical for honey makers and retailers to recommend consumers to use at least UMF10+ and above on a regular

First Health’s UMF20+ Manuka honey lozenges with propolis are available in major supermarkets and selected pharmacies and petrol kiosks..

First Health UMF20+ Manuka honey with propolis lozenges uses the same Manuka honey that the company imports and bottles in the lozenges. This Manuka honey is specially farmed in the pristine mountain ranges on the north island of New Zealand by dedicated small batch bee keepers.

First Health’s Manuka honey Lozenges with propolis are suitable for people who want to improve their immunity, are suffering from chronic coughs, or throat irritations as well as for smokers and heavy or binge drinkers.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on our UMF20+ Manuka honey lozenges with propolis,  you can head to about 200 retail stores island-wide, including selected Cold Storage, PRIME Supermarket, Jason’s Supermarket, The Market Place, Watson’s, SPC, Caltex, Welcia-BHG outlets and HAO Marts. You can also purchase them at selected pharmacies as well as retail pharmacies in hospitals, namely, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital, Khoo Tech Phat Hospital and NUH Hospital. The 6-piece pack is retailing at $6.20 and you get a 10-piece pack at $9.90.  All prices include GST.