Benefits of Manuka honey and what to buy

Manuka honey, native to New Zealand, has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that set it apart from other forms of floral honey. It has traditionally been used to heal wounds, soothe sore throats, prevent tooth decay. Honey has been around forever, but it has re-emerged in modern times and with the backing of extensive scientific study as both a “superfood” and medicine with a wide range of health benefits.

As with most products, there is a range in the quality — and therefore healing properties — of honey. The honey that you buy from the supermarket (maybe on special) to spread on your toast will almost certainly not have any special antimicrobial properties, whereas Manuka honey from New Zealand with a certified UMF (unique manuka factor) rating will have very definite and measurable additional antimicrobial properties.

It is the additional compounds — methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and flavonoids that separate Manuka honey from what we would call ‘table honey’

The benefits to your skin include bacterial and fungal conditions acne, eczema dermatitis rosacea and more, it will help to erase acne scars, reduce photo aging dark spots and promote the creation of elastin keeping your skin supple and younger looking.

Manuka honey is hygroscopic, the property of attracting moisture which means it will help to keep your skin moisturised. This is another reason that we use it as an active ingredient in a range of beauty and healing creams

Taken by mouth, Manuka honey helps to promote restful deep sleep by slowly releasing the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep

In 2007, Manuka honey was approved by the FDA as an option for wound treatment, thanks to its scientifically proven antibacterial properties. Multiple studies have shown that pure Manuka honey can amplify the regeneration of tissue and decrease pain in patients suffering from burns. Additionally, manuka honey is effective at treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),

Lastly, manuka honey is renowned for its gut health benefits — especially SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), low stomach acid and acid reflux or GERD. Experts say that it can balance the bad bacteria in your gut which can heal and soothe digestion, help prevent infections and build immunity. It’s also effective in killing the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori).

Manuka honey is a wonderful product, but be warned, there is a lot of fake Manuka honey out there with unscrupulous dealers capitalising on its reputation so it is vital that you spend your hard earned money on the genuine article, that is why we recommend buying only certified Manuka honey that carries the UMF trademark, that is produced and packed into pots in New Zealand.

I have made a short video on Manuka UMF honey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBOGPvvKe1g&t=5s