The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.

We all know honey as a necessary ingredient in food and drink recipes, but there’s one type of honey that’s great for your medicine cabinet. It’s Manuka honey and it’s trending in the health and wellness community for its many health benefits not commonly found in traditional honey.

Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is produced by the uncultivated Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Bees pollinate the tree’s flowers to produce this potent honey.

Hydrogen peroxide naturally gives honey an antibiotic quality. Manuka honey, however, has high amounts of antibacterial elements called methylglyoxal, or MG. This component is found in small doses in other honey. Manuka honey also contains dihydroxyacetone, courtesy of the Manuka flower’s nectar, which sends its antibiotic benefits through the roof.

In New Zealand, systems were developed to grade honey. It is usually done through KFactor, MGO, or UMF.

• KFactor measures purity, live enzymes, chemical residues, pollen count and more.
• MGO measures methylglyoxal.
• UMF measures methylglyoxal, non-peroxide activity, leptosperin and more.

As an effective antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, this honey can treat many health conditions as well as ailments caused by bacterial infections and inflammation.

Manuka honey can help with…

Acne

Acne is a skin condition typically caused by bacterial blockages that become inflamed and infected. Manuka honey can reduce bacteria and decrease inflammation, which speeds up the healing process. The honey can also help treat eczema, hives and rosacea.

Application: Clean the affected area and spread a thin layer across skin. Wait 10 minutes then wipe off honey. For best results, repeat daily.

Dental Hygiene

Manuka honey is known to improve dental health. Its antibacterial properties prevent the growth of the bacteria that cause gingivitis and bleeding gums. What’s more, is the honey fights tooth decay and reduces plaque. Research suggests that consuming small amounts of Manuka honey three times a day will help.

Skin

Thanks to Manuka honey’s many healing properties, it’s a great option to topically treat skin issues including burns, ulcers and wounds. This honey is a potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant source that has been recognized by the FDA as an option in wound care.

Application: Clean the affected area and spread a thin layer across skin. Wait 10 minutes then wipe off honey. For best results, repeat daily.

Sore Throat

Manuka honey is known to provide sore throat relief by attacking the bacteria that cause soreness. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties are said to reduce inflammation and soothe throat pain. This also includes those suffering from strep throat. Swallow a spoonful of Manuka honey as soon as your throat gets scratchy.

Looking to try Manuka honey? Try Wedderspoon Raw Manuka honey. It is produced using a raw creaming process to maintain all of the naturally-occurring and beneficial wellness properties inherent in this unique functional food. Additionally, it’s Non-GMO Project verified and is free of antibiotics, glyphosate and pesticides, as nature intended.

Manuka Honey is a powerful treatment for many external and internal ailments with proven results. It is, however, not suitable for children under 12 months, as no honey is. Reactions may also occur for individuals with a bee or pollen-related allergies.

Want to learn more? Stop by your local Heinen’s Wellness Department. Our Wellness Consultants are happy to assist you!

Please note, it is always best to seek the advice of your physician with any questions or concerns you may have before starting a new supplement.