Manuka honey is a unique type of honey produced in New Zealand and parts of Australia, which has been revered not only as a delicious natural sweetener but also as a potent therapeutic agent and for its health benefits.
Its rich history in traditional medicine and modern research-backed health benefits make it a standout among the hundreds of honey varieties available around the world.
In this blog we will delve deeply into the health benefits of Manuka honey, its chemical composition, medicinal properties, and practical uses, which are backed up by scientific research.
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka bush.
Native to New Zealand and some parts of Australia, this woody shrub blooms for only a few weeks each year (2 – 6 weeks), and bees that pollinate its flowers produce honey with distinct antimicrobial and healing properties.
What makes Manuka honey unique is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound believed to be responsible for its antibacterial effects.
Unlike regular honey, which gets its antimicrobial properties primarily from hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey maintains its efficacy even when hydrogen peroxide is neutralised and has a very long shelf life.
Buy UMF 23+, MGO 1040+ Manuka Honey
Antibacterial Properties
Manuka honey’s most well-documented benefit is its powerful antibacterial activity, which is due to the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO), along with other compounds like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and leptosperin, contribute to this effect.
- Methylglyoxal (MGO): The higher the MGO content, the stronger the antibacterial effect. This is why Manuka honey is often labelled with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating, which correlates with the concentration of MGO and other beneficial compounds.
- Clinical relevance: Research has shown that Manuka honey is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and even antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Antimicrobial Properties
Perhaps the most distinguished benefit of Manuka honey is its powerful antibacterial activity. Unlike regular or raw honey, Manuka retains its antibacterial effects even after being exposed to heat and light, making it uniquely effective.
- MGO gives Manuka honey its potent, non-peroxide antimicrobial effects.
- It can inhibit the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori.
- This makes it an effective natural treatment for infections, sore throats, wounds, ulcers and some digestive issues.
Cytotoxic Effects
The selective toxicity of the high amounts of naturally occurring MGO found in Manuka honey is non-toxic to humans in the amounts typically found in honey but can be toxic to bacteria and pathogens. This makes manuka an effective natural antimicrobial agent.
Clinical Use in Hospitals
High grade Manuka honey is often used in medical settings - particularly in wound dressings and topical treatments to help heal:
- Burns
- Surgical wounds
- Leg ulcers
- Pressure sores
Its antimicrobial function helps prevent infection, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties support tissue regeneration, healing and pain reduction.
Scientific support:
A 2011 study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that Manuka honey can inhibit the growth of MRSA and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics like oxacillin.
Another 2008 study in The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy showed that Manuka honey disrupted biofilms — communities of bacteria that are notoriously difficult to treat.
Skin Care and Wound Healing
Manuka honey is a popular additive in wound dressings, topical ointments, and even cosmetics due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties because of its many health benefits in skin care and wound healing.
How it helps:
- Promotes tissue regeneration: Manuka honey helps create a moist wound environment, supports autolytic debridement (natural removal of dead tissue), and promotes new tissue growth.
- Prevents infections: Its antimicrobial action protects wounds from infection without the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
- Reduces inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain.
FDA Approval:
A further example of its health benefits and efficiency is that In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Manuka honey in wound care products and for its use in both hospital settings and cosmetic usage, which further validates its efficacy.
Use case examples:
- Burns
- Surgical wounds
- Diabetic ulcers
- Mouth sores
- Bedsores
Digestive Health Support
Manuka honey has been traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract and improve the immune system's response, and modern research supports its use in managing gastrointestinal issues.
Benefits include:
- Reducing symptoms of acid reflux and GERD
- Helping treat Helicobacter pylori infections, a major cause of stomach ulcers
- Alleviating IBS symptoms like bloating, cramping, and irregular bowel movements
Scientific support:
A 2006 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that Manuka honey inhibited H. pylori in vitro, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy for peptic ulcers. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can help repair intestinal lining and maintain gut health.
Soothing Sore Throats and Respiratory Infections
One of the most popular traditional uses of honey - especially Manuka - is for soothing sore throats, coughs, and respiratory ailments.
How it works:
- Coats the throat to reduce irritation
- Kills bacteria and viruses that cause infections
- Boosts immunity due to antioxidant and antibacterial effects
The antibacterial activity of Manuka honey is mainly due to the high concentrations of MGO. A great way to beat your sore throat is with Manuka Honey lozenges, which give the benefits of Manuka honey in a nice, easy to consume tablet.
When consumed or in some cases applied topically, the MGO interacts with bacteria in several unique ways:
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Naturally Occurring Antioxidants: MGO has high amounts of naturally occurring antioxidant properties, which means it can attack and neutralise harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to healthy cells and are involved in various chronic diseases. These antioxidant properties of MGO may contribute to Manuka honey's healing effects on wounds and its potential in reducing inflammation.
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Disruption of Bacterial Metabolism: MGO can affect and interfere with the normal metabolism of bacteria, which disrupts their ability to grow and reproduce. This negative affect on bacteria assists the immune system with combatting the bacteria and gives a quicker healing time and makes it more difficult for bacteria to survive.
Compared to regular honey
A 2018 review in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine concluded that honey, particularly Manuka, is more effective than over-the-counter cough suppressants for children and adults alike. It shortens the duration and severity of coughing and improves sleep quality.
Oral Health Benefits
Despite being a sugar-based product, Manuka honey can actually improve oral health due to its antibacterial properties.
It assists with:
- The Prevention of gingivitis
- Reducing plaque buildup
- Fighting bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Scientific support:
A 2004 study in the Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology found that chewing or sucking on Manuka honey products led to a significant reduction in plaque and bleeding gums in patients with gingivitis.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases - from arthritis to heart disease - and Manuka honey can help modulate this process.
Antioxidants found in Manuka honey:
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic acids
- Leptosperin
These compounds neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging and chronic disease.
Potential benefits:
- May reduce systemic inflammation
- May protect brain health
- May support cardiovascular health
Skin Conditions and Acne
Manuka honey is a natural remedy for various skin issues, including acne, eczema, dry skin and dermatitis.
How it helps:
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
- Reduces redness and swelling
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
Many natural skincare brands incorporate Manuka honey into their products for its soothing, antimicrobial, and hydrating properties. It can be applied directly to the skin or used in over the counter and homemade face masks.
Immune System Boosting
Due to high and complex antioxidant content, Manuka honey may increase immune response and also a quicker healing time as it assists in damaging foreign cells within the body.
Mechanisms:
- Enhances the production of immune cells
- Stimulates cytokine production
- Increases antioxidant protection
- Reduces oxidative DNA damage
People who consume small amounts of Manuka honey regularly often report fewer colds and infections.
How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey
Different Manuka Honey types can have different features and benefits, and it’s important to choose the right manuka for the right reason.
Always be sure to look for the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) certification, which guarantees the presence and level of beneficial compounds like MGO and leptosperin.
UMF Ratings:
- UMF 5+ to 9+: Basic maintenance, general wellness and everyday use.
- UMF 10+ to 15+: Moderate antibacterial potency, good for minor wounds or infections.
- UMF 16+ to 25+: High therapeutic grade, suitable for medicinal use and treatment for a variety of ailments. Try out UMF 25+ Honeys which is one of the rarest honeys on the market.
The typical MGO ratings for Manuka honey include:
- MGO 30+ - 100+: Low to medium potency. Suitable for everyday use.
- MGO 250+ - 450+: Moderate potency. Often used for general health benefits.
- MGO 500+ - 800+: High potency. Ideal for more significant health conditions. If you’re looking in this range, try Bee Power’s MGO 830+.
- MGO 1000+ and above: Very high potency. Used for more targeted therapeutic purposes, such as wound care and fighting bacterial infections.
Always ensure that the honey is:
- Authentic (certified by the UMF Honey Association)
- Raw and unpasteurised
- Packaged and labelled in New Zealand
- If it’s Australian Manuka, be sure it's scientifically tested and can be traced back to its source.
How to Use Manuka Honey
Here are some practical ways to incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine:
- Wound dressing: Apply a thin layer directly on cleaned wounds or burns and cover with sterile gauze.
- Sore throat: Take a teaspoon raw, or dissolve in warm (not hot) tea with lemon.
- Digestive health: Mix with warm water and drink on an empty stomach.
- Skincare: Use as a face mask or spot treatment for acne.
- Immune boost: Take one teaspoon daily as a supplement.
Safety and Side Effects
Manuka honey is generally safe for most people but consider the following precautions:
- Infants under 12 months should not consume honey due to the risk of botulism.
- People with diabetes should monitor their intake due to its high sugar content.
- Allergic reactions are possible, especially in those with bee or pollen allergies.
The Overall Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
The special and unique qualities within Manuka honey make it more special and highly desirable than just regular honey.
It’s a natural powerhouse with scientifically backed health benefits ranging from wound healing and antibacterial action to digestive support and immune system enhancement.
Whether you’re using it topically or internally, this unique honey offers a wide array of health-promoting properties, it truly is natures gold.
With growing research and demand, Manuka honey continues to earn its place as a valuable ingredient in both traditional and modern health practices.
When used wisely and sourced responsibly, it can be a delicious and effective addition to your wellness regimen and is a natural product which is highly regarded and has many different usages.
