1. Manuka honey is renowned for its antibacterial properties
Regular honey has a good reputation in this field too, but Manuka honey's MGO content puts it ahead of the game. Manuka honey's MGO content means it has antibacterial properties, and generally, the higher the MGO number, the greater the antibacterial/antimicrobial activity.8,9
The bees that frequent the Manuka bush carry back the antibacterial substance dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which originates in the nectar of Manuka flowers.10 The bees then carry it back to the hive and transform it into MGO-rich Manuka honey for us to enjoy – bee-utiful!
2. May soothe and calm sore throats
You've probably been advised by your parents or grandparents to drink some hot tea and honey when you have a sore throat. This is because anecdotally honey does an amazing job of soothing those
sore throats.
Further research is needed to fully understand the medicinal benefits of honey, but at the very least you’ll have a tasty, sweet drink. Pair that with Manuka honey's valuable properties, and you're on to a winner.
Simply mix two tablespoons of Manuka honey with a warm glass of water or tea to possibly help soothe your throat. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot or fresh out the kettle, as boiling water can hinder honey’s effectiveness.
3. It could support the wound-healing process and help to treat wounds
Traditionally, Manuka honey was used to speed up the healing process of wounds.11
Due to its valuable properties, research found that Manuka honey was an effective treatment for encouraging wounds to heal and can even help to protect the wound from bacterial infections.12,13
As a result, in 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Manuka honey for wound treatment.14
4. Adds texture and flavour to recipes without lots of sugar
Manuka honey has a stronger, earthier taste than most other honey varieties, with a thicker texture like molasses. As such, Manuka honey can be a great addition as a sweetener to bakes, drinks, glazes, dressings, sauces, or even just on your toast in the morning.
Whether you add Manuka honey to your morning smoothie or your next delicious bake, you can find all the inspiration you need with our
Manuka honey recipes.
5. Might support gut health
Whilst more research is needed in this area, in some studies Manuka honey, and honey in general, have been found to potentially be a great
prebiotic.
15,16
Prebiotics are a source of non-digestible carbohydrates, known as oligosaccharides, that are great for our gut.17 Our bodies can't digest these carbs, but the bacteria in our gut can.18 So, using these oligosaccharides as fuel helps the 'good' bacteria in our digestive system thrive.18
6. May help oral health
Whilst more research and scientific evidence on how Manuka honey can help with oral health is needed, one early study showed promising results. It concluded that Manuka honey might protect teeth from plaque build-up and tooth decay, and their findings encourage further study in this area.18
7. It may help to treat blemishes and soothe the skin
The unique properties of Manuka honey have been anecdotally praised to be excellent for fighting blemishes, soothing skin, and even making your skin look radiant.19,20
Manuka honey's ability to help treat wounds can help fight harmful bacteria on your skin which may cause blemishes or irritation.13 In addition, it may also help reduce inflammation and calm any redness.21
Manuka honey is believed to be highly moisturising, so it’s often included in hydrating skincare products, and sometimes as part of a beauty treatment.21