I’ve always looked at Manuka Honey, wanted to buy it given all of its health benefits, baulked at the price and walked off. That is until recently when having come down with a cold, my lovely dog walker dropped some off. It helped prevent a full on throat/chest infection so I’m sold, and here’s why you should be too.

It has antibacterial properties

We are living in times where  ‘superbugs’ and resistant bacteria strains are on the rise.  This is due to antibiotic overuse, whereby certain bacteria have become resistant to even the most powerful of antibiotics available on the market today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls this “one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.”

Therefore anything natural to help fight infections can only be a good thing.  I’m a big fan of helping the body heal naturally, which is why Manuka honey is so fabulous. It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties make it ideal for fighting infections and promoting healing.  All Manuka honey is not created equal however, and the higher the potency, in this case known as UMF, or ‘Unique Manuka Factor’, the greater the infection fighting quality. Look for a UMF of at least 15.

Wound healing

Several recent studies show Manuka honey is effective when used on top of wounds and leg ulcers, especially those that haven’t responded to standard treatments.

Why is it so expensive?

Manuka honey comes only from bees feeding on the nectar of manuka trees in New Zealand and Australia. That makes it rare, which explains its price. It is packed with 100 times more antibacterial compounds than regular honey — hence why it has become the trendy treatment for throat infections, dry skin, infections, gum pain, burns and even spots.

How to use it:

  • Manuka honey can be applied topically to the skin as a balm for skin infections, bites and cuts (about 1 tsp worth should suffice.
  • Take a spoonful orally to help soothe the throat and digestive tract.
  • I like to add a teaspoonful to a mug of hot water and lemon to really help soothe a sore throat.
  • Eat it as you would any other honey product to maintain general health (adding to porridge or spreading over toast works well).
  • Topically – use it as a face mask for acne – I’ll do a post soon on natural, home-made face masks.