Manuka Honey: 5 Key Benefits, uses & more

How can you use Manuka Honey in your everyday life?

Since the time of Ancient Egypt, honey has been known for its medicinal properties as a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Manuka Honey, however, promises significantly enhanced healing properties and benefits. 

Manuka Honey, indigenous to Australasia, offers supercharged antibacterial properties, setting it apart from traditional honey, explaining why it is worth its weight in gold, literally.  This is because when bees pollinate the Manuka plant the honey they produce is more potent than that of ordinary honey.

These are just five of the most well documented benefits of Manuka Honey:

1. 1. Aids Wound Healing

In 2007, the United States FDA approved the use of Manuka Honey as an option for wound treatment.  Studies all over the world have shown that Manuka Honey can improve wound healing, increase the reproduction of healthy tissue and also reduce pain in patients suffering from burns.

As well as forming a protective barrier against invading bacteria, honey is low in moisture and therefore draws moisture from the wound, helping to remove waste and speed up the healing process.

2. Treatment for Acne 

Using Manuka Honey as a facial treatment may be able to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with acne.

Applying a thin layer of honey to the affected area and leaving for fifteen minutes can help soothe the skin and cleanse the area of bacteria.

3. As an Anti-inflammatory

When our bodies are in a state of inflammation we can suffer from a variety of disorders, ranging from the common cold to sore achy joints or chronic fatigue.  Lowering inflammation can reduce our susceptibility to certain ailments and help return our bodies to a calm, relaxed state.

Owing to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, incorporating one or two teaspoons of Manuka Honey into your daily routine can help reduce the body's inflammatory response, boost your immune system and prevent certain illnesses.

4. Reduce Digestive Complaints

As well as lowering inflammation, researchers have found that regularly ingesting Manuka Honey may help reduce some of the symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis. 

The exact causes of these illnesses are often unknown, and currently there is no cure, but a change in diet away from over processed foods (including sugar) to more natural foods - such as Manuka honey - may help.

5. Sooth a Sore Throat or a Cough

We’ve already highlighted Manuka Honey’s many antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits and these are all still relevant when it comes to a sore throat or cough.

Manuka Honey has been known to attack the bacteria that causes a sore throat, as well as coat the lining of the throat providing a soothing effect. A recent study in children found that honey was more effective than some common cough medicines.

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