Since ancient times, people have adored honey for its yummy sweetness and health perks. It was so prized in Roman days that folks could use it to pay taxes! Nowadays, we churn out honey in huge amounts, mostly for its natural sweetness. But when it comes to health benefits, Manuka honey steals the spotlight.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey, as its name suggests, comes from the flowers of the manuka tree, found in Australia and New Zealand, also known as the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). These trees, belonging to the Myrtle family, share aromatic essential oils and have been historically used for skin and wound care. Honeybees collect nectar and pollen from the flowers of both trees, but for honey to be officially recognized as Manuka honey, at least 70 percent of the pollen must come from manuka flowers.
In early Māori traditions, Manuka honey held significant cultural value, considered a taonga or "treasure" for its versatility. Today, it's an essential contributor to New Zealand's economy, with annual exports potentially exceeding USD 500 million, indicating its rising global popularity.
Manuka honey stands out due to its unique characteristics. Its thickness, color, and taste distinguish it from other honey varieties. Authentic Manuka honey is thick, sometimes resembling jam, and has a dark brown color, making it easily identifiable.
While it can be a natural sweetener, Manuka honey is primarily prized for its numerous health benefits. It contains compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO) and other flavorful compounds from manuka flowers, contributing to its distinct taste and scent. These compounds, particular proteins, and colloids give Manuka honey a unique texture.
Research primarily focuses on Manuka honey's MGO content, attributed to its effectiveness in wound healing and its ability to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating system helps consumers identify high-quality, pure Manuka honey based on its MGO and other beneficial compound levels.
Meeting rigorous production standards, genuine Manuka honey undergoes careful testing and regulation, ensuring its authenticity and quality. A UMF rating of at least ten is recommended for those seeking its health benefits.
With its healing properties, Manuka honey has various applications, from wound care to culinary uses, making it a versatile and sought-after product.
Manuka Honey's Digestive Health Benefits
One of the most common uses of Manuka honey is to promote overall well-being, followed closely by supporting gastrointestinal health. Early research supports this application, showing that Manuka honey aids in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal lining from the mouth to the colon. Clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing inflammation in the mouth caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy for head or neck cancers. Holding one tablespoon of Manuka honey in the mouth for at least one minute twice a day can provide significant relief.
Moreover, besides soothing inflammation and supporting the lining of the mouth, throat, and intestines, Manuka honey's antimicrobial properties are beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria while acting as a natural source of prebiotics, promoting profitable bacteria growth. With a high level of oligosaccharides compared to other types of honey, Manuka honey is an effective prebiotic, encouraging the development of healthy gut bacteria essential for digestive health. This can alleviate common digestive issues such as gas, bloating, indigestion, and irregular bowel movements. Generally, one or two tablespoons of Manuka honey per day are recommended.
Manuka Honey's Wound Repair Benefits
Another significant application of Manuka honey is in promoting skin health and aiding wound healing. Its antibacterial properties help combat bacteria that could delay the healing process, while its beneficial proteins and compounds facilitate tissue repair. Manuka honey can be applied topically to mild burns or minor abrasions, but caution should be exercised and it should never be used on deep wounds. For minor wounds, applying Manuka honey can help prevent scarring and should be continued even after a new scar forms until complete healing occurs. Its healing properties and moisturizing effects can accelerate the healing process, prevent scar formation, and maintain skin flexibility.
Manuka Honey's Skin Health Benefits
The qualities that make Manuka honey effective in healing minor wounds and abrasions are also beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. For instance, when applied to the face, Manuka honey can combat inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. It also offers ample moisture, keeping the skin looking firm and youthful. Another advantage of Manuka honey for the skin is its ability to balance the skin's pH levels, preventing dryness, redness, and acne. Additionally, the low levels of hydrogen peroxide and antioxidants in Manuka honey can help diminish dark scars left behind by previous acne outbreaks. Using the simple homemade face mask below a few times each week can help even out skin tone and prevent acne:
Manuka Honey Facemask Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. Manuka honey
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. rose water
Instructions:
- Combine all three ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
- Apply the mixture evenly over the skin using clean hands or a cotton pad.
- Leave the face mask on for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, with benefits lasting for up to an hour.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water and pat the skin dry gently.
Manuka Honey's Sore Throat and Cough Benefits
The healing properties of Manuka honey are often utilized as a home remedy to alleviate coughs and sore throats, with clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes. For instance, in a clinical trial involving 300 children aged 1 to 5 years, honey treatment reduced the frequency and severity of nighttime coughing and improved sleep for both the children and their parents. These benefits are widely recognized, leading many medical organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom to recommend honey for soothing sore throats or coughs in both adults and children over 1 year old.
Homemade Manuka Honey Cough Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 8 Tbs. chopped, fresh thyme
- 1 cup Manuka honey
Instructions:
- Place the water in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the thyme. Let the mixture steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Stir in the Manuka honey until it is completely dissolved.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight glass jar, optionally straining it before pouring.
This cough syrup will remain effective for at least three weeks when refrigerated. Taking a spoonful whenever the throat feels irritated can provide significant relief.
Nasal and Sinus Irrigation Benefits
Manuka honey can also be incorporated into solutions for rinsing the nasal and sinus lining, with clinical studies showing promising results for individuals with chronic congestion and those with cystic fibrosis. In the latter condition, there is reduced function of hair-like cilia that normally help move mucus out of the airways.
A practical method for making a nasal and sinus rinse with Manuka honey is to use a neti pot, a small container designed to clear debris or mucus from the nasal cavity. Neti pots have become a popular self-care remedy for nasal congestion. Typically, once a day is adequate, but it's recommended to use it twice a day for no more than 7-10 days during active congestion.
How to Make a Neti Pot With Manuka honey
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Avoid using tap water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey to the solution and stir until thoroughly dissolved.
When using a neti pot, follow these basic steps:
- Tilt your head over a sink at about a 45-degree angle.
- Follow the instructions provided with the neti pot.
- Pour the saline solution into one nostril and let it flow out the other by inserting the spout into your top nostril and gradually pouring the solution.
- If any solution enters the throat, spit it out.
- Blow your nose to remove any remaining solution, then refill the neti pot to repeat the process on the other side.
- Remember to wash, rinse, and thoroughly dry the neti pot after each use.
- If the neti pot is non-metallic, occasionally microwave it to prevent the buildup of harmful organisms.
Conclusion
Manuka honey offers a plethora of benefits, ranging from its renowned healing properties for wounds and skin health to its effectiveness in alleviating coughs and soothing sore throats. Its versatility extends to nasal and sinus care, where it can be incorporated into solutions for rinsing the nasal passages.
Whether used in homemade remedies or as a standalone treatment, Manuka honey continues to prove its worth as a natural and effective option for promoting overall well-being. With its rich history and growing scientific support, Manuka honey remains a treasure trove of health-promoting properties for individuals seeking natural solutions to various ailments.