Manuka honey supports the entire body, not just impacting one body system or function but holistically benefiting the entire body. From oral health to topical skin and abrasion treatments, digestive tract health, and an array of illnesses, a teaspoon of Manuka honey goes a long way!
Origins Of Manuka Honey
The origins of this beautiful honey come from the Manuka tree (scientific name leptospermum scoparium), which is native only to New Zealand. Manuka honey benefits have been scientifically proven to be significantly higher in active enzymes and antibacterial properties compared to your average jar of honey. So, what makes Manuka honey so special?
Scientific research into the health claims of using the Manuka bush for medicinal purposes started back in the 1980s. It’s important to note that the concentration of MGO (Methylglyoxal), the compound responsible for the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, similar to hydrogen peroxide, determines your honey’s medicinal strength. MGO is a unique rating specific to manuka honey—regular types of honey have no rating system.
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
Genuine Manuka honey has been proven to be more effective in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the use of Manuka honey has been an effective treatment for periodontal disease. In recent years, the demand for this raw honey that has been being used by people since ancient times has increased drastically. (Source)
The amazing health benefits and the lack of any adverse side effects compared to other modern-day cures in the same category makes the benefits of pure Manuka honey worth the price tag.
Manuka honey is truly one of the most powerful and holistic additions to your daily wellness rituals (and great for the whole family too)!
Shop our favorite, medicinal grade Manuka Honey >
10 Holistic Uses for Manuka Honey
1. Daily Immune Boost
A spoonful of Manuka is our daily go-to immune system support for the whole family—and it’s so effective. Manuka, with a high MGO level like this one, is high in antibacterial properties and active enzymes—it’s also incredible against antibiotic-resistant strains. It’s powerful against viruses and germs due to a natural type of hydrogen peroxide produced by bees.
2. Seasonal Allergy Relief
Manuka is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine and very soothing to nasal passageways. This can help calm seasonal allergy flare-ups.
3. Gentle Immune Boost for Pregnancy + Kids
During pregnancy, there isn’t as much you can do for immune support because most herbs are out of the question. Manuka is gentle enough for all seasons of life (and with littles over 12 months) and very, very effective.
It’s truly been a lifesaver to me this latest pregnancy when a lot of sicknesses and sniffles have been going around—I’ve noticed quick improvement and can usually navigate the sickness with much more ease.
4. Clears Congestion
Honey helps soothe nasal passages, but Manuka honey has added antibacterial and anti-viral properties. At first signs of congestion or sniffles, I double up on the honey! For congestion, I like a spoonful of honey paired with a few drops of Manuka Essential Oil all over the chest. You can also diffuse this essential oil. It’s very effective and quickly clears clearing congestion.
5. Natural Cough Syrup
So many cough syrups on the market, especially for children, are filled with not-so-great ingredients like food dyes and synthetic sugars. Pair with a splash of lemon juice for a great all-natural cough syrup.
6. Sore Throats
Manuka will help fight the root cause of the sore throat (bacteria or viral) but also soothe throat irritation at the same time. You can take a spoonful at first symptoms, gargle with a splash of apple cider vinegar (which also has antibacterial properties), or add a drizzle to warm tea.
7. Clarifying Facial Mask
Manuka is very cleansing to the skin and promotes skin regeneration, repairs cellular damage, calms inflammation, and lessens the appearance of scars. If you are in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, use this as a spot treatment to calm blemishes and breakouts.
8. Burn + Sunburn Healing
Manuka has incredible skin regeneration and healing properties due to its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective against burns and sunburns as well as other wound treatments.
You can use the honey to spot treat, but I prefer the Manuka Essential Oil for skin issues. I love adding a few drops to my favorite lotion post sun exposure. Recently, I had a bad second-degree burn and dosed it with Manuka Essential Oil, which relieved the pain and healed VERY quickly.
9. Digestive, Prebiotic Support
Manuka is wonderful for supporting the natural digestive microbiome. Because low stomach acid can come from an overgrowth of bacteria, Manuka is a great way to rid your body of those pathogens and keep the digestive system flowing properly. This is because it contains oligosaccharides, which have a prebiotic effect on the gut and promote the proliferation of good flora.
10. Naturally Sweeten Drinks
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The flavor of Manuka is so rich and pure that it’s great as a natural sweetener for drinks. I love adding it to my daily iced vanilla matcha, honey mint lemonade and sleepy tea for an extra immune and digestive boost while I sip. Due to the high mineral and active enzyme properties, I’ve noticed this Manuka honey is gentle on my blood sugar, too, as someone with Type 1 diabetes, due to all the enzymes and minerals.
Why is Manuka Honey so expensive?
Manuka honey is significantly higher in active enzymes and anti-bacterial properties than regular honey. Manuka has been proven to have efficacy against antibiotic-resistant microbes, promoting its healing powers against pathogens internally and externally. It is measured in MGO levels – the 850+ level is considered medicinal grade and extremely effective even when taken in small amounts.
As Manuka honey gains popularity, many companies are creating processed and not as effective products. Both types of Manuka honey we stock in the apothecary are potent and nourishing—Manuka for Munchkins is a 200 MGO level and great for daily use. Manuka 850 MGO is medicinal grade and great for first symptoms or active sickness.
A jar of Manuka honey can deeply nourish your whole family through daily adventures or the healing process.
Just make sure to pay attention to the MGO levels of your real Mānuka honey, as it stands apart from most traditional honey. So, savor this jar of Manuka Honey and pull it out as you need it—you’ll experience a quick change in your symptoms!
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