You may already know that Australian Manuka Honey is up there with the best superfoods. Produced from the blossoms of certain Leptospermum trees, Manuka Honey offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a range of bacterial and yeast pathogens. But what sets this honey apart from all the other wonderful raw honey out there? And how can you use Manuka Honey every day in your daily routine? This article will show you how.

The science behind Manuka honey

Manuka Honey contains additional compounds that other raw honeys simply don’t have. These compounds, namely methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), make Manuka Honey even more beneficial to your health, both internally and for topical use. These special compounds originate from – you guessed it – the nectar of the Manuka flower.

What are the health benefits of Manuka?

Studies have found that Manuka Honey possesses incredible anti-bacterial properties. It is widely used to help cure infections, heal sore throats, aid gingivitis, and improve the digestive system.

The unique and powerful antimicrobial and nutritional properties of Manuka Honey are known to:

• Help with wound care, including burns, ulcers, bites, stings, and skin infections
• Help the digestive tract
• Combat Staph infections (MRSA)
• Boost energy
• Improve sore throats and immunity
• Improve sleep, and
• Be safely used on animals.

Cooking with Manuka

More people are getting “the buzz” and understanding the benefits of substituting honey over sugar. You can use Manuka honey in your cooking the same way you would use other varieties of honey, though for health benefits it’s best consumed in its raw form.

For recipe ideas using honey, please visit our dedicated page on how to enjoy honey at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and anytime in between.

Adding Manuka honey to your skincare routine

Along with all the health benefits of consuming Manuka honey, it’s also highly beneficial for your skin. It can help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by acne on the skin.

Honey from manuka flowers has been shown to have cosmetic benefits, such as increasing the production of collagen, reducing dark spots, and acting as an anti-inflammatory, which may help calm inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and acne.

Applying Manuka Honey topically can also help skin retain moisture. This makes it a perfect addition to your beauty routine in cold, dry winter months.

Assist digestion and enhance your immunity

Manuka helps to improve your digestion process and enhances immunity. Regular daily consumption of this superfood can prevent you from falling sick.

You can read more about Manuka honey as a natural immunity booster here.

Manuka honey is a natural sleep aid

If you’re struggling with sleep, consider adding a teaspoon of Manuka to your evening cup of herbal tea or milk. Manuka Honey contains high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that triggers the production of serotonin, which can help with sleep.

A great way to soothe winter coughs and colds

Keeping a jar of high-strength Manuka honey in your medicine cabinet will come in handy over the winter months or the flu season.

A spoonful of Manuka will soothe a sore throat and prevent night-time coughing to give you a better sleep. It coats the throat with its stickiness and soothes inflamed mucus membranes, which helps to alleviate coughs. Its antimicrobial properties help fight viruses and ease the symptoms associated with the common cold.

Are there any side effects of Manuka Honey?

Generally, when consumed in moderation or applied topically, Manuka Honey is safe, gentle, and side-effect-free. However, anyone with honey or bee allergies should avoid Manuka Honey, as it may trigger an allergic reaction.

For our recommendations on each strength of Manuka  and how to use it, please check out our Australian Manuka honey strength guide.