Best Manuka Honey of 2024: Quality and Benefits Explained
Made right here in Australia and New Zealand, Manuka Honey comes from bees that pollinate tea tree plants. Valued for its potent antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects, Manuka Honey is used as a natural remedy for many ailments.
Far superior to regular honey due to its MGO content, Manuka is used to treat skin conditions and wound healing, and to boost immune and digestive health.
In this article we explain how Manuka differs from regular honey, its health benefits and what to look for when buying Manuka Honey.
Disclaimer:You should consult your healthcare provider prior to use of Manuka Honey for topical concerns or if you have diabetes. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice. You should always consult your healthcare provider prior to beginning a new supplement regime. Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. |
How is Manuka Honey Different From Regular Honey?
The medicinal properties of honey come directly from the floral source used by bees [2]. Manuka flowers come from the Leptospermum Scoparium plant; a species of tea tree. Manuka Honey has been used in natural medicine for over 2000 years and is one of few honey types to have been studied extensively for its medicinal properties [2].
The potency of Manuka Honey varies according to how it is sourced and harvested. Honey producers use the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) scale to rate the concentration of the 3 main components of Manuka Honey:
- MGO (Methylglyoxal): A major antibacterial component
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): Found in the nectar of Manuka flowers and is converted into MGO
- Leptosperin: A naturally occurring chemical that distinguishes genuine Manuka Honey from low-grade honey
Manuka Honey needs to have a UMF 10+ rating at a minimum to be considered potent enough to have therapeutic properties [1].
The antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey offers an alternative to prescribed antibiotics, to which many microorganisms have developed a resistance [2].
The Benefits of Manuka Honey
- Treats minor surgical wounds and burns:
Medical grade Manuka Honey is used as a dressing to speed up the healing process of minor wounds and burns due to its high acidic (pH) content [1]. - Can relieve Eczema, Acne and Dermatitis Symptoms:
Medical grade Manuka Honey can be sterilised and applied topically to reduce redness and swelling of some skin conditions [3]. - Soothes a Sore Throat:
Antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties help to fight infection and relieve cold and flu symptoms including sore throats [1]. - Can Balance Gut Health:
Manuka Honey can restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote digestive health [3]. - Antioxidant Properties:
High MGO content correlates to each specific Manuka Honey’s antioxidant effects, protecting your body from oxidative stress [2]. - Promotes Oral Health:
Antibacterial properties can relieve the symptoms of ulcers in the mouth [3].
Best Manuka Honey Products
| Berringa Manuka Honey MGO 220 A medium-strength Manuka Honey for general health and wellness, containing natural enzymes and antioxidants. Each batch of Berringa honey is independently tested for MGO levels and is certified internationally accredited. Click on the product to read more. |
| Australian by Nature 20+ Manuka Honey 100% New Zealand harvested, tested, certified and packed. Produced by honey bees located in high density, organic and pollution free Manuka forests. Click on the product to read more. |
| Manuka Health Manuka Honey MGO 400 High-grade, premium New Zealand honey rich in flavour with a smooth velvety texture. Contains a minimum of 400 mg MGO per kg. Click on the product to read more. |
| Berringa Manuka Honey MGO 900 Ultra High Strength Manuka The highest MGO grade commercially available with a high level of bioactivity and potent natural enzymes. Suitable for both topical and internal use. 100% Australian honey. Click on the product to read more. |
How to Use Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is stable and is not affected by heat or sunlight; it can be added to food or drinks, or taken straight from the jar and ingested by mouth.
Topical use of Manuka is limited to medical grade products, usually around MGO 900+. Check the individual product label for suitability. Manuka is also available in gels, wound dressings, and balms. Treatment for burns and surgical wounds should be conducted under medical advice.
Side Effects/ Precautions/ Interactions
- There is a risk of allergic reaction, particularly in those who have an allergy to bees.
- High sugar content must be observed by those with diabetes.
- Only medical-grade Manuka Honey should be used to treat minor superficial wounds and burns under medical advice.
- Honey, including Manuka Honey, can contain a type of bacteria that is toxic to infants. No form of honey should be consumed by children under 12 months old.
Is it safe to eat Manuka Honey every day?
Taking small amounts of Manuka honey daily does not have any reported negative impacts on health. Over-consumption could result in high blood sugar [3].
Summary
Research shows that the medicinal benefits of Manuka Honey can be attributed to the higher phenolic and MGO content compared to regular honey [2].
Antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties of Manuka rated UMF+10 or higher have diverse health applications in tissue healing, digestive health and reducing infections.
References
[1] Web MD, 2024. Manuka Honey: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, Side Effects. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses
[2] Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, Owusu-Apenten R, Nigam PS. 2018. Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6613335/
[3] Healthline, 2023. Everything You Should Know About Manuka Honey. https://www.healthline.com/health/manuka-honey#tips-for-buying
