7 Wonderous Benefits of Manuka Honey

Introducing Manuka honey – not your average runny honey

Darker in colour than regular honey, Manuka honey benefits from a 'secret ingredient' known as MGO (or methylglyoxal). MGO has been known to boost Manuka honey's profile due to its antibacterial properties, so the potential health benefits of Manuka honey are vast!

You can use manuka honey in many ways, from soothing a sore throat to adding it to delicious recipes.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes Manuka honey so unique and possible Manuka honey health benefits.

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey gets its name from where it's come from, the flowers from the Manuka bush native to New Zealand.

The Manuka flowers blossom throughout the New Zealand summertime whilst we're shivering here in the UK!

Bees forage from these flowers and then produce Manuka honey bn their hives. But what makes Manuka honey different to regular honey? Here's where it gets science-y.

All honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which has natural antibacterial effects. In normal honey, these effects are lost when the hydrogen peroxide breaks down. However, in Manuka honey, its antibacterial properties remain well after the hydrogen peroxide has disappeared.

Manuka honey is a 'monofloral' honey made from the nectar of one flower and retains its natural antibacterial properties. 

On the other hand, traditional honey is mainly 'polyfloral', where the nectar comes from multiple flowers and doesn't tend to retain its antibacterial properties.

We know it can be confusing, so check out our guide to Manuka vs traditional honey for everything you need to know.

What are the benefits of Manuka honey?

With its powerful properties, there are so many potential health benefits to using and consuming Manuka honey.

From soothing a sore throat to adding flavour and texture to recipes, read on to learn more about the possibilities of Manuka honey benefits for you.

Manuka honey is highly moisturising as it is a natural humectant, so it is often included in hydrating skincare products and sometimes as part of a beauty treatment. Browse our selection of manuka honey face masks for radiant skin now.

How can I use Manuka honey?

Manuka honey has been used for centuries by ancient tribes in food and on their skin - it's very versatile!

You'll find Manuka honey, or manuka honey oil, in many skincare products, recipes, and even cleaning products - it turns out Manuka honey is an excellent disinfectant!

So, whether you spread it over your toast in the morning, add it to a smoothie or use it in your beauty routine – it's the new kitchen and beauty staple.

Handpicked article: How to use Manuka

How to know if Manuka honey is right for you

While the health claims and benefits of manuka honey are outstanding, there are some things to keep in mind if you're considering trying manuka honey in any way.

1. If you suffer from a bee allergy, using or consuming manuka honey could result in an allergic reaction.
2. As honey is a form of sugar, consuming large quantities could result in a spike in blood sugar levels.
3. Some forms of manuka honey are pasteurised, so we suggest avoiding giving manuka honey to children under the age of one.⁵

If you have any concerns about whether manuka honey is right for you, always have a chat with a medical professional, as they will be able to advise you further.

Benefits of Manuka oils

An ingredient you may spot in many products is Manuka honey oil. 

Derived from Manuka honey, Manuka honey oil is a concentrated plant oil that retains the beneficial properties of Manuka honey.

The uses of Manuka honey oil are vast, from soothing your skin in your skincare products, disinfecting surfaces in your cleaning products, and even being used as a natural deodorant.

The pure form of Manuka honey oil must be diluted with a carrier oil, like grapeseed oil, if you plan on applying manuka honey oil to your skin. However, doing so helps to prevent any irritation if the oil is too potent for your skin.

But you can find products that already have Manuka honey oil added that will allow you to reap all the Manuka oil benefits without the fuss.

Benefits of Manuka honey creams

In your skincare, Manuka honey has so many benefits. 

If you're looking for hydrating, moisturising ingredients, Manuka honey is one to look out for. 

Due to its sugar content, Manuka honey is a humectant that draws and retains moisture. In skincare, this makes Manuka honey a great addition to hydrating products, like creams and serums.

Manuka honey creams often contain a blend of nourishing ingredients to create a rich, intensive, absorbent cream that is great for soothing and repairing the skin whilst adding hydration and a subtle, healthy glow.

The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey are also great for blemishes. By creating a protective barrier, the Manuka honey will encourage healing, fight infection, and help to reduce inflammation.⁶

So, if you're looking for a soothing, hydrating face cream with healing properties, look for Manuka honey creams on your next shopping spree.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

Last updated: 1 October 2022