Manuka Honey: Health Benefits, How To Choose, Side Effects & More 

Introduction

Native to New Zealand, Manuka honey stands out for its multiple health benefits. It’s a natural remedy that works wonders for our health. From promoting oral and gut health to helping deal with coughs, stomach ulcers, and skin troubles, it can do all! Ready to uncover the facts about this honey? Let’s start! 

We’re also going to guide you on how to pick top-notch Manuka honey, its proper dose, and any safety concerns that may arise. By the end of this blog, you’ll be fully equipped to decide if Manuka honey is just what your health routine needs. 

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey beats regular honey in so many ways. Made by bees who feast on the Manuka bush found in New Zealand and Australia, Manuka honey has powerful health perks. These come straight from the unique traits of the Manuka bush only found in these regions¹.

It has a stronger germ-fighting ability and a better nutritional balance as it contains some special compounds. For instance, regular honey gets its bacteria-fighting power from hydrogen peroxide. However, for Manuka honey, a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a stronger antimicrobial, does this work. Manuka honey also packs bioactive compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols. These commando compounds play a big role in its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and germ-killing abilities².

Plus, Manuka honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, far better than regular honey. More than that, it contains leptosperin. This compound, from the nectar of Manuka bushes, is a sure sign of pure Manuka honey².

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Trademark

This is a grading system you should know about. Here, Manuka honey’s germ-killing strength is rated based on its MGO, DHA (a type of fatty acid) and Leptosperin levels. The higher the UMF, the stronger its bacteria-blasting power. That means you have top-quality Manuka honey in your hands²! 

Top Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

1. Helps in Wound Healing  

Manuka honey helps in managing wounds, cuts, burns, and even bed sores. It works by keeping the injured area moist and safe from germs. It can even take down tough ones that resist antibiotics, like MRSA. Clinical trials show that this honey, when used topically, may help wounds heal faster³. It may be helpful for the growth of new tissues, may lessen pain in burn patients and even may help fight diabetic ulcers. 

I recently found an article that suggests that the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of manuka honey are important in the healing of wounds. It’s also important to note that manuka honey has a pH that is lower than other honey, which may aid in promoting the best possible wound healing¹³.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Promotes Oral Health 

Manuka honey can keep your teeth and gums healthy. It can help avoid dental plaque formation by means of its anti-microbial action and can stop bad mouth bacteria in their tracks. Less plaque means fewer cavities and gum diseases. 

According to one study, sucking on a chew of manuka honey might be more efficient at reducing plaque and gingival bleeding. I strongly recommend the consumption of manuka honey¹³. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

3. Calms Cough  

Manuka honey can help you find relief from cough and sore throat due to an upper respiratory tract infection. Thanks to its soothing coat for the throat, Manuka honey can lessen the pain of a sore throat. Clinical studies suggest that honey, including Manuka kind, may be helpful to tone down cough symptoms even better than over-the-counter cough suppressants⁴.

4. May Help Fight Gastric Ulcers  

Studies hint that Manuka honey may be helpful to shield against stomach ulcers by curbing inflammation and supporting healing in your stomach lining. Animal and lab studies validate that Manuka honey may be useful in managing stomach ulcers⁵. However, to seal the deal, more human studies are needed. 

5. Improves Digestive Symptoms  

Manuka honey can boost gut health and ease digestive woes like belly pain and diarrhea. As a prebiotic, Manuka honey encourages the growth of helpful gut microbes such as bifido bacteria and lactobacilli. Lab studies show that it may hold some promise for people with bowel disease. They reveal that Manuka honey may be able to fight harmful gut bacteria causing severe diarrhea and bowel swelling, like Clostridioides difficile⁶.

6. Helpful in Treating Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis  

Manuka honey might possibly be beneficial for cystic fibrosis patients. It helps deal with cystic fibrosis-related infections Studies show Manuka honey used with antibiotics can be helpful to manage infections resistant to standard treatments such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus, which are common in cystic fibrosis^7,8.

How to Choose Good Quality Manuka Honey?

If you’re looking to try out Manuka honey, you must pick a top-quality one for best health benefits. Moreover, proper storage and correct dosage are essential to reap all its perks. We’ve got some tips to share on this. 

• Keep an eye out for the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating on the label. This verifies its quality and power. The rule of thumb is that a higher UMF rating means stronger antibacterial features and top health benefits⁹.
• To ensure you’re getting an authentic product, check if your Manuka honey is from New Zealand or Australia and marked with a UMF stamp. Top-rated products may cost more, but they pack more potent health perks^9,10.
• To keep it fresh, store your Manuka honey in a dark, cool, and dry place. Seal it tight to keep out any moisture. 
• Consult a healthcare professional before you include Manuka honey in your routine diet. They can help you figure out the proper dose and method of use that suits your needs. It could vary for wound dressings, skin conditions, or digestive support. 
• Watch your steps while using Manuka honey. It’s the only way to take full advantage of its health benefits.  

The usual serving of Manuka honey is 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) per day. But always remember, while this honey offers health benefits, it is high in sugar. So, moderation is key! 

Side Effects of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is usually safe. But do check with your doctor if you have diabetes, honey or bee allergies, or any health concerns. If you’re a diabetic, allergic to honey or have developed allergies to honeybee stings in the past, or have infants under one year, Manuka honey may not be suitable for you. It could hike up your blood sugar levels or cause botulism trouble for babies^11,12. Its high sugar content could also upset your gut. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding ladies must always consult their healthcare provider before using any natural remedy, including Manuka honey. 

Conclusion

Manuka honey is a great natural remedy packed with a diverse range of health benefits. Its potent antibacterial qualities come in handy with its potential in the management of wounds. Not just that, it may offer relief in oral health troubles and some potential benefits in the relief of symptoms of upper respiratory infections as well. Besides that, it may be beneficial in bolstering gut health, it may be helpful in aiding tackling of gastric ulcers, and is a boon for people suffering from cystic fibrosis. But, when you’re buying Manuka honey, opt for a top-quality product with UMF rating. Take it in measured amounts and do check with your doctor about how to use it. Keeping these pointers in mind, you just might find that Manuka honey is a great addition to your health routine. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. National Cancer Institute. Manuka honey. NCI Drug Dictionary. [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/manuka-honey 

2. Hegazi NM, Ghada E. Abd El-Ghani, Farag MA. The super-food Manuka honey, a comprehensive review of its analysis and authenticity approaches. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2021 Jun 30;59(7):2527–34. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9206949/#Sec2 

3. Kapoor N, Yadav R. Manuka honey: A promising wound dressing material for the chronic nonhealing discharging wounds: A retrospective study. National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery [Internet]. 2021;12(2):233. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8386265/ 

4. Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Jul 28;26(2). Available from: https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/28/bmjebm-2020-111336 

5. Almasaudi SB, El-Shitany NA, Abbas AT, Abdel-dayem UA, Ali SS, Al Jaouni SK, et al. Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiulcer Potential of Manuka Honey against Gastric Ulcer in Rats. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2016;2016:1–10. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4685122/ 

6. Schell KR, Fernandes KE, Shanahan E, Wilson I, Blair SE, Carter DA, et al. The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022 Jul 28;9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9367972/ 

7. Jenkins R, Wootton M, Howe R, Cooper R. A demonstration of the susceptibility of clinical isolates obtained from cystic fibrosis patients to manuka honey. Archives of Microbiology [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2020 Oct 22];197(4):597–601. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4398880/ 

8. Nolan VC, Harrison J, Cox JA. Manuka honey in combination with azithromycin shows potential for improved activity against Mycobacterium abscessus. The Cell Surface. 2022 Dec 1;8:100090. Available from:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468233022000196  

9. Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, Owusu-Apenten R, Singh Nigam P. Antibacterial activity of manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiology [Internet]. 2018 Nov 27;4(4):655–64. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6613335/ 

10. Patel S, Cichello S. Manuka honey: an emerging natural food with medicinal use. Natural Products and Bioprospecting. 2013 Jul 5;3(4):121–8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4131577/ 

11. CDC. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit [Internet]. Infant and Toddler Nutrition. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-or-limit.html 

12. Honey and Diabetes: Can People With Diabetes Eat Honey? [Internet]. Verywell Health. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/honey-and-diabetes-5115267 
13. Cleveland Clinic. 5 benefits of Manuka honey. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. 2022 Mar 14. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/manuka-honey-benefits

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