Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium flower, also known as the Manuka shrub. It’s darker, single-blooded honey. Its importance for medical purposes has been documented in the world’s oldest publications. It is known and tested for its health-promoting properties – antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Here are 5 health benefits of Manuka honey.
1. Facilitates wound healing
Manuka honey is probably best known for its wound-healing properties. Applied directly to damaged skin, it has a positive effect on the regeneration process and relieves painful pain. It has a cleansing, antibacterial and antioxidant effect, stimulates tissue repair and relieves inflammation. At the same time, it helps to maintain the antiseptic and dry wound environment as it promotes fluid drainage. High sugar levels act as a protective barrier that prevents bacterial infections. A low pH reduces the pH of the wound, which directly accelerates the healing process.
With increasing frequency of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Manuka honey can be used as an alternative treatment for pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. Regular topical application of honey to wounds and infections can help prevent the occurrence of the dangerous MRSA strain.
2. Supports digestive health
Manuka honey can improve intestinal health. It also has the potential as a prebiotic to increase the concentration of ”good” intestinal bacteria in the human digestive system, including lactobacillus populations. In addition, it helps treat other intestinal infections caused by invasive bacterial strains, such as:
- Clostridium difficile associated with diseases such as colitis
- Helicobacter pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers and acid reflux
To take advantage of honey, you should eat 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. It can be eaten directly or used as a supplement to dishes or as a sweetener for tea.
3. Calms sore throat
Manuka honey is ideal for treating and shortening the length and intensity of sore throat. It not only attacks harmful bacteria, but also wraps the inner lining of your throat in a protective layer and soothes you. Many well-known lozenges for sore throat are based on the power of honey, which relieves pain and suppresses cough.
Interestingly, the researchers found a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans after eating Manuka honey. This pathogen is responsible for the complaints in the neck area. In addition, the use of honey reduces the population of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This reduces the risk of mucositis and ulceration.
4. Heals acne
Honey is able to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with acne. Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes, but can also be a reaction to poor nutrition, stress, or the growth of bacteria in clogged pores. Manuka honey helps to keep the skin free of bacteria that infect the pores, which accelerates the acne healing process. In addition, it balances the pH of the skin and facilitates the removal of dead epidermal cells.
There are several ways to use honey to treat acne:
- as local therapy – a small amount of honey should be dabbed onto the affected area and allowed to dry
- as a mask – you can create a face mask, simply mix honey with lemon juice. This paste should be applied to the face in a thin layer for about 15 minutes or until dry. Then rinse the mask with warm water
- As a cleanser: Massaging a small amount (the size of a pea) of Manuka honey into the skin and then rinsing it off can help cleanse the facial skin
5. It has antiviral properties
In addition to its antibacterial properties,<p> natural honey also has antiviral properties. The topical application of honey was safe and effective in the treatment of HSV-related symptoms of herpes labialis. Tests were also carried out in which the effect of Manuka honey and its key component methylglyoxal on strains of influenza A and B viruses was investigated. They have been found to have an inhibitory effect on the activity of the influenza virus. In addition, an advantageous effect of honey was found in rubella and the VZV virus responsible for herpes zoster.
This means that eating Manuka honey, especially in autumn and winter, reduces the risk of colds and flu. Honey can inactivate viruses and prevent them from spreading throughout the body. It will create a hostile environment in the mouth, throat and lower respiratory tract for viruses as well as bacteria that can cause infections.
Genuine pure Manuka honey has scientifically proven antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. What makes this New Zealand honey so special is that it contains dozens of compounds that are not found in other types of honey.