Top 10 Manuka Honey Benefits
Manuka honey benefits have been touted in the natural health world for a long time and even more in recent years because a growing body of research is starting to support thousands of years of folk medicine use. Some of the top Manuka honey uses are and benefits include:
1 Helps with SIBO, Low Stomach Acid, Acid Reflux
2 May Help Treat Acne and Eczema
3 Combats Staph Infections (MRSA)
4 Treats Burns, Wounds and Ulcers
5 Prevents Tooth Decay and Gingivitis
6 Aids IBS and IBD Treatment
7 Improves Sore Throats and Immunity
8 Helps Allergies
9 Beauty Treatment and Health Booster
10 Improves Sleep
1. Helps with SIBO, Low Stomach Acid, Acid Reflux
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), low stomach acid and acid reflux go hand in hand. Because of Manuka honey’s known natural antibiotic qualities, it is a great medicine for any bacteria-related disorder.
In fact, in a recent study, one dangerous bacteria related to all three conditions, Clostridium difficult, was found to be quite susceptible to Manuka honey’s bactericidal effects. (2) So taking Manuka honey is very beneficial at reducing acid reflux and balancing your digestive system to heal stomach and intestinal imbalances.
2. May Help Treat Acne and Eczema
The Internet is filled with patient testimonials that Manuka honey works marvelously for acne and eczema patients. At this time there are few clinical trials to support these claims, but taking into account its proven antimicrobial and healing properties, it’s believed honey can help with these skin conditions.
One recent review of clinical and cellular studies on Manuka honey’s effects in treating atopic dermatitis found that it “is potentially effective in the treatment of AD lesions based on both clinical and cellular studies through different mechanisms. This needs to be confirmed by randomized and controlled clinical trials.”
Most people claim that applying honey on affected areas for a few minutes and then washing off with gentle soap and water usually does the trick. Repeat this every day or every other day for the best results.
3. Combats Staph Infections (MRSA)
You’ve probably heard of the superbug that has plagued hospitals over the several years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic overuse and drug ineffectiveness have caused certain strains of Staph to become virtually indefensible using typical hospital and nursing home medical protocols. Spreading so rapidly, most people affected by MRSA end up getting so infected that they require invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, artificial joints or intervenes tubing, to save their lives against these dangerous superbugs — as antibiotics often don’t work.
However, U.K. researchers from Cardiff Metropolitan University have offered us some natural hope. They discovered that Manuka honey down-regulates the most potent genes of the MRSA bacteria. Some scientists now suggest that regular topical use on cuts and infections (especially in the hospital and nursing home setting) may keep MRSA naturally at bay.
4. Treats Burns, Wounds and Ulcers
According to research published in the Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, “The use of honey leads to improved wound healing in acute cases, pain relief in burn patients and decreased inflammatory response in such patients.” Moreover, because of its rich antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, Manuka honey has been shown to prevent infection in rats with ulcers. It has also been used quite effectively as a wound dressing to promote rapid, improved healing.
5. Prevents Tooth Decay and Gingivitis
Several studies have come out describing how Manuka honey can help treat and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Due to its superior antimicrobial activity, researchers from the School of Dentistry at the University of Otago in New Zealand discovered that chewing or sucking on a Manuka honey product not only caused a 35 percent decrease in plaque, but it led to a 35 percent reduction in bleeding sites in people suffering from gingivitis. Also calcium, zinc and phosphorus are all important nutrients for healing teeth.
6. Aids IBS and IBD Treatment
When evaluating the effect that Manuka honey has on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats, researchers from Chandigarh Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research discovered several astounding findings:
• Manuka honey at different doses provided protection against TNBS-induced colonic damage.
• All the treated groups showed reduced colonic inflammation, and all the biochemical parameters were significantly reduced compared with the control in the Manuka honey treated groups.
• Manuka honey at different doses restored lipid peroxidation as well as improved antioxidant parameters. Morphological and histological scores were significantly reduced in the low dose Manuka honey treated group.
• In the inflammatory model of colitis, oral administration of Manuka honey significantly reduced the colonic inflammation.
So Manuka honey not only treated intestinal inflammation and pain, but also repaired free radical damage and protected against further damage.
7. Improves Sore Throats and Immunity
In 2007, data published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggested that, “A 5.8-kDa component of Manuka honey stimulates immune cells via TLR4.” (11) This is interesting because previous studies have indicated that honey stimulates cytokine production from human monocytes.
Coupling with this 2011 research showing how Manuka stops the growth of sore throat-causing Strep bacteria, it is no wonder that so many people benefit almost instantly from taking a spoonful of honey when they don’t feel well. (12) Recently it has even been approved by the National Cancer Institute to be used to treat inflammation in the throat from chemotherapy.
8. Helps Allergies
A study conducted by the South Karelia Allergy and Environment Institute in Findland examining the effects of honey and birch pollen on allergies that had remarkable results. The participants were given regular honey, honey with birch pollen added to it and some used only their allergy medicines as a control group. The results were impressive:
…patients reported a 60% lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, and 70% fewer days with severe symptoms, and they used 50% less antihistamines compared to the control group.
The researchers also found that there was very little difference between the birch pollen honey users and the regular honey users. So, taking Manuka honey on a regular basis may really help your seasonal allergies and lessen your need for medications. (13)
9. Beauty Treatment and Health Booster
Taken daily, Manuka honey has an elixir effect that boosts energy and enhances your quality of life. Because of its nutrient-dense profile, it boosts vitality, youthful energy, and has been known to improve skin tone and texture.
Use it in a homemade face wash to exfoliate and fight free radicals in the skin. Use it in your shampoo or a hair mask to boost the shine of your hair. One of my favorite uses is in a detox drink, to get the most benefits inside and out!
10. Improves Sleep
Manuka Honey helps to promote restful deep sleep. It slowly releases the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep. (14)
There are many health disorders associated with poor sleep, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke and arthritis. Since honey is proven to aid in quality sleep, it also helps lower the risk of these and many other heath problems.
Manuka Honey Nutrition Facts
What makes Manuka honey different is its amazing nutritional profile. Regular raw honey is already known for its tremendous nutritional and immune-boosting abilities. Generally speaking, the typical raw unfiltered honey is a rich source of: (15)
• Amino acids
• B vitamins (B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid)
• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc
Yet with Manuka honey, the nutritional content is up to four times that of normal flower honeys. This is what is called the Unique Manuka Factor.
Unique Manuka Factor
In 1981, researchers at the New Zealand University of Waikato discovered that Manuka honey has a considerably higher level of enzymes than regular honey. These enzymes create a natural hydrogen peroxide that works as an antibacterial. Some strains of this New Zealand honey are particularly rich in hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal and dihydroxyacetone.
This medicinal trilogy helps make up what is referred to as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), a global standard in identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of Manuka. Essentially, the UMF is a guarantee that the honey being sold is of a medicinal quality.
UMF is not found in the nectar of all Manuka flowers, and comparatively speaking, regular Manuka only contains the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property that is common to most types of honey.
What separates UMF Manuka from other Manuka varieties is that it has both the natural hydrogen peroxide and its own natural UMF antibacterial property, which greatly enhances it effectiveness. The UMF properties of Manuka are extremely stable and, unlike the hydrogen peroxide common in most honey, are not easily destroyed by heat, light and enzymes in the body.
How to Verify Genuine UMF Manuka Honey
The term Manuka is used to describe both leptospermum scoparium and K. ericoides. This honey is typically retrieved by beekeepers and comes mostly from New Zealand Manuka honey manufacturers. People have been eating Manuka honey and using Manuka honey for centuries, but how do you know if you’re
The minimum UMF rating recognized is UMF5, but it is not considered beneficial unless it carries a UMF 10+ level of antibacterial activity in the honey. Anything ranging from UMF 10–UMF 15 is a useful level, and anything UMF 16 and up is considered a superior quality.
Genuine UMF Manuka honey will have these four things:
• It will have a UMF trademark clearly labeled on the front of the container.
• It will be from a New Zealand UMF licensed company and labeled in New Zealand.
• It will have the UMF company’s name and license number on the label.
• It will have a UMF rating number of 5–16+. If it is labeled without the UMF or without a number, then it is not the genuine article.
According to the UMF association, the UMF rating actually tests the antibacterial performance of a honey and compares it to phenol, a disinfectant. The Active Manuka Honey Association that does the testing states:
The presence of the special non-peroxide activity can be detected only by an array of scientific testing directly relating to the phenol standard. The rating has a one-to-one relationship to the phenol standard.
This means that a UMF rating of 20+ is equivalent in strength to a 20 percent solution of phenol. The ideal UMF rating varies depending on your purpose, but laboratory studies have shown that Manuka honey with a non-peroxide activity level of UMF 12 to UMF 15 is effective against a wide range of very resistant bacteria.
Here is an explanation of what manuka honey UMF you should use:
•0–4 — Non-therapeutic
•4–9 — Maintenance level with general honey health benefits
•10–14 — Supports natural healing and bacterial balance
•15+ — Superior levels of phenols that are highly therapeutic but shouldn’t exceed taking 1 tablespoon at a time
Another measurement used is the KFactor, created by Manuka honey maker Wedderspoon. According to the Wedderspoon website, “KFactor 12 guarantees 65 percent of the pollen grains in the honey are Manuka pollen grains, KFactor 16 guarantees 75 percent of the pollen grains in the honey are Manuka pollen grains and KFactor 22 guarantees 90 percent of the pollen grains in the honey are Manuka pollen grains.” (16)
How to Use Manuka Honey
To experience the most benefit, you should take a dose of about one to two tablespoons of Manuka honey a day. The easiest way is to just take it straight, but if it is a little too sweet for you, then you can add it to your favorite herbal tea, over yogurt or on sprouted grain toast.
If you want to enhance the immune-boosting effect or heal a sore throat, add one teaspoon cinnamon. Research shows that the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon and Manuka honey are so powerful that they can really help you recover fast. (17)
Manuka Honey Side Effects
Sources like WebMD claim that people allergic to bees should use Manuka honey with caution due to possible allergic side effects. (18)
Take Manuka with caution if you’re allergic to bees and report any adverse reactions to your natural health care provider immediately.
Final Thoughts
• Manuka honey, especially Manuka honey that has the Unique Manuka Factor, has even more nutritional and immune-enhancing abilities than regular raw honey. Not all varieties have this UMF, so look for Manuka honey that does.
• Manuka honey benefits include helping with SIBO, low stomach acid and acid reflux; potentially treating acne and eczema; combatting MRSA; treating burns, wounds and ulcers biofilm; preventing tooth decay and gingivitis; aiding IBS and IBD treatment; improving sore throats and immunity; helping with allergies; improving sleep; and working as a beauty product.
• You can either consume it straight or add it to your favorite herbal tea, over yogurt, on sprouted grain toast, etc.