Manuka Honey

What It Is

Manuka honey is a specialized type of honey produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium plant, commonly known as the manuka bush, native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Unlike regular honey, manuka honey possesses unique antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that are attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).

The potency of manuka honey is measured using the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO rating, which reflects its purity, quality, and antibacterial strength. The higher the UMF or MGO number, the stronger the honey’s therapeutic properties.

How It Works

Manuka honey works primarily through its bioactive compounds and natural enzymatic activity:

• Antibacterial Action: The key compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), directly damages bacterial cell structures, hindering their growth and ability to reproduce. This gives manuka honey effectiveness even against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Osmotic Effect and pH: Like other honeys, manuka honey has a low water content and high sugar concentration, which draws moisture out of bacterial cells, dehydrating and killing them. Its acidic pH (around 3.5–4.5) further prevents microbial growth.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Production: Enzymes naturally present in honey produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, adding another antibacterial layer, though manuka’s potency primarily stems from its MGO content rather than hydrogen peroxide.
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity: It helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which supports wound healing and tissue repair.
• Wound Healing: When applied topically, manuka honey maintains a moist environment that promotes healing while forming a barrier to infection. It also helps remove dead tissue and stimulate new tissue growth.

Why It’s Important

Manuka honey is valued in both traditional and modern medicine for its broad health applications:

• Wound and Burn Care: Medical-grade manuka honey is used in dressings for burns, ulcers, cuts, and surgical wounds. It accelerates healing, minimizes scarring, and protects against infection.
• Digestive Health: Consumed orally, it may help soothe the gut lining, balance gut bacteria, and alleviate conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or IBS.
• Oral Health: Its antibacterial properties combat gingivitis, plaque, and sore throats while being gentler on teeth than refined sugars.
• Immunity and Skin Health: Manuka honey is often taken as a natural immune booster, and when applied topically, it can support acne treatment and overall skin repair due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
• Antimicrobial Resistance Mitigation: Because it kills bacteria through multiple mechanisms, manuka honey is being studied as a potential aid in fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.

Considerations

While manuka honey offers significant health benefits, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

• Quality and Authenticity: Only honey produced from the Leptospermum scoparium plant qualifies as genuine manuka honey. Look for certified UMF or MGO labeling from reputable sources. Counterfeit products are common.
• Dosage and Use: For general wellness, 1–2 teaspoons per day may suffice. For wound care, medical-grade manuka honey (sterilized and approved for topical use) should be used, not raw or store-bought varieties.
• Allergies and Side Effects: People allergic to bees or honey should avoid it. Overconsumption can cause digestive discomfort or contribute to high sugar intake.
• Not Suitable for Infants: Like all honeys, it should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.
• Cost and Labeling Confusion: Manuka honey tends to be expensive. Verify authenticity through UMF/MGO certification rather than relying on vague “manuka” labeling.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetics should monitor blood glucose levels when consuming manuka honey, as it still contains natural sugars.