Manuka Honey: Benefits, Usage, and Potential Side Effects
How would you like to know about that one natural ingredient which has medical world buzzing about for its health benefits? Yes, Manuka honey is that unique and powerful natural remedy, filled with numerous health advantages.
Harvested from the nectar of the Manuka bush found only in the untamed wilderness of Australia, this honey has made its name for its medicinal properties. Manuka honey has a special component called methylglyoxal (MGO) which is responsible for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Manuka honey is an extraordinary kind of honey with potent healing properties. It is widely known for its madicianl honey properties and is sourced from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), native to Australia and New Zealand. This honey is also often classified as medical-grade honey because of its powerful antibacterial and wound-healing properties. This article will discuss manuka honey's medicinal properties, how to use it, and what side effects you may need to worry about.
Why Is Manuka Honey Special?
Unlike regular honey, Medicinal Manuka honey has a specific high level of methylglyoxal (MGO), the active ingredient that gives it antibacterial properties. It is rated for potency using the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system, which is measured from 5++ to 25+, with higher ratings indicating greater antibacterial and healing properties.
General Benefits of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is not just an ordinary natural sweetener; it’s packed with bioactive properties. Well-known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, it helps in boosting immune system and wound healing.
The benefits of pure Manuka honey go beyond traditional honey. Some of them are soothing sore throats and promoting skin health along with aiding digestive health and overall wellness. Its versatility makes it valuable both for internal and external use.
MGO-Specific Manuka Honey Benefits
- Manuka Honey 100 MGO Benefits Manuka honey with 100 MGO (methylglyoxal) is recognized for moderate antibacterial strength. It’s ideal for daily use, particularly for boosting immunity and improving digestion. People often mix it into teas or spread it on toast for added health benefits..
- Manuka Honey 1200 MGO Benefits With an MGO rating of 1200, this variant of Manuka honey is exceptionally potent. The high concentration of methylglyoxal gives it strong antibacterial properties, making it suitable for tackling more serious infections, wound care, and immune system support. Medical professionals often recommend it for healing difficult wounds and treating infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
Helps Heal Wounds
Doctors use Medical-grade Manuka honey to treat cuts, burns, and ulcers. It fights infections and facilitates quicker healing, so many hospitals use medical honey in wound dressings.
Improves Digestion
Helps with osteoarthritis – one of the most prevalent digestive problems, acid reflux, and bloating. It combats harmful bacteria and promotes gut health. In Australia, this medicinal honey is commonly used for better Digestion.
Boosts Immunity
Medicinal manuka honey can elevate the immune system. It is suitable for colds, flu, and sore throats, and many people prefer it to medicine.
Manuka Honey for Wounds & Skin
Manuka honey is very beneficial for skincare. It also aids with acne, eczema, and dry Skin. It prevents dryness while keeping the skin soft and reducing inflammation. Medical-grade Manuka honey is now used in many skincare products.
Good for Oral Health
Unlike sugar, manuka honey is good for teeth and gums. It removes plaque and prevents gum disease. Natural mouthwash is another excellent application of medical honey in Australia.
Components of Raw Manuka Honey
The main components of Manuka Honey are Hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is produced by the conversion of another chemical compound in Manuka honey known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in Manuka nectar.
The concentration of three characteristic chemicals present in genuine Pure Manuka honey including MGO, DHA, and leptospiral, is reflected in the UMFTM grade. Manuka honey must have a minimum UMFTM 10+ rating to be deemed as medicinal.
How to Use Manuka Honey?
Using Manuka honey for different health benefits is very simple.
- Wound healing: Apply medical Manuka honey to the wound. Cover it with a bandage.
- For Digestion and immunity: Consume one teaspoon daily or add it to warm water for improved gut health.
- For Skin and acne: Apply as a face mask, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse for clear Skin.
For Oral Care: Dilute and apply for natural mouthwash benefits, including improved gum and teeth health.
Medicinal honey can help in improving overall health when used regularly.
Potential Side Effects
Manuka honey is good for you, but not everyone should test the waters.
Allergic Reactions: Avoid medicinal honey if you are allergic to bees. It may cause a reaction.
High Sugar Content: Medical honey contains natural sugar. Diabetes patients should eat it in small quantities.
Honey Safety: Don’t give honey to children under 12 months of age. It can lead to a rare but serious illness called botulism.
Always consult a doctor if you have concerns. Medical-grade Manuka Honey is safe for most people if used correctly.
Where to Buy Medical-Grade Manuka Honey
When purchasing medical-grade Manuka honey, go for trusted brands. Medicinal honey should have a UMF rating of 10+, while daily-use honey should have an MGO rating of 100+. For wound healing, choose medical-grade honey with an MGO rating of 400+.
Medical honey is available from most stores in Australia. Medical Manuka honey can also be found online, in health shops, and in pharmacies. Make sure to purchase high-quality products from reputable vendors.
If you want the best healing properties, look for labels like medical-grade Manuka honey for medical honey in Australia. Read reviews before buying.
Usage and Applications of Manuka Honey
The main usage of Manuka Honey is to heal sore throats and infections. However, Manuka Honey is also used to maintain better general health, skin treatments, and minor burns. When applied directly to the wounds it boosts healing. Manuka Honey is considered as a superfood and is associated with numerous health benefits.
Antimicrobial properties
Manuka honey is a natural antiseptic product. Several bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and Streptococcus are vulnerable to raw Manuka honey.
Infection is deemed untreatable once it has created a biofilm and pure Manuka honey fights against the biofilm. This means that Manuka Honey is effective in treating resistant and chronic infections that resist standard antibiotic therapy.
Skin treatment
Manuka honey may be applied directly to the skin. It is effective if applied directly on acne-related inflammation or spots and skin irritation. Only apply a thin layer of honey to the affected area. Leave the layer on the skin for 15 min to 1hr to achieve the best results.
Manuka honey may also be useful in treating eczema. The research shows that a mixture of (equal parts) pure Manuka honey, olive oil, and beeswax may be effective. The mixture may be applied three times a day for better results.
For Wound Healing
Clean the affected area, apply a thin layer of honey, and cover it with a clean bandage. This can help accelerate wound healing and prevent further infections.
In Beverages
Add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to warm water or tea to soothe a sore throat and to feel warmth in winters.
As a Sweetener Alternative
Use Manuka honey as a natural and nutritious alternative to sugar in smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
The usage of Manuka honey is not only limited to health purposes. In addition to its medicinal uses, it’s also a delicious and healthy addition to various culinary dishes. Many people enjoy using it as a topping for granola, mixed into herbal teas, or drizzled over fruit.
Other alleged benefits include:
- assists in the healing of cuts and scrapes
- helps with digestion and eases stomach ache
- boosts the immune system
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Manuka honey is generally safe for most people as it is a natural ingredient but it may cause certain side effects in some people. Individuals with specific health conditions, for instance, those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels when consuming honey due to its natural sugar content.
Manuka honey and any other honey should not be given to infants under one year old as it may cause botulism, which is a rare but serious illness. Moreover, you may experience allergic symptoms, especially if you already have known allergies to bee related products.
Some common symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Do a patch test before applying Manuka honey to the skin or to consult a doctor before adding it in your regular routine.
What should you check for when purchasing the best Manuka honey?
Manuka honey can be found online and at select health food stores. When purchasing the best Manuka honey, it's critical to understand exactly what you're getting as all Manuka honey is not the same. To ensure that you get the best manuka honey in the market with all the benefits you will need to buy from reliable sources whether online or from an outlet. You can buy the best manuka honey at the Collection of Manuka Honey.
We offer the two best Manuka Honey Variants.
We are a family-run business operating from the heart of Sydney, Australia that sells two variants, the Manuka Honey MGO 100 and Manuka Honey MGO 500. We set out on a mission to provide the world with great-tasting varieties of Australian honey. Australia’s unique landscape opens the door to countless flavors and varieties of Australian Manuka honey, each with its unique taste and benefits. To make it even more accessible, we offer two special bundles: the Prime Bundle Offer - 3 Jars MGO 100+ and the Classic Bundle Offer - 2 Jars MGO 100+, ensuring that you can enjoy the goodness of our Manuka honey in a way that suits your needs.
Sunhighlands sources its best Manuka Honey MGO 100 and Manuka Honey MGO 500 from North East NSW and Forest Organic Honey from beehives in Central West NSW. We preserve all the goodness of our natural honey. Because the honey is unprocessed, it may retain some natural elements, such as propolis, wax, and pollen.
Take advantage of our exclusive offers with the Classic Bundle Offer - 2 Jars MGO 550+, the Prime Bundle Offer - 3 Jars MGO 550+, and the Premium Bundle Offer - 5 Jars MGO 550+.
Final Note
Manuka honey is a multifaceted natural product known for its health benefits, ranging from immune support to wound healing. Its elevated MGO content sets it apart from other types of honey, providing potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Whether you’re looking for a natural way to boost your health, treat minor wounds, or elevate your skincare routine, Manuka honey is your answer. However, always use it mindfully and be aware of potential side effects, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or allergies.
FAQs
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Is Manuka honey safe to use for everyone?
Most people can use Manuka honey safely, but those with diabetes, allergies to bees, or infants under one year should exercise caution or avoid it. -
Why should I use Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, aiding in wound healing, immune support, and digestive health -
What does MGO level mean?
The higher the MGO level, the stronger the antibacterial properties. MGO 100 is suitable for daily use, while MGO 1200 is used for more severe health conditions. -
Can I use Manuka honey over wounds?
Medical Manuka honey heals cuts and burns. Stop applying it and cover it up with a band-aid. -
Can you eat Manuka honey every day?
Yes, but in small amounts. It has health benefits, although people with diabetes should eat less. -
How do you buy medical-grade manuka honey?
In Australia, you can order through trusted retailers or online. Search for UMF 10+ and MGO 100+. -
Can babies eat Manuka honey?
No! Medicinal honey is considered dangerous for babies younger than 12 months.
Click to buy the best manuka honey from sunhighlands.com.au/
