Manuka Magic: The Medicinal Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka Magic: Why We Love This New Zealand Honey

Manuka honey is finding its way into more wellness routines, and we’re here for it! This honey isn’t just sweet, it’s amazing for immunity, gut health and glowing skin. Let’s talk about what sets manuka honey apart from other honeys, and how to choose a good one.

What is manuka honey?

You guessed it! Manuka honey is a type of honey produced by the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. These trees only bloom in spring and summer, so manuka honey is pretty rare. We’re lucky to have so much access to it!

So, how is it different from regular honey? Most other honeys are multifloral, meaning bees collect nectar from a bunch of flowers and “pool” the benefits. But manuka honey is only sourced from one plant and has much higher levels of the antibacterial and microbial compounds that honey is known for.

It’s chemistry, baby

Let’s dive into these unique, bioactive compounds that make manuka honey so special.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is manuka’s star compound, and why it has such potent antibacterial properties that aren’t affected by heat or light. Fun fact: Regular honey can lose its potency if it’s stored in a warm place! The higher a honey’s MGO, the stronger its antimicrobial properties are as well. More on this in a min!
Phenolic compounds & flavonoids are what make manuka honey so rich in antioxidants! They also contribute to its unique flavour and darker colour.
Leptosperin is a natural biomarker that helps to authenticate genuine manuka honey.

The main health benefits of manuka honey

Thanks to these compounds, this honey has lots of medicinal benefits.

Boosts immunity. Did your mum ever give you a spoonful of manuka when everyone at school was getting sick? Turns out she was onto something! The high MGO content makes manuka honey effective against a wide range of bacteria. It’s also great for soothing sore throats and minor infections, and can help combat bacteria when you’re fighting off a cold.

Top tip: This is why manuka honey is often found in throat lozenges along with other immunity powerhouses like olive leaf extract! Check out Comvita Olive Leaf Extract Lozenges with Manuka or Berringa Manuka Lozenges with Lemon & Menthol.

Enhances skin health. Manuka honey is rich in antioxidants. These protect our cells from environmental stresses from the inside out, and work to improve our skin and overall immunity.
Soothes the gut. Along with its antibacterial properties, manuka honey is anti-inflammatory. This combo promotes a healthy gut microbiome by supporting the growth of good gut bugs and blocking the bad ones!
Accelerates skin repair. If you apply it topically, manuka honey supports tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation and keeps wounds moist while they heal.

Shopping for the best manuka honey

To choose the best manuka honey, you want to look at the MGO level and UMF rating. These two things are linked to purity and potency.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is that natural compound that gives manuka its antibacterial benefits. It’s measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), so a label like MGO 100+ means the honey contains at least 100mg of MGO per kg of honey. The higher the number, the more potent the product.

Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Manuka honey has its own certification system called the UMF, issued by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. This proves the honey comes from true manuka nectar and contains high amounts of those key compounds. Seeing a UMF rating of 5+ to 15+ on a label means that manuka honey is authentic and effective.

We’re BIG fans of Bee & Flow. This New Zealand family-owned farm has been harvesting manuka honey for five generations. Their products have just one ingredient - pure manuka honey - and have strong UMF ratings of 5+. Their MGO levels are tested by an independent lab and are all 250+.

The best strength for you comes down to what you’re using manuka honey for.

For everyday wellness and immunity: Bee & Flow Raw Manuka Honey UMF 10+ has an MGO of 263, which is a sweet spot for daily use.

For stronger antibacterial properties and immune support: Bee & Flow Raw Manuka Honey UMF 15+ has 550 MGO, so it’s great for more targeted support. We like taking a spoonful of this one daily when everyone seems to be sniffling!

For digestive health: Bee & Flow Gut Support UMF 5+ is packed with pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds for fibre, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. We love adding this one to our routine pre- and post-travel!

Top tip: Try to steer clear of honeys marketed as a “manuka blend” or “manuka-style”. This means they haven’t been certified, or they’re too low in MGO to deliver manuka honey benefits.

Why manuka honey has a higher price tag

You’re paying for that potency and purity that makes manuka honey so special. The higher a honey’s MGO and UMF numbers, the higher quality it is.

Another reason for the price tag is the limited supply! Manuka trees bloom for just a few weeks each year.

How to use manuka honey

Here are some of our favourite ways! 1 tsp is a serve.

Enjoy straight from the spoon
Stir into warm tea (we love it with ginger tea!)
Toss into yoghurt or smoothies
Drizzle over nut butter toast
Mix into overnight oats or porridge
Blend into homemade salad dressing with olive oil & lemon
Add to cheese or fruit grazing boards!

Get the goodness of manuka honey

Manuka honey is loaded with immunity and gut-loving benefits, so it’s a great sweetener and pantry staple rolled into one! Shop certified manuka honey on GoodnessMe, and explore Bee & Flow’s full range here.