The Ultimate Guide to Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is one-of-a-kind. It’s a super food but also a super psychedelic. It’s the juice of the Manuka tree, and a unique molecular makeup that gives it a distinct flavour and makes it beneficial as a folk medicine. But what makes Manuka honey so special? It’s not just honey.
Origins of Manuka Honey
It is made by bees busy collecting nectar from the Manuka tree, the scientific name of which is Leptospermum scoparium. The Manuka shrub has been growing wild in the remote wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere – including New Zealand and southeastern Australia – for many centuries. The healing benefits of the Manuka tree have long been known by the indigenous Maori population. The honey from the Manuka flower is a continuation of this natural tradition.
Unique Properties of Manuka Honey
So what is it about Manuka that makes it special? Well, the answer lies in the unique compounds it contains. Whilst table honey might be packed full of sweetness (as well as some vitamins) and provide good energy, Manuka honey is also filled with high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and leptosperin, which is thought to give Manuka honey its remarkable antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
Beyond being a sweet and indulgent treat, did you know that manuka honey offers an astonishing number of health benefits? Let’s take a look at some of the wonders that can come from this incredible foodstuff.
Antibacterial Properties
One is that Manuka honey contains very high levels of antibacterial activity, particularly due to its content of an organic phenol called MGO, which is unique to the Manuka plant, providing a powerful antibacterial action of its own. This means Manuka has been shown to kill a wide range of bacteria, some of which are resistant to other forms of antibiotics.
MGO and its Significance
MGO – methylglyoxal – is the star ingredient of Manuka honey, and the higher its MGO content, the better its antibacterial properties – so it’s a good natural match for problematic, slow-to-heal wounds; sore throats and ‘the old gut problems’.
Skin Health Benefits
Need help with a persistent skin problem? The sticky medicine manuka honey is the answer. Hooray for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities that fight acne and eczema while healing minor wounds. All you have to do is spread a smidge on whatever area needs some help.
Digestive Health Benefits
Your digestive system will also benefit from the inclusion of a tablespoonful of Manuka honey to your daily food intake: it contains substances that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and help reduce inflammation. Consuming it on a regular basis can be helpful in the treatment of painful conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome – IBS for short – and gastritis.
How to Use Manuka Honey
Here are five simple tips for sure-fire, stress-free ways to introduce Manuka honey into your everyday life.
In Your Daily Diet
You can spoon Manuka on breakfast cereals, add it to a cup of tea or stir it into yoghurt. Its flavour adds an exotic twist to any meal while doing all manner of good.
Recipes Featuring Manuka Honey
Want a few more recipe ideas? Try my Manuka honey-glazed salmon, Manuka honey and lemon tea or Manuka honey and walnut bread. Each recipe amplifies the unmistakable, slightly bitter flavour of this liquid sunshine and its amazing, golden benefits.
Manuka Honey and Lemon Tea
Ingredients:
– 1 cup hot water
– 1 tablespoon Manuka honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Optional: a slice of fresh ginger or a dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Let the water boil before you pour it out, so you don’t destroy any of the honey’s qualities.
- Stir in Manuka honey and lemon juice until well mixed.
- Top it off with a slice of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the soothing effects.
As a Topical Treatment
For skin problems, just apply it, undiluted, right to the skin. Manuka honey can help treat minor wounds, burns and infections.
Choosing the Right Manuka Honey
Not all Manuka honey is created equal. Here’s what to look for to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Understanding the UMF Rating
If you see ‘UMF’ – short for ‘Unique Manuka Factor’ – this is a rating of the potency of the honey: the higher the UMF rating, the more potent the honey. A UMF rating of 10 and above will give you the real McCoy.
Where to Buy Authentic Manuka Honey
If you want to avoid fakes, purchase from trusted sources, making sure that certified Manuka honey has been properly UMF rated and MGO content is clearly specified. You will find it at good online retailers and in health food shops.
Common Misconceptions
One popular misconception is that all honey has the same properties as Manuka honey. All honey contains glucose and fructose, which in small amounts are beneficial for human health, similar to a dose of vitamins in a multivitamin tablet. But it is Manuka honey’s distinctive compounds that give it such remarkable medicinal properties.
Scientific Evidence
There is a strong body of evidence to support the various health claims associated with Manuka honey, including its antibacterial activity, its beneficial role in wound healing, and its use in treating gastrointestinal conditions.
Storing Manuka Honey
This applies to your Manuka honey too: if you store it properly, its beneficial properties will still be there. Here’s how.
Best Practices for Storage
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for maximum efficacy and to prevent crystallization. If your Manuka honey does crystallize, place the jar in warm water to re-liquefy.
Shelf Life of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has a fantastically long shelf life if stored correctly – you can expect it to last at least two to three years and it might even be OK for longer than that. If you store it correctly, it might go slightly darker in colour, but the flavour will also change a little bit.
Conclusion
Manuka honey has many positive benefits to both the mind and body, including being an ample immunity booster and a proponent of skin health. There’s never been a better time to become a lover of the little golden helper.
FAQs
Is Manuka honey safe for everyone?
Yes in general, but check with your healthcare provider; particularly for children under one year old and people with diabetes.
Can Manuka honey help with allergies?
While allergies are caused by a whole-body immune response to a particular allergen, say pollen or grasses, it appears that a bit of Manuka honey can temporarily curb allergy inflammation. There is some indication that Manuka honey also cleanses your mouth, but only a few studies either way.
How much Manuka honey should I consume?
A typical suggestion is between one and two teaspoons a day. However, this, of course, will depend both on one’s present state of wellbeing and on what one is hoping to achieve.
Are there any side effects?
Manuka honey doesn’t have any serious side-effects, unless someone is allergic to it, or if blood sugar levels go up too much. Use it in moderation.
How to identify genuine Manuka honey?
First, you should be on the lookout for a UMF rating and MGO content (short, handier, easier to remember than UMF). Second, buy directly from brands and reputable retailers that you can trust.
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