Superfood: Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey

We've learned here how honey is made and how the consumption of honey has been long noted since the beginning of time. Many honey naturally produce hydrogen peroxide, which gives it the antibacterial and antibiotic quality. However, this property is easily destroyed when exposed to heat and light, and the enzyme catalase in our bodies that breaks down hydrogen peroxide damages the antibacterial strength even further.

Manuka honey comes from the native manuka bush of New Zealand. It contains a unique non-peroxide active ingredient called methylglyoxal, which is stable and not damaged by heat, light, or catalase enzymes. Methylglyoxal is also found in a variety of honeys, but manuka honey contains the highest level of it all. This special quality is known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). The higher the UMF, the more potent the honey. This is what makes manuka honey uniquely medicinal. 

The Benefits of Taking Manuka Honey Internally and Topically

This superfood is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and supports good health. Manuka honey high in UMF (10 or greater) has therapeutic value that can be used both internally and externally. It is more effective in providing antibacterial protection from infected wounds as it penetrates deeper into our skin, treating infected wounds which may have resisted other treatments such as antibiotics. But unlike synthetic antibiotics, UMF does not promote the growth and spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which makes it highly effective at treating wounds without getting infection. Manuka honey can be applied topically for acnes, wounds, burns, cuts, infections and other skin problems. Internally consumed, it strengthens our immune system, helps with sore throats, colds, heartburn, and aids in healing stomach ulcers and other digestive problems. 

"My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste." - Proverbs 24:13

Which Manuka Honey To Buy?

Buy raw, unpasteurized manuka honey with UMF 10 or higher to benefit from its unique properties. Unprocessed honey retains the most nutrients. Make sure it contains 100% raw honey and nothing else.

My family consumes this manuka honey regularly. When I feel cold or cough coming, I make ginger tea sweetened with manuka honey. It is very soothing.


Please note that it's not recommended to give honey to babies under one year old. Honey can contain spores that can germinate in infant's immature digestive system and cause botulism.

What is your experience with manuka honey?

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