Why We Love Manuka Honey
We all know how fabulous good local honey is but did you know the healing properties of Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is a specific type of honey only produced in New Zealand. It’s created by bees who collect the nectar of the New Zealand Manuka bush, as well as tea trees native to Australia and New Zealand.
So what’s so great about this honey? Not only does it contain less sugar than normal honey, making it healthier to consume, but it also has powerful bacteria killing properties. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837971/)
Manuka Honey contains a compound called methylglyoxal which kills bacteria. You can find this compound in other types of honey but only in very small amounts. Manuka Honey has a large amount of methylglyoxal.
When you apply the honey topically, it can help fight against infections of the skin, cuts and insect bites. Is great at cleaning up MRSA and prevents the bacteria from being resistant to antibiotic treatment. Studies even showed that the bacteria that was killed by the honey was not able to build up immunity, unlike many other cases.
If you consume Manuka Honey, it can help with stomach ulcers, sore throats, colds and indigestion. It can also be helpful during pregnancy to help counteract fatigue and heartburn. It can also provide an instant burst of energy during labor when added to hot water.
You can also use Manuka Honey to help ease sinus, ear and eye infections, including conjunctivitis or pink eye, as well as gastrointestinal problems. It can be used to help treat wounds, ulcers or burns.
Manuka Honey can even be used as a natural skincare product. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects make it excellent on acne. It can even help heal eczema-affected skin. It can be applied as a face mask to help improve the skin. The antioxidant and hydrating benefits can boost skin elasticity and collagen production. This gives the skin a youthful, smooth, glowing appearance. Use Manuka Honey on scars to help them fade, on the face or body.
Where to put Manuka Honey into your skin care routine.
I love to use it on occasion as a face mask. It’s a little sticky and can be uncomfortable and messy but it is worth the effort. Try it once a month as part of your regular skincare routine. It will soften your skin, stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. It will aid in cleaning up infection and it leaves your skin feeling smooth and elastic.
How to know you’re getting the right product…
Look for the “UMF certified” trademark. The label should show this as well as the lot or batch, and must be packed and labeled in New Zealand. The full address should be included to prove the quality of production. The label must also say that it is honey, rather than other alternative names. You should also be able to see a complete nutrition information table that follows the standards set by the New Zealand government. A MHF (Manuka Honey Factor) of 10 -16 is great.
Side Effects:
While side effects to Manuka Honey aren’t common, it’s important to know what to look out for. It’s possible to have an allergic reaction, especially for those who are allergic to bees. Anybody with diabetes should not consume Manuka Honey on a daily basis, or possibly at all. The high levels of MG and glucose could prevent insulin-induced signaling and cause complications or an increase in blood sugar levels. Manuka Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months old.
