Mānuka honey is a specific type of honey made in New Zealand from the nectar of the mānuka tree. While there are many different types of honey available, some believe this is the most beneficial and medicinal form of honey in the world, used both topically and internally. 

Manuka honey has considerably higher levels of certain compounds and enzymes responsible for its many health benefits. Many of its benefits can be attributed to the amount of hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal (MGO), and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). These compounds are what give its antimicrobial effects and make it different from other honey.

When you look at a bottle of Manuka honey, you will see the UMF trademark and a number on the label, such as 10+ or 25+. The trademark is important to make sure it’s authentic Manuka, and the number shows how pure and strong it is. The higher the number, the greater the MGO and DHA content. 

History and research show that Manuka honey can be quite powerful in treating many different ailments. Here are 5 reasons why you should always keep a bottle of Manuka honey in your medicine cabinet (or pantry!).

Speeds wound healing

Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti–bacterial properties, manuka honey can promote healing when applied to wounds and burns. It has been found to speed up the healing process by promoting tissue regeneration while preventing infection. Compared to other conventional treatment options, manuka honey has been shown to be equal to or even slightly better for tissue healing. It may even reduce pain.

Helps treat skin concerns like acne & eczema

Manuka honey can also be used for other skin conditions. It can help hydrate the skin, decrease inflammation, and help keep the skin bacteria-free, which is critical when treating acne, eczema, and even psoriasis. Studies have found that applying Manuka honey to the face can significantly reduce the presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on the skin, which is the bacteria that leads to acne breakouts. Because of this, there are now a lot of skin care products with Manuka honey in them. Furthermore, when applied to areas of eczema or psoriasis, it has the ability to modulate the skin’s immune system to promote tissue repair. 

Promotes good oral health

It has been proposed that Manuka honey may help treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. One study showed that chewing on a Manuka honey product for 21 days reduced the amount of plaque on the teeth and how much the gums bled. Since 47.2% of adults over 30 years of age have some form of periodontal disease, this could be a very simple answer to improving the oral health of many individuals. 

Supports gut health 

Consuming Manuka honey may also provide some real benefits to the gut. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, it has been shown to benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastric ulcers, and even treat infections like H. pylori and Clostridium difficile. In individuals with stomach ulcers, Manuka honey may reduce the inflammatory proteins in the stomach lining to promote better healing. In those with IBD, using Manuka honey may heal the gut lining by reducing local inflammation and preventing further gut damage. And even though Manuka honey is antimicrobial, it has been found that there are no negative impacts on the gut microbiome, and the sugars in Manuka honey may even provide prebiotics to support a healthy flora – benefiting gut health in a much broader way! 

Flora Manuka Honey 

Flora’s Manuka Honey is made in New Zealand by a sustainable, eco-friendly honey operation that is owned and run by the Maori people. The honey comes from several places on the North Island. 

It has been tested and given a rating for its MGO level as part of the UMF™ grading system. Every jar can also be tracked all the way back to where it came from. You can find out where your honey was made and its UMF™ rating by scanning the code on the label.

UMF™ graded products have been tested for three compounds: Leptosperin, DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), and MGO. All three of these compounds are needed to make sure the honey is real Manuka honey. The higher the UMF™ grading number on the product, the higher the concentration of signature compounds found in Mānuka honey. 

Flora Manuka has six options with different MGO and UMF ratings. So you can choose the one that best fits your needs. These are:

1. MGO 800+ / UMF 20+
2. MGO 515+ / UMF 15+
3. MGO 400+ / UMF 12+
4. MGO 250+ / UMF 10+
5. MGO 100+ / UMF 5+
6. MGO 30+ 

Note: Manuka honey with lower levels of antibacterial properties (MGO 83+ or UMF 5+) is the perfect choice for daily use.

Who ever thought something as delicious as honey could provide so many amazing health benefits? Manuka honey is a simple, safe, and effective way to manage many health concerns, from gastric ulcers to acne. And these are just a few of the potential health benefits that Manuka honey may have for you!