What is Manuka Honey?
It is a light, clear yellow honey, with a distinctive taste and aroma. It has been produced by bees fed on the nectar of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) flowers, which grow in areas of New Zealand where the air is too dry to support other plants.
This honey type is unique because it has a high concentration of micronutrients (minerals) missing from other kinds of honey. These include manganese, zinc, copper, and selenium. It can be a natural remedy for many health problems, including sore throats and coughs.
What Are the Top Medicinal Uses for Manuka Honey?
A Natural Antibiotic
Manuka honey is a natural antibiotic used to treat many infections. It has been found to be particularly effective at treating Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, including skin burns, wounds, and urinary tract infections.
It contains a large amount of methylglyoxal (MGO), which provides an antibacterial effect that is thought to prevent bacterial growth. Methylglyoxal also inhibits the growth of yeast by causing cell death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves MGO-containing products as a topical antibacterial agent against bacterial infection. Still, it does not approve them for use in food or as an antibacterial agent.
A Natural Painkiller
Manuka honey is a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory. It’s so effective that it can be used to treat everything from sore throats to arthritis and back pain. It has been known to reduce fever, improve sleep quality and ease stomach cramps.
Manuka honey can also help reduce the symptoms of asthma and emphysema, as well as inflammation in the eyes and ears.
A Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Manuka honey has been used as a natural anti-inflammatory for centuries, and it’s still used today by many holistic practitioners in Canada and the U.S. The active ingredient in this honey type is methyl glycyrrhizin (MG), an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and pain while promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Treats Swollen Gums
Manuka honey has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, one of which is to treat sore throats and sores in the mouth or throat. It is also used to treat throat infections, coughs and colds, and other ailments that affect the body.
The use of this honey in these areas has been proven to be very effective in relieving sore throats. Still, it can also be used as a mouthwash to treat swollen gums and bad breath due to dental or tooth decay problems such as cavities or gum disease.
A Natural Skin Healer
It is a natural skin healer. It has antimicrobial properties that can kill off the bacteria that cause acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. It also helps heal wounds quickly and effectively. Manuka has been used for centuries to treat wounds, burns, and even bee stings. The active ingredients in this category of honey are antibacterial polysaccharides called methylglyoxal, which have many benefits for the skin.
Final Thoughts
The biggest benefit of manuka honey is its antibacterial and healing properties. When used topically, it reduces skin inflammation and has also been known to successfully treat fungal conditions, like athlete’s foot. Due to the unique composition of this honey’s natural substances, many people have claimed that it helps treat acne more effectively than over-the-counter products.