You’ve likely seen Manuka honey mentioned everywhere, often with a premium price tag and a lot of buzz. But what exactly is it, and is Manuka honey good for you? This remarkable honey, native to New Zealand, is famous for its rich taste and it’s valued worldwide for its unique properties. Let’s explore the top 10 benefits that make it so sought-after.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
Before we get to the benefits, what sets Manuka apart? Its power comes from its source: the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).
This specific nectar gives the honey potent antibacterial properties that aren’t found in most other honeys. While many honeys have benefits, Manuka’s unique composition is what makes it a standout in the world of wellness.
The Secret Ingredient: What is MGO in Manuka Honey?
When you shop for Manuka, you’ll see ratings like MGO or UMF. This is the key.
MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka its powerful antibacterial effect. The higher the MGO number, the more potent and active the honey is. It's this MGO content that researchers have linked to many of its most significant health benefits.
Top 10 Benefits of Manuka Honey
Here is what Manuka honey is good for.
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Wound Care
This is Manuka’s most famous use. Its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are why you can use Manuka honey to treat wounds, minor burns, and scrapes. It creates a protective barrier, helps keep the area clean, and supports the body’s natural healing process. (For any serious wound, always consult a medical professional).
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Soothing Sore Throats
That thick, rich texture is perfect for coating an irritated throat. Its antibacterial properties can help soothe discomfort, making it a go-to remedy during the cold and flu season.
For a different kind of soothing warmth, our own British Honey with Lemon is also a comforting choice for a winter lemon and honey drink.
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Supporting Digestive Health
Some research suggests Manuka can be beneficial for digestive balance. Its properties are often used to help soothe the stomach and support a healthy gut environment.
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Enhancing Skin Health
The Manuka honey benefits for skin are significant. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities make it a popular ingredient in skincare. It’s used to help calm redness, hydrate the skin, and manage breakouts.
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Powerful Antioxidant Source
Like all high-quality, pure honey, Manuka is packed with antioxidants. These compounds help protect your body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
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Boosting Oral Health
It might seem strange for honey, but studies have shown its potent antibacterial properties can help reduce dental plaque and support gum health when used correctly (Note: not as a replacement for brushing your teeth).
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Natural Energy Boost
Manuka provides a clean, natural source of carbohydrates. This makes it an excellent source of energy before a workout or as a way to beat the mid-day slump.
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Supporting a Healthy Immune System
The unique combination of compounds in Manuka is believed to offer general support to the body’s immune response, especially when taken consistently.
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Unique, Complex Flavour
Let’s not forget the taste. It has a distinct, rich, and slightly medicinal flavour that food lovers and home cooks appreciate. It’s less sweet than other types of honey, with an earthy, complex profile.
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Natural Sweetener Alternative
For health & wellness enthusiasts, Manuka is a fantastic natural sweetener alternative to sugar. It adds a robust flavour to yoghurt, oats, or smoothies while providing those extra wellness perks.
How to Use Manuka Honey
You can use Manuka in several ways, depending on your goal:
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For Wellness: A simple spoonful taken daily is the most common method.
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For Skin: Apply a thin layer directly to the skin as a face mask or spot treatment.
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For Food: Drizzle it over breakfast, mix it into smoothies, or add it to warm (not boiling) tea to protect its delicate properties.
Where to Buy Manuka Honey (And What to Look For)
If you’re looking to buy Manuka honey, it’s important to know how to purchase the real thing, as its potency is key.
You won’t find it in our Honey & Greens collection, as we focus on our own range of British honeys.
You can typically find genuine Manuka honey in specialist health food shops, large supermarkets with a dedicated wellness aisle, or from reputable online retailers.
When you shop, don’t just look for the name ‘Manuka.’ To ensure you’re getting its active benefits, you must check the label for an official potency rating:
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MGO (Methylglyoxal): Look for a number like MGO 100+, MGO 250+, etc. This directly measures the antibacterial compound.
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UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This is a registered trademark (e.g., UMF 5+, UMF 10+) that tests for MGO and other signature compounds, guaranteeing its authenticity.
If you are exploring the world of high-quality, bioactive honeys, we invite you to discover our own functional star: Active Organic Oak Honey. This is a remarkable, potent honey from the Spanish mountains, lab-tested for its quality and Total Activity (TA15+). It’s a wonderful European alternative for those who seek out rich, naturally bioactive honeys for their daily wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I give Manuka honey to my baby?
No. Like all honey, it is not recommended for children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism.
What does the UMF rating mean?
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is another grading system that measures MGO and other signature compounds. It’s a registered trademark that guarantees purity and potency.
Can I cook with Manuka honey?
You can, but high heat can degrade its unique, active properties. To get the full wellness benefits, it's best used raw or added to dishes after they have cooled slightly.
Find Your New Favourite
Manuka is a powerful and fascinating honey, but the world of honey is incredibly diverse, with unique flavours and textures waiting to be discovered.
At Honey & Greens, we are passionate about redefining how real honey should taste; from the delicate notes of our British Wildflower Honey to the zesty kick of our British Honey with Ginger.
Ready to explore? Browse our full collection of purity-guaranteed honeys and discover a flavour crafted for your moments, from breakfast to baking.
References
WebMD (2025). Manuka Honey: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses
Healthline (2023). 6 Proven Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits