Most people know that traditional honey has been used for medical benefits throughout ancient civilizations, but few have heard the astronomical health claims of manuka honey.
Filled with copious amounts of beneficial compounds, manuka honey is a naturally pure, unpasteurized, raw honey used to treat numerous ailments. But chances are you won't find it in your local grocery store.
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Where Does Manuka Honey Come From?
Although many claim manuka honey is native to the North, South, and the Stewart Islands of New Zealand, the Australian Manuka Honey Association claims that Australia is the true origin of the red manuka or red tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium).
The manuka bush has a brownish-colored bark with pointy green leaves and highly perfumed white manuka flowers. With the introduction of the European honey bee to pollinate the manuka flowers, the result is a dark monofloral honey chocked full of medicinal benefits.
As Manuka honey becomes more popular, however, many are trying to mimic this medical-grade honey right here in the United States, and it grows particularly well in Zones 9 and 10.
Does Manuka Honey Taste the Same as Regular Honey?
Genuine manuka honey has a much higher viscosity than regular honey. It is dark brown in color and has a much stronger, deeper, more robust flavor when compared to traditional honey.
It also has a much richer, earthier taste. Many kitchen experts compare its likeness to molasses, but not as sweet.
How Is Manuka Honey Different From Regular Honey?
Raw honey has been used for medicinal purposes since the beginning of time and is historically recorded in many ancient civilizations:
- Egypt: In ancient Egypt, honey was used for wound salves, topical ointments, preservation, and even embalming.
- Greece: In ancient Greece, honey was used for gout, nerves, anxiety, pain, fever, baldness, topical wounds, eye diseases, scarring, cough, and sore throat, contraceptives, and laxatives.
- China: In Traditional Chinese Medicine honey is believed to promote energy, strength, and vitality.
- India: In Ayurvedic medicine, honey is traditionally used for bad digestion, cough, gums and teeth, insomnia, skin disorders, burns, wounds, and improving eyesight.
In our modern-day Western culture, scientific evidence has supported the health benefits of regular honey since the 19th century. There is much research that demonstrates significant antibacterial activity and antimicrobial properties equal to or better than other natural products.
Further studies show that raw honey helps fight certain organisms:
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Helicobacter pylori
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic indicates that honey has been used to treat these conditions:
- Sore throats and coughs
- Wound treatment and care
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Neurological disease
As nutritional and beneficial as normal honey is, manuka honey is reported to be up to four times better. It has a high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and is also extremely rich in phenols giving it tremendous medicinal properties.
While not a conventional treatment, the use of manuka honey for treating ailments and illnesses is gaining in popularity.
Any manuka honey with a UMF of 0-5 (discussed below) would be equivalent to most honey found in your local supermarket. However, manuka honey with a UMF of 10 or higher has superior antibacterial properties.
Manuka Markers
To measure the health claims of manuka, there are a variety of grading systems in place to gauge its potency and efficacy. In most cases, the higher the number, the better the health benefits.
1. Unique Manuka Factor
One of the most touted health claims of manuka honey is its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) developed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand, which measures the key markers in manuka:
- Leptosperin: anti-inflammatory properties
- Methylglyoxal (MGO): antibacterial effects
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): a precursor for MGO; determines overall MGO levels
- 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): antioxidative, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxic, anti-sickling, and anti-hyperuricemic
Because every Manuka manufacturer in New Zealand is required to be UMF certified, the UMF is the global standard of identity.
Manuka honey carries a UMF rating from 5 - 24+ and measures the antibacterial strength in any batch of honey.
It also verifies the authenticity of origin and medical grade (UMF 20+). A UMF of 0-10+ can be used interchangeably and in the same fashion as store-bought or local honey.
Whereas, a UMF from 10-20+ is much better suited for topical application due to its increased antioxidant properties and its ability to decrease inflammation. The best manuka honey has a UMF factor of 25+ or better.
2. Methylglyoxal Levels (MGO)
Manuka Health also instituted an MGO rating, which measures the bioavailability of methylglyoxal and ranges from MGO 100+ to MGO 825+. The higher the MGO number, the more antibacterial strength and better health benefits.
In essence, the number represents the milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. So an MGO of 83+ would have at least 83 mg of methylglyoxal for every kilogram of honey.
3. K-Factor
Another grading system for your manuka is the K-Factor. This rating ensures your honey comes from the manuka bush, is non-GMO, and is from New Zealand. It also certifies your honey is free from any antibiotics, glyphosate, or pesticides.
A K-Factor of 12 or less is indicative of multi-floral manuka honey, whereas a KFactor of 16 or better is indicative of monofloral honey. While the K-Factor measures the purity and quality of manuka honey, it does not measure any antibacterial effects.
Here's the simplest breakdown of the grading systems:
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
The medicinal properties of Manuka honey include antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal content, phenols, and flavonoids.
Proponents of Manuka honey have cited numerous studies that reveal the following medicinal properties:
- Antibacterial properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidants
- Antimicrobial properties
- Anti-proliferative
- Ability to fight antibiotic-resistant strains
There is sufficient scientific research that indicates manuka honey may play a healing role in numerous ailments and serious illnesses.
Treats Wounds and Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
One of the benefits of manuka honey is its notable healing properties against antibiotic-resistant infections:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Escherichia coli
- β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) E. coli
- vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
Studies show manuka honey may be effective against various microorganisms, and honey therapy could be used to combat these infections. A more recent study even shows promise against anti-microbial-resistant bacteria infections like cystic fibrosis.
In addition, manuka honey's most prestigious claim to fame is its ability to treat wound infections and enhance wound healing. Scientific studies show that one of the main health benefits of Manuka honey is its ability as an essential constituent for tissue regeneration.
Not only does manuka honey have anti-inflammatory properties, but it's been shown to inhibit bacterial growth and expedite the overall healing process for various conditions:
- Burns
- Cataracts
- Ulcers
- Open wounds
Applying manuka honey bandages reduces the healing time of bed sores and other open wounds and has been an acceptable practice of wound treatment for decades. It's often used to treat burns and is highly praised for its ability to soothe and reduce pain.
Improves Oral Health
Manuka honey is also used to treat periodontal disease and numerous other oral health issues:
- Prevent plaque formation
- Prevent tooth decay
- Treat gingivitis
It's also been shown to decrease inflammation and soothe a sore throat. Consuming manuka honey helps attack harmful oral bacteria and treat mount infections.
Boosts Digestive Health
Consuming manuka honey is also known to work wonders for the digestive system. Not only does it assist in aiding digestion, but it also improves overall gut flora and digestive health.
Manuka honey also helps improve certain digestive conditions:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Gastric Ulcers
- Indigestion
- Helicobacter pylori
- Clostridium difficile
- Colitis
- Gastritis
- GERD
- Acid Reflux
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Staphylococcus aureus (food poisoning)
Heals Skin Conditions
Applying manuka honey to the skin also aids in various inflammatory skin conditions. Just be sure you're using the medical-grade honey with a higher UMF rating. It can be used to treat acne and eczema, as well as prevent infections.
Can You Cook With Manuka Honey?
With all the exquisite health benefits of manuka honey, many wonder if it can be used in culinary recipes. The answer is a resounding yes!
With a few caveats, of course.
First, you want to use something other than manuka honey as your primary sweetener. Manuka honey should be used sparingly.
Aside from its astronomical price, you'll end up with a gooey, dense, heavy flavor that will likely be too intense. When it comes to cooking, you'll also want to stick to standard or maintenance grades.
Anything 10+ is not only more expensive but also better reserved for therapeutic use. Nutritionally speaking, there's little difference between traditional honey and manuka honey.
Eating manuka honey mixed with other kitchen herbs and spices is a great way to promote healing and strengthen your immune system.
Baking With Manuka Honey
If you want to try baking with manuka honey, start by adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of manuka honey to your favorite sweet bread, frosting, granola, or breakfast bars for a subtly distinct honey flavor.
Alternatively, try it in your fruit or pecan pies or even your cheesecake. You can also add it to your pancakes or cookies.
Given its viscosity, don't be afraid to experiment with any of your recipes that call for molasses by substituting a small portion with manuka.
Manuka Honey in Your Favorite Drinks
Instead of using agave or normal honey in your morning smoothies, try a small amount of manuka honey instead. It goes really well with tropical food like banana, coconut, and pineapple.
Try adding it to your favorite hot drinks too. I love adding a half teaspoon of manuka honey to my golden milk. Not only do you get the health benefits of golden milk, but you also get the added bonus of manuka honey.
Grilling With Manuka Honey
Substitute any of your marinades that call for honey, molasses, or brown sugar with a bit of manuka honey instead. One of my favorites is to mix manuka honey, ginger, soy sauce, and crushed garlic.
Brush your meats, veggies, or seafood with your manuka mixture and toss it on the grill. It's exceptionally tasty on grilled pineapple.
Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes
Try adding a little manuka honey to sweeten your dressings and vinaigrettes. Just ½ teaspoon of manuka honey can make a really tasty balsamic vinaigrette.
Better yet, try substituting a half teaspoon of manuka honey with our homemade honey mustard sauce.
Does Manuka Honey Have Any Risks or Side Effects
Like normal honey, manuka honey is considered a simple sugar and, therefore, should be consumed in moderation. It's ranked at 55 on the glycemic index scale and can spike blood sugar levels in diabetics like other types of honey.
However, it should also be noted that regular consumption of honey can both lower fasting blood sugars and increase insulin levels over the long term.
Additionally, people who are allergic to bees or honey can expect a similar allergic reaction with manuka honey, whether taken internally or applied externally.
Last but not least, the same rules apply to infants under one year. Manuka honey should not be given to young children secondary to risks of infant botulism, which can cause serious illness.
Given its exceptional antibacterial properties, antioxidant properties, and wound-healing abilities, manuka honey may be just one of the best investments you can make for your overall health and well-being.
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