Manuka honey has developed a reputation as having even more health benefits than regular honey. Because it comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka bushes (Leptospemum species) that grow almost exclusively in the East Cape region of New Zealand, it has rarity value. This makes it a little more expensive.

Properties of Manuka Honey

More than 80% of honey is made up of glucose and fructose, leaving an extremely low water content. Most organisms, including bacteria, need a fairly high percentage of water to stay alive, so honey is a hostile environment for them.

The health benefits of all types of honey are mostly due to these antibacterial properties. The reason Manuka honey has even more powerful antibacterial properties is that unlike most other honey, it is not affected by heat and light. It is far more stable, meaning its healing properties work longer.

UMF Manuka Honey

There are different grades of Manuka honey. Those with the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating of 10 or more are the strongest as this measures its antibacterial strength. This is called “active honey”. The strong UMF Manuka Honey is used in New Zealand to fight wound infecting bacteria. It is a powerful sterilizer of cuts and burns and prevents further infection.

In July 2009, a hospital in England started using Manuka honey to treat wounds.

Home Remedies with Manuka Honey

For everyday use in the home, Manuka honey can be used to treat

• Stomach upsets and indigestion – a teaspoonful on a slice of bread three times a day will help to settle the stomach. Or try a teaspoonful of active honey stirred into a cup of herbal tea. Keep stomachs working well by eating plain yogurt every day, topped with a spoonful of honey.
• Sore throats – a teaspoonful three times a day will ease the throat as well as reduce infection. Alternatively, add a teaspoonful of Manuka honey to hot water and a thin slice of ginger. Leave to steep for 5 minutes and sip.

Active Honey as a Treatment for Skin Complaints

• Grazes and minor burns – spread a little on the wound and leave it to dry. The Manuka honey will keep the wound clean as well as promoting skin healing.
• Eczema – apply straight from the jar with a spatula and leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash off. Manuka honey is also effective in removing the dead skin and seems to help with the growth of new skin. Skin care products containing active honey have been popular for many years.

Keep Manuka and other honey in an airtight container and it will last indefinitely. Substitute honey for sugar in drinks and in use in healthy recipes such as Bread and Honey Pudding.

Suppliers of Manuka honey recommend that it is not given to children under the age of 2.