Manuka honey is a New Zealand native honey that is made by bees that pollinate the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). This honey has certain properties that distinguish it from regular honey.
Hence, the Manuka honey vs raw honey debate as to which is more superior might end up in favor of manuka honey. This is as a result of its antibacterial properties that could be due to the active ingredient it contains known as Methylglyoxal. Apart from antibacterial properties, this bee product has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral properties.
Therefore, to allow you fully appreciate this product, we have compiled some of the benefits of manuka honey. Let’s take a look at them, shall we?
1. Aids Oral Health
It is no secret that many Americans suffer from one kind of oral disease or the other. To pull up statistics, the CDC has revealed about 50% of folks in the U.S. fall within this category. Hence, oral health is one of the foremost concerns in the minds of many.
Therefore, most Americans take oral care quite seriously as several means are employed to ensure that oral bacteria are reduced which could lead to plaque formation. While reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth is necessary; however, getting rid of all of them is not recommended. This is because they also play an integral role as far as oral health is concerned.
Going back to manuka honey, this syrup has been proven to fight harmful bacteria in the mouth that could lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay, and plaque formation. As we said earlier, this syrup has antibacterial properties. Hence, research has revealed that it is able to inhibit the development of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. Both are dangerous mouth bacteria.
Another study revealed that individuals who chewed on manuka honey chew for three days as part of their meals experienced a substantial gingival bleeding and plaque reduction.
Taking a sweet product such as this for oral health might sound counter-productive to many given that the general rule is to avoid anything sweet for the sake of our teeth. However, due to the antibacterial effects of this product, the possibility of it causing tooth decay or cavities is zero to none.
2. Helps Wound Healing
The use of this syrup for the treatment of wounds, sores, boils, and burns has been in existence for centuries. Hence, when the FDA approved the use of manuka honey as a wound treatment alternative, not many were surprised.
The antioxidant and antibacterial properties help the healing of wounds and also create a moist environment and protective layer. These allow the wound to heal while it is protected from any infections.
Several studies have revealed how well this product can speed up wound healing, reduce pain in burn patients, and also enhanced tissue regeneration.
A study was carried out within a week as some individuals were observed who had wounds that were non-healing. These folks were treated by applying a dressing of manuka honey. After a week, about 88% of the individuals experienced a decrease in the wound size. The product also created an acidic environment that sped up the healing process.
It has also been proven that this syrup works for patients with diabetic ulcers. The wound healing process is what is applicable to this issue as well.
A study from Saudi Arabia showed that a combination of manuka honey dressings and traditional wound treatment was able to heal diabetic ulcers way better than traditional wound treatment alone.
Also, a Greek research revealed that using the dressing caused a reduction in healing time. It was also used to disinfect wounds of diabetic foot ulcers.
Furthermore, the efficiency of this syrup in healing and treating eyelid wounds post-surgery was well documented in a study. It was observed that all the eyelid wounds were healed well whether it was treated with Vaseline or manuka honey.
Nevertheless, it was reported that patients whose scarring were treated with this syrup felt less pain and less stiff when compared to patients that used only vaseline.
This product can also treat wound infections that are a result of antibiotic-resistant strains like Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, when you topically apply this syrup frequently, might prevent such strains.
3. Inhibits Gastric Ulcers
One illness that is common among humans is stomach ulcers. Visit https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-ulcers to learn more about the different types of ulcers.
Stomach ulcers are basically sores within the stomach’s lining that cause pains, bloating, and nausea. The bacterium that is the cause of gastric ulcers is H. pylori. From research, this syrup could be used to treat stomach/gastric ulcers that are caused by this bacterium.
A study using test-tube samples observed the effects of the syrup on H. pylori caused gastric ulcers biopsies. There were positive results from the test which implies that the product might work as an antibacterial agent.
Despite the above test, a study within two weeks showed that individuals who ingested a tablespoon of the syrup daily didn’t experience any decrease in the amount of H. pylori in their stomachs.
As a result, additional research is required to determine the honey’s efficiency in treating H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers.
One of the main causes of gastric ulcers is the consumption of excess alcohol. With a study conducted on rats, it was proven that the syrup aided in the prevention of gastric ulcers caused by alcohol.
Other manuka honey benefits include:
- Soothes sore throat.
- Treats cystic fibrosis symptoms.
iii. Improves digestive disorder symptoms.
- Treats acne.
Before you take manuka honey as an alternative treatment, you should consult your doctor if you have diabetes or bee, or honey allergy. Infants should not be given it either as it could lead to infant botulism which is a foodborne type of illness.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve been able to reveal some manuka honey benefits as proven by scientific research and studies. If you are diabetic or allergic to bees or honey, then you need to con
24 comments
Manuka honey is new to me. But after reading its benefits, I am eager to see if I can find it here. If not, I will check it on Amazon. This is something good which can be included in our food habits
I use honey regularly at my place in different ways and recipes but never heard about manuka honey before. after reading your post felt that it is really beneficial for health. will surly explore more about it from my side.
Honey is really an integral part of my kitchen and many recipes, I am glad you have shared details about this Manuka Honey will surely check!!
Honey is part of my daily routine, good to know more on Manuka honey and its benefits. Shall start with small container of this honey to gain all the goodness of it.
I knew about Manuka Honey being a superior quality of honey with medicinal properties but I was unaware of the experiments that conclude this as being effective in controlling gingivitis and plaque formation and accelerate healing of diabetic ulcers.
I use honey in my beauty rituals almost everyday. But I had no idea that it’s good for gastric ulcers. I’m gonna try this way now. Thanks for the information.
Manuka honey, even though from New Zealand, is quite famous in Australia too. I have tried Manuka honey and I liked it even though I am not a big fan of honey. It surely has amazing benefits.
I have a good stock of raw honey and it becomes easily available atleast twice in a year. Manuka word also means raisin in Marathi and Manuka honey is often confused because if it. The benefits interests me and I will check whether it is available.
I have used skincare products derived from manuka honey, but have never consumed any. It is good to know that it has so much benefits.
I love how wonderfully you have explained the benefits of manuka honey, that too via proven scientific research and studies. I am not diabetic or allergic to bees or honey, and can totally see myself using manuka honey. Am definitely buying a jar for my family today.
While we use honey every day, I wasnt aware of Manuka Honey and it’s health benefits. I am blown away that it has anti-bacterial properties. And that it can treat and prevent so many infections. H.pylori is a persistent bacteria… years ago, I was a brand manager for an anti-ulcerant…. I think, the combination of an anti-ulcerant and Manuka honey would help treat ulcers quicker! Thanks for an informative post, Tina!
Honey has so many health benefits that one should incorporate its use in our diets. One of the challenges most people face is getting pure and authentic honey. Manuka Honey seems to be the answer here,
I’m reading about Manuka honey for the first time. Looking at its good effects on our health it is indeed a better option than raw honey. Will surely give it a try.
I have heard a lot of benefits of manuka however, never tried it. After reading this post. I am definitely going to give this a try.
Manuca honey is new to me though we use honey at home on a regular basis. I was amazed to know that this honey can help maintain oral hygiene which was something new to know.
Honey in general is also very nice to consume and I wasn’t aware that Raw manuka honey also has so many benefits if consumed regularly. Would like to explore this basis of your review as it’s the first time I am trying this one.
Honey has lots of skin,body and hair benefits . You have discussed about this beautifully here. I drink honey water every morning in empty stomach.
We are what we eat, I truly believe in that and hence I am very conscious of my food choice. Manuka honey definately takes the benefits of consuming honey to the next level. I am also keen to include them, hope its on amazon
Wow this seems to me one of the best kinds of honey I have ever heard of, will surely be trying it Tina, thanks
Never heard about manuka honey . I think instead of normal honey I would love to add this one in my routine as it has numerous benefits.
Honey has many medicinal properties, and this honey is definitely very good. I have learned many benefits about manuka honey today from your blog.
I wasnt aware of Manuka Honey and it’s health benefits. I am blown away that it has anti-bacterial properties. And that it can treat and prevent so many infections. Thanks for an informative post.
Oh honey has the properties that helps in curing gastric ulcers? I didn’t know that. Sure will recommend this to my friend who is suffering from the condition.
Raw honey has unbelievable therapeutic effects. We used to keep it in the kitchen as a burn heal and also as a cure for upset stomach.