Manuka honey is known for its strong antibacterial qualities and has various advantages such as aiding in wound healing, alleviating coughs, preventing ulcers, enhancing digestion, and promoting oral health.
Manuka honey, , is created by bees that gather nectar from the Manuka bush, scientifically referred to as Leptospermum scoparium (L.scoparium).
The thing that makes Manuka honey unique compared to regular honey is its ability to fight bacteria. It has a substance called methylglyoxal that is responsible for this antibacterial effect. Furthermore, Manuka honey also offers antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant advantages.
For a long time, it has been conventionally employed to promote the healing of injuries, alleviate throat discomfort, safeguard against tooth decay, and enhance digestive problems.
Manuka honey provides a variety of health benefits supported by scientific research.
1.Aids wound healing
For many centuries, honey has been employed as a remedy for various ailments, such as wounds, burns, sores, and boils.
Honey possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties, while also creating a moist environment for wounds and acting as a protective barrier. This helps to prevent infections from microbes in the wound.
Research has indicated that Manuka honey possesses the capability to improve the healing process of wounds, promote the growth of new tissue, and alleviate pain experienced by individuals with burns. Additionally, Manuka honey has the potential to aid in the healing of ulcers among diabetic patients.
Manuka honey can be effective in treating wound infections that are caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
In summary, when Manuka honey is used directly on the skin, it can effectively heal burns, ulcers, and wounds that are slow to heal. Moreover, it has demonstrated the ability to fight against infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, including MRSA.
2.May promote oral health
Numerous research findings indicate that Manuka honey combats detrimental oral bacteria linked to the development of plaque, gum inflammation, and tooth decay. In particular, scientific investigations have demonstrated the potent antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, which effectively restrain the proliferation of harmful oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans).
In studies, Manuka honey has been found to hinder the growth of harmful oral bacteria linked to gingivitis and tooth decay, distinguishing it from refined sugar which does not have the same effect on dental health.
3.May help calm a cough
Manuka honey has the potential to provide relief for coughs resulting from upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which encompass common infections caused by viruses or bacteria. These infections include the common cold, acute bronchitis, influenza, and respiratory distress syndromes.
Symptoms of URTIs typically involve a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Given that viruses are the primary cause of URTIs, antibiotics are not effective in treatment and may even lead to adverse effects.
Numerous studies propose that honey could serve as a safe and efficient remedy for coughs associated with URTIs. Research indicates that honey might outperform conventional medications in alleviating URTI symptoms, particularly in terms of reducing the frequency and severity of coughing.
Manuka honey offers potential relief for coughs related to upper respiratory tract infections. It has shown the possibility of being more adept at decreasing both the frequency and intensity of coughing compared to typical cough medications.
4.Help prevent gastric ulcers
Stomach ulcers are a prevalent human ailment characterized by sores forming on the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are a primary cause of gastric ulcers. Emerging research proposes that Manuka honey could potentially serve as a treatment for gastric ulcers induced by H. pylori.
In a study involving 294 participants aged 18 to 69, the impact of dietary factors on H. pylori presence was investigated. The study revealed that individuals who consumed honey more than five days a week exhibited a notably lower susceptibility to H. pylori infection compared to those who didn’t consume honey regularly.
Additionally, consistent honey consumption correlated with reduced likelihood of infections linked to specific strains of H. pylori that are associated with an elevated risk of conditions like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
While further research is required to establish conclusive evidence, the robust antibacterial properties of Manuka honey suggest potential for treating gastric ulcers triggered by H. pylori infection. Additionally, there are indications that Manuka honey might have a preventive role in alcohol-induced gastric ulcers.
5. Improve digestive symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Research conducted on rodents indicates that consistent consumption of Manuka honey might aid in managing certain strains of C. difficile (C.diff) bacteria, which can lead to severe diarrhea and bowel inflammation.
Manuka honey shows potential in effectively combatting C. difficile (C. diff) bacteria, which is known to trigger bowel inflammation.
6. Help treat symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disorder that impairs the lungs and can impact the digestive system and other organs. It disrupts mucus-producing cells, resulting in abnormally thick and sticky mucus. This viscous mucus obstructs airways and ducts, leading to breathing difficulties.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) are common bacteria that can cause severe upper respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
In a laboratory study, it was observed that Manuka honey, when combined with antibiotics, inhibited the growth of these bacteria. Researchers suggested that Manuka honey could play a significant role in treating upper respiratory infections, particularly among individuals with cystic fibrosis.
Manuka honey has exhibited the ability to combat harmful bacteria causing upper respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
7.Help treat acne
Acne can arise from various factors such as hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, stress, and bacterial presence.
Manuka honey’s antimicrobial attributes, when combined with a low-pH product, are often promoted for combating acne. However, research on Manuka honey’s acne-treating potential is quite limited.
One study examined kanuka honey, possessing antibacterial properties akin to Manuka honey. The study revealed that kanuka honey showed similar effectiveness to antibacterial soap in enhancing acne conditions.
While there's promising evidence, more research is necessary to establish Manuka honey as a reliable home remedy for acne.