✨Benefits of Manuka Honey✨
It’s winter, cold/flu season is here, and sore throats are everywhere.
Instead of loading up on over-the-counter cold medicines that mostly just dry you out, Manuka honey has been my go-to.
Real Manuka honey is different from regular grocery store honey because it contains MGO (methylglyoxal), a naturally occurring compound with proven antibacterial properties.
Actual benefits of Manuka honey:
• Helps soothe sore throats by coating and calming irritation
• Supports immune health due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties
• May help inhibit harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut
• Can be gentler on digestion and help calm stomach irritation
• Contains natural enzymes and nutrients that are lost in processed honey
• Often used topically for minor cuts and skin irritation
Side note because this matters:
Real Manuka honey only comes from New Zealand. If it’s not a product of New Zealand, it’s not true Manuka.
What to watch out for on labels:
• “Manuka style”
• “Manuka blend”
• Honey labeled “Manuka” with no MGO number
• No clear country of origin
Food brands love buzzwords, but those labels often mean there’s little to no actual Manuka honey in the jar.
If you’re using raw Manuka honey for its benefits, how you use it matters:
• Don’t use metal spoons
• Don’t put it in metal tumblers (like Yetis)
• Don’t add it to boiling-hot tea
Metal and excessive heat can damage the natural enzymes in raw honey.
What works best instead:
• Use a wooden honey dipper or wooden spoon (keep one just for honey)
• Add honey to warm (not hot) tea or water
• Use ceramic, glass, or porcelain mugs
Compared to regular grocery store honey:
Most conventional honey is heated and ultra-filtered, which removes enzymes and benefits. Fine for baking or sweetening — but not helpful when you actually need support.
Not medical advice — just sharing a natural option that’s been helping me through flu season.
From my personal experience, incorporating genuine Manuka honey into my daily wellness routine during cold and flu seasons has been a game-changer. What sets Manuka apart is its high MGO (methylglyoxal) content—a compound that naturally fights bacteria, providing soothing relief to sore throats and bolstering immune defenses. One important tip I've learned is to carefully check the label for the MGO number and the origin listed as New Zealand. Many honey products market themselves as “Manuka style” or “blend,” but they often contain little to no real Manuka honey. This authenticity is crucial since the antibacterial and antioxidant benefits stem directly from the natural enzymes preserved in raw, unprocessed honey. I've found that using a wooden honey dipper to scoop the honey and adding it to warm—but not boiling—beverages keeps those valuable enzymes intact. Metal utensils and hot liquids can reduce the honey's effectiveness by breaking down its enzymes. Enjoying a spoonful of Manuka honey straight or stirred into warm teas has helped ease my throat soreness and supported my digestion during times of discomfort. Additionally, Manuka honey’s gentle effect on the stomach makes it preferable over harsh over-the-counter cold remedies, which often dry out or irritate the throat and gut. On top of internal uses, I’ve also applied it topically to minor cuts and skin irritation with positive healing results, thanks to its antibacterial properties. In contrast to most grocery store honeys—which undergo heating and filtration that destroy beneficial enzymes—Manuka honey maintains its natural nutrients, making it a standout choice for those seeking natural wellness solutions. While it’s not a substitute for medical treatment, it’s a compelling complementary option for managing mild symptoms naturally and enjoying general immune support throughout the year.