Manuka Honey: Nature’s Liquid Gold

Native to New Zealand, pure manuka honey is made when the humble bee collects nectar from the manuka bush, botanically known as Leptospermum scoparium. Commonly referred to as “liquid gold” what sets this honey aside from your standard $10 toast honey is the presence of an antibacterial compound known as methylgloxal. These methylgloxal compounds are what give manuka honey it’s acclaim as a master healer. 


In addition to it’s antibacterial properties, manuka honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, namely: 

  • Calcium 
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Phosphorus 
  • Potassium
  • Sodium 
  • Zinc
  • Thiamine (vitamin B1)
  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2) 
  • Niacin (vitamin B3)
  • Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
  • Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

Manuka honey can also be used as a healthy sweetener alternative, as it is lower in calories per gram compared to sugar. Honey is also sweeter than sugar so you don’t need to use as much.

Traditionally, manuka has been used to heal various ailments. Some of the top uses and medicinal properties, are listed below: 

1. Assists in wound healing 

Manuka honey makes an ideal topical wound healing applicant not only due to it’s antibacterial compounds, but it’s ability to maintain a protective barrier and moist wound healing environment. Studies have shown that manuka honey not only improves wound healing, but can also encourage tissue regeneration and decrease pain caused by burns (1). 

MedihoneyTM is a certified medical grade honey which is used in hospitals and households as a sterile and effective wound care solution. We stock the comvita wound gel which contains MedihoneyTM and is an ideal solution for burns, cuts, grazes and ulcers.  

https://tonichealth.co.nz/product/medihoney-wound-gel-2/

2. Soothes a sore throat 

Not only does manuka honey soothe the throat by providing a smooth lining, research suggests that it may also help fight off harmful oral bacteria. One study has also shown manuka honey to be more effective than common cough suppressants (2). 

https://tonichealth.co.nz/product/manuka-lozenges-lemon-honey-2/

3. Antibacterial agent 

Research has shown manuka honey to exhibit antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), Escherichia coli (E.coli), and Salmonella typhimurium (3). H.pylori is the bacteria commonly responsible for causing stomach ulcers, so high strength manuka honey is commonly used to help this. There is a growing field of research on the use of manuka honey against drug-resistant strains of bacteria. 

4. Skincare 

Honey is commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products due to it’s naturally soothing, humectant (moisturising), and emollient (anti-itch) properties. Manuka honey has been reported to slow wrinkle formation, regulate pH and help prevent infection (4). 

Our Living Nature Manuka Honey Gel is commonly used as a treatment for acne and trouble spots on the skin. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only. Please do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health concerns you may have. This information is not intended to replace the advice given to you by a qualified health professional. Get in contact with a Tonic Health consultant or a relevant health professional if you need guidance on your individual health journey.