There is currently a real hype about Manuka honey. Is he really that healthy? And what effect exactly does Manuka honey have on the body? We clarify!
Honey is at the top of the list of most popular home remedies. The golden natural product is said to have an antibacterial effect and help with all sorts of ailments from colds to inflammation. Honey is even said to be a real miracle weapon against pimples.
But among the varieties of honey, a special variety has become my personal savior during cold season. We're talking about Manuka honey from New Zealand. It owes its name to the Manuka tree, a tea tree whose flower nectar is collected by busy bees and processed into dark honey.
Since I learned what power substances are in this special honey, I have been using it as a secret weapon against germs and viruses that my three-year-old son regularly brings home from daycare.
What makes Manuka honey so healthy?
Supposed superfoods are a dime a dozen. But often there are no valuable ingredients behind the hype, but pure marketing. Not so with Manuka honey.
Researcher of theUniversity of Dresdenhave researched the effects of New Zealand honey and found out what sets it apart from other types of honey. In contrast to conventional types of honey, Manuka honey contains a particularly high amountMethylglyoxal, kurzMGO. MGO is considered anti-inflammatory and is said to have an antibacterial effect.
“Normal” honey also contains the health-promoting MGO, but in a much lower concentration. While meadow and forest honey contains around five milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey, Manuka honey contains up to 700 milligrams. High-quality Manuka honey therefore deserves the name “superfood”.
Manuka honey: Strong effect against bacteria
Manuka honey can be used for many ailments. However, it is particularly recommended for bacterial skin infections. This is where Manuka honey develops its healing effects and supports wound healing.
One area of application, for example, is open wounds with wound healing problems. To do this, Manuka honey is applied to the cleansed and disinfected area of skin. The area is then protected with sterile bandages. Due to its high MGO content, Manuka honey promotes wound healing and prevents re-infection.
Manuka honey even works against pimples
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Manuka honey can also be used on impure skin. Becauseare nothing more than clogged and inflamed ones.
A face mask with Manuka honey applied to a thoroughly cleansed face can help refine the complexion and heal skin imperfections. Simply apply a thin layer and leave on for 30 minutes. In contrast to conventional anti-pimple preparations, honey has the advantage that it does not dry out the skin, but rather makes it supple.
Tipp:If you only suffer from a few pimples, you can dab the honey onto the affected areas of skin with a clean cotton pad before going to bed and leave it to work overnight.
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Manuka honey: Positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract
But Manuka honey doesn't just have a health-promoting effect on the skin. When used internally, it can even have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The head of the Dresden research team, Prof. Henle, confirmed this to the health portalOnmeda.de.
The MGO contained in Manuka honey is said to inhibit the growth of bacteria that are responsible for diseases such as stomach ulcers or inflammation of the gastric mucosa. So if you suffer from an irritated stomach, you should try the home remedy Manuka honey.
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Manuka honey is an effective home remedy for colds
In addition to stomach problems, Manuka honey can also help with colds and the annoying symptoms likeor relieve cough. Simply take a teaspoon three times a day and let it dissolve in your mouth. I swear by this home remedy, especially in the fall and winter seasons.
An alternative are candies filled with Manuka honey, which can provide relief for a sore throat or dry cough (It's available here on Amazon, for example*).
Tipp:Sage tea, which I sweeten with New Zealand honey, helps me with a sore throat. The advantage of Manuka honey is that the health-promoting effect is retained even in hot tea, as MGO is largely insensitive to heat.
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Medicinal plant Manuka: More than just honey
Manuka honey is by no means the only product that can be made from the New Zealand Manuka tree. Manuka oil, for example, is extracted from the leaves. Just like honey, the oil also contains valuable ingredients that are said to have a positive effect on health. Manuka oil is similar to tea tree oil, but is said to be much more skin-friendly.
It is said to promote wound healing, make the skin more resilient and even help against herpes. Although this has not yet been scientifically confirmed, there are numerous positive reviews online about products containing Manuka oil.
On Amazon, for example, customers are enthusiastic about a special lip balm with manuka oil. According to numerous reviews, this is supposed to provide relief from herpes and - used preventatively - can even prevent a new outbreak.Here you can see the reviews of the lip balm with Manuka oil against herpes.*
Important:Manuka oil should not be applied straight to the skin, but should always be mixed with a high-quality skin oil, such as almond oil. A few drops are enough.
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Power effect only with real Manuka honey
Just because it says Manuka honey doesn't mean it's a health booster. Because there are a lot of deceptive packages on the market. To be sure that the honey you are buying is actually real Manuka honey, you should look for the test seal that confirms the MGO content. There are honeys with MGO values from 100 to 820. The higher the MGO value, the greater the health-promoting effect of Manuka honey.
You can buy Manuka honey 820+ on Amazon here*
However – and this is the downside – high-quality Manuka honey with a high methylglyoxal content is very expensive. A 500 gram jar can cost over 100 euros. If you use Manuka honey sparingly and don't use it every day, but only when you're sick, such a jar will last a very long time.
Important:Only remove the honey from the jar with clean spoons and close the jar tightly. Store the valuable honey in a dark, dry and cool place so that it does not lose its healthy ingredients and strengthening effect.
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Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.
