4 Healthy Benefits of Manuka Honey

manuka honey health benefitsThe last few weeks have been a deluge of sugary treats. I’m in detox mode now that I’m back home from holiday travel and filling my meals with fresh produce and quenching my sweet tooth with fruit instead of cookies. Some natural sweets, like honey, do have healthy benefits. Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and has a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating of 10 or higher on its label. According to Manuka Health in New Zealand, there are a number of ways that manuka honey can be incorporated into a busy lifestyle, to tap into the widely reported health and taste benefits.

  1. Digestive Health. Manuka honey can aid a variety of issues, including bloating, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. Simply stir into a mug of hot water or tea.
  2. Immunity. Feeling a cold or sore throat coming on? Soothe your pains with a spoonful of manuka honey straight from the jar. Manuka honey is high in antibacterial levels and recommended in the treatment of ulcers, strep throat, cold sores, skin infections, cuts, and abrasions.
  3. Skin ailments. When applied directly, manuka honey can be a useful treatment for skin conditions, such as eczema, insect bites, burns, and surgery wounds. Some scientists believe it also helps reduce scarring and healing time. Acne and rosacea sufferers can benefit from the use of manuka honey as a skin cleanser; its anti-inflammatory qualities help skin conditions without removing natural oils. For a DIY face mask, smooth slightly warmed manuka honey over your face (avoiding your eyes) and relax for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Energy. Manuka honey is great for a short-term energy boost as it is made up purely of carbohydrates. Drinking a warm manuka honey drink in the morning should give you an energy lift for your early commute.

For more sweet rewards, check out this honey mask recipe and manuka honey facial.