• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
    • About Mindful Momma
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • My Book
    • Privacy Policy
  • Get Started
    • Start Here
    • Mindful Momma Mailing List
    • FREE Sustainable Swaps Guide
    • Resource Library (Subscribers only)
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle Info
    • Healthy Home
    • Zero Waste
    • Reusable Products
    • Sustainable Fashion
  • Food
    • Healthy Food
    • Recipes
    • Health Remedies
  • Products
    • Non-Toxic Product Guides
    • Non-Toxic Beauty
    • Non-Toxic Cleaning
    • Non-Toxic Kitchen
    • Non-Toxic Home
    • Non-Toxic Baby
    • Non-Toxic Mattresses
    • Brand Reviews
  • Do It Yourself
    • DIY Beauty
    • DIY Cleaning
    • Crafts
  • Shop
    • Marketplace
    • Non-Toxic Product Guides
    • Eco-Friendly Brands Guide
    • Green Cleaning Kickstart
    • Easy Home Detox Online Course
    • Mindful Momma Digital Products
  • FREE Resources

Mindful Momma

Simple Inspired Natural Living


Why Manuka Honey Is A Fantastic Natural Remedy

Tweet
Share349
Pin1.1K
Manuka Honey from New Zealand has many surprising health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy | Remedies | Natural Living | Health via @MindfulMomma

The medicinal benefits of manuka honey make it a smart product to keep in your kitchen cupboard or natural remedies toolkit.


The medicinal benefits of manuka honey make it a smart product to keep in your kitchen cupboard or natural remedies toolkit.

Lets start with the moral of the story: Always double check your carry-ons for items that might be prohibited. And then check them again.

As I was packing to return from my amazing trip to New Zealand last year, I spent plenty of time arranging my bags to balance the weight between my checked bag and my carry-ons – so as not to be charged for an overweight bag. My favorite souvenirs – rocks and shells from the beach – were pretty heavy so I was a bit concerned. Of course, I thought about liquids and made sure I didn’t have any in my carry-on bags.

I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure

Imagine my surprise when I got stopped at security and they pulled out a jar of honey from my backpack! It wasn’t just any honey – it was manuka honey – a specialty of New Zealand and something I was especially excited about bringing home. It didn’t surprise me that honey wasn’t allowed because I’ve had both coconut oil and peanut butter “stolen” from me in the security line before. But somehow I overlooked the honey in my bag. Grrrrrrr…..

As you can imagine, I was super annoyed with myself for making that mistake, so even though you can buy manuka honey in the U.S., I didn’t get around to picking up a jar until recently, when I found it at Trader Joe’s.

Are you wondering what’s so great about manuka honey that I would get my undies in a bundle about losing a jar? Read on and you’ll see why it’s worth keeping a jar of manuka honey in your cupboard or natural remedies toolkit.

Manuka honey

 

What is Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the pretty, white flowers of the manuka bush, which is native to New Zealand. It’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, but modern day scientists have shown that manuka honey has a particularly high amount of beneficial enzymes and compounds that provide antibacterial and antibiotic qualities – much more so than regular honey. Manuka honey is also a great source of amino acids, B-vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc and other nutrients.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey | Mindful Momma

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey*

Due to its medicinal properties, manuka honey is used as a remedy for a surprising number of health issues.

  • Treats minor burns and wounds – The antibiotic qualities help fight infections and speed up healing.
  • Boosts immunity – Studies have shown that manuka honey stimulates immune cells.
  • Soothes sore throat and cough – Helps sooth inflammation and stop the growth of bacteria.
  • Treats skin conditions – Used to treat and manage exzema, rosacea and acne.
  • Improves oral health – Helps reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.
  • Promotes sleep – Releases glycogen into the bloodstream, which improves sleep.
  • Improves digestive health – Reduces inflammation associated with intestinal problems.

Manuka Honey Rating Scales

Manuka honey is graded on a scale called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). This is a global standard that measures the antibacterial strength of the product. To be considered medicinal quality, manuka honey must have a UMF of 10 or more. A UMF of 16+ is considered exceptional quality. If you see manuka honey without a UMF rating, it is not worth buying for anything other than sweetening purposes.

Another rating system approved by the New Zealand government is the KFactor, which guarantees high manuka pollen count. A KFactor of 16 certifies 75% or more manuka pollen in every jar.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Where to Buy Manuka Honey

(**affiliate links ahead)

If you go to New Zealand, you will find manuka honey in every gift store you walk into, but the hot tip I got was to buy it at the grocery store. As long as you check the UMF rating, you can find a high quality product for less money than they charge at specialty stores. Just don’t forget it in your carry-on like I did. Duh!

  • Trader Joe’s manuka honey is UMF 10 and I believe it costs around $12 for an 8.8 oz jar – that’s a very good value!
  • There are a number of choices for manuka honey on Amazon including Wedderspoon, Manuka Health and Manuka Doctor. Prices vary and obviously the higher the UMF, the higher the price.
  • Whole Foods, co-ops and natural product stores also carry manuka honey.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey | Natural Remedies | Healthy Living | Mindful Momma

How To Use Manuka Honey

Experience the health benefits of manuka honey by using it these ways:

  • Stir manuka honey into tea to soothe sore throats and boost immunity – especially when the dreaded flu or head cold comes around.
  • An elixer of warm water and 1 tablespoon each apple cider vinegar (ACV), lemon juice and manuka honey as a daily detox drink.
  • A “night-cap” of herbal tea and a spoonful of manuka honey helps prepare you for bedtime sleep.
  • For minor wounds, spread a thin layer of manuka honey on a bandage or dressing before applying to skin. Or purchase manuka honey infused bandages instead.

Do you use manuka honey for health benefits?

 

 

*Note: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor with any health concerns.

Sustainable Swaps Guide

Related

  • Coffee Talk: How to Make Your Favorite Beverage More SustainableCoffee Talk: How to Make Your Favorite Beverage More Sustainable
  • How To Eat Healthy Even When Your Budget’s TightHow To Eat Healthy Even When Your Budget’s Tight
  • Mistakes I’ve Made Brewing Kombucha and the Method that Works for MeMistakes I’ve Made Brewing Kombucha and the Method that Works for Me
  • The 12 Worst Food Additives (and Where You’ll Find Them)The 12 Worst Food Additives (and Where You’ll Find Them)
Tweet
Share349
Pin1.1K

Filed Under: Clean Eating, Featured, Health, Health Remedies, Healthy Food, Non-Toxic Food, Non-Toxic Products Tagged With: beverages, food, health, honey, remedies

About Mindful Momma

Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Kate Minor says

    February 1, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    My sister lives in New Zealand and she LOVES manuka honey! I think I have tried it before…I will have to get some!

    Reply
    • Micaela says

      February 1, 2017 at 1:19 pm

      Sounds like you need to visit your sister and get some over there! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Lindsay says

    February 6, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    I love honey so much and haven’t tried this yet! In fact, I often drink tea, just as an excuse to add some honey ๐Ÿ™‚ Great information as always Micaela.

    Reply
    • Micaela says

      February 10, 2017 at 10:19 am

      Well fortunately manuka honey tastes fantastic too!

      Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    February 6, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    That is so annoying about your baggage issue. Thanks for the guide on how to buy it.

    Reply
  4. Betsy (Eco-novice) says

    February 10, 2017 at 9:52 am

    I love using honey as a natural remedy – great tips! Had not heard about manuka honey before.

    Reply
    • Micaela says

      February 10, 2017 at 10:22 am

      Yes most honey has some health benefits but manuka honey is especially good for its medicinal properties!

      Reply
  5. Mikki says

    February 15, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I had seen this honey somewhere but wasn’t sure what the benefits of it were. So glad to hear it’s so many great properties. Will have to get myself some next time I find it.

    Reply
    • Micaela says

      February 16, 2017 at 11:38 am

      They have it at a good price at Trader Joe’s!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi there – I’m Micaela!

Micaela Preston I'm here to help you make lifestyle and product choices that are better for your health & the planet!
Read Moreโ€ฆ

Connect With Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Sustainable Swaps Guide

Don’t Miss These Popular Posts:

Organic Food Online
Reusable Lunch Containers
Natural Living Basics

Footer

Work With Me

Click here for more information about working with me.

Categories

Archives

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

© 2023 · Mindful Momma · All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT