Mānuka honey is a unique type of honey produced exclusively in New Zealand by European honey bees pollinating the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). European honey bees first introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. Nutritionally speaking, Mānuka honey is a rich source of vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.

1. What Is Manuka Honey?
Mānuka honey is a unique type of honey produced exclusively in New Zealand by European honey
bees pollinating the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). European honey bees first
introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. Nutritionally speaking, Mānuka honey is a rich
source of vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.
Manuka Honey Benefits
Manuka honey is a unique type produced exclusively in New Zealand by European honey bees
pollinating the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). European honey bees first introduced it
to the area in the early 19th century. Nutritionally speaking, Mānuka honey is a rich source of
vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.
Manuka honey also contains ample amounts of amino acids, trace minerals, and electrolytes,
such as calcium, potassium, folate, and phosphorus, as well as flavonoids and polyphenols,
alkaloids, glycosides, and numerous other volatile compounds. It is precisely thanks to its
nutritional content that Mānuka honey is considered so therapeutically beneficial.
A considerable amount of research has been carried out on Manuka honey over the years, with
data showing that it can enhance wound healing, speed up tissue regeneration, and decrease
pain in burn patients. Other studies have shown that it can help heal diabetic foot ulcers, prevent
and treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains like Staphylococcus aureus, prevent and
treat gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori, soothe symptoms of IBS and ulcerative colitis, and has
been shown to attack Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a type of bacterial infection that causes severe
diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel.
And the above is just the tip of the iceberg, as researchers have also demonstrated Mānuka
honey's ability to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, promote oral health by
inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria that result in plaque formation, gum inflammation,
and tooth decay, and treat acne flare-ups.
Benefits of Manuka Honey
 Antibacterial & Antiviral Properties
 Helps Heal Burns, Wounds, & Ulcers
 Promotes Good Oral Health / Helps Prevent Gingivitis & Cavities
 Promotes Skin Health
 Reduces Allergy Symptoms
 Supports Digestive Health
Mānuka Honey Options
When looking to buy Manuka honey, it’s important to know that manufacturers label their
products with a Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF), a global rating standard used to identify and
measure the antibacterial strength of a given Mānuka honey based on its concentration of a few
key active ingredients. The range for UMF scoring is as follows:
Manuka Honey

2.  0 to 4: Non-therapeutic
 5 to 9: Maintenance dose level
 10 to 14: Promotes natural healing and bacterial balance
 15+: Superior levels of phenols and highly therapeutic
The higher the UMF number, the higher the level of active compounds and the more profound the
therapeutic effect.
Final Thoughts
For high-quality Manuka honey, it's essential to look for products that are 100% raw and
unpasteurized, Non-GMO Project verified, free of antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides, and that
clearly state they are produced and packed in New Zealand.
While Manuka honey offers robust health benefits, those who are allergic to bees or honey may
also experience an allergic reaction when applying Mānuka to the skin or consuming it. Consider
doing a patch test beforehand to assess your tolerance. Discontinue use and consult your health
care practitioner if you develop allergy symptoms.