Manuka Honey Blog
We all know that honey is delicious and the perfect natural sweetener that you can enjoy in a cup of tea or on a slice of warm toast but delve a bit deeper and you will find that there is a long history to honey and its benefits.
For centuries honey has been used treat many ailments due to the natural antibacterial qualities that can effectively treat wounds, burns and infections. More recently, honey is often a go to in our medicine cabinet, especially to help with the common cold.
Not all honey is created equal, and it has been proven that the flowers the bees harvest the nectar from, can determine the medicinal qualities.
The honey found to have the most benefits is New Zealand’s very own native Manuka Honey. Bees take the pollen from the delicate white-pink flowers of the Manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium).
A compound known as Methylglyoxal (MGO) is uniquely found in Manuka honey that has a much stronger antibacterial effect. The higher the MGO, the higher the antibacterial qualities.
These are some of the health benefits associated with Manuka honey:
HEALTHY DIGESTION:
- If Manuka honey is ingested, it has been known to boost your immune system and your digestive system.
- Taking a spoonful daily can aid many digestive complaints and gut bacteria, especially as it contains a prebiotic.
- Manuka honey not only reduces bacterial growth, but it is anti-inflammatory, and is great for sore throats and coughs.
- Mix into warm water or milk to help with colds and flu symptoms.
HEALING & INJURIES:
- Manuka honey can help to stop infections on wounds and its antibacterial qualities helps to cleanse it. The MGO and hydrogen peroxide found in Manuka Honey is responsible for this.
- Cuts, bug bites, skin rashes, burns, itchy spots… just smear the Manuka honey in that area to soothe and heal. Vets have also had great success with using it on animals too.
SKINCARE:
- Manuka honey has been known to help get rid of acne, soothe eczema and dermatitis, and reduce psoriasis, as it helps to repair damaged and dry skin. This is so beneficial to skin conditions that are prone to infection and inflammation.
- It even helps fade scars, wrinkles, or age lines.
- Check out our balm range too, that uses our top-grade Manuka honey.
HAIRCARE:
- Mix a bit of the Manuka honey with coconut oil and massage it into their hair to help get rid of dandruff and add more nutrients to your hair.
ORAL HEALTH:
- Manuka Honey has been found to reduce some of the bacteria that can contribute to gingivitis and plaque formation.
- Manuka Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce gum inflammation.
MANUKA RATINGS
When buying Manuka Honey always look for either the MGO or UMF/NPA rating. MGO 250+ and above, or UMF or NPA 10+ and above is considered to be ‘medicinal grade’ and be most beneficial.
OUR MANUKA HONEY:
Manuka NPA 5+ | MGO 80+ New Zealand Raw Honey
This creamy textured golden honey is gathered from the Te Araroa region of NZ. It has a sweet mild taste with tangy toffee notes, unique to manuka honey.
Can be used as a marinade for ham and chicken or pair with ice cream and desserts and honey drinks.
Manuka NPA 10+ | MGO 250+ New Zealand Raw Honey
With nectar gathered from the native manuka from the rugged Tararua ranges of NZ, this honey has notes of dark caramel, praline and nougat.
With all the unique properties and benefits of manuka honey, this honey can also be paired with cream desserts, or roasted nuts.
Manuka NPA 15+ | MGO 500+ New Zealand Raw Honey
The nectar for this honey is gathered from the harsh high-altitude ranges in the Taihape region of NZ. Its high MGO content gives it the bittersweet flavour with slight salty aftertaste.
Use with tea or make a syrup mixed with ginger, juice, and lemon.
Can be used with vegetables, meats, cheeses and wines.
All our honey is packaged in Gisborne, NZ, in reusable and recyclable glass jars.