You can take Manuka honey before meals (on an empty stomach) for digestive issues like reflux, or after meals/with food for general wellness, energy, or post-workout recovery; taking it directly off a spoon, in warm water/tea, or mixed into yogurt are common methods, with timing depending on your goal (e.g., before bed for coughs, before workouts for energy). There's no single "right" way, but consistency and timing to your needs are key.
Taking manuka honey in the morning or pre-workout can give you an energy boost. You can also take it in the evening as part of your wind-down ritual. Whenever you choose to take manuka honey, just remember to opt for a reputable brand and UMF™ graded, like ours.
Consume it on an empty stomach in the morning, or add to a warm (not hot) herbal tea. Avoid exposing Mānuka honey to high heat, as this can degrade its beneficial compounds.
Taking royal honey on an empty stomach can enhance its absorption and benefits, but it might cause discomfort for some people. If you experience any issues, it's best to consume it with food or after a meal.
Straight off the spoon
Manuka honey can be eaten straight off the spoon as a daily health booster or a natural medicine. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial concentration of Manuka honey and so the faster it will work. The bioactive compounds in Manuka honey promote our health and wellbeing.
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day.
Recommended ways to use:
Manuka honey is generally safe but can cause issues for infants (botulism risk), diabetics (high sugar), and those with bee/pollen allergies (allergic reactions like swelling, rash). Side effects include potential blood sugar spikes, mild digestive upset, or rare allergic symptoms, with caution needed for medicinal use and by people with specific health conditions.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
You can eat Manuka honey every day in small amounts. It's safe for most healthy adults, and it may give you benefits such as soothing a sore throat or supporting digestion. But it's still sugar, so too much can raise your blood sugar or add extra calories.
Honey before 12 months
Honey given to children younger than 12 months may cause a severe food poisoning called botulism. Do not give your child honey before 12 months. Do not add honey to your baby's food, water, infant formula, or pacifier.
Safety and side effects
While Manuka honey is best known for its immune & general wellness benefits, it's also incredible for sleep! Its natural sugars break down slowly, helping maintain steady blood sugar and fuel your brain overnight, two things that can make drifting off (and staying asleep) a little easier.
Eating honey on an empty stomach is one of the most beneficial natural habits to promote general health and activate the body, as honey contains essential nutrients that the body needs at the beginning of the day. This includes: It boosts the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral infections.
With Yogurt
Yogurt offers many health benefits on its own, especially when it comes to your digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of Mānuka honey for an extra wellness boost. A small amount of yogurt with Mānuka honey for breakfast or lunch can assist your body's digestive tract as it continues to work throughout the day.
Thanks to its natural prebiotic compounds, Manuka can help feed the good bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome. Research suggests it may also aid in fighting harmful bacteria like H. pylori and C. difficile, which are linked to stomach ulcers and food poisoning.
Moreover, acetylcholine present in Manuka honey lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation, choline has a protective effect on the liver and increases the secretion of bile. Metal ions stimulate the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
After a couple of weeks of including Manuka honey in your routine, you may start to notice some potential benefits. Manuka contains a wide range of unique nutrients that help: Support your natural, healthy immune response. Naturally boost energy levels.
Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, studies show Manuka honey can help with supporting joint pain and inflammation, and improving mobility.
It is best to take Manuka honey before or after meals to help with digestion. However, you can also take it in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum benefits.
Honey is a natural sweetener known for its health benefits but should not be mixed with certain foods as per Ayurveda. Avoid combining honey with hot water, garlic, cucumber, ghee, meat, fish, and hot milk to prevent digestive issues and the loss of its beneficial properties.
Because tryptophan is an essential amino acid but cannot be produced naturally in the body, consuming honey before bed offers many benefits to the body. In addition, honey helps stabilize blood sugar for better sleep and reduce adrenaline to help limit insomnia, reduce stress and get a good night's sleep.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.