You can use Manuka honey for inflammation topically on skin issues (acne, eczema, wounds) by applying a thin layer as a mask or dressing, or internally by consuming a spoonful daily, mixing it into drinks/yogurt, or gargling for sore throats, leveraging its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to soothe irritation and support healing. For skin, mix with aloe vera or oil; for wounds, apply directly and cover with a sterile bandage; for internal relief, a teaspoon in warm water or tea works well.
“Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey can offer relief from a sore throat,” says Flora. “Mix about two tablespoons of manuka honey with a warm glass of water or tea.” The honey can help with inflammation and fight against the bacteria that cause pain.
Manuka honey is a unique honey containing a unique compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO). A daily “dose” is 1 to 3 teaspoons.
Manuka honey should start working straight away. For wound and burn care the area should be soothed and show noticeable changes overnight. For skin conditions it should soothes the skin quickly and then might take a few applications to get a good result.
Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory benefits which can help to ease arthritic pain and speed up the healing process. It has also been found to help joints retain the important cartilage between bones that reduces friction and deterioration. The best way to take manuka honey for joint pain is raw off the spoon!
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.
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.
Manuka honey has long been used as an addition to warm drinks – particularly to help with soothing. But be careful: don't add it to boiling water, as high heat can destroy some of its natural compounds.
Taken together, it is suggested that the inflammatory signs of rheumatoid arthritis could be relieved by two weeks intake and/or external applying of honey solutions on joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, as honey could act as an anti-inflammatory reagent and enhance the immune system.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
Whilst there isn't really a set 'dosage' to take for all uses, we recommend one generous spoonful of manuka honey per day as a general guideline. But did you know that you can do more with it than just eat it from the spoon? You can add it to your skincare and wellness routine on top of the daily spoonful.
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.
While there's no single "strongest," Omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish) and curcumin (from turmeric) are consistently cited as highly potent natural anti-inflammatories, alongside powerful antioxidants from fruits and vegetables like blueberries, plus herbs like ginger and garlic, all working to reduce inflammation pathways. A comprehensive anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes these foods, though Omega-3s and curcumin often stand out for their significant impact.
Since manuka honey contains high levels of MG, we speculate that patients with diabetes may be at risk due to either the direct negative effect of MG on cells and components in the wound or the indirect formation of AGEs, which could impair the wound-healing process.
You can apply Mānuka honey directly on your skin and it works wonders on all types of skin, including acne-prone skin. New Zealand Mānuka Honey heals and nurtures skin, and can be applied as a mask, a cleanser, or moisturiser.
The ideal storage temperature for Manuka honey is between 50-77 degrees Fahrenheit (10-25 degrees Celsius). Avoid refrigeration if possible—it causes recrystallization, which alters the texture of Manuka honey. To revive Manuka honey that's runny from heat, store it in a cool place to thicken naturally.
After a couple of weeks of including Manuka honey in your routine, you may start to notice some potential benefits.
Manuka honey is a naturally sourced alternative to refined sugar for coffee lovers. Unlike table sugar, it offers a richer flavor profile and contains naturally occurring compounds like MGO. While sugar simply sweetens, Manuka honey enhances the taste of coffee with subtle caramel and earthy notes.
Manuka honey can be enjoyed in several ways, such as stirring a spoonful into a cup of chamomile tea, adding it to warm milk, drizzling it over a small piece of fruit, or simply eating it straight from the jar. It's best consumed about 30 minutes before bedtime.
How to identify authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand
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.
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.
Or if you prefer, you could take approximately 3 teaspoons per day. Some customers like to spread their Manuka throughout their meals. Starting the day with a teaspoon mixed into hot drinks or drizzled over their breakfast, and then another before bed time to help sooth a throat before you go to sleep.
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.