Yes, eating a small amount of Manuka honey daily can be good for you, supporting immunity, digestion, and skin with its antibacterial properties, but moderation is key as it's still sugar, with 2-4 teaspoons (10-20mL) a common daily recommendation for general wellness. It's best for everyday use to choose a lower MGO (Methylglyoxal) grade (like 30+ or 100+), reserving stronger grades for specific issues, and consulting a doctor if you have health conditions like diabetes.
A daily dose of Manuka honey is typically one heaping teaspoon (14g), which can support immune and digestive health, as well as overall well-being.
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 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.
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.
The best way to eat manuka honey is raw, since you'll reap all the benefits. Never mix it with boiling liquids, as the heat will sterilise the honey, taking away its antimicrobial properties. Here are a few ways to eat manuka honey: stir into your favourite tea.
A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.
For maximum health benefits, choose raw, unfiltered honey of any variety. If you're monitoring blood sugar, tupelo or acacia honey may be better options because of their higher fructose content and lower glycemic index.
Topical applications of Manuka honey is used in the treatment of burns, ulcers and non-healing wounds. It has also been shown to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of infections, such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Honey is a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants and prebiotics that support overall health. Eating it regularly may boost digestion, improve energy, ease coughs, and help fight infections. While it has a low glycemic index, people with diabetes should still enjoy honey in moderation.
There's no single "world #1" honey, but Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey is often called the "World's Best" for its awards, while Manuka Honey from New Zealand/Australia is famous for its potent antibacterial properties (UMF/MGO ratings) and health benefits, making it a top contender in terms of perceived value and medicinal use. Other highly-rated honeys include Greek honeys for their polyphenols, and unique varieties like Mexican Avocado Honey.
Honey helps sleep better
This is because honey contains tryptophan - a hormone used to feel relaxed, it also sends signals about sleep to the human body. 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.
Honey has a remarkable ability to stay fresh for years. Its low moisture level, high natural sugar content, and acidic pH create an environment where microorganisms cannot grow. As a result, honey does not truly expire, even though most jars include a best-before date.
Weeks 2 and 3: Observing Your Health Throughout the Process
After a couple of weeks of including Manuka honey in your routine, you may start to notice some potential benefits.
Side effects of Manuka honey are rare but not impossible. Most people tolerate Manuka honey very well, but allergies, gastrointestinal complaints, or effects on blood sugar can occur in rare cases. You should be especially cautious with babies under one year old and with allergies.
Yes, taking Manuka honey in the morning is a common and recommended ritual. Many people enjoy it first thing in the morning. In fact, a heaping spoonful on an empty stomach may allow your body to absorb its nutrients more directly, making it a natural and mindful start to the day.
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.
How to identify authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand
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.
A honey well known for its antibacterial properties is manuka honey, which is obtained from manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) and contains substantial amounts of methylglyoxal (MGO). Methylglyoxal harbors selective toxicity to bacterial cells, causing bacterial cell death and inhibition of bacterial replication.
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.
Mānuka honey does not expire in the same way perishable foods do. It does not spoil or become unsafe, but its flavor, texture, and potency can change over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. You may notice a Best Before Date (BBD) on your jar.
The "best" Manuka honey in Australia depends on your needs (daily health vs. potent remedy), but top brands known for quality and high potency include Biosota Organics (offering very high MGOs like 2000+), AB's Manuka, Australia's Manuka, and Manuka Health, with potency measured by MGO (Methylglyoxal) or UMF ratings, where higher numbers mean stronger antibacterial activity. Look for independent testing and higher MGO/UMF for therapeutic use, while lower MGOs (like 100+) are great for everyday wellness.