The cons of Manuka honey include its high sugar content (risky for diabetics), potential allergic reactions (especially for bee allergy sufferers), the risk of infant botulism (not for babies under one year), potential interactions with medications (like chemo drugs), the need for proper grading/authenticity, and the fact that it's not a substitute for medical care, with limited evidence for some internal uses.
With Manuka honey, you can curb those regular sniffles and coughs by keeping your kids healthy through the seasons. Our recommendations for Manuka honey for allergies, colds and flu: UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+ UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+
11, 12 Manuka honey can also inhibit the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes, a cause of cellulitis, impetigo, and necrotizing fasciitis, and the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophyte, a cause of ringworm.
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.
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Timeline of Honey's Effects in Your Body
30-60 minutes: Peak absorption and maximum energy benefits. 60-120 minutes: Sustained energy release as fructose continues metabolizing. 2+ hours: Gradual return to baseline as effects diminish.
Among these, methylglyoxal (MGO) is the most reactive and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, vascular complications, and several other chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders1,2.
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.
Safety and side effects
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.
Can Manuka honey trigger allergies? Honey shouldn't typically trigger allergy symptoms in most people. But if you are allergic to bee products or a certain type of pollen, and you eat honey made from it, it's possible that honey could cause an allergic reaction.
Below, we list some of the best honeys the world has to offer.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy, too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option. Let's draw some inspiration from Oscar Wilde here.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Manuka Honey is genuine New Zealand-sourced honey with UMF certification (typically UMF 10+ or 15+). Prices run $20-$30 for 17.6oz—roughly 30% cheaper than specialty brands. Always check the UMF logo and batch number on the jar. Not safe for infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.
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.
Depending on what you're using manuka honey for, the time of day that you take it may help get you the best results. 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.
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.
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