Manuka honey is one of nature's most revered skin remedies. With its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it's readily equipped to reduce inflammation – especially for conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, paronychia and more.
Robinia pseudoacacia honey has the best antioxidant potential among the five honey types. This honey has also the best anti-inflammatory potential than the other honeys evaluated in this work. Flavonoids and organic acids were found in Robinia pseudoacacia honey.
Another one of the described benefits of Manuka honey for skin is that it can be a natural anti-inflammatory, which is a crucial aspect of skincare. This is because your skin is an organ—in fact, it's your body's largest organ. And like your other organs, it works with your body's immune system to keep you healthy.
All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.
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.
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.
Is UMF or MGO Better? UMF is a more comprehensive grading system, while MGO is simpler and more direct to test. Because they measure different aspects of mānuka honey, neither system is inherently more reliable than the other.
To maintain skin and general and digestive health, you are best suited for using Manuka honey with a 200+ MGO rating. However, these are not to be used on a daily basis but instead sparingly throughout the week.
A variety known as Manuca honey contains antibacterial agents in greater concentrations than other honeys, as well as several other distinct compounds that make it uniquely well-suited for healing.
So, if you have blemishes or an eczema outbreak, honey can help speed healing and reduce inflammation. It's also an amazingly potent moisturising ingredient and is often used to rehydrate skin and fade scars. So if you're craving a flawless complexion, why not dip into your store cupboard for a little boost?
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!
Raw Honey: This is honey in its purest form, packed with antioxidants and natural enzymes that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
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.
How to identify authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand
3 Ways to Use Honey in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Drizzle on oatmeal with berries and walnuts (all anti-inflammatory foods). - Stir into green tea instead of sugar. - Pair with turmeric, ginger, lemon juice, and 6oz hot water in a soothing tonic.
You can apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to clean, dry skin as a simple mask. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Always do a patch test first to check for sensitivity.
Honey's natural antibacterial properties help cleanse pores and reduce breakouts. It can also help fade scars, soothe the skin, and provide hydration. Dermatologists advise against leaving honey on overnight to avoid attracting dirt and dust that could lead to breakouts or potential skin irritation.
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.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a unique, naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey that's responsible for its unique properties that help fight germs. MGO occurs naturally in many foods, plants, and animal cells and has germ-fighting properties.
Reaching the higher end of the MGO rating system, MGO 1000+ honeys are quite potent, which may increase the efficiency of relieving chronic and more complex health issues such as gut health, bacterial infections, ulcers, wounds and burns.
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.
Safety and side effects
Manuka honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help heal small wounds, ease sore throats, and support oral health. It might also calm acne and hydrate your skin. A higher UMF™ rating means stronger antibacterial effects.