Contents:

• Manuka honey – the healthiest in the world
• Manuka honey – properties
• How to reap the benefits of Manuka honey?
• Who can consume Manuka honey?

Natural honey from New Zealand has enjoyed worldwide popularity in recent years as a unique, health-promoting product known to everyone as Manuka honey. It is made from the nectar of a plant – the Manuka bush ( Leptospermum scoparium ), also known as the tea tree. Manuka honey literally means "tea tree honey" in Maori. What properties does it have and why is it so special? Let's check it out!

Manuka honey – the healthiest in the world

Manuka honey has a rather dark, slightly dirty-yellow color, an intense flavor, and a characteristic odor slightly reminiscent of damp earth . What distinguishes Manuka honey from all other honeys is its very high content of methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. It is this chemical compound that determines the healing properties of tea tree honey. In conventional honey, the MGO content is about 10 mg per kilogram. Manuka honey can contain up to 50 times more.

Manuka honey – properties

Manuka honey improves the body's overall immunity. Among other things, it helps lower blood pressure. It also increases the amount of bile secreted. It has a positive and health-promoting effect on the function of the entire digestive tract. Among other things, it is excellent for regulating the intestinal bacterial flora and supports the treatment of conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, it supports the body in the fight against bacteria that can contribute to gastrointestinal infections, inflammation of the throat and sinuses, and nasal mucosa. Manuka honey also supports the treatment of skin lesions and is often an ingredient in wound-healing ointments. It can be used as an aid in wound treatment, preventing inflammation. It facilitates cleansing and healing, seals the wound, and also reduces the formation of adhesions and scars. It is particularly suitable for treating wounds caused by burns and ulcers. It can also be used by patients with shingles and accelerates the healing process of skin lesions. Manuka honey or preparations containing it are also used to treat acne and rosacea, impetigo, and pressure ulcers. In summary, it has the following properties:

• antibacterial,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antiviral,
• antifungal,
• Antioxidant,
• Antiseptic.

How to reap the benefits of Manuka honey?

If you want to strengthen your body, it's best to consume about two to three teaspoons of Manuka honey every morning on an empty stomach. You can also eat it like traditional honey on a sandwich or use it in cooking and combining it with other dishes. It can also be consumed as a drink – in this case, simply dissolve two teaspoons of honey in lukewarm water at room temperature with a few drops of lemon juice.

If you want to use Manuka honey as a supportive treatment for acne or wound healing, you should apply it to the affected areas about three times a day and cover the wounds with a bandage. Although the skin changes may initially worsen in the first few days, a significant improvement will be noticeable after a few days.

Who can consume Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is definitely worth including in your daily diet, and in most cases, it's a safe product. Diabetics and people who are severely overweight should be especially careful, as it's a high-calorie product, just like any other honey. People who are allergic to honey and bee products should also avoid it.