If you are conscious about what you eat, you may have heard about manuka honey, a natural sweetener. It’s a special type of honey from bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand. Moreover, this plant is also available in southern Australia. To be precise, this is not just another honey or sweetener. Just like its name, the medical properties it has are also unique.
How is Manuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?
While all honey has some antibacterial qualities due to hydrogen peroxide, Manuka contains Methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural compound that gives it exceptional antibacterial power.
As you may already know, honey(any type) has some antibacterial properties because of the presence of hydrogen peroxide. It also contains antibacterial properties, but it has exceptional antibacterial properties. This is because it contains Methylglyoxal (MGO) that normal honey lacks.
Main Components of Manuka Honey
Methylglyoxal (MGO): it’s an antibacterial agent; the higher the MGO, the stronger the effect. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), found in Manuka nectar, converts to MGO during honey production. Leptosperin is A natural chemical marker unique to Manuka honey, used to verify authenticity.
Benefits of Manuka Honey
It is renowned for its medicinal and antibacterial properties worldwide. Here are some of the most prominent benefits.
1. Wound Healing
Not only does it possess antibacterial properties, but it also offers unique benefits that help you heal wounds much faster. The reason behind this is that it supports tissue regeneration, which reduces pain if we apply it to the affected area. Although it can provide relief if you ever face an issue like this, we strongly recommend visiting for medical professional. It can be used if the wound is small.
2. Soothes Sore Throats and Coughs
In Ayurveda, honey is used for a variety of reasons, whether it’s for a sore throat or any other cold symptoms. But the most widely used reason is a cold and a cough. That’s why you see many cough-related medicine that includes honey as their primary ingredient.
If you consume honey regularly, then you already know that honey is known to provide relief from sore throat and cough. Inside, people have been using it for centuries. The point here is that Manuka honey can help significantly better in such cases than other general commercial options.
3. Digestive Health
It contains fructooligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics. This compound helps nourish and support the growth of beneficial healthy gut bacteria. This results in overall better digestion.
4. Antibacterial Properties
Another benefit of using this honey is its antibacterial nature. Since it has high MGO, it is helpful in bacterial infections. People have admitted to feeling relief after applying it to the infected area. Although there are limited studies about it.
5. Aids Oral Health
Although sweet, Manuka honey helps prevent dental plaque buildup and reduces the risk of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis, due to its antibacterial properties. You may find it strange, but it’s not sweetness that causes oral problems, but bacteria that live in it. Since it prevents bacteria, it contributes to the overall improvement of oral health.
6. Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Many studies suggest that it may inhibit viruses, such as influenza and shingles, while reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you are someone who faces inflammation issues, using it may help you.
7. Immune System Support
It’s full of antioxidants, which makes it a superfood that helps in strengthening the immune system. For better results, you can use it daily with warm water.
9. Energy Boost
As a natural sweetener rich in nutrients, honey offers a healthier alternative to processed sugars, while also boosting energy levels. If you are also one of those who are looking for an alternative to processed sugar, it can be the perfect option.
10. Skin Health
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating acne and other skin conditions. Many people face puffiness on their faces due to inflammation. By regularly using this honey, many people have seen skin benefits.
Manuka honey benefits sexually
Often, this honey is associated with several potential sexual health benefits, though most evidence comes from traditional use and limited scientific studies. Its main sexually related benefits include:
1. Improved Libido and Sexual Performance
It is considered a natural aphrodisiac. Its rich antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content especially makes it a suitable natural supplement. For instance, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc support hormone production. That’s not all; it increases energy and potentially enhances libido and sexual stamina in both men and women.
2. Increased Testosterone Levels
In general, raw honey is considered to be great for increasing testosterone levels. Since manuka honey is considered even better than regular honey, you get more benefits. Some studies also report that it is related to boosting testosterone levels, he key hormone for male sexual function, sperm production, and fertility
3. Enhanced Erectile Function
Manuka honey contains compounds, such as nitric oxide and flavonoids like chrysin, that help dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and therefore may aid erectile function by increasing blood flow.
4. Energy and Stress Reduction
It’s natural sugars and micronutrient content can provide quick energy and may reduce fatigue and stress. These are both factors that can impact sexual performance and desire.
How to Use
It can be consumed daily, about 1–2 tablespoons, for these potential benefits, though it may be added to foods or consumed alone.
Evidence and Limitations
While traditional use and several small studies suggest these benefits, robust clinical trials are still limited. So there is no concrete evidence till now. There may be large studies in the future that can give us better scientific evidence.
Generally, honey is considered to be healthy for most people. Still, you need to consider allergies, high sugar intake (especially for those with diabetes), and consult a healthcare provider before using it as a supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
While most people are aware of normal honey, people still have a lot of questions about this honey. Here are the most common questions.
Is Manuka Honey Better than Indian Wild Honey?
Not necessarily. While Manuka has more scientific research, raw wild honey from Himalayan regions may offer similar antibacterial and antioxidant benefits if unprocessed.
Can Manuka honey Boost Testosterone?
Some traditional use and small studies suggest this, but more research is needed. It contains nutrients like zinc and B vitamins that support hormone production.
Summary
In summary, we can definitely say one thing: manuka honey is indeed a superfood and can provide a lot of health benefits. However, we can’t say it can be used as a medicine since there is no concrete evidence. So it’s better to use it as a dietary supplement. If you are also looking for manuka honey but don’t have the budget for it, you can try its alternatives. While manuka honey is powerful, its alternative Wild Flower Honey is sourced directly from Himachal forests — 100% unheated and unfiltered. It retains enzymes and antioxidants and costs a fraction of imported jars.