Atwa, A-D, A, et al. (2014). Effect of honey in preventing gingivitis and dental caries in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Unlike other nectars, those produced by the Manuka bush’s flowers – native to New Zealand – mean bees can create honey containing high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), which has antibacterial properties. 2

Kot B, Sytykiewicz H, Sprawka I, Witeska M. Effect of manuka honey on biofilm-associated genes expression during methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):13552. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70666-y Manuka Doctor has long been one of our best-selling, Manuka honey-based brands – with customers eager to get hold of the New Zealand-harvested honey that Manuka Doctor is known for. There’s limited research on how manuka honey can help your oral health. But studies show it can protect against dental plaque buildup, which can prevent gingivitis (a gum disease). Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the flowers of what's known as the manuka bush, natively found in Australia and New Zealand. The honey is monofloral in nature, meaning it’s made strictly from the nectar of one type of flower. The plant only flowers four to six weeks a year, which gives bees a short window of time to collect nectar. Manuka honey is pricier than other varieties due to its stringent harvesting process.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336 Manuka honey supplements, like lozenges, lollipops or pills, can be beneficial, too. Just be sure to do your research and choose supplements carefully, Richard advises. Look for products with verification by Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which is a strict grading system that validates manuka honey’s potency, authenticity, purity and freshness. The higher the number listed in the products' UMF grade, the more unadulterated health benefits the honey is likely to offer. The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey are also great for blemishes. By creating a protective barrier, the Manuka honey will encourage healing, fight infection, and help to reduce inflammation. 6

But is manuka honey right for you? Registered dietitian Bailey Flora, RD, shares the benefits of manuka honey, as well as whether it’s worth your time. What is manuka honey? As the name suggests, monofloral means that the honey comes from bees that have predominantly collected nectar from the Manuka bush. There is vigorous testing surrounding this bold claim, and two of the four chemical manuka markers in the final honey product must meet a higher level than those in multifloral honey.But you can find products that already have Manuka honey oil added that will allow you to reap all the Manuka oil benefits without the fuss. Benefits of Manuka honey creams

Joan is the author of Nutrition & You, Pearson (2023), Nutrition & You: Core Concepts to Good Health, Pearson (2010), and Eat Right The E.A.S.Y. Way, Prentice Hall Press (1991). She is the co-author of Nutrition: From Science to You, Pearson (2018). The honey can help with inflammation and fight against the bacteria that cause pain. Research shows that those who use manuka honey have a decrease in Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that causes sore throats. Helps treat ulcers Derived from Manuka honey, Manuka honey oil is a concentrated plant oil that retains the beneficial properties of Manuka honey. Yan MR, Welch R, Rush EC, et al. A sustainable wholesome foodstuff; health effects and potential dietotherapy applications of yacon. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2632. doi:10.3390/nu11112632

How can I use Manuka honey?

MGO is created in manuka honey thanks to the conversion of another compound known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). A high concentration of DHA is found in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effects of manuka honey. Multifloral means that the bees visit many other floral sources and bushes as well as the manuka bush – but of course the Manuka bush will always be its favourite. It still has to be tested and found to contain ‘wholly or mainly’ nectar from the Manuka bush. This is done with the same naturally occurring marker test and pollen test that all Manuka honey is bound to. Of course, you can also use it in food as you would use normal honey. Manuka honey has a naturally richer flavour than runny honey, so a little goes a long way. Drizzle it over yoghurt, porridge, rice cakes, or anything else you want to give a sweet natural flavour to. Hbibi A, Sikkou K, Khedid K, et al. Antimicrobial activity of honey in periodontal disease: a systematic review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2020;75(4):807-826. doi:10.1093/jac/dkz527

Given the high price tag associated with this sweet, rich liquid, which purported manuka honey benefits live up to the hype? With the expertise of Mike Wakeman, clinical nutritionist at Feel Alive, we take a look what the science so far can tell us about manuka honey benefits – and explain what to look for on the label:Ahmed, S, et al. (2018). Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: An insight into its molecular mechanisms of action. You’ll see an MGO rating on most Manuka products and this is simply telling you the level of methylglyoxal in honey and how strong its antibacterial properties are. The Manuka honey Holland and Barrett sells ranges from MGO 40to MGO 1000– so you can decide on what strength best suits your needs. Aguiar R, Duarte FC, Mendes A, et al. Anaphylaxis caused by honey: a case report. Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):48-50. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.48 One study examined whether dietary factors influenced the presence and spread of H. pylori in 294 individuals between 18 and 69 years old. It found that people who consumed honey more than five days a week had a significantly lower risk of H. pylori infection than those who did not consume honey regularly. Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, et al. Antibacterial activity of manuka honey and its components: an overview. AIMS Microbiol. 2018;4(4):655-664. doi:10.3934/microbiol.2018.4.655