Manuka Honey Benefits for Soothing Sore Throats

Manuka honey has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. Not only is it a favorite among A-list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson, but it has also been the subject of many stories and even incidents of theft from supermarkets. So, what makes manuka honey so special? And why is it so expensive?

The Rarity and Harvesting Process of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand, making it rare and difficult to harvest. It requires specific hive locations, usually in isolated hills and forests, and the expertise of specialized beekeepers. The bees that produce manuka honey gather pollen exclusively from the manuka flower, which blooms for only two to six weeks a year.

The Powerhouse of Health Benefits

Despite its high price tag, manuka honey is worth every penny due to its numerous health benefits. It is packed with antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, making it a highly sought-after ingredient for recipes, skincare, and medicinal uses.

How Much Manuka Honey to Consume Daily

While manuka honey offers many benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar content. A sensible amount to consume per day is around two tablespoons or approximately 15g.

Now, let’s explore some of the incredible health benefits of manuka honey, including its ability to heal wounds faster, prevent tooth decay, soothe coughs and sore throats, support gut health, ease digestive symptoms, help heal ulcers, soothe inflammatory skin conditions, treat antibiotic-resistant infections, and even ease symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

1. Healing Wounds Faster

Studies have shown that manuka honey can aid in the healing of burns, cuts, blisters, and other skin injuries. Its antibacterial properties help fight bacteria and support cell renewal. In fact, manuka honey is so effective in wound healing that it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for wounds in 2015.

2. Preventing Tooth Decay

Surprisingly, manuka honey can also help prevent tooth decay. It has the ability to combat the bacteria responsible for plaque, decay, and gum inflammation. Unlike refined sugar, manuka honey does not seem to cause dental issues.

3. Soothing Coughs and Sore Throats

Research has shown that manuka honey is highly effective in easing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as sore throats, coughs, and nasal congestion. It has been found to be even more effective than over-the-counter medications.

4. Supporting Gut Health

Manuka honey contains non-digestible carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics. These prebiotics help boost the levels of good bacteria in the gut, which aids in digestion.

5. Easing Digestive Symptoms

In addition to supporting the microbiome, manuka honey has shown promise in treating digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, and gastritis. It has even been suggested that manuka honey could benefit those suffering from acid reflux.

6. Helping Heal Ulcers

Manuka honey has been found to be effective in healing two types of ulcers – diabetic ulcers, which typically occur on the soles of the feet, and gastric ulcers. It works by increasing the production of enzymes that reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage.

7. Soothing Inflammatory Skin Conditions

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of manuka honey make it beneficial for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It can be used both internally and topically. Additionally, manuka honey has hydrating properties due to its fructose, glucose, and amino acid content. It can even be used to soothe sunburn when mixed with a moisturizer.

8. Treating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Manuka honey is known for its potent antibiotic properties, making it a potential treatment for infections that have become resistant to typical medications.

9. Easing Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

Recent studies have shown that manuka honey can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex, which are common causes of upper respiratory infections, especially in vulnerable populations like those with cystic fibrosis.

When purchasing manuka honey, it is important to look for the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) trademark, which ensures that you are buying the genuine product. Additionally, pay attention to the number associated with the honey, such as 10+ or 25+. This number represents the level of unique signature compounds, such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), present in the honey. The higher the number, the purer and better quality the honey, and the more antibacterial properties it possesses, though it may come with a higher price tag.

In conclusion, manuka honey offers a wide range of health benefits, including wound healing, oral health, respiratory health, gut health, digestive symptom relief, ulcer healing, inflammatory skin condition treatment, antibiotic-resistant infection treatment, and relief for cystic fibrosis symptoms. Incorporating this natural wonder into your daily routine may provide you with a myriad of health benefits, including soothing a sore throat.