Manuka Honey for Eczema A Complete Guide

Manuka honey is often touted as a superfood for treating eczema. Its medicinal qualities make it a popular choice for those looking for natural remedies. In this complete guide, we will explore the benefits of Manuka honey for eczema, how to use it orally and externally, and review pre-made Manuka honey products. We will also discuss precautions and provide a brief history of honey.

Benefits of Manuka Honey for Eczema

Manuka honey can provide improvement for various health ailments, including eczema. Here are some of the reasons why people are excited about using Manuka honey for eczema:

1. Wound and burn protection and healing: Manuka honey can be applied directly as a dressing to guard wounds and burns, with studies suggesting increased healing time and reduced inflammation in certain cases.

2. Infection control for eczema and acne: The antibacterial and antimicrobial components of Manuka honey can help kill off unwanted organisms to control itch and infection.

3. Contains non-peroxide activity (NPA): Manuka honey has strong active enzymes responsible for its potency and bacteria/inflammation fighting properties.

4. Immune boosting: Manuka honey stimulates certain immune cells, leading to better quality wound healing, which is beneficial for eczematous skin.

5. Micronutrient dense: Manuka honey contains amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals, making it nutritionally superior to other honeys.

6. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Manuka honey can help control the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which is often linked to eczema symptoms.

7. MRSA infection control: Manuka honey has been used in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, which are common in eczema sufferers.

8. Supports dental health: Manuka honey has been shown to reduce plaque and gum bleeding.

9. Better sleep: Consuming a small amount of honey before bed can aid in better sleep by restoring glycogen levels in the liver.

What is Manuka Honey Exactly?

Manuka honey is produced by bees that gather nectar solely from the Manuka bush. It is known for its powerful antibacterial strength, which is measured by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). UMF standards range from 0-4 (not therapeutic) to 16+ (exceptionally therapeutic). Each batch of Manuka honey is rigorously tested to ensure safety, authenticity, and quality.

Taking Manuka Honey Orally

Taking Manuka honey orally can be as simple as eating one teaspoon before bed. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage if there are no negative side effects. It is recommended to use Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 15 or lower to avoid excessive enzymatic concentration.

Manuka Honey Tea Recipe for Sore Throats

Manuka honey can provide relief for sore throats by stopping the growth of bacteria responsible for causing inflammation. Here is a recipe for immune-boosting Manuka honey tea:

Ingredients:
– 1 tsp Manuka honey
– 1/2 inch fresh ginger
– 1/4 lemon

Instructions:
1. Peel, slice, and smash ginger. Add it to a mug or tea infuser.
2. Add Manuka honey and hot water to the mug.
3. Let the ginger and honey steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the juice from the lemon.
5. Enjoy!

Using Manuka Honey Externally for Eczema

Applying Manuka honey directly onto eczema-affected skin can help control bacteria, but it can also be an irritant for some. It is recommended to dilute Manuka honey as part of a mixture when using it topically. Here are two homemade Manuka honey recipes for eczema:

Manuka Honey DIY Eczema Salve Mask Recipe

Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp raw bioactive Manuka honey
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp beeswax

Instructions:
1. Place a small pan over low heat and melt the beeswax, being careful not to burn it.
2. Remove the pan from heat as soon as the wax melts.
3. Quickly add the Manuka honey and olive oil, and mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture into a sterilized glass jar.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and set.
6. Store the jar in the refrigerator.
7. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to the skin and allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
8. Wash off the mixture with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

Manuka Honey DIY Eczema Cream Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1/3 cup Manuka honey
– 1 cup shea butter
– 1 tsp tea tree oil
– 1 tsp sea buckthorn seed oil
– 1 tsp neem oil

Instructions:
1. Put the shea butter and oils into a double boiler glass bowl and heat until melted and well combined.
2. Remove from heat and add the Manuka honey. Stir until combined.
3. Allow the mixture to cool, then place it in the refrigerator for an hour.
4. Remove from the refrigerator and use a beater to whip the mixture into a creamy consistency.
5. Transfer the cream to a sterilized glass jar and store at room temperature.

Review: Pre-Made Manuka Honey Products for Eczema

If you prefer to buy pre-made Manuka honey products, here are some popular options:

1. Manuka Honey Skin Cream by The Eczema Company: All-natural ingredients, not tested on animals, paraben and GMO free.

2. Body Butter by Skin Food New Zealand: All-natural ingredients, paraben free, not tested on animals.

3. Manuka Honey Healing Moisturizer by reNeu: UMF 16+, paraben free, not tested on animals (note: contains potentially irritating and carcinogenic ingredients).

Precautions

Honey can cause negative reactions in sensitive individuals, so it is best to avoid it if you are susceptible to the negative effects of sugar. Manuka honey should also be used with caution if you have a sensitivity or inflammatory response to sugar, an allergy to bees, diabetes, or if you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. If you experience any adverse reactions to honey, stop using it immediately.

Conclusion

Manuka honey has many benefits for eczema, both when taken orally and used externally. Its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties make it a valuable natural remedy. However, it is important to exercise caution and consult a medical practitioner if you have any pre-existing conditions or allergies. Manuka honey is a truly remarkable product with a rich history of medicinal use, and it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking natural healing options for eczema.

Sources:
1. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Study on the Effect of Honey on Burns
2. WebMD: Understanding MRSA
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Study on the Effect of Manuka Honey on Gingivitis