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Introduction:
Now that summer is officially over, the dreaded cold and flu season is now among us. With this time of year comes painful sore throats, bothersome coughs, and the constant search to find a remedy that will settle and cure both. Good news, we have just what you need for your home this fall and winter! The golden elixir known as Manuka honey is nature’s gift to us that works to kill bacteria, viruses, and support overall wellness- making it the perfect product to have readily available for when you start feeling sick.
Why Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is an incredibly versatile and powerful superfood, especially when compared to other types of honey or sweeteners on the market. Manuka honey is considered a monofloral honey, meaning the bees only pollinate from one source (aka the Manuka flower) and it contains more vitamins, minerals, and amino acids than any other honey. There are many health benefits associated with this nectar, and for centuries people have used it for its healing and medicinal properties. Next time you are struck with a cough or sore throat, you are going to want to turn to manuka honey for relief.
Combat Pesky Coughs
Having a cough is one of the most irritating symptoms that comes along with catching a cold or any other type of virus. Not only is coughing painful, but it can also become extremely tiresome, especially when it is one that seems to linger. While there are many options available at the drugstore, the next time you have a cough you are going to want to reach for Manuka honey. Let’s take a look at why Manuka honey is the perfect remedy for treating any pesky cough.
- Antifungal:
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Manuka honey has antifungal properties which can limit and eradicate any fungus located in the chest or throat that is causing one to cough. Some studies have found that Manuka honey attacks harmful bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections and painful coughs.
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Can Reduce Severity and Duration of Cough:
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The World Health Organization identifies honey as a potential demulcent treatment for coughs in both adults and children, Specifically, Manuka honey acts as a demulcent, by coating the throat in order to relieve cough provoking irritants.
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Reduce Swelling of Mucous Membranes:
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One of the main components of Manuka honey is Leptosperin, which is a chemical compound that aids in reducing inflammation. Leptosperin is specific to Manuka honey and is not found in other honeys.
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Antioxidants Powerhouse:
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Manuka honey is loaded with antioxidants, which can act as nature’s own antibiotic. Antioxidants can stabilize and/or deactivate free radicals before they ever have a chance to attack cells. Therefore by taking Manuka honey as a preventive measure you might enable your body to ward off a cold or flu before it ever has a chance to bring you down.
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Natural Remedy:
- When it comes to relieving cold and flu symptoms, there is a wide range of medicines available to make you feel better. The unique thing about Manuka honey however, is that it is an all-natural remedy- meaning there will never be any negative side effects that comes from using it to get rid of a cough, and it is safe for nearly everyone to use.
Soothe Sore Throats
If you are wondering if you can consume Manuka honey for a treatment of sore throats, the answer is yes. Here are some of the key components as to why Manuka honey deserves a place in your medicine cabinet (and kitchen cabinet) this cold and flu season.
- MGO:
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Methylglyoxal, or MGO is another chemical compound unique to Manuka honey. MGO is what makes Manuka honey such a powerful antibacterial source. On every jar of Manuka honey, there is a MGO rating which indicates how much Methylgloxal is in the honey. The higher the number, the higher the antibacterial potency.
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Can help with Inflammation:
- The pain associated with a sore throat is typically due to inflammation of either the larynx, tonsils, or pharynx when you are struck with a cold, flu, or other type of virus.
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Similarly with treating a cough, the anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey can help relieve the pain of a sore throat by reducing painful inflammation.
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Fight Against Bacteria:
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Manuka honey is a versatile elixir that not only treats, but it also fights against bacterias typically responsible for causing sore throats. There is evidence that supports this claim, stating that researchers found a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans in patients after they consumed Manuka honey. Manuka honey is a great option for sore throats because it not only relieves symptoms, but it also helps to eradicate the bacteria.
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Attacks and Soothes:
- If you are suffering from a sore throat, having a spoonful of Manuka honey (either on its own or mixed into a hot drink) will likely give you some much needed relief. Manuka honey can help soothe soreness by lining the throat. All the other powerful benefits will help attack and treat whatever is causing the illness and discomfort.
How To Use Manuka Honey When You’re Sick
The wonderful thing about Manuka honey is that it can be used either as a preventive measure or as a way to relieve pain and discomfort when you aren’t feeling your best. If you are experiencing a cough or sore throat, one of the best ways to consume Manuka honey is by adding a spoonful into a warm beverage such as tea or lemon water, as often as needed. You can also reap the benefits just by taking a bit of Manuka honey right from the jar.
Kiva Health Food
Manuka honey truly is a superfood that can be used for so many different things on a daily basis, whether you are sick or not. When it comes to buying Manuka honey for your home, it is important to get authentic, and high-quality honey. By choosing Kiva brand, you will never have to question whether or not you are consuming pure Manuka honey. Our promise to you is that every jar of Manuka honey is raw, UMF certified, MGO certified, and always traceable from hive to jar.
You don’t want to be without Manuka honey this cold and flu season! We have a variety of different Manuka honey options available for you to purchase today directly from our webpage.
About the Author:
Katie is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. In 2020 she became a Certified Holistic Nutritionist through AFPA, and loves to share her passion for health, wellness, and living a healthy lifestyle with others. You can find more of her articles at PopNourish.com