Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Tag: Manuka honey MGO ultimate guide

  • How to Choose Manuka Honey MGO The Ultimate Guide

    How to Choose Manuka Honey MGO The Ultimate Guide

    Table of Contents

    Manuka honey has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique botanical properties and numerous health benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin or hair, this expensive honey is worth considering. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Manuka honey is, its benefits for beauty, and how to choose the right one based on its MGO (methylglyoxal) rating.

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is a dark and luscious monofloral honey derived from the flowering Manuka tree, scientifically known as Leptospermum scoparium. The Manuka tree blooms for only 2-6 weeks a year in the pristine forests of New Zealand and Australia, making the honey derived from its nectar highly sought after.

    The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Beauty

    Manuka honey is not only delicious to eat but also offers healing, soothing, and medicinal properties for both the body and the skin. Its unique properties include being highly emollient, anti-inflammatory, humectant, and rich in antioxidants. These qualities make it an excellent ingredient for skincare and haircare products, as well as for DIY treatments and remedies.

    Understanding the UMF Number on Manuka Honey

    When purchasing Manuka honey, you will notice a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) number on the label. This globally recognized standard helps determine the honey’s recommended uses based on its potency and purity. The UMF number is derived from three signature compounds found in Manuka honey: dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is converted to MGO (methylglyoxal) by bees, and leptosperin.

    Here are some examples of different UMF numbers and their recommended uses:

    1. UMF 5+ (MGO 80+): Suitable for general use, such as eating, drinking, or as a simple face wash.
    2. UMF 10+ (MGO 263+): More targeted use, ideal for soothing a sore throat or irritated skin.
    3. UMF 15+ (MGO 514+): Recommended for targeted skin conditions and as an addition to foods and wellness shakes.
    4. UMF 20+ (MGO 829+): Helpful for more severe skin conditions, burns, or wounds.

    It’s important to consult with a medical professional before using Manuka honey for any medical conditions.

    The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Troubled Skin

    Manuka honey is highly versatile and can be used in various ways to improve troubled skin. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties help balance bacteria on the skin, making it an excellent choice for face washes and DIY face masks.

    Manuka Honey DIY Face Wash

    To create a simple face wash, mix a teaspoon of Manuka honey with enough water to make it pliable. Apply the mixture to your face like a cleanser, and rinse off immediately or leave it on for 5-10 minutes for added benefits.

    Manuka Honey DIY Face Masks

    You can also use Manuka honey to make soothing face masks for acne, pimples, or other aggravated skin conditions. Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to the problem areas and leave it on for up to ten minutes before rinsing off. This treatment can be done daily and has been shown to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

    For troubled skin, we recommend trying the ANTIPODES Aura Manuka Honey Mask. This hydrating face mask targets blemishes and breakouts with the power of Manuka honey, a superfood known for its healing properties.

    The Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey for Hair

    In addition to its skincare benefits, Manuka honey can also improve the health and appearance of your hair. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties promote scalp health, while its humectant qualities draw moisture to the hair, relieving dryness and frizz.

    How to Use Manuka Honey for Hair

    There are several ways you can incorporate Manuka honey into your hair care routine:

    1. Homemade Hair Masks: Create a simple hair mask by mashing half a banana or avocado with a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Mix in coconut milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency, and apply it to your hair.

    2. Boost Commercial Hair Products: Add Manuka honey to your favorite hair masks, shampoos, or conditioners for an extra nourishing boost.

    3. Hair Rinse: Dissolve Manuka honey in hot water and use it as a hair rinse before conditioning or washing your hair.

    4. Overnight Hair Mask: Mix Manuka honey with hot oil treatments and leave it on your hair overnight for deep hydration.

    If you’re looking for a ready-made hair mask with the benefits of Manuka honey, try the Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque. Infused with African Rock Fig and Baobab Oil, this mask provides intense hydration and promotes healthy, shiny hair.

    Conclusion

    Manuka honey is a valuable ingredient for both skincare and haircare due to its unique properties and numerous health benefits. When choosing Manuka honey, consider the UMF number to ensure you’re selecting the right honey for your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to improve troubled skin or enhance the health of your hair, Manuka honey is a natural and effective choice.

    Remember to always purchase honey from responsible and sustainable sources to support the well-being of bees and our environment.

    *Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. However, this does not affect the integrity of our recommendations.

  • How to Choose Manuka Honey MGO The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Manuka Honey

    How to Choose Manuka Honey MGO The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Manuka Honey

    Table of Contents

    Honey has been used for thousands of years as both a sweet food and a medicinal remedy. In recent years, the therapeutic effects of honey have been found to surpass even those of medications in certain cases. One type of honey that stands out for its exceptional antibacterial and antiviral properties is Manuka honey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to choose the best Manuka honey with a focus on its unique antibacterial compound, Methylglyoxal (MGO). Read on to discover everything you need to know about choosing high-quality Manuka honey.

    The History of Honey as Medicine

    Honey has a long history of medicinal use that can be traced back 8,000 years. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians used honey topically to treat wounds and burns. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of honey were highly valued in traditional medicine. Interestingly, during those historical periods, the concept of microorganisms causing infections may not have been known. Nevertheless, honey’s effectiveness in treating skin problems and wound infections was well-documented.

    The Antibacterial Properties of Honey

    Honey has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, making it effective against a wide range of bacteria. This is especially important in the face of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have become a major global health challenge. Unlike antibiotics, bacteria do not develop resistance to honey. In fact, there are no documented cases of bacteria developing resistance to honey.

    The antibacterial properties of honey come from its inherent characteristics and a diverse array of components derived from nectar-producing plants and bees themselves. Some of these components are formed during the maturation process of honey. The high sugar content of honey, its viscosity, and acidic pH all contribute to its antibacterial effects. Additionally, honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a potent antibacterial agent. Bees also contribute an antibacterial component called bee defensin-1, which can kill various bacteria and microorganisms.

    Manuka Honey and Methylglyoxal (MGO)

    Manuka honey is a type of honey that is highly regarded for its exceptional antibacterial properties. It is derived from the nectar of the manuka tree, which is native to specific regions of New Zealand and Australia. Manuka honey contains a unique compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is responsible for its antibacterial potency.

    MGO is formed in manuka honey when a natural substance found in the manuka tree undergoes spontaneous dehydration. The level of MGO in manuka honey determines its antibacterial strength. The higher the MGO content, the more potent the antibacterial properties of the honey. However, it’s important to note that MGO is sensitive to heat. Heating manuka honey above a certain temperature can result in the loss of MGO.

    The Antiviral Properties of Honey

    In addition to its antibacterial effects, honey also exhibits antiviral properties. Consuming honey can help protect the body and boost the immune system. Honey has been found to inhibit the growth of enveloped viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Multiple compounds found in honey can bind to the protease of SARS-CoV-2, effectively inhibiting its replication. Manuka honey, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the replication of influenza viruses, including drug-resistant strains.

    Boosting the Immune System with Honey

    Honey can activate several immune cells, enabling them to effectively eliminate viruses. Oligosaccharides, which are present in honey, enhance the activity of natural killer cells, providing additional protection against viral invasions. Honey also promotes autophagy, an internal cellular process that helps combat deadly viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Autophagy involves the degradation and metabolism of cells, allowing for the removal and recycling of damaged cells and impurities.

    Honey’s Anti-Inflammatory and Gut-Health Benefits

    Inflammation is a common occurrence in bacterial or viral infections, and unchecked inflammation can harm the body. Honey has been found to promote autophagy and the proliferative activity of immune cells, which helps combat inflammation and promote recovery. Honey also has a dual role in inflammation control. It can downregulate anti-inflammatory factors, reducing inflammation damage, while stimulating the production of inflammatory mediators, promoting wound healing.

    Additionally, honey has been shown to have positive effects on gut health. It contains phenolic compounds, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Honey also promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines, further contributing to gut health.

    Choosing the Best Manuka Honey

    When it comes to choosing the best Manuka honey, there are a few factors to consider. Raw and darker honey varieties tend to have more robust efficacy compared to commercially available honey found on supermarket shelves, which is often pasteurized. Heat processing can lower the antioxidant capacity of honey, so opting for honey processed using high-pressure techniques is recommended.

    Manuka honey comes in a range of colors, and dark-colored honey generally contains higher levels of phenolic compounds and exhibits more potent activity. To ensure you are getting high-quality Manuka honey, opt for pure honey sourced from specific regions in New Zealand and Australia. Look for the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, which indicates the level of MGO in the honey. Higher UMF ratings correspond to higher levels of MGO. Some honey products also specify the amount of MGO in milligrams per kilogram.

    It’s important to note that Manuka honey with higher UMF ratings may have a strong flavor that some people find pungent. However, the potent antibacterial and antiviral properties make it worth considering.

    In conclusion, Manuka honey is a powerful natural remedy with exceptional antibacterial and antiviral properties. When choosing Manuka honey, it’s important to consider factors such as the MGO content and the UMF rating. By selecting high-quality Manuka honey, you can harness its therapeutic benefits and support your overall health and well-being.

    Note: How to choose Manuka honey MGO