where to buy manuka honey

Where to Buy Manuka Honey A Guide for Singers

Introduction

If it’s good enough for Ed Sheeran, it’s good enough for us. Ahead of Glastonbury in 2017, his tour rider was leaked to the press and it included manuka honey from New Zealand¹. But we were inspired to write about honey for singers after one of the world’s most famous rock bands got in touch with us directly to ask for our honey during their New Zealand tour. We’ve known for years that manuka honey has special antibacterial properties that make it a versatile healing and protecting powerhouse, so what about using it for musicians? How does it benefit them specifically, and why are the top global icons so hooked? In this guide to manuka honey for singers, we will explore why honey is good for singers, the best type of honey for singers, how to use manuka honey like the pros, and where to buy the best manuka honey.

Why Honey is Good for Singers

“Manuka honey pops, vocal rest, steam & water. luh you, boston. thank u again.”

Professional singers know how to take good care of their voices. But even the most careful want to give their all at every performance, and this can cause a strain. Taking both preventative and healing measures is key, and honey is a brilliant natural option with proven health benefits².

Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Properties

Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties³. Its antibacterial properties are great for preventing and fighting infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in soothing and protecting tissues while they heal. Its antioxidant properties help the body protect itself against damage and regenerate healthy cells⁴. For all these reasons and more, honey can be used to directly treat medical conditions or just to keep the body healthy overall.

Benefits for Singers

Honey is good for singers specifically because the most common problems they face are usually related to throat inflammation or infection. Studies show that honey is a powerful antibacterial agent which helps the body to fight and recover from these conditions⁵.

Examples of Honey Benefits for Singers

Here are some examples of how honey can benefit singers:

  1. Preventing and fighting throat infections: Honey’s antibacterial properties can help prevent and fight off throat infections, which are common among singers.

  2. Soothing throat inflammation: Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the throat, providing relief for singers experiencing vocal strain.

  3. Protecting vocal tissues: Honey can form a protective barrier on the vocal tissues, helping to shield them from further damage and promoting healing.

  4. Boosting overall immune health: Honey’s antioxidant properties can help boost the immune system, keeping singers healthy and less prone to infections.

The Best Type of Honey for Singers

Not all honey is created equal, and when it comes to singers, choosing the right type of honey is crucial. Manuka honey, specifically from New Zealand, is often considered the best type of honey for singers.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. It is known for its unique antibacterial properties, thanks to the presence of a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). The higher the MGO rating, the stronger the antibacterial activity of the honey.

Factors to Consider

When choosing manuka honey for singers, there are several factors to consider:

  1. MGO Rating: Look for manuka honey with a high MGO rating, as this indicates stronger antibacterial properties.

  2. UMF Certification: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) certification ensures that the honey meets specific quality standards. Look for UMF-certified manuka honey for the best quality.

  3. Raw and Unprocessed: Opt for raw and unprocessed manuka honey to ensure that it retains all its natural health benefits.

  4. Source: Make sure the manuka honey is sourced from reputable brands or suppliers in New Zealand, known for producing high-quality manuka honey.

How to Use Manuka Honey like the Pros

Now that you know why honey is good for singers and the best type of honey to choose, let’s explore how to use manuka honey like the pros.

Throat Soothing Drinks

One popular way to use manuka honey for singers is by incorporating it into throat soothing drinks. Here’s a simple recipe:

  1. Warm up a cup of water or herbal tea.
  2. Add a teaspoon of manuka honey and stir until dissolved.
  3. Optionally, you can add lemon juice or ginger for added soothing benefits.
  4. Sip on the drink throughout the day or before performances to soothe the throat.

Honey Pops

Honey pops are another effective way to use manuka honey for singers. Here’s how to make them:

  1. Mix manuka honey with a small amount of lemon juice and warm it up until it becomes a sticky consistency.
  2. Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  3. Let the honey pops cool and harden.
  4. Pop one in your mouth whenever your throat needs soothing.

Throat Gargle

For singers dealing with throat infections or inflammation, a manuka honey throat gargle can provide relief. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Mix a teaspoon of manuka honey with warm water.
  2. Add a pinch of salt and stir until dissolved.
  3. Gargle with the mixture for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
  4. Repeat several times a day or as needed.

Where to Buy the Best Manuka Honey

Now that you know the benefits of manuka honey for singers and how to use it, you might be wondering where to buy the best manuka honey.

Online Retailers

There are several reputable online retailers where you can purchase high-quality manuka honey. Some popular options include:

Health Food Stores

Many health food stores also carry manuka honey. Look for stores that specialize in organic and natural products, as they are more likely to have a selection of high-quality manuka honey.

Local Beekeepers

If you prefer to support local businesses, consider reaching out to local beekeepers in your area. They may have their own honey, including manuka honey, available for purchase.

Important Considerations

When buying manuka honey, keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Check the MGO rating and UMF certification to ensure quality.
  • Read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the product’s reputation.
  • Look for transparent and trustworthy brands or suppliers.
  • Consider your budget, as manuka honey can vary in price depending on the quality and brand.

Ready to Rock?

With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, manuka honey is a fantastic natural remedy for singers. Whether you’re looking to prevent throat infections, soothe vocal strain, or protect your vocal tissues, manuka honey can be a valuable addition to your vocal care routine. Just make sure to choose high-quality manuka honey from reputable sources, and enjoy the benefits it brings to your singing career. So, rock on and take care of your voice with the power of manuka honey!

References

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