The 9 Benefits of Manuka Honey

If you have discovered what Manuka honey is and what makes it so special in our previous article, you will now be curious to understand what the benefits of Manuka honey really are. From wound care and immune support to digestive health and skincare, this unique New Zealand honey has earned its reputation for good reason. 

Below, we explore each benefit in detail so you can make an informed decision about how Manuka honey might contribute to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. At Manuka Hut, we stock only UMF-certified Manuka honey, so every jar you choose has been independently tested and graded.

The Manuka plant has been part of traditional Māori medicine for centuries, and modern science is beginning to explain why.

Researchers at western universities have studied the wound-healing properties of Manuka honey extensively. Beyond its well-known antibacterial and antioxidant activity, Manuka honey helps create a moist, protective environment around wounds and burns. This barrier reduces the risk of bacterial infection and inflammation while supporting tissue regeneration. The honey's low pH and high sugar content also contribute to keeping the wound site clean and drawing moisture away from bacteria (FDA 510(k) summary for a Manuka honey dressing, 2007; Carter et al., Frontiers in Microbiology, 2016).

In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a Manuka honey wound dressing for use on wounds and burns.

One of the most studied benefits of Manuka honey is its antibacterial activity.

More recent studies have confirmed that Manuka honey can be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), in lab studies (Carter et al., Frontiers in Microbiology, 2016). This is particularly significant given growing global concern around antibiotic resistance.

The antibacterial power of Manuka honey is primarily attributed to methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring compound found at much higher levels in Manuka honey than in conventional honey. The higher the MGO rating, the stronger the antibacterial activity. A lab study of 61 Manuka honeys found a perfect linear correlation between MGO and antibacterial activity (Atrott and Henle, Czech Journal of Food Sciences, 2009). If you are new to understanding MGO and UMF ratings, our guide to what is Manuka honey covers the grading system in detail.

According to a peer-reviewed study conducted by King Abdulaziz University, Manuka honey significantly decreased the ulcer index in rats with ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The study found that Manuka honey helps protect the stomach lining from lesions and preserves gastric mucosal glycoprotein, a key component in maintaining the integrity of the gut wall.

Manuka honey appears to exert its antiulcer effect by boosting the levels of certain protective enzymes while also guarding against oxidative damage and protein degradation. While these findings are promising, it is worth noting that most of this research has been conducted in laboratory and animal models. Anyone dealing with gastric issues should consult a healthcare professional alongside considering dietary changes.

Sore throat relief is one of the most widely recognised benefits of Manuka honey, and it is easy to see why.

Like all honey, Manuka creates a thin, soothing film along the throat that can reduce the discomfort of inflammation and suppress coughs.

Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of Manuka honey against bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, the cause of strep throat, in laboratory tests (Maddocks et al., Microbiology, 2012).

A common approach is to stir a teaspoon of Manuka honey into warm water or herbal tea and sip slowly, allowing it to coat the throat. For targeted throat relief, an MGO rating of 250 or above is a reasonable starting point.

Manuka honey is one of the most popular natural ingredients in skincare products, and the reasons go beyond marketing. Its antibacterial properties help target acne-causing bacteria on the skin. In a lab study, Manuka honey showed antibacterial activity against P. acnes, the bacterium linked to acne (Wu, Massey University, 2011).

Beyond fighting acne, Manuka honey also acts as a natural humectant. Its fructose, glucose, and amino acid content helps draw moisture into the skin, leaving it hydrated rather than stripped. This makes it suitable for a range of skin types, including sensitive and combination skin.

Many people apply raw Manuka honey directly as a face mask, leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For skincare purposes, an MGO rating of 100 to 250 is generally sufficient. As with any skincare approach, results can vary, and persistent or severe acne should be discussed with a dermatologist.

It may seem counterintuitive that honey could benefit oral health, but Manuka honey is not a typical sugar. Research has shown that consuming Manuka honey can help inhibit harmful oral bacteria, reducing plaque formation. In one small human study of 60 dental students, those who used Manuka honey had significantly less plaque after 72 hours than those who chewed xylitol gum (Nayak et al., Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2010). In particular, in-vitro studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against the bacteria P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, both of which are associated with periodontal disease (Schmidlin et al., Swiss Dental Journal, 2014).

Of course, Manuka honey is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups remain essential. That said, the oral health benefits of Manuka honey have led to the development of dedicated products, including Manuka honey toothpaste, which is one of the most popular categories on the Manuka Hut store.

The immune-supporting benefits of Manuka honey have been the subject of growing scientific interest. A recent study found that MGO, the defining compound in Manuka honey, plays a role in activating mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells). These are a type of immune cell capable of detecting bacterial invasion and regulating a diverse range of immune responses, including direct antimicrobial defence.

For general immune support, many people opt for a daily teaspoon of Manuka honey with an MGO rating of 250 or above.

Manuka honey is widely recommended for its potential to support gut health.

Some practitioners suggest consuming a small amount of Manuka honey on an empty stomach, roughly 20 minutes before a meal, to help settle the digestive system.

As with all the health benefits discussed in this article, Manuka honey works best as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Pairing it with a balanced diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and adequate hydration will deliver the best results for digestive health.

Antioxidants in Manuka honey help neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to cell damage over time.

It is no surprise that so many people have made Manuka honey a staple ingredient in their kitchens. Whether stirred into a morning drink, drizzled over yoghurt, or taken straight from the spoon, it is a simple addition to a balanced lifestyle.