1. Aids wound healing
Since ancient times, honey has been used to treat wounds, burns, sores, and boils.
Honey offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties, all while maintaining a moist wound environment and protective barrier, which prevents microbial infections in the wound.
Studies have shown that Manuka honey can enhance wound healingTrusted Source, amplify tissue regeneration, and even decrease pain in people with burns. What’s more, Manuka honey may help heal diabetic ulcers.
Manuka honey may also effectively treat wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Nevertheless, Manuka honey should not replace the use of antibiotics without further research to confirm its effectiveness. Consult a healthcare professional before trying any complementary treatments.
2. May promote oral health
Studies have shown Manuka honey attacks harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
Specifically, research has shown that Manuka honey, with its high antibacterial activity, effectively inhibits the growth of harmful oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans).
3. May help calm a cough
Manuka honey may relieve coughs due to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). URIs are common infectionsTrusted Source caused by bacteria or viruses. They include the common cold, acute bronchitis, influenza, and respiratory distress syndromes.
Symptoms of URIs include cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Since viruses cause most URIs, antibiotics are ineffective as a treatment and can have harmful side effects.
A number of studies suggest honey may be a safe, effective treatment for cough due to URIs. These studies also indicate that honey may be more effective than commonly used medications for relieving URI symptoms, especially cough frequency and severity.
However, you should always follow your doctor’s advice and consult them before trying any complementary treatments.
4. May help prevent gastric ulcers
Stomach ulcers are one of the most common conditions affecting humans. These sores form on the stomach lining, causing stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)is a common type of bacteria that’s responsible for the majority of gastric ulcers. Research suggests Manuka honey may help treat gastric ulcers caused by this bacteria.
One study examined whether dietary factors influenced the presence and spread of H. pylori in 294 individuals between 18 and 69 years old. It found that people who consumed honey more than 5 days a week had a significantly lower risk of H. pylori infection than those who didn’t consume honey regularly.
Moreover, those who consumed honey regularly were significantly less likely to have infections associated with specific strains of H. pylori that increase the incidence of diseases like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
5. May improve digestive symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. IBDs, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s can lead to symptoms like:
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
Rodent studiesTrusted Source have shown that regularly consuming Manuka honey may help control strains of C.diff, a type of bacteria that causes severe diarrheaTrusted Source and inflammation of the bowel.
6. May help treat symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that damages the lungs and can also affect the digestive system and other organs. It affects the cells that produce mucus, causing mucus to be abnormally thick and sticky. This thick mucus clogs airways and ducts, making it difficult to breathe.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) are two common bacteria that can cause serious upper respiratory infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
One test-tube study found that Manuka honey inhibited the growth of these bacteria when combined with antibiotics.
Researchers concluded that Manuka honey might be important in treating upper respiratory infections, especially in those with cystic fibrosis.
Is Manuka honey safe?
For most people, Manuka honey is safe to consume.
However, some people should consult a doctor before using it, including:
- People with diabetes: All types of honey are high in natural sugar. So consuming Manuka honey may
affect blood sugar levels. - Those allergic to honey or bees: Those allergic to other types of honey or bees may have an allergic reaction after ingesting or applying Manuka honey.
- Infants: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source advises against giving honey to children younger than 12 months old due to the risk of botulism, a type of foodborne illness.
Read the full story by Kaitlyn Berkheiser and Alyssa Northrop / Healthline
