18 Amazing Health Benefits & Beauty Uses of Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey
One of the unique differences between manuka honey and regular honey is its origin. Manuka honey can only be made from manuka blossoms, which are found in unpopulated areas of New Zealand. These manuka blossoms will only bloom between two and six weeks throughout the year.
Once harvested, this special honey contains powerful immune-supporting compounds. Raw manuka honey is not processed at high heat like other honey, allowing the raw honey to hold onto all of the powerful enzymes that lend its wonderful health benefits. Manuka honey is also scored with different systems to determine potency, which regular honey is not.
In terms of taste and texture, manuka honey is quite a bit thicker and has a very unique, sweet flavor
1. Soothe a Sore Throat
If you are suffering from a sore throat, manuka honey may help provide some relief.
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can reduce inflammation and attack the bacteria that cause pain.
Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect.
2. Helps Treat Wounds
Manuka honey is so powerful that hospitals frequently apply it to deep wounds to help prevent infection. In particular, it may be able to prevent the development of streptococcus pyogenes, an infection commonly seen in wounds.
3. Treat Acne
Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes, but it can also be a reaction to poor diet, stress or bacteria growth in clogged pores.
The antimicrobial activity of manuka honey, when used in combination with a low-pH product, is often marketed to fight acne.
Manuka honey could help keep your skin free of bacteria, which could expedite the acne healing process.
Also, given its anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey is said to decrease inflammation associated with acne.
4. Boosts immunity
People who have used manuka honey regularly for its health benefits often report increased resistance to diseases. The high nutritional value of the honey, especially the presence of a wide range of vitamins and minerals could be responsible, but it is mainly attributed to the immune-boosting capacity of manuka honey. Lab tests have shown that it contains certain substances that can stimulate cytokine production.
Cytokines are signaling proteins involved in immune reactions by the body. They kickstart the defense mechanisms of the body and gets it to fight off pathogens and diseases.
5. Tonsillitis
Manuka honey is an effective remedy for tonsillitis, which is a painful inflammation of the tonsils found on either side of the throat.
Taking a teaspoonful of manuka honey 3-4 times a day brings down the infection and inflammation whether it is caused by bacteria or virus. It acts by directly destroying the pathogens with its antimicrobial substances as well as stimulating body’s own defense system.
6. Lightens & Brightens Skin
Yup, manuka honey has skin lightening and brightening properties! That’s because of its high hydrogen peroxide content, which lightens skin. Make a skin lightening face scrub like so:
Drizzle a tsp of manuka honey into a bowl. Now add 2 tsp of brown sugar and a squeeze of a fresh lemon. Mix everything together to make a paste. Scrub it onto your wet face then leave it on for a minute. Rinse off and moisturize. Do this 1-2 times a week to experience lightening effects!
7SKIN Burns
Manuka honey has natural healing and antioxidant properties that make it the perfect burn balm. Research shows that when applied to the skin, high-grade Manuka honey helps prevent infection, provides soothing relief and speeds natural wound repair.
8. Manuka honey for treating athlete’s foot and ringworm
Manuka honey is effective against athlete’s foot and ringworm, two of the most common fungal infections of the skin. While the former usually appears in skin folds and areas that remain warm and moist, ringworm can occur anywhere.
Applying honey to the affected area will relieve the itch and help clear the infection, thanks to the antifungal action of the honey. The sticky nature of honey will make it stay on the site and do the trick, but you can use it on a bandage if you prefer.
9. Manuka honey as facial mask
Manuka honey makes an excellent facial cleanser and toner. It is mild enough to be used on a regular basis and better than chemical cleaners any day. The hygroscopic nature of honey draws out the dirt and grime trapped in the hair follicles and facilitates the free flow of natural oils.
Manuka honey has a pH around 4.5 which helps lower the skin pH, keeping it optimally acidic. Alkalinity makes the skin dry and prone to ec
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