Manuka honey is not your ordinary honey. Sourced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium bush, commonly known as the Manuka tree, this honey is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. While all raw honeys offer some degree of antimicrobial benefit, Manuka honey stands out for its potent, pharmaceutical-grade healing properties.
What Makes Manuka Honey So Special?
Manuka honey is celebrated for its rich antioxidant content, but its true therapeutic power lies in its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing capabilities. What differentiates Manuka from regular honey is its concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) which is a naturally occurring compound formed from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), found in high levels in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
While all raw honeys contain hydrogen peroxide, which contributes to their mild antibacterial effects, Manuka honey offers a unique, non-peroxide-based antimicrobial action thanks to MGO. The higher the MGO number on a label, the stronger the antibacterial activity.
This grading is typically reflected through the UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO rating. These systems help standardize potency for consumers and medical practitioners. For reference:
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MGO 100+: Low antibacterial activity (more suitable for dietary use)
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MGO 250–400+: Moderate activity (helpful for sore throats or digestive support)
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MGO 500+ and above: High-grade, medical-quality Manuka often used in wound care
Traditional and Therapeutic Uses of Manuka Honey
Traditionally, Manuka honey has been used to:
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Soothe sore throats: It helps coat the throat, reducing inflammation and fighting infection.
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Support digestion: Its prebiotic properties may aid in balancing gut microbiota and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
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Promote wound healing: Manuka is used in dressings to encourage tissue regeneration, reduce bacterial contamination, and assist in sloughing off dead tissue.
Medical-Grade Manuka Honey in Clinical Settings
With the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly against pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli, Manuka honey is gaining attention as a complementary or alternative treatment.
Medical-grade Manuka honey is sterilized and tested for consistent potency. It is now used in hospitals and wound clinics for treating:
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Chronic wounds and ulcers
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Burns and skin grafts
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Infected surgical wounds
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Diabetic foot ulcers
Its low pH, high sugar concentration, and unique antimicrobial compounds help:
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Draw moisture out of bacteria (dehydrating and killing them)
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Reduce inflammation in the wound bed
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Create an environment that supports healing and tissue regrowth
Clinical Uses Include:
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Chronic Wound Care
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Used for non-healing wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure sores.
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Helps reduce bacterial load and inflammation while promoting tissue regeneration.
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Burn Treatment
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Applied to first- and second-degree burns to reduce the risk of infection, minimize scarring, and speed up healing.
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Surgical and Traumatic Wounds
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Used on post-operative wounds, especially when there's a high risk of infection or when conventional antibiotics are not effective.
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Sometimes used in post-surgical skin graft sites to aid healing.
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MRSA and Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
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Shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other drug-resistant bacteria without encouraging further resistance.
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Sinus and ENT Surgeries
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Manuka-based nasal rinses or gels are being researched and used in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) settings to treat sinus infections and post-surgical healing.
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Uses of Manuka Honey for Home Care
While medical-grade products are more standardized, certified Manuka honey (with a UMF or MGO rating) can also be used safely at home for a range of minor conditions:
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Sore Throats and Coughs
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Taken by the spoonful or added to tea (not boiling hot), Manuka honey helps soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and fight infection.
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Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Burns
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Can be applied topically to clean, small wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. (Always use clean hands or a sterile applicator.)
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Digestive Health
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Taken daily on an empty stomach or added to smoothies/yogurt to help support gut health and reduce symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, or mild gastritis.
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Skin Issues (e.g., acne or eczema)
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Applied as a spot treatment for acne or as a mask for irritated skin, Manuka’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce breakouts and soothe inflammation.
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Cold Sores and Minor Infections
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Used as a topical application for cold sores, insect bites, or mild skin infections for natural antimicrobial support.
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Why the Source and Harvest Matter
Not all Manuka honeys are created equal. The type of Manuka plant, the region it's harvested from, and how and when it is collected all influence the final product's bioactive content. That’s why reputable brands will always list the MGO or UMF rating and provide third-party testing.
Final Thoughts
Manuka honey is a prime example of how traditional natural remedies can offer powerful, evidence-backed benefits in modern medicine. Whether used internally for gut and immune health or externally for wound care, it bridges the gap between nature and pharmaceutical science. As antibiotic resistance continues to challenge the healthcare system, Manuka honey provides a safe, effective, and natural tool in our therapeutic arsenal, a reminder that sometimes the most powerful medicines are found in the most unassuming places. It is important that for serious wounds, infections, or chronic conditions, medical-grade Manuka products should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Speak to your healthcare provider to see how this can be a role in your healing journey.
About the author:
Hi, I’m Abinaa, a fourth-year naturopathic medical student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing, inspired by my South Asian upbringing. Through this blog, I hope to share my journey, explore topics in holistic health and wellness, and offer simple, thoughtful insights that support a more balanced and mindful way of living.
