What Makes Manuka Honey Special and How to Use It

I was introduced the healing properties of Manuka honey through our veterinarian, who suggested we use it to heal our dog’s wound after surgery. It worked so well that I wanted to share what makes Manuka honey special and how you can use it yourself.

Manuka honey has developed a global reputation as more than just a natural sweetener. Originating from New Zealand, this golden nectar is celebrated for its antibacterial, healing, and wellness-boosting properties. Read on to learn all the amazing things this honey can do, and how it helped our dog after his surgery.

What Makes Manuka Honey Special

Unlike ordinary honey, Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as the Manuka bush. This plant grows naturally in New Zealand and parts of Australia, giving the honey a unique chemical profile not found elsewhere.

What makes it truly special is its high concentration of bioactive compounds—particularly methylglyoxal (MGO), which provides potent antibacterial effects. While all honey has some antimicrobial activity due to hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey retains its power even when peroxide breaks down. This stability is why it’s often used in medical-grade applications, from wound dressings to oral health care.

On top of its medicinal qualities, Manuka honey has a richer, earthier taste than standard honey—less sweet, with herbal and slightly bitter undertones.

Uses for Manuka Honey

When our dog Tigger had surgery to remove a bump under his arm, he was left with a wide and deep gash that needed stitches to close. Unfortunately, he busted them on the first day! I had heard of healing with Manuka honey before but didn’t know the specifics or if really worked.

We didn’t want to put him through getting stitched up again, so when his vet recommended using Manuka honey to help the wound heal faster and prevent infection, we figured we’d give it a try. We were a bit skeptical at first but now are total believers in the honey’s healing power.

Tigger is in the pic below, wearing his shirt that kept the wound covered after surgery. It also kept him from licking off the honey! We had two shirts and would rotate and wash them because the honey is sticky and messy, but it was incredibly effective.

His wound started to show improvement by the next day and got better each day.

Tigger, who’s wound was healed with Manuka honey

Manuka honey’s versatility goes beyond just would healing. Some of the most common uses include:

Wound Healing and Skincare: Its antibacterial properties make it ideal for treating cuts, burns, and skin irritations. Medical-grade Manuka honey is often used in wound dressings. It’s also a natural remedy for acne and eczema flare-ups.Digestive Health: Many people take a spoonful daily to help soothe acid reflux, improve gut health, and support overall digestion.Immune System Support: Its natural antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities make it a go-to for boosting immunity during cold and flu season.Sore Throats and Oral Health: Manuka honey can coat and soothe sore throats while fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth. Studies suggest it may reduce plaque and support gum health.Everyday Wellness: Some simply drizzle it over yogurt, oats, or toast for both flavor and functional health benefits.Manuka Honey UMF and MGO Meaning

When you start shopping for Manuka honey, you’ll see the terms UMF and MGO on labels. These are the honey’s measure of quality and authenticity.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This grading system is overseen by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. It certifies not only the MGO levels but also other authenticity markers like leptosperin and DHA (dihydroxyacetone). UMF ratings typically range from 5+ to 25+, with higher numbers indicating stronger potency.MGO (Methylglyoxal): This rating tells you the concentration of methylglyoxal, the compound responsible for Manuka honey’s antibacterial effects. For example, MGO 100+ means there are 100 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.

In short: UMF is a broader certification, while MGO is a direct measurement of one compound. If you want verified, medicinal-quality Manuka honey, look for UMF ratings of 10+ and above, which ensure therapeutic benefits.

Manuka Honey and Cancer Research

One of the more intriguing areas of study involves Manuka honey’s connection to cancer. While it’s important to stress that Manuka honey is not a cure for cancer, research shows potential supportive benefits.

Laboratory and animal studies reveal that Manuka honey can:

Trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cell lines, including breast, colon, and melanoma.Inhibit tumor growth in experimental models.Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to cancer progression.

In human applications, Manuka honey has been studied as a supportive therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. It has been particularly effective in easing oral mucositis, a painful side effect that causes mouth sores. Its soothing and antimicrobial properties help patients eat and speak more comfortably.

Though promising, more clinical trials are needed. For now, Manuka honey is best seen as a complementary aid rather than a treatment.

Best Manuka Honey for Health

With so many options on the market, how do you choose the best Manuka honey for your health? The answer often comes down to UMF and MGO ratings:

UMF 5–9 / MGO 80–260: Good for daily consumption as a wellness booster or sweetener.UMF 10–15 / MGO 260–500: Considered “therapeutic” grade; effective for sore throats, digestive health, and skincare.UMF 20+ / MGO 800+: High-potency honey, often used for wound care or when seeking stronger antibacterial activity.

Always check that your Manuka honey is authentic New Zealand honey with certification seals. Some products on the market are diluted or falsely labeled, so authenticity matters.

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey

There are so many Manuka honey options that it can be hard to narrow down the choices. The one we went with was Wedderspoon Manuka Honey with 400+ MGO because we needed the higher MGO for wound healing. Click here to see it on Amazon.

They have even higher MGO, but it starts getting pretty pricey! This one with the 400+ did a great job.

Worth a Try

Manuka honey is more than a pantry staple—it’s a natural remedy with a wide range of potential health applications. Its unique compounds give it antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can support everything from digestion to skin healing.

While research into its role in cancer and other diseases continues, Manuka honey is already a valuable ally for wellness and wound healing. The key is finding authentic, high-quality honey.

If you’ve had an experience healing with manuka honey, leave me a comment! I’d love to hear how other people are using this.

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