Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey: How Much Do You Know About the Superfood Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is the superstar in the honey kingdom. It not only tastes good but also has amazing benefits for our skin. While there are a host of skincare products made from manuka honey on the market, buying a full spectrum of such products can hurt your wallet. If you are a budget consumer, chances are you may want to buy a bottle of manuka honey instead. And believe me, it can last for months! Before you rush to the grocery to buy manuka honey, however, get yourself familiar with the following information.

What makes manuka honey a better option?

Manuka honey comes from native manuka trees that grow in the East Cape region of New Zealand. It has a very high level of active ingredient (non-peroxide antibacterial properties) that is unique in manuka honey.

Contrary to other kinds of honey, the active ingredient in manuka honey cannot be destroyed by heat and light (you may have been told never to dilute honey in hot water. Now you know why). The potency of these active ingredients in manuka honey remains powerful even after dilution. Such active ingredients are responsible for the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in manuka honey. They can heal infection and guard against bacteria, making the honey especially good for acne-prone and aging skin.

What is the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)?

UMF is a trademark rating used to indicate the antibacterial property of active manuka honey. The number shows the potency of active manuka honey. Usually, the higher the rating is, the more potent the honey is, and the more expensive it is. According to Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), a rating of 12 to 15 is considered to be effective against a wide range of bacteria.

What is “active manuka honey”?

The term “active manuka honey” is used to differentiate manuka honey with active ingredients from those that don’t. A high level of active ingredient is not present in all kinds of manuka honey. But because of the reputation of manuka honey, many companies market their products as manuka honey, causing confusion among customers. That said, when you are comparing different brands of manuka honey, remember to look for one with a UMF rating.

Use manuka honey for skincare purposes

It’s simple. It can be applied topically (after dilution, or else it would be too sticky) on your face. Use water or other ingredients such as milk or yogurt for dilution. Leave the mixture on your skin for up to 20 minutes and rinse off. For me, I mix manuka honey with water and milk powder and use the paste every morning. When used for an extended period of time, your skin can be far better off.