Manuka Honey

We are asked quite often what's the difference between typical honey and Manuka honey. In recent years (with social media) the healing benefits of Manuka honey have been spreading. It's true, it is an amazing honey. Let us explain.

Typical honey:

For centuries honey has been valued for its medicinal properties. Hippocrates and Aristotle promoted honey to cure both internal and external ailments. In Egypt, China, India, Roma, Babylonia and other ancient cultures, honey was used to cure everything from wounds, insomnia, cough, internal issues, baldness, constipation, tuberculosis and other issues.

The use of honey as a treatment has declined with the invention of antibiotics in the 1900s but some still use it to treat wounds, coughs and to treat inflammation.

Manuka Honey:

In the 1980s this honey was discovered to have extra antibacterial properties. It comes from the Manuka bush in New Zealand and Australia. Studies have found it can kill 58 different species of bacteria. However, not all Manuka honey is created equal. Climate, soil type and chemicals play a role on the antibacterial properties of the honey. You need to buy honey with at least 10 UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) for it to be considered therapeutic. An 8oz jar will cost at least $40-$50. A 8oz jar of 20 UMF will cost $100-$200.

Please consider this information when buying Manuka honey. There are a lot of scams out there for regular honey, but especially for Manuka honey!

*Information from Cornell master beekeeping program