Benefits of Manuka Honey

Written by Hirania Luzardo
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on August 24, 2025
4 min read

Manuka honey comes from the nectar of just one flower, the manuka plant. Regular honey usually comes from the nectar of many flowers.

Bees in New Zealand and Australia make manuka honey when they pollinate the native Leptospermum scoparium bush, also called the tea tree.

Research shows that Manuka honey offers antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. It may help:

Heal wounds. It keeps wounds clean and lowers the pH (the level of acidity in the wound) for better healing. It may help tissue grow and ease pain.

Improve oral health. It can protect against dental plaque buildup. This may prevent gingivitis, a gum disease that causes bleeding and swollen gums.

Ease sore throats. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects may calm a scratchy or sore throat.

Support ulcers. It may lower inflammation and protect the lining in diabetic foot ulcers or stomach ulcers.

Manage acne. It can hydrate skin and fight bacteria that cause breakouts.

Hydrogen peroxide gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types, including Manuka honey, also have unique antimicrobial qualities.

One of the major antibacterial components of Manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO comes from the conversion of another compound present in Manuka honey, known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is found in high concentrations in the nectar of Manuka flowers.

The higher the level of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effect.

Honey producers have a scale for rating the potency of Manuka honey. The rating is called UMFTM, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.

The UMFTM rating reflects the concentration of three signature compounds found in genuine Manuka honey: MGO, DHA, and leptosperin. To be considered powerful enough to be therapeutic, Manuka honey needs a minimum rating of UMF™ 10+. However, doctors and researchers aren't sure if this rating means anything from a medical standpoint.

The main medical use for Manuka honey is for wound and burn healing. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Research shows Manuka honey is effective in treating other conditions, including:

  • Skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis
  • Soothing a cough or sore throat
  • Digestive health

But the evidence is limited on whether it works for these conditions.

The honey used to treat wounds is medical-grade honey. It is specially sterilized and prepared as a dressing. So the jar of Manuka honey in the pantry shouldn't be part of your first aid kit. Wounds and infections should be seen and treated by a health care professional.

Several recent studies show Manuka honey can be helpful when used on wounds and leg ulcers. Studies also show it might fight infection and boost healing.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as being "possibly effective" to treat burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey may shorten healing times in mild burns and surgical wounds compared with traditional dressings. But they also say more research needs to be done.

Another study suggests that Manuka honey may help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases by reducing plaque buildup. In some studies, Manuka honey seemed to help prevent inflammation in the esophagus caused by radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer.

Another possible benefit of honey is that, unlike antibiotics, it doesn't appear to lead to resistant bacteria. These so-called "superbugs" develop after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. Special antibiotics are needed to treat them.

Most of the studies on Manuka honey have been with small numbers of people, and so far, research hasn't shown that Manuka honey helps with high cholesterol or balancing the bacteria in the gut. Furthermore, no major studies have looked at the effect of Manuka honey on cancer, diabetes, or fungal infections.

These may include:

  • You may have an allergic reaction, especially if you are allergic to bees.
  • Your blood sugar may rise if you eat large amounts.
  • Manuka honey may interact with certain medicines, including chemotherapy drugs.

 

Manuka honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help heal small wounds, ease sore throats, and support oral health. It might also calm acne and hydrate your skin. A higher UMF™ rating means stronger antibacterial effects. Research is still limited, so the evidence for other conditions isn't strong.

Why is Manuka honey so expensive?

Manuka honey is expensive because it's harder to make. The nectar only comes from Manuka flowers, which grow in certain parts of New Zealand and Australia and bloom for just a few weeks a year. Bad weather can cut the harvest short, and every batch has to be tested and rated for quality, which raises the cost.

How can you tell if Manuka honey is real?

A Manuka honey is real if the label shows a UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) rating of 10+ or higher. That rating means it's been tested for the special compounds that make Manuka honey unique. Real Manuka honey also comes from New Zealand or Australia, and the label should say so.

Can I eat Manuka honey daily?

You can eat Manuka honey every day in small amounts. It's safe for most healthy adults, and it may give you benefits such as soothing a sore throat or supporting digestion. But it's still sugar, so too much can raise your blood sugar or add extra calories. If you have diabetes, allergies to honey, or other health concerns, talk to your doctor before making it part of your daily routine.