The manuka bush is an evergreen tree that grows rife in the warm climate of New Zealand and Australia. The tree blooms small white or pink sweet-smelling flowers which are loved by honey bees.
The honey made from the sweet nectar of the manuka blooms is what we call manuka honey.
The thick, amber elixir did not shoot to fame until the late ‘80s when research revealed its potent healing properties. Today, you can find a jar of manuka honey in the cupboard of a Michelin Star Chef, a doctor, and an Ayurveda practitioner alike.
There are various brands of manuka honey available in the market. Want to know more about what is the best manuka honey brand ? click on the link
Wondering what might be the uses of this natural wonder? Here are 4 unique ways manuka honey can be used in your everyday life.
1. Soothe a sunburn
A sunburn is a superficial burn caused by the harsh rays of the sun which leads to the skin turning pink or red. It is accompanied by inflammation, tenderness, and pain. And, the area can itch and flake eventually.
The US FDA recognized manuka honey as an approved wound treatment owing to its wonderful healing properties. Its anti-inflammatory effects are instrumental in calming the red inflammation which is characteristic of a sunburn. While the antimicrobial action shields the affected area from microbial invasion.
Use: Apply a thick layer of manuka honey. And, cover the area with a sterilized gauze or pad. Change the dressing every 12-24 hours.
2. Say goodbye to pimples
Acne is caused when pores get clogged and the trapped sebum invites bacteria to the feast. The invasion alarms the immune system which rushes to the site and causes the pussy zit we all dread.
The manuka nectar is loaded with dihydroxyacetone which gets converted to methylglyoxal – a potent antibiotic compound that can inhibit the growth of P. acnes. Thereby, bringing relief to acne sufferers.
Moreover, manuka honey is also a humectant that keeps the skin hydrated. So, it is one of those rare acne remedies that work without drying out the skin.
Instead, it brings a healthy glow by hydrating it from within.
Use: Apply a generous layer of manuka honey like a face mask and leave it on for 30-40 minutes. Once its goodness has done its magic, wash it off with lukewarm water and follow your usual skincare routine.
3. Keep your pearlies healthy
- gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans are two villainous bacteria that are detrimental to your oral health. Research has shown that manuka honey can inhibit the growth of these microbes with its antibiotic effects.
Asian countries have been known to use it to clean the mouths of babies, for whom commercial toothpaste is not the best solution. So, skip your sugar free-gum and get some manuka honey to keep your smile healthy.
Use: you can drink a tea of your choice sweetened with manuka honey after every meal to invigorate your taste-buds and inhibit bacterial action at the same time.
4. Give a boost to your immune system
Whether you are down with a fever, have a sore throat, or a runny nose, manuka honey can come to your rescue. The stickiness of the honey coats the inner lining of your throat and treats it by wiping out the bacteria that cause
the condition. And, it’s healing properties speeds recovery of the soreness. The phytonutrient present in honey strengthens the immune system.
Use: the adage – “Precaution is better than cure” – still stands true and how! So, include a dose of manuka honey in your everyday diet. You can spread it on toast or stir it in your beverage to sweeten it and reap the benefits, at the same time.
5. Save yourself from diarrhea danger
Clostridium difficile is a bacteria that is notorious for causing loose motion. Recent studies show manuka honey as a powerful weapon to win the battle against C.diff. So, if you get the loosies, we recommend using manuka honey in conjunction with your doctor’s prescribed medication to get the fastest relief.
Use: This is again an area where preventative measures are fool-proof. Studies were conducted on rats that were on a regular manuka honey diet. So, we suggest including this potion in your daily diet. However, remember to never boil the raw honey. High heat disintegrated some of the nutrients of this nutrient-packed yumminess.
Pick the best
The Unique Manuka Factor scales the potency of manuka honey. Manuka honey should stand a minimum of 10 on this scale to be considered therapeutic.
