More benefits of MANUKA HONEY.

I use Manuka honey mainly when i feel like im stressing a lot or when there is a bout of lurgy around my 40 person large office work place. But now i think ill whack some on my face too. :)

Manuka honey benefits: What you need to know about this wonder food

Marie Claire
The health and beauty benefits of Manuka honey make this wonder food a serious must-buy.

FRANCESCA RICE

Manuka honey benefits

Manuka honey has been used by the Maori community in New Zealand for centuries because of its incredible anti-bacterial and healing properties (it can even be used as a hay fever remedy)

These are the reasons why you should consider stocking up on the gold elixir that is Manuka honey…

Whilst there are proven results to show that yes, even though it’s not a raw honey – a type usually associated with health benefits – Manuka honey works, perhaps because of the price, a lot of people ask if there any downsides to using Manuka honey.

‘There are some cons to using Manuka honey,’ says nutritionist Lorna Driver-Davies from The Nutri Centre. ‘It’s expensive, and all honey is a natural form of sugar, so anyone who needs to be careful around sugar (e.g. diabetics) should be aware of this.’

UMF Manuka Honey

Manuka honey uses

Experts say that to reap the benefits of Manuka honey, you should take a dose of about 1-2 tablespoons of Manuka honey a day. The easiest way to do this is obviously just take it straight for an intense hit. However, you could incorporate it into your breakfast routine by spreading it on a slice of wholemeal or granary toast, adding it to your yoghurt, or spooning into a herbal tea for some added sweetness.

Manuka honey health benefits

From treating a sore throat, to using it topically on your skin, here are the best uses for Manuka honey…

Healing

How to use Manuka honey to treat a sore throat

Improves digestion

Manuka honey is great for improving the health of your gut and banishing bloating. ‘It can help reduce inflammation from digestive disorders, relieving abdominal discomfort and bloating. It contains a natural pre-biotic, which is important for nurturing the gut’s good bacteria, and can therefore help the digestive system rebalance itself naturally,’ says Liliana Trukawka, nutritional therapist at Comvita.

Boosts energy

Pure Manuka honey is an ideal staple to give you a buzz when you’re feeling tired. ‘The honey’s high nutrient density makes it a great natural energy booster,’ says Rick Hay.

Enhances skin

The Manuka honey health benefits are clear to see, however it also has beauty benefits, too. ‘Pure, organic Manuka Honey is the perfect natural alternative for curing acne and skin infections,’ says skincare expert Malvina Fraser. ‘It’s also a natural moisturiser that improves skin hydration because it’s able to absorb moisture directly from the air and draw it into the skin.’

Where to buy Manuka honey

Just because it’s a specialist product, doesn’t mean you can’t buy Manuka honey from the supermarket. There are many stockists.

Manuka Honey on Amazon is where i by mine at factor 25.

DIY Manuka honey face mask

Moisturising Mask

‘Manuka Honey can be used on its own as a facial mask by simply applying the honey on a clean damp face,’ says Malvina Fraser. ‘However, my favourite Manuka honey mask includes coconut oil and avocado to intensely hydrate. This delicious smelling mask eradicates any dryness and leaves you with a healthy, luminous glow.’

1: Mash ¼ of an avocado in a mixing bowl and once it is smooth add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey. Mix together thoroughly.

2: With slightly damp fingers, apply the mask in a circular motion and then leave on for 15 minutes.

3: Once the mask has done its work, remove it with warm water and then proceed to splash cold water on your face to close your pores.

Exfoliating Mask

‘This exfoliating mask contains three key components: olive oil, brown sugar and Manuka honey. They are all natural and effective ingredients that intensely cleanse the pores. The olive oil is used for softening the skin, the brown sugar for a gentle exfoliation and the honey to soothe,’ says Malvina Fraser.

1: Take 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 table spoon of brown sugar and 1 table spoon of Manuka honey and mix well until your scrub becomes a viscous and slightly sticky mixture.

2: Apply to a damp face for 1 to 2 minutes, concentrating on any problem areas.

3: Clean your face with warm water, and finish up with a moisturiser for a longer lasting effect.

Relaxing Bath Recipe

‘This milk and Manuka honey bath recipe is an innovative and yet classic method to get your skin glowing,’ says Malvina Fraser. ‘The unique blend serves to exfoliate and soften the skin, as the lactic acid in the milk cleanses while the honey makes skin supple.’

1: Ensure that you use full-fat milk and pure Manuka honey.

2: Pour 1 to 2 cups of milk and half a cup of Manuka honey into a running bath. Make sure that the water, honey and milk are completely mixed together before getting in.

3: For maximum results, be sure to massage your skin with a washcloth in a circular motion, before rinsing off.