Honey has innumerable uses in food preparation and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. In recent years, increasing globalization has made even more varieties of honey readily available, including Manuka honey from New Zealand. This sweetener derived from the Manuka bush (AKA Tee tree), which only grows in these southern hemisphere nations has been touted for its antibacterial and wound healing properties.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Keeps a wound moist so it can heal itself
Rather than drizzling manuka honey on pancakes or oatmeal, you might be better off applying it directly onto your skin—especially if you have a wound. Multiple studies have explored the effectiveness of manuka in treating wounds, burns, and sores. There’s enough interest in its use as a wound-healing agent that it’s become a popular food-as-medicine treatment both in home remedies and medical formulations. “[Manuka honey] with its impurities removed is used in some medical-grade wound-care products” Solid notes.

Contains Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Activity
Manuka honey’s potential for wound healing comes down to its antibacterial and antimicrobial activity. Honey’s high sugar and low pH inhibit bacterial growth, so it’s no surprise that, dating back to ancient times, people have used it as a natural remedy not only for wounds, but for bacterial infections, sore throats, and even acne.

All honey has some antibacterial activity, but research suggests that Manuka honey may have more than regular honey. And among Manuka honeys, those with higher Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) seem to be stronger at combating bacteria. This rating, which ranges from 5 to 25, tells the concentration of three signature compounds (leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone and methylglyoxal) that appear to reduce bacteria.