Golden goodness with superpowers
Mānuka honey isn't just your regular, run-of-the-mill honey. This golden goodness comes with some serious superpowers — and it's all about that magical MGO (Methylglyoxal) compound. This little secret ingredient gives Mānuka honey its antibacterial boost, making it the perfect remedy for everything from soothing sore throats to taming irritated skin.
The importance of honey for medicinal purposes is well documented in some of the world's oldest literature. Honey is well known and studied for its antimicrobial properties, and it's well recognised that Mānuka honey has the highest levels of non-peroxide activity. Its antibacterial potency relates to the methylglyoxal (MGO) level, which has many benefits, including:
- Immune system support — antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to a strengthened immune response.
- Cough and cold relief — a soothing effect on coughs and sore throats, coating the throat and reducing irritation.
- Digestive health — soothes the digestive tract and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Antibacterial and wound healing — MGO's potent antibacterial properties help inhibit harmful bacteria and support wound healing.
- Skin health — helps moisturise, soothe and promote healing in conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.
While Mānuka honey offers potential health benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
What makes Mānuka so special?
It's not just for drizzling on toast. Mānuka has antibacterial properties that make it super special. Whether it's soothing a sore throat, calming skin irritation, or just giving your gut some love, Mānuka's got your back.
The unique chemistry of the Mānuka plant, combined with the bees' foraging, creates a honey highly sought after for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Raw honey, which has not been processed or heated to high temperatures, retains more of these qualities, making it the ideal choice for health-conscious individuals.
Mānuka honey tastes richer, and is thicker and darker compared to other honey, with a delicious caramel taste that makes every spoonful a delight. Fancy, functional, and packed with pure, buzzing magic from those hardworking little bees.
What is MGO?
MGO is an abbreviation of Methylglyoxal. It sounds all science-y and fancy, right? MGO is the magic ingredient that makes Mānuka honey so special — the secret superhero compound that gives Mānuka its powers. Unlike other honeys, Mānuka honey is collected by honeybees that feed on the nectar of the Mānuka tree, native to New Zealand.
Methylglyoxal is a naturally occurring bioactive — a compound that gives the honey antibacterial properties, making it effective in fighting certain bacteria and potentially aiding wound healing. Mānuka honey is also known for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, often used as a natural remedy for sore throats, wound and burn care, digestive health, and skincare.
Here's the kicker — the higher the MGO number, the stronger the punch. When you see MGO 600+ on the label, you know you're getting a seriously powerful jar of honey goodness.
Mānuka is native to NZ
Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) has thrived in New Zealand's varied climate, diverse range of soils and specific pollinators. This hardy tree flourished in the wild, untamed and perfectly balanced land of Aotearoa — and that's where the honey magic was born. Mānuka's a loner in the best way: it doesn't need much to grow, it just loves the isolated, wild places of New Zealand.
Early settlers cleared much of this bushland to plant grass, but some has been reverted to Mānuka, especially on steep slopes where the trees aid in stabilising the land and preventing erosion. The unique East Coast environment combines nature's beauty and wilderness — a delicate fusion of sun, rain, salt and other elements that gives the honey produced here a distinct character and taste found nowhere else in the world.
It's the wild East Coast's clean air, rich soil and crazy weather that makes this Mānuka honey extraordinary... a sweet, healing partnership that only exists in Aotearoa.