What is New Zealand Manuka Honey?

Almost everyone who is interested in natural health knows that honey is considered a superfood. Not only does raw honey help treat sore throats and allergies, but it can also be used in natural hair and skin treatments and even to treat wounds. Raw honey has been known to help seasonal allergies, makes excellent DIY skin and haircare concoctions, and soothes sore throats.

Though any type of raw honey will have some beneficial properties, the rising star in the world of honey is Manuka honey, which is harvested from the Manuka tree that grows predominantly in New Zealand. The Manuka tree is closely related to the melaleuca tree, which is the source of the antioxidant-rich melaleuca oil (also known as tea tree oil). Here is what you need to know about Manuka honey and how you can try it out for yourself.

How is New Zealand Manuka Honey Harvested?

Manuka honey comes from the North Island area of New Zealand where the Manuka tree predominantly grows. Beekeepers move their hives into the areas where these trees are the most abundant and at the time when the Manukas begin to flower. Because types of honey are determined by the nectar source (flowers) that the bees visit, those that are exposed only to Manuka trees produce honey that is purely from this source. Unfortunately, the Manuka plant only flowers for a few weeks out of the year, which means that the amount of honey that can be harvested is limited and often comes at a premium cost.

What Makes New Zealand Manuka Honey Different Than Other Honey?

Manuka honey is purer and more complex than other raw honeys on the market. It also contains a special compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO) that is extensively tested to ensure the highest purity, quality, and potency. Another grade scale of testing called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is also used to ensure that each batch of Manuka honey is pure and has the potency needed to provide the claimed health benefits. A rating of over 10 on this scale means that the honey contains high levels of antibacterial properties and these batches are often labeled ‘UMF Manuka honey” or “active Manuka honey”. Some batches test as high as 16 on the UMF scale and these are considered therapeutic grade. Though you may not want to eat large amounts of therapeutic grade Manuka honey, you can use it for treatment of wounds, in skin or haircare treatments, or to treat skin conditions such as eczema.

When you buy a product that contains Manuka honey, you can be assured that you are buying an item that has been extensively tested and evaluated.

What Are Its Health Benefits?

While most raw honeys (those that have not been pasteurized or filtered) have an array of health benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to improved liver function, Manuka honey is thought to provide additional positive benefits. Typical raw honey is full of enzymes, B-complex vitamins, amino acids, and beneficial minerals. To test the level of mineral content, the honey’s electrical conductivity is evaluated and those with the highest conductivity are thought to have the highest mineral content. Manuka honey, when tested, has shown to have four times the conductivity of other raw honeys and is therefore a mineral super star.

Manuka honey is also higher in antimicrobial activity than other types of raw honey. This means that Manuka honey can be an excellent treatment for gastritis as it reduces the amount of stomach acids produced by the body. The MGO in Manuka honey is thought to be resistant to stomach enzymes and remains potent while the hydrogen peroxide in other types of honey are not. This makes it an excellent treatment for digestive issues and it has proven effective in treating bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. As a powerful pre-biotic, Manuka honey helps nurture good bacteria in the gut and naturally rebalances the gut.

Manuka honey is ideal for improving the health of the digestive system. It reducesinflammation from digestive disorders, and can relieve abdominal discomfort and bloating. Manuka honey is full of natural pre-biotics, which are extremely important for nurturing the gut’s good bacteria, and can therefore help the digestive system rebalance itself naturally. It also helps those who suffer from acid reflux, indigestion, stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Simply stir into a mug of hot water or tea to soothe your pains.

Manuka honey can also prevent and repair damage to the colon, boost immunity, treat the common cold and flu, and it makes an excellent remedy for chronic cough and even tonsillitis. Many also find that the frequent ingestion of Manuka honey can improve dental health because the high mineral content strengthens teeth and reduces plaque formation.

Many people with problems falling asleep also find Manuka honey very beneficial. When ingested, it releases glycogen, which is essential for the body to achieve a restful state where deep sleep is possible. It also helps the brain to release melatonin, a key factor in restorative sleep. By adding a tablespoon of Manuka honey to your bedtime tea or glass of milk, you can combat insomnia and increase the amount of deep sleep you experience.

How Can I Try New Zealand Manuka Honey?

Not only is Manuka a potentially life-enhancing supplement—it’s also delicious! Many people choose to buy Manuka honey as a stand-alone product and add it to smoothies, drizzle it on waffles or pancakes, or mix into tea or other beverages.

Here at the Good Goat Milk Company, we believe so much in the healing properties of Manuka honey that we’ve mixed it right in to our new product: New Zealand Full Cream Goat Milk Powder with Manuka Honey.

With this new product, our customers have an easy and convenient way to enjoy the taste and positive properties of Manuka honey while still reaping the benefits of our traditional powdered goat milk. Our milks have no GMOs, no hormones, and no antibiotics and our goats are raised in the pure air of New Zealand to produce the healthiest, most delicious milk possible. Goat milk is a great source of protein and calcium and is easy to digest—perfect for those who have lactose intolerance issues.

Ideal for those who want to incorporate the health properties of goat milk and Manuka honey in one convenient product, our New Zealand Full Cream Goat Milk Powder with Manuka Honey is a nutritional standout. Visit our website to learn more about it and to order yours today!