Leslie Massey
Manuka honey is made from bees collecting nectar from the Leptospermum species of plants, which grow in Australia and New Zealand. Australian Manuka honey is renowned for its rare and unique antibacterial properties, and it has been used to treat a range of ailments, from throat issues and dry coughs to leg wounds and chronic acne. While New Zealand Manuka honey is also well-known for its health benefits, Australian Manuka honey has distinct qualities due to the different varieties of Leptospermum plants and the environments in which they grow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Plant source | Leptospermum |
| Number of Leptospermum varieties | 84 |
| Compound in nectar | Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) |
| Bioactive compound | Methylglyoxal (MGO) |
| MGO source | Conversion of DHA |
| MGO concentration | Higher the better |
| MGO number | Indicates MGO concentration |
| MGO scale | Measures antibacterial strength |
| MGO use | Faster action with higher severity |
| Minimum MGO strength for oral and wound care | 250+ |
| MGO potency rating | UMFTM |
| Minimum UMFTM rating for therapeutic use | UMF™ 10+ |
| Medical uses | Wound and burn healing, treating gingivitis and periodontal disease, reducing oesophageal inflammation caused by cancer treatment |
| Other uses | Treating minor wounds and burns, improving digestion and immunity, soothing coughs and sore throats, skincare |
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What You'll Learn
Manuka honey's health benefits
Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the manuka flowers, native to both Australia and New Zealand. It has been recognised for its rare and unique health benefits, including its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Wound healing
Manuka honey has been used to treat wounds and infections. It has been found to boost healing and fight infection. In addition, it can be used to treat surface burns and leg ulcers. A study found that Manuka honey can improve ligament-tooth attachment after periodontal therapy. Furthermore, it can be used to treat wounds after surgical procedures and may shorten healing times in mild burns.
Preventing infections
Manuka honey has been found to prevent bacteria growth and spread, and may also help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease by reducing plaque buildup. It can also be used to prevent viral infections.
Cancer treatment
Manuka honey has been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help inhibit the process of carcinogenesis and the progression of cancer cells. It has also been found to prevent inflammation in the oesophagus caused by radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer.
Other uses
Manuka honey can be used in cosmetics and skincare, as well as in foods. It can be consumed directly or used as a natural sweetener in tea, coffee, and smoothies.
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Australian vs New Zealand Manuka honey
Manuka honey, renowned for its health benefits, distinct taste, and purity, has taken the global market by storm. While it is commonly associated with New Zealand, Australia also produces and exports Manuka honey. This has sparked debates and controversies, particularly over the rightful use of the term "Manuka honey". So, what sets Australian and New Zealand Manuka honey apart?
The Source of Honey
The primary distinction between the two lies in the specific plant species from which the honey is derived. New Zealand Manuka honey originates solely from the leptospermum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka plant. In contrast, Australian Manuka honey exhibits greater diversity in its sources, as it can be produced from any plant within the leptospermum species. This difference in plant sources is significant because it influences the consistency, reliability, and authenticity of the honey.
Geographic Location and Climate
New Zealand's diverse geography, encompassing pristine landscapes and unique climates, provides the ideal environment for Manuka bushes to thrive. Regions like Northland, East Cape, Wairarapa, and Taranaki, each with distinct soil conditions and subclimate variations, contribute to the honey's distinct taste and properties. This interplay between geography and climate plays a pivotal role in shaping the characteristics of New Zealand Manuka honey.
Regulation and Standardization
New Zealand has established stringent standards and regulations to safeguard the authenticity and quality of its Manuka honey. The country has defined Manuka honey based on four chemical markers and a DNA marker, ensuring that exported honey meets these criteria. Additionally, the New Zealand government certifies the source of Manuka honey, and the UMF Honey Association exclusively certifies monofloral New Zealand Manuka honey. These measures contribute to the trust and credibility associated with New Zealand's product. On the other hand, Australian Manuka honey lacks standardized definitions, and the varied plant species used in production raise questions about consistency and reliability.
Research and Recognition
New Zealand Manuka honey has garnered international fame and recognition for its health properties, backed by extensive research studies. This has set a gold standard for understanding the benefits of Manuka honey. However, Australian Manuka honey has not been as thoroughly researched or regulated, and the extension of research findings from New Zealand honey to Australian honey may not be appropriate.
In summary, while both Australia and New Zealand produce Manuka honey, they differ in their plant sources, geographic locations, and regulatory frameworks. New Zealand has established itself as a trusted source of Manuka honey through stringent standards, research, and recognition. Meanwhile, Australian Manuka honey offers diversity in plant sources, but its consistency and reliability are still being established. As the global popularity of Manuka honey grows, the debate between these two producers continues, highlighting the unique characteristics and qualities each brings to the market.
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MGO ratings and their significance
Manuka honey is famous for its unique antibacterial properties, which are a result of the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey, and its concentration is measured using MGO ratings. The MGO rating indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in Manuka honey, with a higher rating denoting a higher concentration of MGO, leading to enhanced antibacterial and therapeutic properties.
The MGO rating is a key factor in choosing Manuka honey, as it provides insight into the honey's potency and effectiveness. The rating usually ranges from MGO 150+ to MGO 1717+, with the higher numbers indicating greater quality, purity, and medicinal strength. For instance, an MGO 400+ rating provides moderate antibacterial activity for overall wellness and skin health, while an MGO 600+ rating is ideal for boosting inner and outer vitality, with stronger antibacterial effects for wound care and severe infections.
While the MGO rating is important, other factors should also be considered when selecting Manuka honey. The UMF Unique Manuka Factor rating, for instance, evaluates the honey's antibacterial activity and provides a broader guarantee of authenticity, origin, and composition. The UMF rating considers three chemical compounds found in Manuka honey: dihydroxyacetone (DHA), leptosperin, and methylglyoxal. Thus, a dual rating with both MGO and UMF provides the highest level of assurance for potency, quality, and authenticity.
Additionally, when purchasing Manuka honey, it is essential to look for credible certifications and authenticity markers to ensure the product's premium quality and claimed MGO level. The K-Factor, which indicates the pollen content, is another marker to consider, although it does not reflect the potency of Manuka honey.
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Medicinal uses of Manuka honey
Manuka honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native leptospermum scoparium bush (also known as a tea tree). It is recognised around the world for its rare and unique antibacterial properties.
Manuka honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It has been found to be effective in treating chronic wounds and antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA. It can also be used to soothe sore throats, prevent tooth decay, and improve digestive issues.
Medical-grade Manuka honey is licensed around the world for wound care treatment. Several recent studies show that Manuka honey can be helpful when used on wounds and leg ulcers. It might also fight infection and boost healing. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as "possibly effective" for treating burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey may shorten healing times in mild burns and surgical wounds compared with traditional dressings.
Manuka honey has also been found to help prevent inflammation in the oesophagus caused by radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer. It may also help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases by reducing plaque buildup.
While Manuka honey has many medicinal uses, it should not replace the use of antibiotics without further research to confirm its effectiveness. Consult a healthcare professional before trying any complementary treatments.
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Where to buy Australian Manuka honey
Australian Manuka honey is recognised for its unique antibacterial properties. It is harvested by bees along the East Coast of Australia, who feed on the Leptospermum plant.
You can buy Australian Manuka honey from a variety of online retailers. Amazon.com stocks a range of Australian Manuka honey products, including Honey Australia's premium MGO 830+ Manuka Honey, which is medical-grade, organic, raw, and suitable for skincare. Amazon also stocks Berringa Australian Manuka Honey, Egmont Honey, and New Zealand Honey Co.'s Raw Manuka Honey.
Other online retailers include shoppri.com, which sells Pacific Resources International's Australian Manuka Honey MGO 1000+, which is cool-processed, unpasteurised, and minimally filtered.
You can also buy it directly from the Honey Australia website, which offers a range of Australian Manuka honey products, including their BeePower Manuka Honey Soap, made from all-natural products. However, it is worth noting that Honey Australia cannot ship honey products to Western Australia or raw beeswax or honeycomb to Tasmania due to domestic quarantine restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Manuka honey is made in Australia. It is produced by bees that feed on the Leptospermum plant along the East Coast of Australia.
Manuka honey has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to treat minor wounds, burns, and infections. It may also help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.
Leptospermum plants, which the bees feed on to produce Manuka honey, grow in both Australia and New Zealand. Australia has around 84 varieties of the plant, while New Zealand has two varieties. The different varieties and environments produce Manuka honey with varying strengths and flavours.
Australian Manuka honey is available for purchase online from websites such as Amazon, Honey Australia, and Australia's Manuka. It can also be found in physical stores, as some customers have mentioned buying it while travelling in Byron Bay, Australia.
