The Wellness Library

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey: A Natural Remedy for Healing and Fighting Infection

Manuka honey is a special type of honey made by bees that gather nectar from the Manuka bush, which grows in New Zealand. It’s not just sweet and tasty—it's packed with powerful natural compounds that give it impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to fighting bacteria and helping the body heal. Scientists have been studying it for years, and what they’ve found is pretty amazing: Manuka honey works against many kinds of bacteria, including some that don’t respond well to antibiotics.

What makes Manuka honey so unique is a compound called methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. MGO forms naturally in the honey from a substance found in the Manuka flower’s nectar. It’s one of the main reasons Manuka honey has such strong antibacterial power. In fact, the higher the MGO level, the more effective the honey tends to be at stopping bacteria from growing and spreading.

Manuka honey has been shown to fight a wide variety of harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (which can cause skin and wound infections) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a common hospital-acquired infection). It does this in a number of ways—by damaging the bacteria’s structure, stopping them from dividing, and even preventing them from forming protective layers called biofilms. These biofilms make it hard for antibiotics to work, so the fact that Manuka honey can break through them is a big deal. Even better, bacteria don’t seem to develop resistance to Manuka honey like they do with antibiotics, making it a valuable tool for treating tough infections.

One of the most common uses for Manuka honey is in wound care. It’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on wounds, burns, and ulcers. When applied to the skin, it helps keep the wound clean, reduces swelling, and supports healing. Scientists believe that part of this healing power comes from the honey’s ability to gently boost the immune system. It encourages the body to send more of the right kind of cells to the wound site—cells that help fight infection and rebuild tissue.

To help people choose high-quality Manuka honey, producers use something called a UMF rating, short for “Unique Manuka Factor.” This rating measures how much MGO and other active compounds are in the honey. A higher UMF score means the honey has more of these powerful ingredients and is better suited for healing and antibacterial use.

Another exciting discovery is that Manuka honey may work even better when paired with certain antibiotics. Scientists call this a “synergistic effect.” That just means that the honey and the antibiotic work together in a way that’s stronger than either one on its own. In some cases, Manuka honey has been shown to make bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics again—even in strains that had previously become resistant. This opens up new possibilities for treating infections that haven’t responded to standard treatments.

In summary, Manuka honey is much more than a natural sweetener. It’s been shown to help heal wounds, fight bacteria—including superbugs—and support the body’s natural healing process. Its antibacterial effects come from MGO and other natural compounds, and it doesn’t seem to cause resistance, which is a major concern with regular antibiotics. Whether used on the skin or taken internally (in moderation), Manuka honey is a safe and natural option that’s backed by real science.