Manuka honey is a powerful product that has been used for many years to treat and prevent a wide variety of conditions. There are numerous reasons why you would want to take it and the Internet is ripe with articles that talk about the benefits, side effects and how to use it. But one of the most common questions people ask is, should I be taking manuka honey in the morning or at night. The answer is both, but the reality is that it depends on how you’re going to use it.
Manuka honey is most commonly known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals which help support the normal body functions including B-vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
There are so many amazing benefits to taking manuka honey, and we're going to look at five simple ways you can enjoy manuka honey and take advantage of its health benefits.
1. Add it to your morning smoothie
Adding manuka honey to a healthy breakfast smoothie is a great way to get some extra sweetness into your day, and the benefits will be felt quickly. This is because manuka honey contains a natural form of glucose that can help to boost your energy levels and get your day off on the right foot. Need some inspiration, check out our favourite smoothie recipes here.
2. Use it as a natural sweetener
Manuka honey can also be used as a natural sweetener and we love adding it in to our baking or sauces for dinner or even drizzle it over yoghurt or ice cream! A simple and quick breakfast idea are our 4 ingredient pancakes, or you could try our one bowl banana bread. This is great sliced up and frozen, and then you can just toast a piece to warm it up and then we love to have it with an extra drizzle of honey.
3. Apply it topically
Manuka honey has been found to have many benefits when applied topically, including reducing inflammation and healing wounds faster. It's great for your skin, and for conditions such as acne and eczema. Want some great DIY skincare ideas - check out our blog post here.
4. Use it as a natural antibiotic
Manuka honey has been found to be effective against many types of bacteria, including staphylococcus and streptococcus strains that are often resistant to traditional antibiotics. It's a great alternative to conventional antibiotics, especially if you're looking to avoid overusing them.
Research has shown that Manuka honey's antibacterial activity, in comparison to non-Manuka honey, is due to a higher phenolic and methylglyoxal content. Manuka honey can be safely used as an alternative natural antibiotic, helping to heal tissue and reducing microbial infections.
5. Take it by the spoonful
We've saved the best, and the simplest option for last - simple grab a spoon and eat a spoonful straight from the jar. We love to do this for a daily immunity boost, as manuka honey has great anti-inflammatory benefits and can help with digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
Want more inspiration as to how you can use our delicious range of Manuka and Native New Zealand Honey - head on over to Instagram or Facebook page, we love sharing recipes and tips and tricks over there.