Manuka Honey Uses –
How to use this precious honey from New Zealand both internally and externally for your
well-being
For many people, the uses of Manuka honey are an intriguing topic, because this honey from New Zealand has special properties that set it apart from conventional honey. You can use Manuka honey in many ways, whether for skincare, as part of your diet, or to care for your beloved pet. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using Manuka honey and how to best incorporate it into your daily routine.
Many people search online using phrases such as "Manuka honey for osteoarthritis," "Manuka honey for a cold," or "Manuka honey for colds." However, current EU regulations prohibit making health claims about Manuka honey. Despite this restriction, we will do our best to introduce you to the many uses of Manuka honey below.
What makes Manuka honey so special?
Manuka honey is a unique honey from New Zealand that stands out from other honeys primarily due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO is a natural compound that gives Manuka honey its distinctive character. The higher the MGO value, the more unique the honey is considered to be in terms of its properties. The higher the MGO value, the more distinctive the honey is in terms of its properties. This makes it particularly popular among many users.
Uses of Manuka Honey – Where Can You Use Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey has a wide range of uses. Many people use it primarily for skincare, but it’s also the perfect choice as a delicious, high-quality spread. In addition, there are numerous other ways you can incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine.
Here is an overview of the main areas of application:
- For external use on the skin
- Use during the cold season
- Use in pets to support grooming
- Other possible applications
Have you tried our exquisite Manuka honeys yet?
Manuka Honey for Skin Care – 3 Practical Tips for Your Skincare Routine
Applying Manuka honey to your skin offers a natural way to gently care for your skin. To get the most out of it, you can use Manuka honey on its own or as an ingredient in homemade skincare products.
Here's how to apply Manuka honey directly to your skin:
- Cleansing: First, wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry.
- Application: Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey (often half a teaspoon is enough) to the desired areas of skin, such as dry or slightly irritated patches.
- Let it sit: Let the honey sit for about 15–20 minutes.
- Rinsing: Rinse off the honey with lukewarm water. Avoid using water that is too hot, so your skin doesn't dry out further.
Compatibility test
Before applying Manuka honey over a large area, it is advisable to perform a small sensitivity test. To do this, apply a small amount of honey to a patch of skin, such as the inner forearm, and monitor the reaction for 24 hours.
DIY Face Mask with Manuka Honey
Here's how to make a simple and effective face mask:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey
- 1 teaspoon plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon of oatmeal (finely ground, for a gentle exfoliating effect)
Usage:
- Mix all the ingredients together to form a smooth paste
- Apply the mask to your cleansed face and leave it on for 15–20 minutes.
- Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
This mask moisturizes, soothes the skin, and leaves it feeling comfortable.
Manuka Honey for External Use – Create Your Own 100% Natural Skin Care Balm
You can use Manuka honey not only on its own, but also in various homemade skincare products.
DIY Body Balm with Manuka Honey
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (natural moisturizer)
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax (for firmness)
Preparation:
- Gently heat the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler until everything has melted.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the Manuka honey
- Pour into a small container and let cool.
Usage:
- You can apply the balm sparingly to dry or stressed areas of skin. It absorbs easily and provides long-lasting care for your skin.
Dosage and Storage
- Use Manuka honey in small amounts for external applications (about 1 teaspoon per application).
- Store the honey or balm in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.
Manuka honey – Your perfect companion during the cold season
Perhaps you came across this page because you searched for “manuka honey use for colds.” As mentioned earlier, current EU regulations prohibit any health claims regarding manuka honey, which is why we are not allowed to say anything about the use of manuka honey for colds.
Many people use Manuka honey every day during the cold season to support their well-being. You can easily and deliciously incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine.
Tips for using in hot beverages
- Directions: Stir 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey into a cup of warm (not hot!) water or tea.
- Water temperature: Make sure the liquid isn’t hotter than about 40–45 °C, as high temperatures can damage the honey’s valuable nutrients. Although the MGO in Manuka honey is heat-resistant, other components—just like in any other honey—can be affected by heat, meaning they may be lost.
- Indulgence: Treat yourself to a warm Manuka honey drink of your choice three to five times a day. Make it a regular part of your daily wellness routine.
Manuka honey as a sweet spread
- Try Manuka honey as a special alternative to regular honey or jam on your breakfast toast.
- Pair it with nuts, fruit, or cottage cheese for a delicious and healthy meal.
Manuka Honey for Osteoarthritis – A Frequently Searched Topic
Many people search for “Manuka honey for osteoarthritis” to learn more about possible uses for joint pain. Even though we are not permitted to make any health claims, these search queries show that there is significant interest in this topic.
In general, you can incorporate Manuka honey into a balanced diet to do your body some good. It’s a good idea to include the honey in your daily meals on a regular basis, for example, as a sweetener in tea or on bread.
Uses of Manuka Honey for Dogs – Is Manuka Honey Suitable for Dogs?
Manuka honey can also be used for dogs in certain cases—both topically and internally. It’s important to note: This isn’t about medical treatments, but rather a potential support in everyday life. The honey is particularly popular for minor skin issues, dry paws, or irritated skin. Some owners also rely on Manuka honey as a gentle care option for dogs that are sensitive to environmental factors.
Topical use in dogs – what you need to know:
- Clean the affected area with lukewarm water—preferably using a soft, clean cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of honey directly to your skin.
- Avoid licking: If possible, loosely cover the area with a breathable bandage – or take advantage of your dog’s rest periods, such as when they’re sleeping.
Practical examples:
- Dry or cracked paws in winter
- Minor scrapes from roughhousing
- Itchy patches of skin (e.g., on the ears or stomach)
Tip: Perform a small patch test before applying the honey to a large area— for example, on your dog’s forearm. Monitor the area for 24 hours for redness or any reaction.
For internal use:
- Make sure your dog doesn't consume too much sugar—Manuka honey naturally contains fructose.
- For small dogs, a pinch a day is enough; for larger dogs, half a teaspoon. It’s best to give it only 2–3 times a week, not every day.
- Ideally, mix the honey with a little food or lukewarm water (no higher than 40°C, as high temperatures can destroy valuable nutrients).
Here are some situations where you can use it internally:
- To stimulate the appetite—add a dollop to the food
- For a mild cough – in lukewarm tea or water (max. 40°C!)
- As a natural little treat—occasionally and in moderation
Tip: When adding honey to water, make sure it’s no hotter than 40°C —this helps preserve its valuable nutrients.
⚠️ Be sure to keep this in mind
- Puppies under one year of age should never be given honey.
- Not if you have diabetes, are overweight, or have liver problems.
- Hygiene is important: Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the honey and store it in an airtight container.
- Talk to your veterinarian first, especially if the product is for internal use.
If your dog tolerates honey well, Manuka honey can be a great addition to their daily routine: – for skin care or as a little variety in their diet. If you’d like more tips on caring for your four-legged friend, check out our guide to Manuka honey: for dogs.
Here's how you can easily incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine
Manuka honey offers many ways to incorporate this special honey into your daily routine. Whether for skincare, during the cold season, or even to help your dog— Manuka honey can be used in a variety of ways.
Have you developed a taste for it and want to buy Manuka honey? Find the MGO variety that’s perfect for your specific use of Manuka honey.
Our Manuka honeys
Our Manuka Honeys
