Manuka & Meluka Honey

You’ve probably seen Manuka honey gracing the shelves of your local health food store for the past several years. But do you know why it’s such a star in the health and wellness world?

Manuka honey is the honey produced by bees that forage the nectar of the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. Research has shown that this superfood honey contains unique antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used internally for immune support and gut health, or topically for skin and wound care. Hospitals across the country are even starting to use manuka honey products!

Methylglyoxal (MG or MGO) is the active compound that gives Manuka it’s potent healing properties. All manuka honey produced in New Zealand is sent to an independent lab to test for MGO activity, and is subsequently given a rating on the MG scale, or the correlated UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) scale.

Shockingly, nearly 80% of the Manuka honey on the commercial market do not contain substantial amounts of the bioactive compounds we are seeking. So when you pick up a jar and put it in your cart, make sure it has the MG/MGO rating or the UMF logo and rating.

Here are some top picks for your Manuka honey needs: New Zealand Honey Co., Manukora, Bees and Trees.

Meluka honey is the Australian cousin to Manuka, and comes from bees that forage nectar from the melaleuca tree (otherwise known as the Australian Tea Tree). Melaluka honey contains many of the same health promoting compounds as manuka, giving it antimicrobial and medicinal properties. While there is no rating system for meluka honey, it makes a great addition to your wellness routine. Find it here.