Antiviral: Manuka honey benefits for colds & flu

For thousands of years, people have relied on natural ingredients and home remedies to combat minor illness and strengthen their immune systems.

When it comes to combatting a cold or the seasonal flu, raw and organic honey has long been recognised for its nutritional and healing properties. As an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, it works alongside the immunity system to tackle seasonal ailments.

Manuka honey stands out from other types of honey due to its unique curative properties and the presence of a bioactive compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO). This compound is instrumental in fighting infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

The Manuka honey we produce at Biosota is scientifically tested and classified as high-grade due to its distinct therapeutic levels of MGO.

Manuka honey benefits for colds & flu

Viruses are responsible for the stuffy nose, chills, bouts of fever and sore throat that you experience with changing weather.

These viruses are not treatable with a course of antibiotics. We let it run its course, often using over-the-counter medications such as nasal drops and lozenges to ease the discomfort.

But did you know Manuka honey offers a natural way to boost immunity, ward off viruses, and ease cold and flu symptoms? In fact, a U.S. study found that Manuka honey is more effective than other therapeutic honeys at preventing the replication of the influenza virus.

In the study, researchers also concluded that using Manuka along with known antiviral drugs strengthened the body’s defence mechanism. In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended using honey to combat common colds and influenza.

Manuka honey benefits for COVID-19

Research has demonstrated that honey, in particular Manuka honey, is a good deterrent against the influenza virus and helps to prevent virus replication.

Consuming honey may help reduce the severity of infections by directly leveraging its potential antiviral effects, or indirectly by boosting immune responses.

Studies on the effects of Manuka honey on COVID-19 need further exploration, but from research and anecdotal evidence, Manuka honey has shown potential medicinal value against some viruses.

Manuka honey benefits for sore throats

Manuka honey's immune-boosting compounds and high MGO content places it in a therapeutic class of its own. And, because its nectar-based DHA transforms into MGO during storage, this only enhances its curative properties.

A sore throat is typically a viral illness, though severe cases are often caused by Strep bacteria. Throat lozenges can provide temporary relief, however painkillers and antibiotics are often introduced for more serious symptoms.

Consuming high-grade medicinal Manuka honey is an effective and healthy alternative, especially given the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

Manuka honey benefits for upper respiratory tract infections

Painkillers and decongestants offer limited relief for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as sinusitis and bronchitis. With some URTIs caused by Staph bacteria, Manuka honey can be particularly effective as it attacks the biofilm.

In fact, medical practitioners from Oxford university recommend honey for superior care in treating infections that affect the nose, larynx, and sinus.

In another study, patients were given either Manuka honey or saline nasal irrigation over 30 days. High MGO Manuka honey provided better outcomes in terms of unclogging the nose and easing symptoms.

Benefits of Manuka honey for bacterial coughs

WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse the use of honey to alleviate bacterial coughs.

In a 2010 study, 139 children were given three different cough treatments. A single dose of honey, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (DM) and diphenhydramine (DPH), and one placebo was administered.

The aim was to see improvements in cough severity, cough frequency, and child-parent sleep. The results revealed that honey was significantly superior at reducing coughs and discomfort. Parents also reported significantly better sleep compared to using cough medications like Benadryl.

For children with upper respiratory tract infections, opting for Manuka honey may offer a preferable approach to easing coughs and improving sleep quality.

Medicinal Manuka honey - MGO grades explained

Premium medicinal Manuka honey is defined as high-grade MGO Manuka honey that is scientifically tested for its curative compounds such as antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and immune-boosting enzymes.

This honey presents higher levels of MGO (Methylglyoxal) when compared to table-grade Manuka honey and is naturally bio-active with anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties for the holistic prevention and treatment of various health ailments.

Manuka honey is commonly used for cold & flu, sore throat, cough, immunity, infection, oral care, ulcers, gut health, burns, wounds, beauty and skincare, and general well-being.

The higher the MGO number of the Manuka Honey, the stronger its antimicrobial bioactivity levels and the more potent the natural medicinal benefits.

The MGO levels of Biosota’s high-strength medicinal Manuka honey ranges are regularly tested and verified authentic by independent accredited laboratories both in Australia and New Zealand.

How to use and apply medicinal Manuka honey

Medicinal Manuka honey usage and dosage suggestions made are based on our own direct experience, from feedback received and collated from real customers, as well as from the latest published scientific journals and research papers.

Dosage and individual results may vary. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment and if symptoms persist. (Allergy advice: honey should not be consumed by children under the age of 1 and people with allergies to honey or bee products).

How to use Manuka honey for colds and flu

Keep a jar of medicinal-grade Manuka honey handy in the medicine cabinet for winters and flu season.

Aim to use honey in the mid-to-high MGO or Non Peroxide Activity range. The higher the number, the greater the antibacterial bioactivity levels and the more potent the medicinal benefits.

Oral use of high-grade honey will provide faster relief for nasal and chest congestion or prevent it from getting worse.

Enjoy as-is or make warm honey tea with lemon, ginger or immune-boosting herbs and spices.

Just be sure to avoid overheating our medicinal Manuka as high temperatures can destroy essential enzymes, particularly MGO.

How to use Manuka honey for bacterial coughs

Try Biosota’s Medicinal Manuka Honey Range - MGO 260+ to 990+

As with most oral uses, we recommend starting on a higher dose of Manuka Honey at the peak of the cold or infection: ingest one to two teaspoons twice daily, reducing to one teaspoon per day as symptoms improve.

How to use Manuka honey for sore throats

Biosota’s Manuka Honey Range - MGO 260+ to 990+ takes care of persistent symptoms and provides relief for a scratchy and aching throat.

Dissolve a spoonful of Manuka honey in a glass of warm water. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, stir, let cool, and gargle. Repeat 1-2 times a day.

Manuka honey benefits for congestion or sinus infection

For congestion or sinus infection, try adding a few drops of pure Manuka honey to a warm steam vaporiser or to saline nose rinses.

At Biosota Organics, our passion lies in the natural healing power of Manuka honey.

Our premium Australian Manuka Honey is cultivated by nature with a whole lot of science and love as our secret ingredients.