EDUCATION
When to Use Manuka Honey Lozenges and Eating it Straight
12 minute read
Essential Takeaways
Manuka honey offers powerful wellness benefits whether consumed as lozenges or straight from the jar. Knowing which form to choose can help you maximise these benefits for your specific needs.
Manuka honey lozenges excel at delivering targeted throat relief with convenient, mess-free portability. They're perfect for on-the-go support and provide a controlled dose with gradual release.
Raw Manuka honey straight from the jar delivers maximum potency with whole-body benefits and versatile applications. It can be used in recipes, as a topical treatment, or consumed directly for complete wellness support. When buying Manuka honey by the jar, you have more choices around the strength of honey you get.
Our new Manuka Soothing Drops with Lemon (MGO 250+) combine the convenience of lozenges with powerful Manuka honey properties, making them ideal for throat discomfort while supporting your overall well-being.
Disclaimer: Statements within this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. New Zealand Honey Co. products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any information provided is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.
In the world of natural health remedies, Manuka honey stands out as a powerhouse of benefits.
But here's a common dilemma: when should you reach for Manuka honey lozenges and when do you simply enjoy a spoonful of raw honey straight from the jar? Both options offer unique advantages, and your choice might depend on your specific needs and lifestyle.
Let's explore when each product shines brightest to help you make the most of this New Zealand treasure and ensure you're getting the right support when you need it most.
With Manuka honey products from New Zealand Honey Co., you can support your wellbeing the natural way.
Keep reading to learn about:
The Unique Properties of Manuka Honey
What makes Manuka honey so special? The main reason comes down to it containing extremely high levels of a powerful natural compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) - this remarkable substance contains up to 100 times more MGO than other honey types!
MGO is responsible for many of Manuka honey's beneficial effects, providing natural antibacterial properties and supporting the body's natural processes. While all Manuka honey contains MGO, the concentration can vary significantly between different products.
For our jars of Manuka honey, we use the UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) rating system to measure the MGO level, with higher numbers indicating stronger potency. This independent certification ensures you're getting authentic Manuka honey with all its natural properties intact.
Our Manuka Soothing Drops contain MGO 250+ Manuka honey, which provides similar benefits to our UMF™ 10+ (MGO 263+) honey when it comes to soothing throat discomfort.
The MGO number indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal (the minimum milligrams of MGO per kg of honey), ensuring you're getting an effective level of the active compound in every lozenge.
Manuka Honey Drops Benefits: Why Use Them?
When a sore throat strikes, you need fast relief that works. That's why we've created our new Manuka Soothing Drops with Lemon - offering a convenient, portable solution for harnessing Manuka honey's powerful benefits. Here's when they truly excel:
For Throat and Mouth Support:
Each delicious drop is supercharged with the benefits of pure MGO 250+ New Zealand Manuka honey. These soothing lozenges are specifically designed for sore throats and dry mouths, as the honey coats your throat to help calm and soothe for relief that lasts. It's nature-powered care on the go.
On-the-Go Convenience:
Each MGO 250+ Manuka Soothing Drop is individually wrapped for on-the-go convenience. It's the soothing relief of Manuka honey you can take anywhere - slip them into your bag, desk drawer, or car console for natural support whenever needed.
Winter Wellness Support:
When a sore throat strikes, you need fast relief that works. Each Manuka Soothing Drop delivers the key active compound MGO to help alleviate throat discomfort and support your body's natural defences when they need it most.
Natural Ingredients:
Our Manuka Soothing Drops are made with 100% natural ingredients, including real MGO 250+ Manuka honey from New Zealand. They contain no artificial sweeteners, are gluten-free, and feature natural lemon flavour for a balanced, pleasant taste that makes taking your daily dose a treat rather than a chore.
For All Ages 6 Years & Older:
While not suitable for children under 6 years (due to choking hazards), our Manuka Soothing Drops can be enjoyed by the whole family aged 6 and older.
New Zealand Manuka Honey Purity:
Like all of our products, our Manuka Soothing Drops are delicious throat drops made with real MGO 250+ Manuka honey from New Zealand, ensuring you get authentic, premium-quality support.
Eating Manuka Honey Straight From The Jar: When It Makes Sense
Consuming raw Manuka honey directly from the jar has its own set of advantages:
Maximum Potency:
Straight from the jar, you're getting raw Manuka honey in its purest, most potent form, with all beneficial enzymes and compounds fully intact. Nothing is diluted or altered, giving you the full wellness support that Manuka honey is famous for worldwide. By choosing UMF™ certified Manuka honey by the jar, you can select the strength that is best suited for your needs.
Digestive Support:
When consumed on an empty stomach, raw Manuka honey can help support digestive health from your mouth all the way through your digestive tract. Many of our customers find that a spoonful of Manuka honey first thing in the morning helps set their system right for the day.
Customisable Serving Size:
You can adjust your portion size based on your specific needs - a small amount for daily wellness support or a larger serving when additional support is needed. This flexibility allows you to tailor your intake precisely to what your body needs or wants right now.
Culinary Versatility:
Raw honey can be incorporated into countless recipes, from morning smoothies and yoghurt to herbal teas and homemade salad dressings. This versatility makes it an excellent pantry staple for creative cooking beyond just wellness support.
Topical Applications:
Raw Manuka honey provides the flexibility for external applications like face masks or spot treatments. The same jar can serve multiple purposes throughout your wellness routine, giving you incredible value from a single product.
Comparing Effectiveness: Soothing Drops and Raw Honey
When it comes to effectiveness, both forms have their merits, they just work differently:
Speed of Action:
Raw honey delivers its compounds immediately, while Manuka Soothing Drops release them gradually over time as you allow them to dissolve in your mouth. This difference in delivery can be important depending on your immediate needs.
Concentration:
Pure Manuka honey typically provides a higher concentration of beneficial compounds per serving compared to Manuka Soothing Drops, which contain MGO 250+ Manuka honey. Of course, the strength of raw Manuka honey you get will depend on the UMF™ grade you purchase.
Target Areas:
Manuka Soothing Drops excel at delivering benefits to the mouth and throat specifically, while straight honey offers whole-body support. The drops focus their action where they make direct contact, while honey consumed directly can work throughout your system. This targeted delivery makes Manuka Soothing Drops the perfect way to get throat and mouth support when you need it most.
Convenience Factor:
Manuka Soothing Drops win for on-the-go use, while raw honey is preferable for home use or when incorporation into foods and beverages. Each has its place in your wellness toolkit based on your lifestyle and daily routine.
Making the Right Choice for Your Health Needs
Consider these scenarios when deciding when to reach for your Manuka Soothing Drops and your raw Manuka honey:
Use Both Together For Optimal Support:
For complete seasonal wellness support, we recommend pairing your Manuka Soothing Drops with a daily dose of raw Manuka honey. Continue with your daily intake of raw Manuka honey (once or twice a day) for overall well-being, especially during seasonal changes when you need extra support.
The Manuka Soothing Drops can complement this by providing targeted throat relief when you get a sore throat. This powerful combination ensures you're making nature your first line of defence™, both inside and out.
For times when you're particularly unwell and need an extra boost, a higher-grade Manuka honey may be beneficial alongside the Manuka Soothing Drops.
Reach for Manuka Soothing Drops When:
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You need targeted throat and mouth support and soothing relief
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You're travelling or away from home
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You prefer a honey lozenge complemented with natural lemon flavour
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You need discrete, portable options that fit in your bag or pocket
Reach for Raw Manuka Honey When:
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You want maximum potency and whole-body wellness support
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You prefer versatility in application methods
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You want to customise your serving size based on changing needs
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You're interested in both internal and external applications
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You want more choice around the concentration of MGO
Dosage Recommendations for Both Forms
Finding the right amount of raw Manuka honey or Manuka Soothing Drops to take can vary based on your individual needs, the potency of the product, and what you're using it for. Here are some tips to help you get the most benefit from either form of honey:
For Manuka Soothing Drops:
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For daily throat comfort: Allow 1-2 drops to dissolve slowly in your mouth, as needed throughout the day
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For more intensive throat support: Use a drop every 2-3 hours, letting it dissolve completely without chewing for maximum contact time with throat tissues
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For preventative care during seasonal changes: 1-2 drops daily may help maintain throat comfort
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Each drop contributes 2% of the daily value for carbohydrates and 7% for sugars, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, making them easy to incorporate into a balanced diet
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Not suitable for children under 6 years due to choking hazards
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Available in convenient pack sizes of 16 or 40 drops for different usage needs
For Raw Manuka Honey:
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For daily wellness maintenance: 1-2 teaspoons daily, preferably on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to maximize absorption and benefits
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For targeted wellness support: Up to 1 tablespoon 1-3 times daily, ideally 30 minutes before meals to allow proper digestion
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For seasonal wellness: Consider increasing your intake slightly during seasonal transitions when you want extra support
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For immune support during times of stress or fatigue: A teaspoon daily may help support your body's natural defences when you’re feeling rundown or under pressure.
Remember that higher UMF™ ratings indicate stronger honey, so you may need less when using premium grades. Listen to your body and adjust according to your personal response.
FAQs About Manuka Honey Soothing Drops and Raw Honey
Are Manuka Soothing Drops as effective as raw honey?
Our Manuka Soothing Drops contain genuine MGO 250+ Manuka honey and are ideal for soothing a sore throat. They can be used as needed throughout the day. However, we recommend continuing your daily dose of raw Manuka honey for overall well-being. When you're unwell and need an extra boost, a higher-grade Manuka honey may be beneficial.
Are Manuka Soothing Drops safe for children?
For safety reasons, we recommend our Manuka Soothing Drops for children aged 6 years and older, as they may pose a choking hazard for younger children.
Do Manuka Soothing Drops expire?
All consumable products, including our Manuka Soothing Drops, are required to display a Best Before Date (BBD). While honey itself doesn't typically expire due to its natural preservative properties, the Best Before Date serves as a guideline for optimal quality. Our Manuka Soothing Drops are safe to consume beyond the BBD, though the flavour and texture may begin to change over time.
Do Manuka Soothing Drops contain artificial sweeteners?
Our Manuka Soothing Drops do not contain any artificial sweeteners. They are made with 100% natural ingredients, including pure MGO 250+ New Zealand Manuka honey and natural lemon flavour. We take pride in offering products free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Are Manuka Soothing Drops gluten-free?
Yes, our Manuka Soothing Drops are gluten-free, and no gluten-containing ingredients are used in their production.
How many Manuka Soothing Drops can I take per day?
You can enjoy Manuka Soothing Drops as needed throughout the day, keeping in mind their carbohydrate and sugar content. As a general guide, each drop contributes 2% of the daily value for carbohydrates and 7% for sugars, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. If you have specific health concerns, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use.
Are Manuka Soothing Drops safe to take during pregnancy?
You can enjoy Manuka Soothing Drops as needed throughout the day, keeping in mind their carbohydrate and sugar content. As a general guide, each drop contributes 2% of the daily value for carbohydrates and 7% for sugars, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. If you have specific health concerns, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use.
Is the lemon flavour in Manuka Soothing Drops artificial?
No, the lemon flavour in our Manuka Soothing Drops is 100% natural.
What pack sizes are available for Manuka Soothing Drops?
Our Manuka Soothing Drops are currently available in two convenient pack sizes: 16 drops and 40 drops. Currently, we offer them in Natural Lemon flavour.
Experience Premium Manuka Honey Your Way
We have quality options to meet your needs so you can enjoy raw Manuka honey for all-round wellness and the convenience of Manuka Soothing Drops with Lemon for on-the-go relief.
Our raw Manuka honey jars are UMF™-certified, ensuring you receive authentic, high-quality honey with verified levels of beneficial compounds. Meanwhile, our new Manuka Soothing Drops are packed with the benefits of pure MGO 250+ New Zealand Manuka honey and feature a refreshing squeeze of natural lemon.
Individually wrapped for on-the-go convenience, our Manuka Soothing Drops provide delicious, soothing relief for sore throats and dry mouths. Available in two convenient sizes, they're perfect for your winter wellness toolkit.
When life throws challenges your way, make nature your first line of defence™ with New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Soothing Drops.
Unsure which honey is right for you? Take our quiz.
Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.
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