Manuka Honey for Candida, Thrush & Yeast Infections

Published: October 30, 2025

Updated: October 30, 2025

EDUCATION

17 minutes

Essential Takeaways

Yeast infections are commonly caused by a fungus called Candida, often in the mouth and throat (oral thrush), gut, or vagina (vaginal thrush). Honey has been observed to offer antifungal benefits, including against the Candida yeast.

Clinical studies are limited at the time of writing, and the type and concentration of honey varies in the results. But so far, findings are promising, and show that honey can not only manage and reduce Candida overgrowths, but also stop it from recurring. And it may even do this better than traditional treatments like fluconazole¹.

Manuka honey is known for its particularly potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. As the most regulated honey in the world, opting for UMF™ Manuka not only offers you the greatest strength of the good stuff, but assurance that what you’re buying is a pure, trustworthy product with a good chance of success.

Yeast infections like thrush impact millions of people every year in the US alone, with around 75% of women in particular affected at least once in their lifetime².

Caused by an overgrowth of the common Candida fungus, yeast infections typically appear in warm, moist areas of the body, including the mouth and throat (oral thrush) and vagina (vaginal thrush).

With prescription treatments often causing nausea, headaches, or becoming increasingly ineffective thanks to antimicrobial resistance³, people are turning to natural remedies for help.

And the science is beginning to back this up.

In this resource, we’ll be exploring Manuka honey for Candida infections like thrush. What evidence do we have so far, which honey is the best for thrush, and how to use it for the best results?

In this guide to Manuka honey and thrush, Candida, and yeast infections:

Research highlights
A quick overview of thrush, Candida, and yeast infections
Honey and Candida: the studies so far
Why use Manuka honey for Candida infections
How (and when) to use Manuka honey for yeast infections
Soothe and heal your infection naturally with New Zealand Honey Co.

Research Highlights

2024 Study

This study explains why we need alternative therapies for Candida: “The increase in the incidence of azole [antifungal]-resistant Candida warrants investigation of alternative options or adjunct therapies, which could include honey, as it is known to be clinically useful in the treatment of other superficial infections.⁹”

2023 Study

This study looked at medical-grade honey for vaginal thrush: “Medical-grade honey (MGH) might be a promising treatment in VVC [Vulvovaginal Candidiasis] and RVVC [Recurring Vulvovaginal Candidiasis].¹”

2023 Review

This review found that “Fungi play an important role in human health and in the stability of the microbiota.⁷”

2022 Study

This study looked at how honey could boost the effectiveness of Candidiasis treatment: “The best ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a honey-based gel, which demonstrated improved release of ItZ in vitro and improved transbuccal permeation ex vivo.¹⁵”

2021 Study

This study discussed honey’s potential: “Clinical trials have demonstrated that honey can benefit the treatment of bacterial and Candida-mediated vaginal infections.¹⁴”

2013 Paper

This paper looked at using honey for oral lesions: “One month after topical application of honey, there was no candidal growth as proved by laboratory investigation [in three out of the four cases]. The 4th case… Three weeks after topical application of honey, the lesion disappeared with no candidal growth.¹⁶”

2010 Study

This study showed that honey “has antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients.¹⁷”

**A Quick Overview of Thrush, Candida, and Yeast Infections**


Yeast infections	Overgrowths of naturally occurring fungi (or yeast)
Candida	The type of yeast which causes the most common infections
Thrush	Candida yeast infections, usually in the mouth or throat (oral thrush) or vagina (vaginal thrush)

Microorganisms live throughout the human body and play essential roles in helping it to function. Working together in communities (or microbiomes), they help us to digest food, protect us from infection, and even help with fertility⁴.

You might have heard about the gut microbiome in particular, which is of real interest to both the science community and wider public, as we are just beginning to unravel how influential its diversity is on our health. But it’s not the only one we have.

In these microbiomes are thousands of different microbes that include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites⁵. You might be surprised to learn that all of these things are actually really important for our bodies, including fungi.

Yeasts are a type of fungus. There are beneficial yeasts which can stimulate the immune system, prevent infection, and even tackle other, more harmful fungi⁶.

“The microbiome consists mostly of bacteria, but new evidence and developments in sequencing methods have shown that fungi play an important role in human health and in the stability of the microbiota.”

The role of yeasts in human health, a 2023 review⁷.

The most common yeast infections (Candidiasis) are caused by the overgrowth of Candida. This yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions and can be found on the skin, in the mouth and throat (oral thrush), gut, and vagina (vaginal thrush)⁸.

Patients are usually treated for Candidiasis with antifungal medication such as nystatin or fluconazole. This can work well in healthy adults and children, but researchers are beginning to see some worrying trends:

“With the steady rise in antifungal resistance amongst clinically important yeasts, antifungal drug discovery remains of the utmost importance.”

In vitro activity of Western Australian honeys and Manuka honey against clinically important yeasts, a 2024 study⁹.

Immunocompromised patients can also struggle with antifungal medications³. So increased resistance and the dangers of medication have prompted scientists to look for safer yet equally effective antifungal treatments.

What about honey?

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Honey and Candida: Evidence from Lab Studies

“The increase in the incidence of azole [antifungal]-resistant Candida warrants investigation of alternative options or adjunct therapies, which could include honey, as it is known to be clinically useful in the treatment of other superficial infections.

In addition, clinical studies evaluating honey for oral conditions such as mucositis, or post-tonsillectomy pain have indicated that the honeys administered had good safety profiles.”

In vitro activity of Western Australian honeys and Manuka honey against clinically important yeasts, a 2024 study⁹.

We now have plenty of research demonstrating the exciting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of honey¹⁰ with wide and varied medical applications.

As the study above suggests, this has led to research into its antifungal benefits with a particular focus on honey and Candida.

It’s important to note that specific human clinical trials are still limited at the time of writing - but so far, the findings are promising.

Here are the key ways that honey has been observed to fight microbes like Candida:

Its high osmolarity and low pH creates an inhospitable environment for unwanted microbes¹¹.
Its hydrogen peroxide production contributes to antimicrobial activity, and the non-peroxide activity of Manuka honey has specifically been shown to enhance this effect even further¹¹.
Its phenolic compounds and flavonoids have direct antimicrobial and antioxidant effects¹².
It has anti-biofilm and immunomodulatory properties, which can limit the spread and recurrence of infection¹, which we’ll cover next.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics of using honey for the most common forms of Candidiasis.

Honey and vaginal thrush

This review looked at women with recurring vaginal thrush and found that medical-grade honey not only helps to treat the infection but may actually stop it from coming back:

“Medical-grade honey (MGH) might be a promising treatment in VVC [Vulvovaginal Candidiasis] and RVVC [Recurring Vulvovaginal Candidiasis]. In contrast to fluconazole, MGH is expected to have multiple beneficial mechanisms.

Multiple in vitro studies demonstrated that different honey types inhibit the formation of Candida biofilms and can disrupt established biofilms. Moreover, MGH can modulate the microenvironment through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity.”

Efficacy of a medical-grade honey formulation (L-Mesitran) in comparison with fluconazole in the treatment of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, a 2023 study¹.

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that form and bind themselves to things, which can often result in infections recurring¹³. Honey has been observed to prevent these from building up, as well as agitating existing ones, helping to reduce Candida overgrowth.

An earlier study found similar results:

“Clinical trials have demonstrated that honey can benefit the treatment of bacterial and Candida-mediated vaginal infections.

We postulate that MGH will actively fight ongoing infections; eradicate biofilms; and modulate the vaginal microenvironment by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties, and subsequently may decrease the number of relapses when compared to fluconazole.”

Treating (recurrent) Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with medical-grade honey, a 2021 study¹⁴.

When compared with fluconazole, a common oral treatment for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, honey holds up well. The few trials available suggest that it either performs in a similar or better way, with fewer side effects, and so far, no resistance¹.

Honey and oral thrush

We have fewer clinical studies that specifically assess honey for Candida infections in the mouth and throat.

In this study, a honey-based gel was used to enhance the effects of an essential oil-based treatment (referred to as the “ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS formulation”) for oral thrush:

“The best ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a honey-based gel, which demonstrated improved release of ItZ in vitro and improved transbuccal permeation ex vivo.”

Tailoring and optimization of a honey-based nanoemulgel loaded with an itraconazole–thyme oil nanoemulsion for oral candidiasis, a 2022 study¹⁵.

What this essentially means is that when tested, honey helped to move the treatment to where it was most needed (crossing a key moist lining in the cheek), which indicates that honey may help it to be more easily absorbed by the body.

In this earlier study, honey was tested for a number of oral lesions, including Candidiasis. Only four cases were analysed, but all showed positive effects, even when other therapies were unsuccessful:

“One month after topical application of honey, there was no candidal growth as proved by laboratory investigation [in three out of the four cases].

The 4th case of oral candidiasis involved the right and left buccal mucosa and lower gingivae. The patient, 22 years old, used daktarin oral gel for 3 weeks with no improvement.

Three weeks after topical application of honey, the lesion disappeared with no candidal growth.”

Effect of honey for treatment of some common oral lesions, a 2013 paper¹⁶.

This study found that honey even showed promise against Candida species that had developed resistance to traditional medication:

“Ethiopian multiflora honey has antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients.”

Effect of Ethiopian multiflora honey on fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients, a 2010 study¹⁷.

Here are some direct experiences of New Zealand Honey Co. customers using Manuka honey for Candida and other mouth complaints:

“It helps me to kill candida and improve my immune system.”

Anonymous, verified buyer | UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

“My sister has greatly suffered from tongue cancer. She has pain in her mouth constantly. I took her a jar of the honey and it calmed her mouth almost instantly. I am going to order one for myself since I suffer from chronic infections as a result of radiation to my face.”

Anonymous, verified buyer | UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+

“My daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer. The chemo was harsh and we were told it would cause painful mouth sores. So when I read that manuka honey is clinically proven to treat and prevent CIOM (chemo induced oral mucositis), I had to try it. Through 6 months of chemo she never had the first mouth sore. It also helped with her immune system and weight maintenance. We love it. And it will always be in our home.”

Amanda P., verified buyer | UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

Does honey kill yeast (Candida)?

We can’t definitively say that honey kills yeast like Candida yet, because although study results are promising, they are highly dependent on the type of honey as well as its concentration and formulation.

Honey has been observed to prevent the growth of the yeast Candida¹⁸ and, in some cases, stop infections from recurring more effectively than traditional medications like fluconazole¹⁴.

Is honey better than antifungal cream for thrush?

Studies have shown that the topical application of honey for thrush may prove as effective as traditional antifungal creams¹. It is important to note, however, that clinical trials used honey in gels or ointments rather than straight from the jar, so results may differ.

The good news is that side effects reported are usually negligible or mild, so unless you have an allergy to bees or honey, it should be a safe option to try. Be sure to check with your doctor before applying anything to an infected area.

Which type of honey is best for Candida?

There is no clear clinical answer to this question as studies have used a number of different types of honey at varying concentrations and formulations. As a result, no patterns or broad conclusions have been drawn yet.

However, using pure, raw, monofloral Manuka honey graded by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (who runs the UMF™ system) alleviates some of this variability.

Not only has Manuka honey been shown to offer greater potencies of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects¹⁰, but the independent UMF™ grading system means that customers can verify exactly what product they’re getting, and just how strong its properties are.

Learn more: UMF™ Honey and the UMFHA

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Why Use Manuka Honey for Candida Infections

There are a few reasons why you should choose Manuka honey for Candida infections over other honey types:

Studies show its strong anti-biofilm activity prevents the growth of Candida and helps to disrupt existing communities of the fungi¹⁹.
It is clinically proven to offer greater potency of antibacterial properties (in particular, non-peroxide activity), as well as high anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant effects¹⁰.
Manuka honey is the most regulated type of honey in the world, with the UMF™ grading system independently verifying its authenticity and potency. By opting for this type of honey, you know exactly what strength you are using.
Medical-grade Manuka honey is used in many clinical studies, so there’s a better chain of evidence from lab science to regulated product and clinical testing.

Whilst the results of studies depend on too many factors to point to one specific cause of effectiveness (from botanical origins of the different honeys to the formulation used in testing), Manuka honey is useful for its standardisation and strict regulations.

Honey is one of the most faked foods in the world, often overprocessed, heated, and diluted, losing much of its beneficial enzymatic activity²⁰.

Using UMF™ certified Manuka honey gives you the quality assurance, reproducibility, and evidence trail for the best results.

The higher the grade, the more potent its antibacterial properties.

Learn more about how to choose the right UMF™ grade for you.

Can I use Manuka honey for vaginal thrush?

Yes, in most cases, you can use Manuka honey for vaginal thrush. Studies have shown that Manuka honey is effective against vaginal thrush and, in some cases, more than the traditional fluconazole therapy²¹.

It’s important to note that we don’t have many clinical trials yet, and honey is usually administered in a gel or ointment, rather than straight from the jar. It’s best to get your doctor’s advice before trying anything new for a yeast infection.

Manuka honey and the Candida diet: should you try it?

The Candida diet is a popular approach aimed at reducing yeast overgrowth by limiting foods thought to “feed” the unwanted yeast in your gut, particularly refined sugar, white flour, and processed carbohydrates.

The idea is that cutting excess sugars starves the yeast, while emphasising vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and probiotic-rich foods supports balance in the gut microbiome.

Where does honey fit in?

Most versions of the Candida diet advise avoiding sweeteners (including honey) because it thrives on sugars. However, as we’ve seen, raw honeys like Manuka have shown antifungal effects in studies, so it might not act as a fuel for the yeast in quite the same way.

That said, human evidence is still limited, and moderation is essential.

If you are following a stricter Candida diet, it may be best to use small amounts of Manuka honey strategically, for example in soothing teas or topical applications, rather than as a daily sweetener.

Before doing so, make sure to get professional advice tailored to your unique situation.

Learn more about using Manuka honey as a healthy natural sweetener here.

How (and When) to Use Manuka Honey for Yeast Infections

You might be wondering when you can treat a yeast infection naturally at home, and when it’s time to go to the doctor.

If you suspect you have a yeast infection and you’ve never had one before, it’s best to get medical advice and a diagnosis. There are other conditions that have similar symptoms, like sexually transmitted diseases, so it’s safest to check what you have as early as possible.

Always check with your doctor before using any honey intravaginally, especially if you are pregnant, diabetic, immunocompromised, have severe symptoms, or have recurrent infections.

Make sure you opt for UMF™ certified Manuka honey for the purest, verified product.

Here are some ideas that you may want to discuss with your doctor when using Manuka honey for Candida infections.

Apply Manuka honey topically to the vagina

Studies have used gels with honey in them applied topically in a thin layer, once daily for 7-14 days. You could try applying pure, raw UMF™ Manuka honey with a sterile spoon or clean hands for a concentrated, natural treatment.

Learn more about the antifungal benefits of Manuka honey.

A spoonful of Manuka honey for oral thrush

The best way to get Manuka honey to your oral thrush? Eat it! Delicious. We recommend a spoonful of honey a day for all sorts of health benefits, and treating your Candida could be one of them.

Apply Manuka honey with probiotic yoghurt to the vagina

Did you know that unflavoured probiotic yoghurt with Lactobacillus strains can help to treat yeast infections and restore vaginal flora²²?

Naturopaths sometimes suggest mixing honey with this kind of yoghurt and applying it to the infected area, which may help to fight the fungal infection and rebalance pH²³. While evidence is mostly anecdotal, each ingredient has separately shown positive results against Candida.

Manuka honey and cinnamon tea

Cinnamon has been shown in lab studies to inhibit Candida albicans²⁴. Stir 1 tsp of Manuka honey into a warm (not boiling) cinnamon tea and drink once or twice daily.

This combines honey’s antifungal activity with cinnamon’s bioactive cinnamaldehyde, potentially giving synergistic effects.

Read these top tips for cooking with Manuka honey to retain all its benefits.

Manuka honey and garlic paste treatment

For cutaneous yeast infections (e.g., under the breasts or in groin folds), a mix of crushed raw garlic (containing allicin, which is antifungal²⁵) with a little Manuka honey can be applied as a short-contact topical paste. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse²⁶.

Both garlic and honey have demonstrated antifungal activity in vitro. Do not apply raw garlic to the vagina, as this will be too harsh.

Soothe and Heal Your Yeast Infection Naturally with New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey

When you need relief you can trust, New Zealand Honey Co. delivers Manuka honey made the way nature and science intended.

Our UMF™ certified Manuka honey is sustainably harvested in remote, wild places and minimally processed and packed under strict quality control, with independent testing to ensure it’s all done properly.

For yeast infections, that means you’re using a product with documented antifungal activity, reliable consistency, and the purity required for sensitive, topical use.

Choose New Zealand Honey Co. and get authentic Manuka honey backed by real evidence, straight from New Zealand.

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Anonymous, verified buyer | UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

“I purchase Manuka Honey frequently from several different dealers. Customer service was great and went above and beyond to make sure I received my honey in perfect condition. The honey is one of the best tasting Manuka Honey I have tasted.”