Manuka Honey for Colds

Manuka honey contains a unique blend of powerful antibacterial properties that are great for colds and flu.

That’s why cold prevention and treatment is one of the most common reasons people try manuka honey.

So how does it work? What does the science say? It’s all here.

Bonus: we’ll also cover how to use manuka honey for colds and flu including a super simple and delicious throat lozenge recipe.

In this guide to using manuka honey for colds and flu:

• Why use manuka honey for colds and flu

• Why manuka is the best honey for colds

• 4 ways to use your manuka honey for colds

• Clear colds fast with premium manuka honey

Why Use Manuka Honey for Colds and Flu

“Colds are minor infections of the nose and throat caused by more than 200 different viruses. Rhinovirus is the most common cause, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of colds. Other common cold viruses include coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).”

• American Lung Association.

There’s a reason why colds are referred to as “common”.

They account for more doctor visits in the US than any other condition¹.

They usually clear up on their own but can cause a pretty unpleasant few days filled with stuffy noses, sore throats, headaches, and fever². We’ve all been there, right?

The terms “cold” and “flu” are often used interchangeably, but they’re quite different. Influenza is only caused by one virus and can lead to more serious complications³.

When it comes to preventing and treating them naturally, however, manuka honey performs for both colds and flu.

“Our results showed that honey, in general, and particularly manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against the influenza virus, demonstrating a potential medicinal value.”

• Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey.

(For context, RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and is one of the most common causes of colds):

“...Methylglyoxal may play a part in the greater potency of Manuka honeys against RSV. It is concluded from the findings in this study that honey may possibly be an effective antiviral treatment for the therapy of respiratory viral infections.”

• Honey as an antiviral agent against respiratory syncytial virus.

The antibacterial activity of manuka honey comes from a unique combination of ingredients, including one naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).

It contains around 100 times more MGO than regular honey, making it a potent antimicrobial agent - ideal for fighting colds and flu.

And the best part?

You can use it to prevent illness in the first place and keep your body healthy simply by adding it to your daily wellness routine.

(Here are over 170 ways to use manuka honey).

Enrich your every day with one ingredient and 2000 natural compounds.

Does manuka honey actually help a cold?

Yes, studies have shown that manuka honey helps to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.

It contains the natural compound methylglyoxal (MGO) in large quantities which can ease inflamed airways⁴, relieve a cough⁵, reduce infection⁶, and help boost the immune system⁷.

“I’ve been ordering these for the past few years and I sincerely believe that the honey has helped boost my kids’ immunity! They don’t fall sick as often and bounce back much faster if they do. Highly recommend!”

• Yanqi L., verified buyer | UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+

Is it safe to treat coughs and colds in children with manuka honey?

Yes, it’s safe to give manuka honey to children over two years old, and it can be very helpful in preventing and treating colds. Just make sure not to feed honey to babies.

“Most prescribed and over-the-counter preparations for cough in children are not effective and might carry the risk of adverse events. A single dose of honey before bedtime was shown in recent studies to diminish cough and the discomfort experienced by children and their parents.”

• Honey for treatment of cough in children.

Does manuka honey break up phlegm?

Manuka honey can ease the mucus in your airways by relieving inflammation⁸.

The best way to use it is to eat it raw off the spoon, but you can also make your own sinus wash or mouthwash to get it straight to the problem areas.

Why Manuka Honey is the Best Honey for Treating Colds and Sore Throats

Manuka honey contains a number of active ingredients that make it an ideal natural remedy for colds and flu:

• Leptosperin: This comes from the mānuka plant itself and has been found to boost the immune system⁹.

• Methyl syringate: An abundant antioxidant found in manuka honey¹⁰.

• Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and hypohalous acids: MPO is a naturally occurring enzyme found in the body associated with easing inflammation¹¹. The combination of leptosperin and methyl syringate in manuka honey triggers this enzyme to produce hypohalous acids. These are powerful, pathogen-destroying antioxidants¹².

• Methylglyoxal (MGO): You’ll often see an MGO number on jars of manuka honey as it is the main marker of antibacterial activity. It has been rigorously tested over the years and found to be effective in tissue repair and regeneration, treating infections, allergies, skin conditions, hormone imbalance, and much more.

Taking manuka honey can deliver your body the dose of wellness it needs to fight off colds and flu from every angle.

Whilst regular honey can offer some benefits too, manuka honey has proven to be much more potent.

It contains around 100 times more MGO than regular honey, for example.

So be sure to choose UMF™ manuka honey for the best pure, raw, monofloral honey with the most health benefits.