Manuka Honey for Strep Throat: Does It Work?

Strep throat can be nasty.

Around 10,000-15,000 cases occur each year in the US, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths¹.

Although traditional antibiotics are usually prescribed to avoid these complications, we can always give our bodies an extra natural boost.

This is becoming even more important considering the rise in antibiotic resistance².

So how about manuka honey for strep throat and the sore throat that comes with it? Does its global reputation for potent health benefits stretch to strep?

We’ll discuss that and more right here.

In this guide to how manuka honey can help strep throat:

• Why you should use honey for strep throat

• What makes pure, raw manuka honey best for strep throat?

• How to take manuka honey for strep throat

• Where to buy your manuka honey for strep throat

Why Use Honey for Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria.

Although it sometimes looks and feels a bit like a cold, strep throat can be more dangerous³.

Left untreated, strep can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, stroke, and even permanent heart damage³.

Honey has been used in medicine for thousands of years⁴ and thanks to advances in science and technology, we now know that it offers unique antibacterial properties.

This is particularly true for manuka honey (but we’ll get to that later).

As a result, manuka honey is often used to treat infections like colds with great results.

“I enjoy the rich creamy flavor and with a spoonful a day, I seem to avoid colds even if minor signs that I might have scratchy throat. It’s gone the next day.”

• Jeffrey M., verified buyer | UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+

At the time of writing, there isn’t much research specifically investigating manuka honey for the streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat.

But the evidence we do have shows that:

• Honey is effective against most of the bacteria that have been investigated⁵.

• Manuka honey can decrease the growth of similar oral bacteria⁶.

• Manuka honey can be particularly effective against bacteria when used in combination with other antimicrobial treatments⁷.

• The antibacterial activity of manuka honey is particularly important in the face of the antibiotic resistance crisis⁸.

We also know that manuka honey is often used to treat allergies, sinus infections, and even fungal infections.

Since manuka honey is effective against a wide range of bacteria, it seems likely that using it for strep throat should offer some health benefits.

Can I cure strep throat without antibiotics?

Every patient with strep throat has a different experience, but traditional antibiotics will likely be prescribed. Strep throat can be more serious than other types of bacterial infection, so it’s best to get medical advice as early as possible.

However, the rise in antibiotic resistance is a serious concern for doctors worldwide. In fact, over a million people died as a result of rising resistance in 2019⁹.

Using antibacterial agents like manuka honey is a great way of boosting your natural immunity and reducing the chances that you’ll need to rely on traditional antibiotics alone.

Can I give manuka honey to my child with strep throat?

Yes, manuka honey is safe for children to consume. Only young infants should avoid eating honey as well as anyone with an allergy to bees or pollen.

Always check with your doctor or your child’s doctor first.