Manuka Honey for Heartburn: Does it Work? [Science + Customer Stories]

Published: December 19, 2025

Updated: December 19, 2025

EDUCATION

17 minutes

Essential Takeaways

Heartburn is the symptom: Heartburn is that burning sensation you feel in your chest or throat, which happens when stomach acid flows backwards into your oesophagus⁵.
Addresses the root cause: Acid reflux and GERD are among the most common causes of heartburn. A 2023 pilot study found that patients who took Manuka honey for heartburn saw an 86.7-100% improvement in their GERD symptoms compared to only 26.7-40% in the placebo group¹.
Creates a protective barrier: Manuka honey's high density and viscosity allow it to coat the oesophagus, shielding it from stomach acid while its anti-inflammatory properties help heal damaged tissue².
Tackles free radicals: Oxygen-derived free radicals play a significant role in causing reflux. Manuka honey's antioxidant properties work to neutralise these damaging molecules³.
Rapid relief: New Zealand Honey Co. customers report rapid heartburn improvement, with some seeing results after just one teaspoon.
Important caveat: While Manuka honey shows promise for heartburn relief, make sure to consult your doctor if you experience persistent or severe symptoms, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. While using Manuka honey for heartburn may help soothe the symptoms, it should not replace professional medical support. If you’re unsure, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before using Manuka honey for digestive issues, especially if you have persistent symptoms, take medications, or have underlying health conditions.

That burning sensation creeping up your chest after dinner…
The bitter taste in your throat that ruins your favourite foods…
The sleepless nights propped up on pillows, hoping gravity might help...

If you're dealing with heartburn, you're far from alone.

Around 7-10% of people experience heartburn daily, while 10-20% deal with it at least once a week¹. For many, it's a significant life disruption that gets in the way of living to the fullest.

Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work for some, but they're not perfect. One study showed that even with PPI treatment, 40% of GERD patients still report persistent heartburn symptoms after 4 weeks¹. Plus, these medications are meant for short-term use, yet many people end up taking them for months or years.

This is where Manuka honey comes into play.

A 2023 pilot study found 86.7-100% improvement in GERD symptoms among patients using Manuka honey¹. And customers are also telling us about their rapid heartburn relief experiences - some after just one teaspoon.

Throughout this article, you'll find their stories woven in alongside the science. Because while the evidence matters, the human experience often tells us what we really need to know.

In this guide to Manuka honey for heartburn, you’ll learn:

What is heartburn and how does it affect people?
What causes heartburn?
Is Manuka honey good for heartburn?
How people are using Manuka honey for heartburn
5 natural remedies for heartburn (with Manuka honey)
Which honey is best for heartburn?
Where to buy trustworthy Manuka honey for heartburn

What is Heartburn and How Does It Affect People?

Heartburn is that burning sensation you feel in your chest or throat - and despite the name, it has nothing to do with your heart.

Here's what's actually happening: stomach acid is flowing backwards into your oesophagus⁵.

Your oesophagus isn't designed to handle acid the way your stomach is, so when that acid makes contact with the sensitive lining, you get that characteristic burning sensation⁵.

Here's what heartburn typically feels like:

Burning sensation in your chest or throat
Bitter or sour taste in your mouth
Discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over
Symptoms that often appear after meals or at night
A feeling that food or liquid is coming back up

For some people, heartburn is an occasional annoyance after a big meal.

For others, it's a daily disruption that changes what they can eat, how they sleep, and their overall quality of life. Some people experience it so severely that they avoid social situations or give up the foods they love.

"There were days I couldn't even drink water, that's when I knew something was seriously wrong." - Debbie L., verified buyer, UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

"It all started with heartburn. At first, the discomfort was minimal, but as the weeks and months went by, my heartburn had morphed into chronic acid reflux." - Marco S., verified buyer, UMF™ 24+ | MGO 1122+

But what's making that stomach acid flow backwards in the first place?

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn's most common cause is acid reflux - when stomach acid flows back up into your oesophagus.

Here's what happens: A ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) normally acts as a valve, keeping stomach contents where they belong. When this valve weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, acidic stomach contents escape upward.

When acid reflux happens frequently (twice a week or more), it's called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD⁶.

GERD is a chronic condition that can lead to complications if left untreated. The constant exposure to stomach acid can damage the oesophageal lining, leading to inflammation, ulcers, or, in severe cases, changes in the tissue that increase cancer risk.

Learn more: Manuka Honey for Gastric Reflux, Acid Reflux & GERD.

Other factors that trigger heartburn

While acid reflux is the main cause of heartburn, there are a range of lifestyle and dietary factors that can trigger or worsen heartburn.

These include:

Certain foods (spicy dishes, citrus, tomato products, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, peppermint, onions, etc.)
Some beverages, such as coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
Eating large meals or eating close to bedtime
Being overweight
Pregnancy
Smoking
Stress
Certain medications

The good news? Research suggests that Manuka honey may help address the underlying causes of heartburn while also soothing its symptoms.¹

“This product has definitely relieved my heartburn and gastritis symptoms! I wanted to go a more natural route than medication and after reading a ton of reviews this is the product for me! Wonderful taste!” - Anonymous, verified buyer, UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+

Is Manuka Honey Good for Heartburn?

Short answer: Yes, both research and real-world experience suggest that Manuka honey can help relieve heartburn.

But let's dig deeper into both the science and the stories.

The science: Manuka honey addresses the main causes of heartburn

While there isn't extensive research specifically on "heartburn" as a symptom, there is solid evidence for Manuka honey's effectiveness against GERD and acid reflux - the primary causes of heartburn.

The 2023 pilot study

A 2023 pilot study investigated Manuka honey's effects on patients with GERD¹.

The results were impressive.

Patients who took certified Manuka honey from New Zealand saw significant improvements in their symptoms compared to the placebo group. After 2 weeks, 86.7% of the Manuka honey group reported improvement, compared with only 26.7% of the placebo group¹.

By the end of the 4-week study, 100% of the Manuka honey group reported improvements compared to just 40% of the placebo group¹.

These improvements weren't just subjective either. They were confirmed through both patient reports and physical examination. For example:

The general improvement rate observed through endoscopical examination (using a camera on the end of a long, thin tube to look down the throat) was 73.3% in the Manuka group compared to only 33.3% in the Placebo group¹.
Among patients with the most severe initial diagnosis in the Manuka group, 50% still showed improvement.
Of the people who received Manuka honey, 8 patients (out of 12) saw objective improvement, despite continuing to have an unsuitable diet for relieving their GERD.

Pretty impressive for a jar of bee food.

How it works

So what's actually happening?

Research identifies multiple ways Manuka honey helps with heartburn:

Protective coating: Manuka honey's physical properties (high density, high viscosity, and low surface tension) allow it to create “a protective coating over an affected area, locking in moisture and keeping out bad microbes.”³ Think of it as a natural shield between your sensitive oesophageal lining and that irritating stomach acid.
Tackles free radicals: Oxygen-derived free radicals play a significant role in causing reflux. Manuka honey's antioxidant properties work to neutralise these damaging molecules³.
Reduces inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and heal tissue damage caused by acid exposure².
Antibacterial action: Manuka honey contains uniquely high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), giving it potent antibacterial properties that may help with H. pylori infections - a bacteria often linked to digestive issues⁷,⁴.

Learn more: Is Manuka honey good for stomach problems?

The experience: Manuka honey soothes heartburn symptoms

The scientific research is promising, but what about real people dealing with actual heartburn?

Here’s what some of our customers have said after experiencing relief from heartburn:

"It was nothing short of a miracle. The honey took away my heartburn with one teaspoon. It's delicious and worth every penny. I won't ever get another kind." - Laurie C., verified buyer, UMF™ 26+ | MGO 1282+

"My acid reflux and heartburn were getting really bad. With my first 2 ounces of Manuka honey it started to improve and got better and better. My digestion has improved as well, feeling much better after meals." - Anonymous, verified buyer, UMF™ 24+ | MGO 1122+

"Has a great taste, my heartburn went away after only a few days. Love this!" - Sandra W., verified buyer, UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+

What's interesting is the consistency in the feedback we’ve received from a range of customers.

They describe rapid relief (sometimes after just one dose), sustained improvement with regular use, reduced need for prescription medications, and better quality of life.

But perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from people who've experienced long-term transformation.

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

Buy UMF™ 15+

How People Are Using Manuka Honey for Heartburn

Real stories from real people often tell us more than statistics ever could.

They provide insights into what it’s like to use Manuka honey to relieve heartburn symptoms. Here are two customers that we interviewed to gain a better understanding of their journey:

When heartburn becomes a social emergency

For Marco, a 53-year-old from Italy, what started as heartburn morphed into chronic acid reflux that dominated his life.

"Everything I ate started coming back into the esophagus," Marco explains. "I had to have an endless supply of tissues to hand to wipe away the rejected food."

The breaking point came at a friend's birthday party when the regurgitation became so severe that he had to excuse himself after vomiting into his hands.

The embarrassment pushed him to try something different.

After gradually reducing his medications and increasing his Manuka honey intake, things changed.

"I was pretty skeptical, but as I gradually weaned myself off the medications and increased the Manuka honey, things changed. Now I feel very satisfied and grateful towards nature and towards New Zealand Honey Co. for making it available to me."

“Today I no longer rely on anti-gastric medications, the reflux has almost completely disappeared. I can eat and drink freely and enjoy social gatherings without fear… I take UMF™ 24+ in the morning and evening, sometimes another teaspoon around the middle of the day because it is simply that good.”

Full story: read about Marco's journey here.

From silent reflux to "changed my life"

Debbie, a 71-year-old from Illinois, struggled with silent reflux (LPR) so severe that some days she couldn't even swallow water.

As she describes it: "As an Italian, eating and drinking are a big part of my culture. But my silent reflux (LPR) took the joy out of that, some days I just couldn’t eat.

I couldn't drink coffee at all, I couldn't eat tomatoes, and I definitely couldn't eat anything spicy. I couldn't enjoy the food that once brought me so much happiness."

Her doctor wanted to prescribe long-term medication. But Debbie, who'd always leaned toward natural remedies, kept searching for a better way.

That's when she discovered Manuka honey.

"I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's changed my life," Debbie shares. "Now that I take New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey for LPR, I can eat and drink all of the foods I love. I believe that this honey will be a part of my diet forever."

Six months into her Manuka honey routine, Debbie not only conquered her reflux but also noticed improvements in her sinuses and gum health. Her dentist even commented on the positive changes.

“If you are suffering from stomach issues or reflux you NEED this honey. It’s an alternative to prescription drugs and the taste is heavenly!”

Dig deeper: read Debbie's full story here.

5 Natural Remedies for Heartburn (With Manuka Honey)

Looking for natural ways to ease heartburn? Manuka honey pairs beautifully with other natural heartburn remedies to help alleviate your discomfort. Here are five options that you can try at home.

Remedy #1: Chamomile tea with Manuka honey

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a digestive aid, and studies suggest it may help reduce stomach acid and soothe the digestive tract⁸.

How to use it:

Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool to warm (not hot) before stirring in a teaspoon of Manuka honey.

The combination soothes your oesophagus while the chamomile helps calm digestive discomfort.

If you opt for a different type of herbal beverage, try to avoid caffeinated teas, as caffeine can worsen reflux⁹.

Remedy #2: Oatmeal topped with Manuka honey

Oatmeal is one of the best breakfast choices for heartburn sufferers. It's a whole grain that absorbs stomach acid and doesn't trigger reflux symptoms⁹.

How to use it:

Prepare your oatmeal by pouring boiling water over it and stirring, then let it cool down for a few minutes before adding a dollop of Manuka honey.

Add walnuts or flaxseed for extra texture and digestive benefits - both contain omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.

Skip the citrus fruits and opt for banana slices instead. Bananas are low-acid and tend to be friendlier on the stomach than more acidic fruits⁹.

Remedy #3: Aloe vera juice enhanced with Manuka honey

Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the digestive tract¹⁰. Combine this with Manuka honey for a delicious heartburn-relieving kick.

How to use it:

Mix 2 ounces of pure aloe vera juice with a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Take this about 20 minutes before meals.

Important: When you’re shopping for aloe vera juice, make sure to buy a product that’s made for drinking, not the gel meant for skin. Some aloe products have a laxative effect, so start with small amounts first to make sure that your body is comfortable with it.

Remedy #4: Manuka honey smoothie

Why not pack a range of heartburn-friendly fruits and veges into a nutrient-rich smoothie? This option is convenient and can be adapted to suit the ingredients you have at home.

How to use it:

These fruits and veges are heartburn-friendly:

Bananas
Watermelon
Cantaloupe/rockmelon
Honeydew melon
Apples
Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and kale
Cucumbers
Celery
Avocados

Simply blend up what you have readily available, add some carrot for extra anti-inflammatory benefits, and a dollop of Manuka honey.

Make sure to avoid high-acid fruits like citrus, pineapple, and tomatoes, which can trigger heartburn⁹.

Remedy #5: Eat Manuka honey straight from the spoon before meals

Sometimes the simplest approach works best. And whilst Manuka honey pairs well with other ingredients, it’s also great on its own.

How to use it:

Take about a teaspoon of Manuka honey 20 minutes before meals (a teaspoon is roughly 7 grams; in the 2023 pilot study, people were given 5 grams each time¹). This gives the honey time to coat your oesophagus before food triggers acid production.

Customers have reported success following this routine: one teaspoon in the morning, before lunch, and before bed.

"I have been taking this product for over a month now & the difference it has made in my energy level is indescribable! It has helped my heartburn due to GERD which no medication has ever done." - Carmen S., verified buyer, UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

Of course, getting these results requires genuine, high-quality Manuka honey.

Which brings us to an important point… It’s important to be careful when deciding which honey to buy.

Which Honey is Best for Heartburn?

Here's something that people are often surprised to hear: honey is one of the most faked, adulterated, and mislabelled foods in the world.

We're not talking about small-scale fraud.

This is a global problem.

As of 2020, honey was ranked as the third most faked food, surpassed only by milk and olive oil¹¹.

A 2016 report found that over 80% of "Manuka honey" products worldwide fail authenticity tests - they're often diluted with cheap syrups, mislabelled with inflated potency claims, or aren't even Manuka honey at all¹².

And this has real consequences for you, the consumer.

Why this matters for heartburn

If you're using fake or diluted honey to help relieve your heartburn, you can't expect to get the same results as the customers and scientific studies we mentioned earlier.

That’s because they used certified, genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand. In other words, they knew that what they were buying was the real deal. It was potent. It was authentic and trustworthy.

Without verification, you're gambling on whether your "Manuka honey" contains any of the beneficial compounds at all.

Learn more: How to avoid buying 'fake' Manuka honey

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

Buy UMF™ 24+

The UMF™ grading system - your protection against fake honey

To combat the widespread issue of fake honey and protect consumers, New Zealand established the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) grading system.

When you buy Manuka honey with a UMF™ grade, you can be sure that it’s the real deal.

Here's what UMF™ certification tells you:

Guaranteed minimum MGO levels: Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the main active antibacterial compound in Manuka honey that is credited with many of its proven uses and has been studied extensively over the past few decades.
Clear grading system: The higher the UMF™ number, the more MGO the honey contains, and the more potent its antibacterial properties are. Learn more here.
Monofloral: The honey is genuine monofloral Manuka honey, meaning that the honeybees sourced nectar primarily from mānuka flowers. More info here.
NZ made: UMF™ Manuka honey is exclusively from New Zealand. The hives of bees live in rural and remote places around the country. The honey is extracted in local factories. It’s even packaged and tested here before being exported overseas.
Independently tested: Instead of relying on what the company selling you Manuka honey says, UMF™ ensures that every batch is tested in independent laboratories to verify MGO levels and other biomarkers that confirm its authenticity.

So when you’re looking to buy Manuka honey, make sure that it has the UMF™ logo on the label.

Learn more: What is UMF™ in Manuka honey?

Which UMF™ grade should you choose?

Based on customer testimonials, people have found relief across a range of grades - from UMF™ 15+ through to UMF™ 26+.

For digestive wellness and heartburn relief, we generally recommend starting with UMF™ 15+ or higher. This gives you verified health benefits while remaining accessible for daily use.

Many customers experiencing persistent symptoms opt for UMF™ 20+ to 26+ for more potent effects.

"Use to have heartburn every nite, since taken Manuka honey, I have none." - Gary W., verified buyer, UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

“I have been using the New Zealand Manuka Honey for over a month. While I have not eliminated all of my heartburn GERD, it has subsided measurably. Plus, it tastes great.” - Ron L., verified buyer, UMF™ 26+ | MGO 1282+

Where to Buy Trustworthy Manuka Honey for Heartburn

At New Zealand Honey Co., we make it easy for you to buy trustworthy Manuka honey. We’re committed to quality, and we only deal in real.

Here’s what sets our raw Manuka honey apart:

UMF™ certified for guaranteed authenticity and potency
Sourced from rural and remote New Zealand locations by skilled beekeepers
Independently tested for MGO levels and purity markers
Glyphosate-free, gluten-free, non-GMO
Award winning
Halal and Kosher certified
Sustainable packaging
Traceable to the source

Get your genuine Manuka honey here.

"Definitely helps with heartburn symptoms!! I'll buy again." - Anonymous, verified buyer, UMF™ 24+ | MGO 1122+

"This product has definitely relieved my heartburn and gastritis symptoms! I wanted to go a more natural route than medication and after reading a ton of reviews this is the product for me! Wonderful taste!" - Anonymous, verified buyer, UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+

Heartburn doesn't have to control your life. Try Manuka honey for heartburn relief today.

Shop our UMF™ Manuka honey range.