Most of us love and use honey, but have you ever heard of manuka honey? This variety takes honey to a whole new level. Here’s what I’ve learned through extensive research on the topic. My information today comes from the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center:

It’s a type of honey that originates from certain parts of Australia and New Zealand and is produced by bees that pollinate the flowers found on a manuka bush, a kind of tea tree.

It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These antibacterial effects come from an active ingredient called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is created in manuka honey thanks to the conversion of another compound known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). A high concentration of DHA is found in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effects of manuka honey.

Manuka honey is considered a monofloral honey, made mostly from the nectar of one kind of flower. Traditional honey is typically polyfloral honey, where the nectar comes from a variety of different flowers.

Studies show the antibacterial effects of manuka honey are a lot higher than other honey counterparts—about 100 times higher than other traditional honey. With this going for it, it’s understandable then, why this honey is found to be antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. Thus, it’s very effective in treating wounds, improving oral health, soothing sore throats and in treating ulcers and acne.

Regarding wound treatment, it’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of its high antioxidant and antibacterial properties (which also helps prevent secondary infections), and because it’s non-invasive. Manuka honey also has a lower pH than most honey, which leads to quicker wound healing. Finally, studies show it promotes tissue regeneration and even decreases pain in people suffering from burns.

Then there are the studies revealing how it helps with oral health. It protects against dental plaque buildup (which can prevent gingivitis), and mouth sores.

And like other honey, manuka helps with sore throats. But again, because of it’s high antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively helps with inflammation and fights the bacteria that cause pain. Research shows it decreases Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes sore throats.

It’s also been found it helps with two kinds of ulcers: diabetes-related and gastric. Diabetes-related ulcers are open sores or wounds typically located on the bottom of the foot. Gastric ulcers are sores that form on the lining of the stomach (which cause stomach pain, nausea and bloating). Manuka honey increases gastric levels of certain enzymes that prevent against or protect against oxidative damage, so reduces inflammation and helps prevent ulcers.

This lovely honey also helps with acne. According to studies, it hydrates skin, decreases inflammation, and helps keep skin bacteria-free.

Lastly, it’s also a superb immune system protector. All you need is 1 teaspoon a day. I like to combine it with a little apple cider vinegar before bedtime. I might be imagining things, but I believe it even improves my sleep.

There’s really only one drawback to Manuka honey, and that’s its cost. Because it’s an import, and because it only comes from one type of blossom, it is expensive. But that said, it’s so powerful that you only need a tiny amount when using, which then offsets its price.

I wanted to share this information because the more we know about natural ways to address typical health problems and to protect our health, the better, don’t you think? Here’s just another way to be more in control, in such an out-of-control world!