The Role Of Manuka Honey In Modern Medicine

Recent years have shown an increase in popularity of 100% pure New Zealand Mānuka honey. Customers are using this natural liquid gold for a variety of reasons. Some purposes have been shown to include as an ingredient for baking, skincare, or even natural sugar alternatives. 

Historically, honey has been used for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. However, New Zealand Mānuka honey has gained recent popularity due to its reported antibacterial activity within a laboratory environment. This blog will outline what benefits Mānuka honey can deliver and how it can be an integral ingredient for your products. 

When Did Manuka Honey Begin To Gain Popularity? 

Mānuka honey was only presented to the world after the European Honey Bee was introduced to New Zealand. However, although the bee was only brought here in the late 19th century, the global demand for monofloral Mānuka honey didn’t gain traction until the 1980s and 1990s. 

Popularity skyrocketed in this period due to a breakthrough discovery by New Zealand biochemist Peter Molan. Showcasing pure monofloral Mānuka honey may contain unique natural antibacterial properties through the organic compound methylglyoxal (MGO). 

This antibacterial activity has been reported to support unique health benefits that alleviate certain ailments within a controlled artificial environment. In 1998, the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) was established as an independent authority used to certify monofloral Mānuka honey as genuine. This grading differentiated monofloral Mānuka honey from blends that could include other honey that did not have unique benefits. 

What Are The Unique Manuka Honey Benefits? 

To name just a few, here are some of the most commonly reported benefits of using monofloral Mānuka honey: 

- Sore throat soothing

- Natural energy boost 

- DIY antibacterial face mask 

The above benefits are derived from three unique ingredients in genuine Mānuka honey. Methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and leptosperin play a key role in identifying genuine Mānuka honey. 

For more information, please read - Mānuka Honey: Medicinal Uses & Benefits.

The beauty of this liquid gold is that it has unique ingredients and a delicious taste. Monofloral Mānuka honey has also been observed to be a lower-calorie alternative to refined cane sugar (per gram), Mānuka honey also makes for a natural wellness ingredient to add to baking, cooking or a warm beverage.

Is There A Place for Manuka Honey In Modern Medicine? 

According to Grand View Research, the market size for alternative medicine in the United States has been reported at USD$100bn. This represents a 20% increase from 2020, and projections have forecasted that the market size could grow to USD$400bn by 2028. 

From the above data, we can gather that demand for naturally-occurring products like Mānuka honey is likely to grow in popularity over the coming years. 

Numerous studies indicate immense activity measured with Mānuka honey at the microscopic level. While these experiments have given some exciting wellness properties - Mānuka honey is not a magic cure for serious illness. 

While Mānuka honey should be considered a valuable dietary supplement used to support natural health and immunity, scientific reviews have outlined that further clinical trials are required to determine the use of Mānuka honey as a substitute for modern medicine. 

Midlands Apiaries Can Provide You With 100% Pure New Zealand Manuka Honey

Midlands Apiaries is the perfect partner for your brand, whether you provide skincare, winter wellness products or food and drink. Our widespread Mānuka honey supply and production operations can accommodate your needs. Proudly supplying multifloral and UMF-certified monofloral Mānuka honey, we can work with you to achieve your goals. 

We also offer the services of a highly knowledgeable Sales & Marketing team. So if you’re looking to bring a fantastic brand to market, our team of professionals can plan a pathway to your launch. With an extensive network of honey supplies and laboratories - Midlands Apiaries can provide your business with everything it needs.

Additionally, as the largest New Zealand supplier of wholesale Mānuka honey globally, Midlands Apiaries knows a thing or two about quality. An accredited, independent laboratory tests each batch of Mānuka honey from Midlands Apiaries for certification. We are very aware of the stringent requirements set forth by UMFHA (Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association).

Get in touch with us today for more information about how Midlands Apiaries can make for a beneficial partner in your budding business. 

References: 

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/complementary-alternative-medicine-market

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X16301863