Manuka Honey Dosage: How Much Should You Really Be Taking?

Manuka honey has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and unique antibacterial properties. However, as with any supplement or natural remedy, it’s important to understand how to take it properly in order to reap its full benefits. One of the most important factors to consider when taking manuka honey is the dosage. How much should you take? When should you take it? Is there such a thing as too much? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at manuka honey dosage and provide you with the information you need to take it safely and effectively. Whether you’re new to manuka honey or a seasoned user, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make the most of this incredible natural remedy.

What’s The Recommended Dose Of Manuka Honey?

The recommended dose of manuka honey can vary depending on the purpose for which you are using it. Generally, a daily dose of 1-2 tablespoons is considered safe and effective for most adults. However, if you are using manuka honey for medicinal purposes, such as to help soothe a sore throat or support gut health, you may need to take a higher dose.

It’s important to note that manuka honey is a high-sugar food, so consuming too much can lead to unwanted side effects such as weight gain or high blood sugar. Additionally, while manuka honey is generally safe, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people, especially those with pollen or bee allergies.

As with any supplement, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to take manuka honey, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate dose for your individual needs and help monitor for any potential side effects.

How Much Manuka Honey Per Day Is Ideal?

The recommended dose of manuka honey can vary depending on the purpose for which you are using it. Generally, a daily dose of 1-2 tablespoons is considered safe and effective for most adults. However, if you are using manuka honey for medicinal purposes, such as to help soothe a sore throat or support gut health, you may need to take a higher dose.

It’s important to note that manuka honey is a high-sugar food, so consuming too much can lead to unwanted side effects such as weight gain or high blood sugar. Additionally, while manuka honey is generally safe, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people, especially those with pollen or bee allergies.

As with any supplement, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to take manuka honey, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate dose for your individual needs and help monitor for any potential side effects.

Is Too Much Honey Bad For You?

While honey is a natural and healthy sweetener, consuming too much of it can have negative health effects. Honey, including manuka honey, is high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.

Additionally, consuming too much honey can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes or other blood sugar control issues.

Furthermore, some types of honey may contain harmful toxins, such as grayanotoxins, which can cause a condition called “mad honey disease” if consumed in large amounts. However, this is more commonly associated with certain types of honey from certain regions, and is not typically a concern with manuka honey.

Overall, while manuka honey has many health benefits, it should still be consumed in moderation. The recommended daily dose of manuka honey is 1-2 tablespoons, and consuming more than this on a regular basis can lead to negative health effects. As with any food or supplement, it’s important to consume honey in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is Raw Honey Safe To Eat Daily?

Raw honey is generally safe to eat daily in moderate amounts. Like all types of honey, raw honey is high in sugar and calories, so it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a healthy diet. The recommended daily dose of honey is 1-2 tablespoons (about 20-40 grams) for adults.

Raw honey has many health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to support overall health and wellness. However, it’s important to note that raw honey can contain harmful bacteria and toxins, such as botulism spores, which can cause serious illness if consumed in large amounts.

To minimize the risk of illness, it’s important to purchase raw honey from a reputable source, and to avoid giving honey to infants under 12 months of age, as their immune systems are not yet developed enough to fight off potential infections.

Overall, raw honey can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation and purchased from a reputable source. As with any food or supplement, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to consume raw honey, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Why Should I Choose Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey that is native to New Zealand, and is known for its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits. Unlike regular honey, which has some antibacterial properties due to its high sugar content, manuka honey contains a unique compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) that gives it its potent antibacterial properties.

MGO is formed in the honey when bees collect nectar from the flowers of the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. Manuka honey is graded based on its MGO content, with higher grades indicating a higher concentration of MGO and therefore more potent antibacterial properties.

Manuka honey has been shown to be effective against a range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, making it a popular natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. It has been used to help soothe sore throats, support gut health, and even aid in wound healing.

In addition to its antibacterial properties, manuka honey also contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can help to support overall health and wellness. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a natural sweetener in a variety of recipes.

Overall, manuka honey is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural, antibacterial remedy with a range of health benefits. It’s important to purchase manuka honey from a reputable source and to follow proper dosing guidelines to ensure its safe and effective use

What Happens If You Eat Manuka Honey Every Day?

Eating manuka honey every day can have numerous health benefits, thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Manuka honey has been shown to have a positive impact on digestive health, skin health, and even dental health, making it a popular natural remedy for a variety of conditions.

However, it’s important to note that manuka honey is high in sugar and calories, so consuming too much of it can lead to unwanted weight gain and other negative health effects. It’s recommended to limit daily consumption to 1-2 tablespoons (about 20-40 grams) per day for adults.

In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions to honey, including manuka honey, especially if they have allergies to pollen or bee stings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases.

Overall, consuming manuka honey every day in moderation can have many health benefits, but it’s important to follow proper dosing guidelines and speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use manuka honey for any specific health conditions.

What Strength Of Manuka Honey Is Best?

The strength of manuka honey refers to its level of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is the compound responsible for its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO level, the stronger the antibacterial properties of the honey.

The strength of manuka honey can range from a low level of around 50 MGO to a high level of over 1000 MGO, with higher levels typically indicating a higher price point.

The best strength of manuka honey for you depends on your individual needs and the purpose for which you are using it. For general health and wellness, a lower strength honey (around 100-200 MGO) may be sufficient. However, for specific health conditions such as wound healing or digestive issues, a higher strength honey (around 400-800 MGO) may be more effective.

It’s important to note that higher strength manuka honey is typically more expensive, so it may not be necessary for everyone to use the highest strength honey available.

Is Manuka Honey Safe For Everyone?

While manuka honey is generally safe for most people, it may not be safe for everyone. Some people may have allergies to honey, including manuka honey, especially if they have allergies to pollen or bee stings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases.

Additionally, manuka honey is high in sugar and calories, so it may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, who need to monitor their sugar intake.

It’s also important to note that manuka honey may interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are taking any medications, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use manuka honey, to ensure that it is safe for you to use.

Precautions and Possible Side Effects of Manuka Honey

While manuka honey is generally safe for most people, there are some precautions and potential side effects to be aware of.

Firstly, manuka honey is high in sugar and calories, so it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Consuming too much honey, including manuka honey, can lead to weight gain and other negative health effects.

Secondly, some people may have allergies to honey, including manuka honey, especially if they have allergies to pollen or bee stings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases.

Thirdly, manuka honey may interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are taking any medications, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use manuka honey, to ensure that it is safe for you to use.

Finally, while manuka honey is generally safe, there have been rare cases of honey-related illnesses, such as botulism, which is caused by bacteria that can grow in improperly stored or prepared honey. To reduce the risk of illness, it’s important to purchase manuka honey from a reputable source, and to store it properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When to Consult a Doctor about Manuka Honey Dosage

While manuka honey is generally safe for most people, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine the appropriate dose of manuka honey for your individual needs, and can monitor for any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Additionally, if you experience any adverse reactions or symptoms after taking manuka honey, such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, you should stop taking it and seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction or other serious health issue that requires medical attention.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s especially important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use manuka honey, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully studied.

Make Sure You Buy The Real Deal: Authentic Manuka Honey

When purchasing manuka honey, it’s important to make sure you are getting the real deal. Not all manuka honey is created equal, and there are many fake or adulterated versions on the market.

To ensure you are getting authentic manuka honey, look for products that have been certified by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Honey Association. This organization provides a quality grading system based on the level of MGO in the honey, ensuring that you are getting a high-quality, authentic product.

It’s also important to read labels carefully and look for products that are labeled as “100% pure” manuka honey, with no additives or other ingredients. Some manufacturers may try to dilute or adulterate the honey with other ingredients, so it’s important to purchase from a reputable source and read labels carefully.

Finally, be prepared to pay a higher price for authentic manuka honey. Because of its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits, manuka honey is more expensive than regular honey, and higher grades of manuka honey can be even more expensive.

Do More Than Just Eat It: 10 Ways To Use Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a versatile natural remedy that can be used in a variety of ways beyond just eating it. Here are 10 creative and effective ways to use manuka honey:

  1. Face mask: Mix manuka honey with a few drops of lemon juice and apply it to your face for a natural, antibacterial face mask.
  2. Hair mask: Mix manuka honey with coconut oil and apply it to your hair for a natural, nourishing hair mask.
  3. Sore throat remedy: Mix manuka honey with hot water and lemon for a soothing sore throat remedy.
  4. Digestive aid: Take a spoonful of manuka honey before meals to help support digestion.
  5. Wound healing: Apply manuka honey to wounds and burns to help promote healing and prevent infection.
  6. Acne treatment: Apply manuka honey directly to acne-prone areas for a natural, antibacterial acne treatment.
  7. Lip balm: Mix manuka honey with coconut oil and apply it to your lips for a natural, moisturizing lip balm.
  8. Energy booster: Mix manuka honey with warm water and lemon for a natural energy boost.
  9. Immune support: Take a spoonful of manuka honey daily to help support overall immune function.
  10. Cough syrup: Mix manuka honey with hot water, lemon, and ginger for a natural cough syrup.

Conclusion: Importance of Proper Manuka Honey Dosage

Manuka honey is a natural remedy with many health benefits, thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, like all types of honey, manuka honey is high in sugar and calories, so it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Proper manuka honey dosage is important to ensure that you are getting the maximum health benefits without experiencing any negative side effects. The recommended daily dose of manuka honey is 1-2 tablespoons (about 20-40 grams) for adults, but the appropriate dosage can vary depending on individual needs and health conditions.

It’s also important to purchase manuka honey from a reputable source and to ensure that it is authentic and certified by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Honey Association.

In addition, while manuka honey is generally safe for most people, it may not be safe for everyone, especially those with allergies or certain health conditions. It’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning to use manuka honey, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Overall, with proper manuka honey dosage and use, this natural remedy can be a safe and effective way to support overall health and wellness.

Clinical Nutritionist | + posts

Cara Hayes is an experienced natural health practitioner with a Masters in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Sydney. She has been writing for New Zealand Honey since 2020 and loves manuka in her morning tea.