Nature's sweetener that doubles as a throat soother and mild antimicrobial in cough and immune supplements.
For antimicrobial purposes, yes. Manuka has methylglyoxal that other honeys don't. For cough relief, regular raw honey works just as well.
Their gut bacteria can't yet handle Clostridium botulinum spores that honey sometimes contains. After age 1, the gut is mature enough to deal with them.
Heating above 140F kills the enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide. For therapeutic use, don't cook it. Warm tea is fine.
Click through to the studies bar for the evidence base.
See the dosing guide below.
Compare formats before buying.
Some ingredients build up over weeks. Others act fast.
The compound effect of consistent dosing.
Check the cautions section if you have a pre-existing condition.
Some ingredients you feel. Others just work in the background.
Multiple studies show it works as well or better than dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in most cough syrups) for nighttime cough.
It IS mostly sugar (about 80%), but it also contains enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids, and trace minerals that sugar doesn't have.
In small therapeutic doses (1-2 teaspoons), the blood sugar impact is manageable. But check with your doctor first.
Most research uses 5.0g daily. Below 2.5g, you're probably wasting money. Above 15.0g, no extra benefit. The curve plateaus. Safe upper limit ~ 20.0g.
Contains hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal (especially manuka), and defensin-1 providing antimicrobial activity. Osmotic effect coats and soothes throat tissues. Polyphenols provide mild antioxidant support.
Honey has emerging evidence.
Honeybee hives (Apis mellifera) · Flower nectar from various plants
Honey interacts with other supplements and meds. The analyzer flags interactions, dose mismatches, and timing collisions across your whole list.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.