Can Manuka Honey Stop A Virus?

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Benefits, Honey Education | 3 comments

Can Manuka Honey Stop A Virus

Stop A Virus With Manuka Honey

Amidst the worldwide crisis and the spread of COVID-19 (which is a form of coronavirus), we would like to shed some light on how to potentially stop from getting a virus and take care of yourself during this troubling time.

We want to dive deep into the question everybody is asking now: Can Manuka honey stop a virus? We will also touch upon the anti-viral properties of Manuka honey.

First things first, let’s talk about viruses. Although many people are concerned that they might catch a virus during wintertime, we are now seeing the spread of this novel disease all around the world, in all climates and seasons.

The speed at which it’s spreading has put global travel to a total halt, leading to a national lockdown in many countries.

Famous for its high antibacterial and antiviral properties, Manuka honey takes the top spot in our list of the measures we can take to fend off viruses, as well as support our bodies in fighting diseases and illnesses.

What Is A Virus?

A virus is a tiny organism that can infect humans, animals, and plants. Viruses are everywhere and many of them we don’t know about. Some viruses affect animals or plants differently, explaining why a bird virus may not pass to a human.

On their own viruses can’t replicate, but once in a host cell, they can. Inside the cell, they use some of the host genetic material to take over its function and spread. If a virus picks up some of this genetic material and takes it to another animal, it can produce a new type of virus that can spread from animal to animal or animal to people.

Viruses you might have heard of include:

  • The common cold
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles
  • Chickenpox
  • Shingles
  • Cold sores
  • Epstein-Barr (Glandular fever)
  • Ebola
  • SARS, Avian flu and now the COVID-19 coronavirus

COVID-19 is spread from person to person. When a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, touches, or talks they may spread droplets of the virus to other surfaces. It’s very important to use good hygiene, regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands and use good cough etiquette.

Manuka Honey Research

Honey has been used as a form of medicine for hundreds of years. Most commonly as a dressing for wounds due to its antimicrobial properties.

Unfortunately, with the advent of antibiotics, honey has been touted as “worthless.” That being said, people are now starting to look for alternatives to pharmacological medicines since the current growing resistance to antibiotics is on the rise.

The growing popularity of honey is no surprise. New Zealand Manuka honey is one of the most powerful medicinal honeys in the world. Manuka honey contains Methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a chemical compound that inhibits bacterial growth and helps reduce inflammation.

Manuka honey also contains other compounds and enzymes that can help protect from viruses and boost our immune system to prevent future infections – those are the main reasons why Manuka honey is so expensive.

It was in the 1980s when Professor Peter Molan of Waikato University, New Zealand, reported an extraordinary activity of Manuka honey. The compound responsible for the antimicrobial activity remained a mystery until 2008 where two independent laboratories discovered MGO. Alongside MGO (methylglyoxal), “non-peroxide activity” or NPA is what makes Manuka honey so potent in fighting off bacteria.

It was concluded that the nectar of flowers of Leptospermum scoparium (native to New Zealand) contains high amounts of MGO. Specifically, darker Manuka honey contains high amounts of phenolic compounds that have potent antimicrobial activity.

Several research studies have found the MGO in Manuka honey is effective at inhibiting flu viruses, including the H1N1 swine flu. It is not just the Manuka honey on its own that makes a difference. More importantly, when it is combined with other antiviral and antibacterial therapies it makes them work even better.

Although much of the research has been done on applying Manuka honey to the skin, there is increasing evidence that shows the benefits of Manuka honey taken internally as well, such as for combatting breathing problems or digestive disorders such as IBS.

According to this study, Manuka honey disrupts a wide range of problematic pathogens, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Can Manuka Honey Stop Me From Getting A Virus?

Well, there is a good chance that it may. Manuka Honey is a natural way to boost your overall health and support your immune system.

The non-bacterial pathogens in Manuka honey have been shown to treat varicella-zoster virus and influenza.

Scientists from Syria concluded that solutions with honey were effective again the rubella virus (PubMed ID 9395668).

That is pretty remarkable in our books.

Irishwoman Survives Coronavirus With Manuka Honey

But don’t take all that research for granted Let’s look at a real-life example.

Angela Flanagan got sick in March. It took her three weeks to recover from the virus. After testing positive for COVID-19, everybody thought Ms. Flanagan would not make it alive. Especially since she is 70 years old now.

With a painful throat, headaches, coughing, bladder issues, and sleepless nights, the Irishwoman decided not to call the ambulance and stay home. Her son got her some very strong Manuka honey (we do not know what brand or potency she used).

Ms. Flanagan started supplementing with Manuka honey two and a half years ago for her asthma issues. Since then she has been asthma-free.

She is still in shock that she tested positive for the virus twice.

“But I do think having the manuka honey and the healthy diet I have has helped me,” she adds.

It is reported that Ms. Flanagan is in great form now, going out shopping and enjoying life. Read the full story here.

How To Choose The Best Manuka Honey Product For Preventing Or Treating A Virus?

At Manuka Honey Organic we’ve selected a range of the best Manuka honey products to help you protect yourself. Research suggests that even eating medicinal grade Manuka honey may offer benefits, or you can select from our specialist antiviral and immune-boosting products on our homepage.

Here are two things to remember when choosing Manuka honey to support your immune system:

  • Make sure it’s UMF/MGO certified. Medicinal grade Manuka honey is UMF 15+ or MGO 550, and higher
  • Make sure it’s from New Zealand

Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Protect Myself?

There are simple things you can do to help reduce the risk of catching a virus and getting sick. This is especially important in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

  • Never go three days without exercise
  • Limit simple sugar intake
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Wear a face mask
  • Cook your meals at home
  • Get 8 hours of sleep
  • Supplement with Zinc and Vitamin D

Manuka Honey Is Great All Year Round

You want to be out there living life to the fullest, not stuck inside feeling unwell. Use Manuka honey products all year round to boost your immune system and reduce the risk of getting sick.

Even if you do catch any form of virus, it is wise to keep your nutrition in check and not panic.

Many people have already recovered and come back to living a normal life.

We wish you good health and good luck.

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