“Research shows that manuka honey can increase gastric levels of certain enzymes that prevent against or protect against oxidative damage,” says Flora. “So it can reduce inflammation and help prevent gastric ulcers.”
However, manuka honey has been found useful for patients who complain of stomach infections, acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and even diarrhea.
Did you know that Manuka can kill over 50 kinds of infection-causing pathogens, chiefly those targeting your digestive system? Stomach ulcers, colitis, and even IBS are caused by certain bacteria. Manuka's antibacterial compounds offer a natural way to cure these painful infections and improve digestion.
Professor Molan suggests taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey with a small amount of bread three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. Manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints. What else can it be used for?
Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
Supplements like probiotics, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and l-glutamine can all help you heal and seal your gut (but you may not need them all at once). Getting enough sleep and reducing stress can improve your gut health.
You might also wonder: how long does manuka honey take to work? Well, it depends on how you take it and what you take it for. In some cases, like soothing a sore throat, you can feel the effects quickly. In other cases, it may take a little more time, but be patient!
But why take Manuka Honey every day? Due to its range of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, studies are showing that taking Manuka Honey regularly is a great, natural way to support your immune system.
How to take manuka honey? If nothing hurts, but just want to feel better and more invigorated - in the morning, eat manuka honey on an empty stomach for 1 tsp, dissolving it in your mouth like a lollipop. Or dissolve it in warm water (½ teaspoon of honey per glass of water) and drink instead of plain water.
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).
Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment.
Honey is known for its antibacterial properties, and people have used it as a medicine since ancient times. One study showed that Manuka honey suppressed the growth of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells. Other studies have demonstrated that honey has other anti-H.
It is claimed Manuka Honey helps with reflux symptoms by “coating the stomach and oesophagus and healing the damages in the tissue and lining provoked by acid reflux”. Some people swear by having a spoon of Manuka Honey up to four times a day, 20 minutes before meals and before bed time.
What is Chronic Gastritis? Chronic gastritis refers to a persistent, but low grade, inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. The gastric mucosa becomes thinner as the normal cells are destroyed. The inflammatory cells include lymphocytes, which indicate an immune response.
The active ingredient in Manuka honey is methylglyoxal. Studies indicate that methylglyoxal is antibacterial, but may induce diarrhea, headache, and maybe even depression. This 2014 article suggests methylglyoxal might trigger IBS.
One of the great things about being a honey lover is there are so many ways you can eat it, and Manuka honey from New Zealand is no different. From supercharging your breakfasts, stirring into hot drinks, or simply taken off the spoon every morning or night – there is no right or wrong way to take Manuka honey.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
The ideal serving per day of our Manuka Doctor honey is 21g. This roughly equates to a tablespoon daily – because Manuka honey is a heavy substance! Or if you prefer, you could take approximately 3 teaspoons per day.