We recommend ingesting one to two teaspoons of superior or ultimate strength Manuka Honey twice daily at the peak of any digestive flare-up or for stomach ulcers, slowly reducing to once per day as symptoms improve.
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.
There isn't a specific time you should take Manuka honey, as you can get the same benefits from it all day.
Manuka honey produces a prebiotic called fructo-oligosaccharides, which helps probiotics in the gut to stay healthy. Emerging research has also found Manuka to be effective in eradicating more than 50 species of harmful bacteria, many of which specifically target our digestive system!
In 1994, Professor Molan and his team suggested taking a teaspoon of manuka honey three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. They concluded that manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints.
The anti-inflammatory effect of honey can also contribute to its overall prebiotic potential, as many conditions in the gut (regardless of infection state) involve inflammation of the bowels.
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.
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.
Manuka honey consumed before bedtime can help the body to release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for a deep sleep and helps to reduce the risk of more serious sleep-related health issues.
Manuka honey has been shown to promote restful deep sleep, acting as a natural sleep aid by slowly releasing the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Add honey to milk before sleep to help naturally release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep.
The MGO rating number shows the amount of MGO in the honey, which is a sign of how active or strong these properties are3. There are other systems of measuring Manuka Honey strength, which can be confusing, but the general rule is that the bigger the number, the higher the strength.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
“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.”
A beneficial synergistic effect of Manuka honey (UMF 20+) in improving the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis) and inhibiting the pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus) was demonstrated by Rosendale et al. (2008).
One teaspoon is a good amount to aim for. You can have it on its own or mix it into a warm drink, such as herbal tea or warm milk, about 30 minutes before going to bed. This should give the body enough time to absorb the natural sugars in the honey and replenish your liver glycogen stores.
Raw and unfiltered honey can hydrate your skin, soothe your throat, help heal wounds and sweeten everything it touches, but it can also help you get a sweet night's sleep. Raw honey, eaten just before bed, helps you snooze in two general ways: It provides easy-to-access fuel for your brain throughout the night.
Drinking 1 teaspoon of honey before going to bed can add antioxidant compounds to help reduce blood pressure, prevent high blood pressure to limit cardiovascular risk. A glass of warm water mixed with honey before bed is enough to provide a preventive effect for this cardiovascular complication.
Manuka Honey can also be added to warm or cold water, or used as a sweetener in tea or coffee. But remember NOT TO add Manuka Honey to boiling water. This will kill the active enzymes, which is the reason you bought your honey in the first place!
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.