Dr Maggie's Daily Manuka Honey Water Challenge

Dr Maggie Yu, MD. is a Holistic and Functional Physician, based in the USA. Maggie specialises in auto-immune diseases which are serious conditions that can affect people in various ways, internally and externally, physically and mentally.

As part of her program for disease management and recovery, Dr. Maggie recommends Manuka Honey because of its healing properties.

Her philosophy stems around a whole-food diet with no additives, preservatives or refined sugar, as these can be extremely inflammatory on the body's systems and can impair healing. She believes that both Manuka Honey and hydration play a huge part in relieving symptoms and supporting the bodies immune system to repair and recover and her Daily Water Challenge is a simple way to ensure that you remember to stay hydrated so you can build a healthy habit that will last a lifetime!

Get your Daily Antioxidants

Her recommendation is simple in theory, but not so simple to stick to, which is why she recommends her 30 day Water Challenge as a way to build a foundation for your daily water drinking habit.

Simply drink 0.6l (20oz) of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey every morning before you have anything else! 

Adding a teaspoon of Manuka into warm water is the perfect start for immunity and digestive support due to the natural properties found in raw Manuka Honey such as bio-available bee bread, pollen and wax particles.  

Looking for maximum nutrients? A great way to ensure you start the day with as many natural nutrients as possible is to pre-mix your water and honey with some fruit or veges and keep in a jug in the fridge. Using cucumbers or lemons makes for a fresh and healthy start to the day, and teabags can easily be used as a substitute (just make sure they’re caffeine free!). Try Chamomile for relaxation, peppermint or ginger tea for digestive support, or berry tea for added antioxidants.

Sugar Free Water Flavours

We've listed some of our favourite flavour combinations to add natural health benefits. Keep these in the fridge for up to three days to keep fruit fresh (if they last that long!). These are perfect for hot summer days, or just to keep your water drinking a bit more exciting, and are beautiful to present to guests as an alternative to juices and soft drinks.

• Strawberries and Mint
  Fill a water jug with slightly warm water and add a spoonful of honey. Stir until dissolved.
  Slice fresh strawberries and gently crush mint leaves to release the natural oils. Once water has cooled, add strawberries and mint to jug. Add some fresh mint leaves and a handful of ice cubes to a glass, add ice and serve with a metal straw.
  
  
• Lemon and Ginger
  Peel and finely slice ginger root and slice lemon. Add to cooled honey water and consume 0.6l (20oz) first thing in the morning and then throughout the day as necessary. For added flavour, squeeze lemon juice into the water. Keeping this combination in the fridge will draw out the flavour from the ginger, making it even more flavourful.
  
  
• Sliced Cucumber and Lemon
  If you've never tried cucumber in your water before, you're in for a refreshing treat. This is the perfect combination on a hot day, or after exercise as the lemon juice creates an alkaline environment for your body, which can help to reduce any inflammation. Slice cucumber and lemon and add to jug of cooled honey water. Serve over ice, or keep in your drink bottle during exercise.
  
  
• Lavender Buds
  Lavender is well known for its ability to naturally calm the nervous system. Have you got a big meeting coming up? Or just feeling anxious about the day ahead? Try lavender buds in your water to support your nervous system and try before bed for a peaceful nights sleep. Wash lavender thoroughly and gently crush to release natural oils. Add to jug of cooled honey water, or warm honey water if drinking before bed.
  
  
• Pineapple and Blueberries
  This one tastes just like pineapple popsicle! Perfect for the kids as an alternative to juice and soft drinks. Pineapple is naturally high in Vitamin C and blueberries are packed full of antioxidants so this one is perfect for supporting your immunity if you're feeling a bit poorly. Cut pineapple into chunks and add to jug with blueberries. Squash them gently to release the juices, and add fresh honey water.

Which Manuka Honey is Best?

Dr. Maggie recommends you choose a UMF15+ or UMF10+ honey from our Daily Range for a daily dose of support for your immune system. Or check out the Anytime Range for baking and cooking, or our Targeted Range for optimal digestive, oral, sinus, throat and skin support.