6 Ways to use Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is used to treat wounds, improve oral hygiene, prevent acne, and more.
Steens manuka honey is raw and unpasteurized, made by bees who pollinate flowers from the manuka plant in New Zealand.
The benefits of Steens manuka honey include its high amino acid profile, higher nutrient content, and natural enzymes that aid digestion.
Unlike other nectars, those produced by the Manuka bush’s flowers – native to New Zealand – mean bees can create a honey containing high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), which has antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO rating, the higher the antibacterial levels. 
Here are six ways you can use Manuka honey for digestive, immunity and skin support. 

Straight off the spoon

The easiest way to get your daily dose of Manuka Honey is to lick it straight off the spoon. The higher the UMF rating of your honey, the more potent it may be.

At Steens, we recommend taking a teaspoon full of UMF 10+ or above once a day for immunity support, or for more targeted support for gut health or other internal issues, taking smaller quantities (1/4 to 1/2 tsp) of a higher grade honey several times per day. 

Hold a spoonful on your tongue and let it melt away if you feel like your mouth needs a little TLC, and avoid other food and drink for at least 15 minutes.

Blended into a smoothie 

Smoothies are an easy and delicious way to have your breakfast on the go, and to ensure that you have your daily intake of Manuka. 

Try Sheryl's Kiwifruit, Matcha and Manuka recipe  or for an even more tempting treat for your children (or yourself!) try her Smoothie Creams recipe for breakfast or dessert. 

 

Smeared onto your skin

Manuka Honey has been used to treat wounds, burns and other skin complaints for years. Just smear directly onto skin in a smooth, even layer and leave it to work it's magic (add a dressing if necessary to stop it rubbing off or sticking to things).

DIY Face Mask

As Manuka has antibacterial, antifungal and humectant properties it is the perfect ingredient for a DIY facemask to soothe facial complaints like eczema, acne and redness, and moisturise skin to reduce fine lines and keep your face plump with moisture.

Easy to make from at home ingredients, try our 100% natural Manuka Honey, Maca and Pink Clay face mask recipe today.

In Baking or Cooking 

Honey is the perfect substitute for refined sugar in baking or cooking, offering not only a natural sweetness, but all sorts of prebiotics.

For a range of delicious sweet and savoury recipes, like raw carob crisp slice, peanut butter, honey and pecan popcorn, spicy whipped feta dip and more, have a look at our blog here. 

Drink it in water, tea or coffee

Honey is a great natural alternative to refined sugar when sweetening tea or coffee, and if you wait until the beverage has cooled slightly before you add it to your cup, you will still get to enjoy the unique benefits of Manuka in your cuppa. Try Sheryl Steens' Lemon, Sage, Manuka and Ginger tea recipe.

Another great way to ensure that you are not only getting your daily honey immunity boost and also kickstarting your hydration process for the day is to dissolve your honey in a glass of water and drink it first thing every morning. Add cut up fruit and vegetables for added flavour, vitamins and minerals. For more information about Dr. Maggie's Daily Water challenge, click here.