The Healing Properties of Active Mānuka Honey

Mānuka honey is wonderfully healing and therapeutic for our skin with compounds which are a rich source of medicinal properties which do wonders for our skin.

Antimicrobial property

Firstly, mānuka honey is a rich source of an antibacterial compound called methylglyoxal, abbreviated as MGO (which is the mānuka honey’s strength rating). Methylglyoxal is the primary and most effective source of mānuka's antimicrobial activity. Mānuka honey, applied sparingly to our face, kills bacteria that may try to live in the skin’s surface, infecting the skin pores and generating acne and other skin problems. 

A further antibacterial compound found in mānuka honey is hydrogen peroxide, which is formed by the enzyme glucose oxidase. These antibacterial agents are good skin cleansers.  

Mānuka honey is also a good antibacterial because of its osmotic action. Osmosis is the transfer of water across a membrane. Due to its viscosity, very little water crosses mānuka honey, which makes it difficult for bacteria to live. On top of this, mānuka honey’s slight acidity destroys bacteria. Less than a teaspoonful of mānuka honey should be dabbed on the skin on our face for fighting microbes.

Nourishing property

Secondly, the rich variety of proteins, vitamins and minerals found in mānuka honey nourish, soothe and heal sensitive skin. The main mineral element is potassium, which helps relax sore muscles. Although the protein content of honey is low, almost all the amino acids the body physiologically needs are present. Amino acids are necessary for skin cell strengthening and reproduction.

Skin acidity

Third, the slight acidic content of mānuka honey helps to match and balance the natural slight acidity of the skin. The acidity of mānuka honey comes from gluconic acid, which is a product of the oxidation of glucose which happens in honey.

Natural hydration

Fourthly, the osmotic action of mānuka honey helps to hydrate our skin. Mānuka honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws in and retains moisture.

Conclusion

Our skin does need a variety of different phytochemicals, which are the chemicals found in plants. The bioactive phytochemicals produced by the mānuka flower are exceptionally good for our skin. We are lucky enough to have a set of beehives on Great Barrier whose bees pollinate the thick mānuka bush and transfer these properties to our honey. Our honey hydrates our skin, keeps the skin’s natural balance, nourishes and cleanses our skin, thus preventing and fighting acne and other bacterial skin infections.