Executive Summary:
- Allergies happen when the body is hypersensitive to an allergen—like pollen. It results in inflammation, which causes typical allergy symptoms.
- Manuka honey contains rare nutrients—like MGO, antioxidants, and prebiotics—that support the body’s natural immune response and a healthy gut (microbiome), which may be beneficial in the allergy season.
- Manuka honey cannot cure allergies, but its beneficial nutrients can support your overall health.
- To experience the goodness of genuine Manuka honey, choose a Manuka honey brand—like Manukora—that is traceable and guarantees quality and purity.
Can Manuka Honey Help With Allergies? The Science Behind Its Benefits
When stopping to smell the roses leaves you sneezing all day, it’s a sure sign allergy season has arrived. With growing awareness around health and wellness, more people are turning to natural remedies for relief. Could Manuka honey be one of them?
Old wives’ tales, remedies, and discussions in wellness communities raise honey as a potential aid for allergy sufferers, but is there any evidence? What does science say? In this article, we explore the beneficial nutrients in Manuka honey and how they may support overall wellness during allergy season, as well as clarify what Manuka honey can and can’t do.
What Are Allergies?
The body is naturally designed to respond to harmful substances it encounters. However, the body sometimes reacts to a harmless substance—like pollen (an allergen). This causes an immune response called an allergic reaction. In most cases, the tendency to develop an allergy is genetic, but it can also be triggered by specific environments or allergens.
Allergy symptoms are by nature disruptive and uncomfortable—they can cause a lack of sleep, impact your level of alertness, and make you feel downright miserable.
Common allergy symptoms include:
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Difficulty breathing or coughing
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Watery, itchy eyes
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Sneezing
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Congestion
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A runny nose
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Eczema (itchy skin)
As the scientific understanding of allergies develops, one thing is clear—inflammation plays a major role in allergic reactions. Inflammation is when the body’s immune response to the allergen causes cells and tissues to swell, which causes the symptoms listed above.
However, it’s theorized that antioxidants—natural compounds that promote cellular health and reduce the damage caused by stress in cells—may help support the body’s natural inflammatory response.
The Natural Properties of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey—prized for its impressive nutrient profile—has garnered international attention. This honey is produced from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. The nutrients that make this honey unique compared to other varieties include:
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MGO (Methylglyoxal) is abundant in Manuka honey. It has antibacterial properties that help support the body’s natural immune response and overall wellness.
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Antioxidants—like leptosperin and methyl syringate—help support the body’s cellular health and immune function.
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Prebiotics—in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides—help maintain the body’s microbiome (the bacteria in the gut). Prebiotics promote the absorption of nutrients and offer support to the immune system.
Can Manuka Honey Support Wellness During Allergy Season?
Manuka honey's nutrients make it the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle. Yet, can it support your health during the dreaded allergy season? While Manuka honey isn’t a cure or treatment, you can use it in a few ways during this allergy season.
Manuka honey has a thick, creamy texture that coats the throat, offering a natural soothing effect during discomfort. Simply place a teaspoon of Manuka honey on your tongue and let it slowly dissolve as you swallow gently.
Manuka honey also supports the natural immune response in two ways, including:
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Specific nutrients—the MGO and antioxidants—empower a healthy immune response by supporting cellular health.
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The prebiotics present in Manuka honey promote a healthy microbiome (gut health). According to scientific studies, gut health is linked to the body’s natural immune response and susceptibility to developing allergies.
While Manuka honey is often praised for its health benefits, there are a few common misconceptions—especially when it comes to allergies.
Unlike local raw honey, Manuka honey isn’t produced based on local pollen exposure and, therefore, doesn't work the same way in terms of allergy desensitization. It contains only trace amounts of pollen, specifically from the Manuka tea tree found in New Zealand.
Additionally, Manuka honey is not a cure for allergies. While it offers general wellness support and may help balance the immune system, it doesn’t eliminate allergic responses. It’s also important to understand that Manuka honey is considered a food, not a medical treatment. Though it can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, it should not be used as a replacement for allergy medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Manukora’s Commitment to Quality and Purity
At Manukora, we believe that to truly experience the benefits and goodness of Manuka honey, you need a product you can trace and trust. That’s why every step of our process—from hive to jar—is guided by our commitment to purity, sustainability, and transparency.
We honor traditional beekeeping methods that prioritize the health of our bees and the integrity of our honey. Our hives are carefully placed in remote, untouched regions of New Zealand, far from pesticides and environmental contaminants. We disturb the bees as little as possible and always leave plenty of honey behind so they can thrive. After all, healthy, happy bees create the most nutrient-dense honey.
Our Manuka honey is sustainably sourced from pristine Manuka tea tree forests, ensuring that each jar contains pure nectar from the Manuka blossoms—and nothing else. This level of care and attention guarantees authenticity and the highest quality possible.
With our unique QR traceability system, you can scan your jar and discover its full story—from the exact location it was harvested to its nutrient profile. We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. No secrets. Just Honey With Superpowers™.
Naturally rich in MGO (methylglyoxal), antioxidants, and prebiotics, Manuka honey supports the body’s immune response, the body’s natural inflammatory response, and a healthy, balanced gut.
Whether you’re navigating allergy season or simply aiming to feel your best, Manuka honey offers a natural, flavorful boost to your daily routine. With its unique nutrient profile and time-honored purity, it’s no wonder this golden liquid continues to earn its place in the world of wellness. The best way to evaluate the taste and natural properties of Manukora’s Manuka honey is to try it yourself. Manukora’s Superhoney starter kits provide the perfect beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Manuka honey help relieve allergy symptoms?
Manuka honey is not a treatment for allergies, but it contains nutrients that support the natural immune function and microbiome.
Is Manuka honey better than regular honey for allergies?
Manuka honey has unique compounds (like MGO and antioxidants), but it does not act as a local pollen-based allergy remedy.
How should I consume Manuka honey for overall wellness?
At Manukora, our favorite way is to enjoy Manuka honey by the heaping teaspoon first thing in the morning. We suggest another one to two heaping teaspoons if you feel you would like additional support throughout your day.
Can I take Manuka honey with allergy medication?
Yes, Manuka honey can generally be enjoyed alongside allergy medication. As a natural food, it’s not a drug or treatment. However, many people choose to include it as part of a balanced lifestyle to support their overall health—especially during allergy season. That said, we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or specific conditions.
Sources:
Inflammation and allergic disease: An irrefutable combination - PMC
Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Allergies in Children: A Literature Review - PMC
