Honey Basics

Honey and Herbalism: A Sweet Synergy

Krista Bugden

Published at: May 9, 2024
Updated at: April 1, 2025

8 minutes

Executive Summary:

Honey has been used in herbalism practices since ancient times.
Manuka honey contains various natural compounds that when combined with certain herbs can complement your wellness practices.
Manuka honey contains MGO (Methylglyoxal), a natural compound that can complement herbal preparations.
There are many ways to enjoy herbs and Manuka honey together and enjoy the flavors this combination has to offer.

Honey & Herbalism: Exploring Their Sweet Synergy

Herbalism is well-known for using plants for medicinal purposes. Yet, does honey have a place in herbalism? Do honey and herbs go well together?

With honey's nutrient-rich profile and sweetness and herbs' spicy kick, you'll be surprised to learn that these two combine into a sweet synergy that many love. In this article, we explore the intersection between herbalism and honey—from their ancient history to their inclusion in modern-day wellness routines.

Honey is an ancient sweetener, and honey and plants have been companions in traditional wellness practices across every continent and culture.

The Historical Context of Honey in Herbal Practices

Throughout history, honey and herbalism have played a pivotal part in supporting health and wellness. Herbal remedies were relied on for treatments as modern-day medicine had yet to be invented.

For example, in ancient Greece, honey was combined with other substances for supportive health purposes. In the Indian system of Ayurveda, honey was traditionally used to support digestion, healthy teeth and gums, sleep, and more.

Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Assyrians, and Romans also used this liquid gold to maintain good gut health. Throughout the ages, many cultures recognized honey's natural properties and incorporated it into their traditional wellness practices.

In New Zealand, indigenous Maori further used the Manuka tea tree as a traditional plant, and later, when honey bees were introduced, they utilized the gift of honey. Manuka was traditionally used for supporting oral health, immunity, and digestive health.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey's nutritional profile is distinctive from that of other honey varieties. So, what makes this type of honey so powerful? Here are the natural compounds that make this type of honey famous worldwide.

MGO (Methylglyoxal)

Manuka honey contains a robust antibacterial compound, MGO (methylglyoxal). This is all thanks to the Manuka tea tree, which provides the nectar that the bees use to make Manuka honey. Surprisingly, Manuka honey can contain up to 100 times more MGO than regular honey. Manukora offers premium Manuka honey in three main MGO grades: 600+, 850+, and 1000+, each reflecting the concentration of this natural compound.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutrients that can help support the immune system. In fact, Manuka honey possesses a substantially high level of antioxidants compared to other honey varieties. Leptosperin, derived from the gallic acid in Manuka's nectar, makes up the majority of the antioxidant count in this liquid gold.

Other Key Nutrients

Other key nutrients in Manuka honey include DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and oligosaccharides. These nutrients can further support digestion and overall well-being in various ways.

Nature has provided us with endless combinations - knowing which herbs complement the unique flavor profile of Manuka honey can transform your wellness routine into a sensory journey.

The Art of Honey and Herb Pairing

Like pairing fine wine with food, combining herbs with Manuka honey is both an art and a science. Different herbs bring distinct flavors and properties that may complement Manuka honey in unique ways:

Warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom enhance Manuka's natural sweetness while adding a pleasant heat
Floral herbs such as lavender, chamomile, and rose petals create a delicate balance with honey's richness
Earthy herbs including thyme, rosemary, and sage provide interesting depth and complexity
Citrusy herbs like lemon balm and lemongrass brighten Manuka's flavor with refreshing notes

When creating your own combinations, start with small amounts of herbs and adjust to taste. The goal is to create harmonious blends where neither the honey nor the herbs overpower each other.

Manuka Honey in Modern Herbalism

Manuka honey is a staple ingredient in modern herbalism, and it's no secret why it has become increasingly popular. Honey-based herbal remedies can be made all year round to provide immune support, aid digestive health, and maintain overall wellness.

Plus, Manuka honey is highly versatile, so you can get creative in how you blend it with your herbal remedies and wellness routines. Some even enjoy it right off the spoon or blended with their favorite herbal tea.

We recommend 1-3 heaped teaspoons daily to experience its full flavor and natural benefits. Below, we'll explore more recipes and applications to help you gain the most out of every spoon and every jar.

Seasonal Considerations for Herbal Honey Preparations

Nature operates in cycles, and aligning your honey and herb combinations with the seasons can enhance your wellness practices throughout the year:

Spring: When plants are beginning to bloom, lighter herbs like mint, nettle, and dandelion pair beautifully with Manuka honey to welcome the season of renewal.
Summer: During warmer months, cooling herbs such as hibiscus, lemon balm, and holy basil complement Manuka honey for refreshing combinations.
Autumn: As temperatures drop, warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves make perfect partners for Manuka honey to support seasonal wellness.
Winter: The depth of winter calls for robust herbs such as elderberry, thyme, and star anise to complement your Manuka honey routine.

By following nature's rhythm, you can create seasonal preparations that align with your body's changing needs throughout the year.

Synergistic Recipes and Applications

Here are some great ways to integrate honey into your herbal remedies.

1. Drizzle herbal honey over your breakfast.

By infusing Manuka with fresh medicinal plants, you can make a gorgeous golden herb honey. Add a dollop to a smoothie, spread it on toast, or even add it to other herbal recipes. It can even be a great addition to a zesty ginger smoothie or a savory oatmeal mix.

2. Combine ground herbs with Manuka honey.

Combining ground herbs with Manuka honey can form a flavorful mixture. From here, you can enjoy a herb and honey combination in many different ways. Consider mixing it into milk or water to create a delicious base for pasta or stir-fries (and more!).

3. Scoop some honey and herbal powders into smoothies or meals.

Herbal powders can be a wonderful supplement to a soup or smoothie alongside a spoonful of Manuka honey. The sweetness and goodness of the rich, creamy honey blended with herbs create an unmatched culinary treat.

4. Add a spoon of Manuka into your herbal tea.

Brew a warm herbal tea and add a teaspoon of sweet Manuka honey to it. Mix it up and enjoy this cozy beverage. However, make sure only to add your Manuka honey once your tea has cooled. Adding Manuka honey to hot food or liquid can diminish its natural properties, including its MGO levels.

Remember that honey should never be added to boiling hot tea. Allow your herbal infusion to cool for 30-60 seconds before stirring in your Manuka honey to preserve its natural compounds.

Sustainable Practices and Ethical Considerations

At Manukora, we are committed to the Art of Ethical Beekeeping. As you may already know, the bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and it is our responsibility to keep them happy and buzzing.

Our Manuka honey is delicately harvested (only when the bees have finished doing their hard work!) and 100% raw. We further avoid moving any hives around to avoid any disturbance to the bees' natural habitat and way of life.

In herbalism, choosing ethically sourced honey is just as important as ethically sourcing herbs. As these components make up the essence of herbalism, it's crucial to ensure that the quality is high and the environment is kept top-of-mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey and Herbalism

Can I use any honey with herbs, or is Manuka honey preferable?

While any raw, unfiltered honey can be used with herbs, Manuka honey offers a unique flavor profile and contains natural compounds like MGO that aren't found in the same concentrations in regular honey.

How long can I store herb-infused honey?

Properly prepared herb-infused honey, stored in a clean, airtight container away from direct sunlight, can generally last up to one year. Always check for signs of fermentation or spoilage before use.

Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs with honey?

Both have their place in honey preparations. Dried herbs are typically preferred for long-term infusions as they contain less moisture that could potentially lead to fermentation. Fresh herbs can impart vibrant flavors but are best used for shorter infusion periods.

Should I strain the herbs out of my infused honey?

This depends on your preference. Straining creates a smoother texture but removes some herbal material. Leaving herbs in the honey allows for continued infusion over time but results in a more textured product.

Can children consume herbal honey blends?

Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months of age. For older children, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider about specific herb and honey combinations.

Enhancing Your Herbal Wellness Journey

Using premium Manuka honey with herbal remedies creates a delicious mix and nutrient-rich blend. If you feel the call to incorporate creamy Manuka into your herbal wellness practices, why wait? Enjoying this all-natural supplement in your daily routine is a treat that can be a flavorful addition to your wellness journey.

For the best experience, explore our premium Manuka honey starter kits featuring our MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ grades, each offering unique flavor profiles to complement your favorite herbs.