Newest Beauty Obsession: Manuka Honey

I’m buzzing about honey, and I’m forever thankful to the bees.

For the past few years, coconut oil has held the title of ‘favorite go-to beauty essential,’ even mine. But, a new queen bee has just flown into my daily routine, and she may be taking first place. Honey has always been hanging out on my beauty shelf. I’m never without it. I put it in my hair, in homemade scrubs, and drizzle it on my oatmeal every morning. I recently found myself researching different types of honey and which kind would serve me best. That means editing out all processed versions and focusing on the raw, organic, active kinds that are full of natural goodness. That’s when I stumbled upon Manuka Honey. I mean, am I late to the game or something? This stuff is gold.

If you haven’t met yet, let me introduce you to my newest BFF.

Its name derived from native New Zealand flowers, Manuka honey is considered “active,” which means it possesses extra-concentrated doses of antibacterial properties. Due to Manuka honey’s high and pure enzyme count, it has become THE standard to beat. Sounds great, right? So it only made sense that I next figure out where to get it. That took me to my next discovery: the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) scale, which identifies and measures its antibacterial factor. The higher the number of UMF, (which should be stated on each jar of Manuka honey), the higher the quality. I ordered this jar, which had a high +16 UMF, but have also found jars in most organic grocery stores.

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Benefits. Science class is over — let’s move onto the benefits (I’m using Manuka honey topically, as well as consuming it to gain every one of its miracles).

Beauty:
About 2-3 nights a week, I’ll apply a l tsp layer of honey onto my clean face, keeping it on for as little as 30 minutes, up to a couple of hours.
– Clears pores and blemishes as a result of the honey’s antibacterial properties.
– Soothes inflamed skin.
– Balances pH and clears away dead skin cells due to its high amino acids content.
For me, I have noticed that my dry skin has felt more hydrated. During the winter months, my face is almost peeling off with flakey skin, which causes redness and not much “glow”. Since starting this routine, my skin has remained moisturized and the dry spots are now gone.

Health:
I consume 1 tbsp of Manuka honey each morning. If taking it straight is a little too intense, add it to some herbal tea. Regardless of the method, your body will absorb its goodness, which includes:
– Being packed with minerals and vitamins.
– Aiding in digestion, thanks to its gradual absorption into the bloodstream.
– Fighting off bacteria.
I’ve yet to notice its effects on my daily health, but I know that wellness is happening within. I had a sore throat this week and the honey/tea mixture helped clear things up quicker than usual. The tbsp of golden goodness gives me a great boost of energy, as well.

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This honey has been such a wonderful addition to my natural beauty and health routine. I’m excited to see what other positive benefits I am to gain, and I’m curious to hear thoughts from other honey lovers. Have you tried Manuka honey? In what ways do you use it? How has it benefitted you? Let me know in the comments!

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8 years ago

Wonderful tip, thanks for sharing!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

Zoe
8 years ago

I’m obsessed with honey in all shapes and form, its such an amazing product. I have been using it as a face mask for a few years it’s truly magical stuff!

Zoe
http://www.bohomixology.com

Sarah
8 years ago

I’m going to look for a jar this when I go shopping this weekend. I’ve heard a few things about it before but I’m inspired!

8 years ago

This sounds amazing. I have super sensitive skin so honey sounds perfect for me.

8 years ago

Though you’re thankful to the bees for creating “your” honey, they certainly are not thankful for the human beings sealing their hard life-work. Think about it..
As a matter of fact, I used to be a huge lover of honey myself, until I realized it wasn’t mine to possess at all. My ignorant self thought bees made this beautiful delicious natural product for the use of human beings. Well, I was so wrong to think I appreciated the bees simply for my own egocentric benefit.

I wanted to share this controversial point of view, simply to wake some people up, not to judge or to point fingers at anyone. I do understand where you’re coming from, because I’ve also been there myself and I understand how much time and insight it takes to see the glitches in our current society. I hope no one feels offended, but nearly inspired maybe.

Esta
8 years ago

You need to try the mask with curcuma :)

Coco
7 years ago

1 tbsp a day… at my local grocery 4 oz. of Manuka honey is $35… are you finding this honey somewhere for less than that?

lucawalstab
7 years ago

Like me there are also many people who think that manuka honey is like a normal honey and no one know what manuka honey is ? Manuka honey is an expensive honey because it is a mono-floral honey which is made by bees. These bees only interact with just one species of flower. Manuka honey is not only delicious in taste but it also has many powerful health benefits.

Steven Thomas
6 years ago

Yes, Mnauka honey is very helpful in clearing dead skin cells. Using best Manuka honey helps your skin to keep pores clear and it fight with the harmful bacteria.