Manuka honey has a reputation as being something of a superfood - for both your wellbeing and your face. Labelled the "healing honey," it's long been used by Maori people in New Zealand as a remedy for wounds. For what it's worth, it counts the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow (manuka honey is definitely Goop approved) and Novak Djokovic as fans, and can be used in a range of ways - from using it topically on cuts and wounds, adding it to a tea to create a tonic, or as a treatment for spots. It's important to note however that manuka honey has a grading system for its potency, including sterile honey for topical use.
The honey is made by bees from the nectar on the Leptospermum scoparium bush (perhaps better known as the Tea Tree or Manuka bush) and is famously made in New Zealand, and less famously so, in Australia (indeed there has been some argy bargy on who should have "exclusive rights" over the manuka name), and it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Recent studies have found that it can zap superbugs like Golden Staph. It also works against other bacteria, can help balance the digestive system, and has antioxidants for boosting immunity. Research from the dentistry school at the University of Otago in New Zealand says that chewing on a Manuka honey product can help to reduce plaque and aid bleeding gums.
![Manuka honey hits pay dirt.](/web/20170202003152im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/h/z/7/a/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gthz64.png/1485989905096.jpg)
Other uses for it include as a sleep aid when adding a teaspoon of it to a glass of milk (and don't we all know the importance of sleep to our health and wellbeing?).
Manuka honey is a key ingredient in some beauty products, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and active properties. It gets marks for helping to smooth out congestion, repairing damage and hydrating the skin.
While many products have been introduced the market, here are five I recommend you try:
• Manuka is the core ingredient in Kiehl's Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream.
• Comvita Medihoney helps with eczema to relieve itching and scaling. The range combines the star "medihoney" ingredient of Manuka with soothing oat extract, aloe vera, chamomile and plant butters to help soothe skin.
• Watson & Son Manuka honey for their different grades of manuka honey and lozenges.
• Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask For Blemish Prone Skin combines Manuka honey with charcoal and Kaolin clay to draw out impurities from the skin and leave it feeling hydrated.
• Burt's Bees For Lips combines beeswax with coconut and sunflower oils to soothe parched lips.
NB if you are allergic to bees take Manuka honey with caution.