Have you tried manuka honey?
I first heard about it early last winter when I had diverticulitis. Some people believe that honey that comes from bees that pollinate the local manuka bush has healing powers in treating wounds and other infections. Honey including the regular honey that most of us use has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Manuka honey contains more of an antibacterial component, methylglyoxal (MG), that’s present only in small quantities in regular honey. The MG is derived from the conversion of dihydroxyacetone, a compound that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MG, the higher the antibiotic effect. In fact, honey producers have devised a rating scale, UMF – Unique Manuka Factor – to reflect the potency of manuka honey. Not all honey that contains manuka honey contains enough to be considered therapeutic.
Manuka Honey for Eating!
Several weeks ago, I received two jars of manuka honey from Pacific Resources International to try: one is rated 5+ and the other is 10+. They also make manuka honey that is rated 15+ and 20+. According to what I learned on WebMD, manuka honey must be rated 10+ to be considered therapeutic although it may be that 5+ manuka honey is also considered therapeutic by some sources. Regardless, I am enjoying eating both of the honeys that I received. From a health standpoint, I can’t really tell the difference.
Both have a different flavor from the mostly orange blossom honey or honey from a variety of flowers from the U.S. that I’m used to. Although it is still sweet, it has a deeper scent and flavor. Also, it is cloudy and somewhat crystalline rather than smooth and clear. Yet it is just as delicious as the American honey I’m used to.
Some have suggested that manuka honey may have beneficial health effects for those with gastrointestinal problems, and that’s what got my attention. Fortunately, my diverticulitis has resolved after I took two courses of antibiotics, and even my IBS seems better. But I am happy to eat manuka honey in case it does help my GI system stay healthy. Plus it tastes great.
Skincare Products Made with Manuka Honey
Just last week, I received another package from Pacific Resources International. This time, it contains skincare products made with manuka honey: hand cream and soap.
I am so excited about the hand creams that I couldn’t wait to tell you about them.
There are three scents:
- Simply Manuka
- Manuka Cool Citrus
- Manuka Tropical Coconut Lime.
Simply Manuka is unscented and the other two have very, very mild scents so if you’re not a scent lover, you’d be fine with any of these.
What I love most is the consistency of these hand creams! They feel rich but they immediately absorb into the skin and leave nothing behind – no greasiness whatsoever. Yet they are so hydrating even for someone with very dry skin like me. The formula with botanical oils from Bamboo and Lotus Extract are combined with the healing power of manuka honey, and it’s an amazing combo!
They come in small, flat plastic tubes that are perfect to throw in your purse or even carry in your back pocket. Plus they’re TSA-approved for travel. $3.99 each.
I’ve mentioned previously that I’m a fan of bar soaps. So I was happy to receive two different soaps:
- Propolis Soap with Manuka Honey and Tea Tree Oil
- Manuka Honey and New Zealand Sea Salt Soap.
Although I’ve heard about propolis, I wasn’t sure what it was so I looked it up. Here’s the definition: “a red or brown resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree buds, used by them to fill crevices and to seal and varnish honeycombs”. Like manuka honey, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Both soaps are natural and suitable for all skin types and, I believe, they’re both handcrafted. Like the hand creams, they’re made in New Zealand. They lather beautifully but rinse clean and are not drying. I use them in the shower and on my face especially after I’ve been working in the garden. They smell slightly sweet but very clean. I love them both. Propolis Soap is $6.99 and Manuka Honey Soap with New Zealand Sea Salt is $8.09.
I’m so glad I discovered these terrific manuka honey products from Pacific Resources International. I checked out their website, and they sell other products from New Zealand such as sea salt, food products, toothpaste, wound and burn dressing, and manuka honey candy. Also, for Amazon shoppers, I discovered PRI products there as well. Do check them out!
Ohh, these sound so good, Allison! I love anything with propolis in them, face masks included and this is such an interesting read. I also love the low prices! This is one of the many reasons why I love reading your blog, Allison, I discovered so many new websites and brands through you.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel, Yay or Nay?
Thank you so much, Shireen, you’re too kind. I had heard of propolis before but I wasn’t exactly sure what it did. And yes, I was surprised how affordable the skincare products are. Those hand creams are definite keepers for me!
The BEST hand creams work like a charm and absorb immediately. These sound wonderful!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Surprise! These Products Can All Be Found at the Grocery Store!
I was blown away by this hand cream formula!
I am a hand cream addict. I’m sure I would love the citrus one.
Carleen recently posted…Getting Ready For Summer!
Although the scent is restrained you can still smell the citrus, but the formula itself is spectacular!
I definitely need to try this stuff. I have IBS.
I don’t know if it has made a difference but my IBS has been much better since I got it. And I’ve been eating the 5+. Hopefully, the 10+ will be even more helpful! I think it’s worth trying. A friend said she used it to heal a lip blister and it worked well.
Lovely review, Allison! I have some of their products that I need to test out and photograph! I am a HUGE fan of Manuka Honey!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Nordstrom Sales, Specials and Deals for Dads, Grads and You!
I’m glad that you’re going to try them too. Hope you’re got the hand cream!
These products sound very interesting to me. I’m intrigued about the benefits of the honey as I’ve heard that it helps with many different health issues.
Stacie Hamilton recently posted…5 Ways to Treat Hyperpigmentation
I had been reading about manuka honey in January and was planning to buy some to try. Fortunately, these two jars landed on my desk not long afterwards. A friend was just telling me that she used manuka honey to heal a lip blister. I think it’s worth trying.
After years i finally seem to have my INS under control but I am happy to know this honey helps! The hand creams sound amazing!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Prime and Glow with Hard Candy!
INS?? (typo?) But at any rate, I’m happy that you do. The hand cream is a definite winner. Wish that it was sold in stores!
The hand creams sound great. I’d love to try those myself.
I’m glad that your gastro troubles are under control, it seemed like it took forever.
MarciaF recently posted…Forget duck face – try the Beauty Junkees Contour Kit instead
They are absolutely perfect for this time of year. They feel so good, have no or very little scent and they disappear completely into my skin. Wish they sold them in stores! I’m gonna check Amazon
Very interesting about the honey! I’m sure the hand creams are amazinggg!
Julie recently posted…Luminess Air Mystic Airbrush Foundation
Yes, I had read about the benefits of the manuka honey so I was so happy to get to try it. I wish the hand cream was sold in stores because it is something I know I would repurchase!
My dry hands can benefit from the hand cream!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…The Many Skin Benefits of Beauty Oils
I’m sure as a nurse you’re always washing your hands!
I like honey and I like products with honey! Those handcreams sound like something I have to try!
Leelo recently posted…Gold Professional Haircare products help your hair last all day!
I know you’d love them!
The hand creme sounds perfect.
Phyrra recently posted…Too Faced Sweet Peach vs. Silk Naturals Plenty of Peaches Palette
Love these because of the ingredients and they absorb so completely!
Those hand creams sound amazing! I go through hand creams like water!
Babi recently posted…My First Products from MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE!
These are good ones, and so portable!
I’ve used products that include manuka honey, but never the actual honey. It’s so interesting how something as simple as honey can be so beneficial.
Bailey recently posted…Keep Your Colour Fresh with Arbonne Pure Vibrance Hair Care
The actual manuka honey does taste different from the everyday honey that I’m used to, but honey where the bees get pollen from single plants like buckwheat and others definitely have different tastes too. Regular honey does have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, but there must be something about the manuka shrub that is more potent. Quite amazing really
I love your honey review from the edible to the soap/lotions! I am living with Crohn’s Disease and very interested in trying useful and proven natural and organic food supplements for my health!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Thank you, Ursula. Are you on meds for Crohn’s now? I know that is such a difficult condition. I’m sorry that you have to deal with it. I have read a variety of reports about manuka honey: some say that there are positive results for GI issues and some say the results are unequivocal. At any rate, it’s delicious
These sound really interesting! I have a coworker with diverticulitis and I’ll mention this to her.
The hand creams sound really nice! I’ll have to check them out
Lisa Heath recently posted…Le Polish & Poetry Cowgirl Nail Polish Hello Summer Duo
I don’t know that manuka honey can cure diverticulitis – only antibiotics can do that, but I think it does help with IBS. But it can’t hurt. And it tastes delicious 🙂
I’m using a Manuka honey soap from a different brand, but I want to actually taste this honey. Sounds delicious!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Twisty Rods for Beachy Hair
I adore Manuka Honey! Good stuff!
Ooh, I do love manuka honey in my beauty products but I never actually tasted it before 🙂
Anastasia recently posted…Play! by Sephora May 2016 – Finally Off the Waitlist!
Very informative post. I loved your products. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, Cara! I see you’re very knowledgeable about Manuka honey. I need to read your post. I’m a huge fan of the hand cream especially.