Frequently Asked Questions - Manuka Honey

1. How long does the Manuka honey last for? When does it expire?

Honey doesn't really 'expire' any time soon. As long as it is stored properly, and not exposed to too much heat, then our actual honey will be good for several years. Some products that are mixed manuka honey and something else may well expire earlier.

2. How much / what dosage of manuka honey do I take?

For internal purposes, it is recommended to take 1-2 teaspoons half an hour before meals. It is down to your circumstances how often you take it. More often for an immediate issue, less often if it is not so severe.

For external purposes, it is best to use a specialist sterilised product (eg the ManukaCare 18+ ) - apply the honey directly to the wound area, and if using a dressing over top (to prevent sticky contact with clothing etc - use as non-absorbent a dressing as possible) add a little to the inside of the dressing before applying. About 10-15% or people report some level of 'stinging' when the honey is first applied on a wound.

3. Can it be given to children?

For all honey, it is generally accepted that it should not be given to children under 1 years old. This as their digestive systems are still developing. Seek advice of your medical professional if you are concerned.

4. I'm diabetic - can I still take Manuka honey?

You should seek advice from your doctor for your case. Honey does contain natural sugars. The manuka honey is still just a natural honey, so depends what your doctor has advised you for your situation with regard to any honey. For external use on wounds, many diabetics can still use it, but this is an area to check with your doctor if you are concerned. The general suggestion is to monitor your blood sugar levels.

5. How do I use the Apinate dressings?

The Apinate dressings with manuka honey come ready to use out of the pack. As each one is 10cm x 10cm in size, you can simply use scissors or a knife to trim it to size needed - make an effort to keep the rest of it as clean as possible to use next. They are not an adhesive dressing, so just use either a standard adhesive dressing or some bandaging over top to hold it in place.

6. Does Manuka Honey help for Cancer?

This is always a sensitive subject. It is important to state that NO, manuka honey will not help fight cancer. There is currently no supporting evidence that it does, and this should be made clear. Where some people appear to have got confused is with some media reports about it being used by cancer patients, for example at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. However these cases are where the honey may help people with some of the effects of having cancer. In the Christie Hospital case they have been using manuka honey to aid the healing of surgery of throat cancer patients. In other cases, if people have a poor digestive system, then any boost to their digestive system will in turn aid their body to help itself, and deal with the effects of their situation better. This is separate from fighting the actual cancer, which there is no current evidence showing manuka honey being useful for.

7. How do you pronounce Manuka?

The emphasis is put on the first syllable - so that you say Ma-nu-ka.

8. What is special about the New Zealand Bees for Manuka honey?

It is not to do with the bees, rather the flowers they visit. Manuka is a native tree / bush to New Zealand. If beehives are put into areas with many Manuka trees at the right time when they are flowering, Manuka honey is produced. The beneficial properties are provided by the flowers, with mother nature giving many variables as to how good any particular plants flowers are, hence the importance of quality controls and testing processed after the bees have done their part.

Got Another Question?

Feel free to contact us (using the 'contact us' page), or take a look in our forums - where you can also add your own questions.

Frequently Asked Questions - Manuka Honey

Convenience, Family Values - love nature's fix

Convenience, Family Values
- love nature's fix