If your new year began with a splutter or a cough as opposed to a bang, you are not unusual. A particularly tough winter season has seen myriad respiratory viruses and bugs circulate, with a more severe seasonal flu than usual also dominating. Doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies have been inundated with people seeking something to ease their symptoms.
Hilary Jones is a GP and well-known face from UK television where he has been dispensing medical advice since the 1980s. He points out that while many people are miserable, nursing heavy colds and lingering coughs, “we don’t have to rely on the big guns of pharmaceutical medicines all the time”.
This is because antibiotics are only effective against confirmed bacterial infections. The HSE website urges people to increase their fluids and take plenty of rest, and suggests some common over the counter pharmaceutical remedies such as paracetamol. Antibiotics should be avoided where possible, it says, given they only work against confirmed bacterial infections, come with side effects and the threat of antibiotic resistance continues to grow.
Dr Jones, who works with Manuka Doctor, has spent years recommending honey to his patients as a natural remedy with proven effectiveness against the symptoms of viruses such as colds and flu. “In the UK, both NICE – which is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – and the NHS, actually recommend the use of honey as a first step for coughs and colds,” the GP says. “It’s soothing and it’s pleasant and palatable.”
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Yet not all honey is created equal. Manuka honey, native to New Zealand, is considered the gold standard of honey thanks to its unique – and proven – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. This, says Jones, is thanks to a specific compound that only manuka honey contains, called methylglyoxal, or MGO. While MGO is a naturally occurring compound in all honey, it is found in particularly high levels in manuka honey. And just like Champagne or Parma ham, the name manuka honey can only be used if it is honey that comes from New Zealand and is made from the nectar of honeybees who pollinate the manuka bush.
Knowing where to get authentic manuka honey can be tricky. Many companies claim to be producing it, when in reality it has been diluted with cheaper honey or has compounds added to it to mimic manuka honey.
Manuka Doctor is the largest independent manuka company from New Zealand. Jones says that it follows strict New Zealand government rules: every batch must pass a set of scientific guidelines to show it contains high levels of four naturally occurring compounds in the honey, as well as pass a DNA test to prove it is harvested in New Zealand.
“Every batch is certified that it has been tested to government standards,” Jones says. “And you can trace every jar directly back to the beehive, which is incredible. It’s in short supply so many, many companies have tried to copy it. There’s lots of counterfeit honey that claims to be manuka honey, but it isn’t – you need the real deal.”
But while many may have heard of this particular kind of honey, awareness of its full range of benefits may not be so widespread. It has measurable antimicrobial activity, meaning that while it can sooth coughs and sore throats, it is also working on the underlying infection. This is far preferable to taking medication that may come with side effects, Jones says. “For example, one of the most powerful cough suppressants contains codeine, which can cause constipation,” he explains. “If it’s palatable, it eases the symptoms and it’s not causing side effects, that’s a win-win for everyone.”
In addition, you can put it on the skin as well for burns, ulcers – not just skin ulcers, but mouth ulcers too. It’s also quite good for dry, flaking skin, Jones says.
Unlike normal table honey, manuka honey is much thicker. It’s also darker and less sweet, with an almost woody taste. Jones suggests adding manuka honey to smoothies, hot drinks or porridge, although many people simply take a spoonful of it every day – the antioxidants it contains help fight free radicals, meaning regular use can boost the immune system over time and promote overall health.
As viruses and other bugs continue to circulate, Jones has plenty of solid advice to avoid illness or at least shorten its duration. “If you haven’t had your flu jab already, it’s seriously worth getting because that gives you good protection. Keep away from people who are obviously unwell and if you’re unwell yourself, try to avoid spreading it to other people. Use tissues and dispose of them and open the windows and let some fresh air into your house.” He also suggests keeping a jar of manuka honey to hand.
“Its value is immense because of its unique properties in healing,” Jones says. “I would much rather get people to use a natural remedy rather than a powerful pharmaceutical, if it’s not really needed – especially if it’s something that can be enjoyed as well.”
For 50 per cent off Manuka Doctor honey visit manukadoctor.ie. Irish Times readers can enjoy an extra 25 per cent off too with the code MD25. Bestselling 70 MGO in a large 500g jar is €20.24 with this code
