Complete Guide
Manuka honey is one of the most popular natural health products sold in Irish health food stores — but the labelling can be confusing. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.
Manuka honey comes from bees that forage on the Leptospermum scoparium plant — commonly known as manuka or tea tree — which grows in the wild in New Zealand and parts of Australia. The honey produced from this plant has unique antimicrobial properties that set it apart from all other honeys.
All honey has some antimicrobial activity, primarily due to its hydrogen peroxide content, low pH, and osmotic pressure. Manuka honey, however, contains an additional compound — methylglyoxal (MGO) — that is responsible for its exceptional and stable antibacterial activity. Unlike hydrogen peroxide (which breaks down in the presence of wound fluids and body heat), MGO is stable in tissue and remains effective even in challenging environments.
This discovery — that Manuka honey's antibacterial activity persisted even after hydrogen peroxide was removed — was made by Professor Peter Molan at the University of Waikato in New Zealand in the 1980s. He termed the unique activity "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF), creating the basis for the rating systems that now govern the Manuka honey market.
Manuka honey has been extensively researched and is now used medically in licensed wound care products in Europe, the US, and Australia. It is one of very few natural health products with a genuine medical evidence base.
The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating system is managed by the UMF Honey Association of New Zealand — an independent body that licenses producers to use the UMF trademark. UMF rating measures the concentration of three key markers:
The UMF number reflects the relative activity compared to a phenol solution. Here's how UMF grades translate to practical use:
The MGO (methylglyoxal) rating system is used by Manuka Health New Zealand and some other producers as an alternative to UMF. It directly measures the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey.
MGO ratings are simpler to understand at a chemical level — they tell you exactly how much of the key active compound is present. The brands using the MGO system include Manuka Health (MGO Manuka Honey range) and several others.
Both systems measure what matters — the antibacterial potency of Manuka honey — but with different approaches. The key practical differences are:
For consumers buying in Ireland: both UMF-certified and independently verified MGO honeys are reliable. The key is to buy from a quality health food store that has already done the due diligence — verifying supplier integrity and product authenticity — rather than buying the cheapest Manuka you can find on a discount website.
Manuka honey has the strongest evidence base of any natural product for wound care. Medical-grade Manuka honey dressings (such as the Medihoney and Activon brands) are licensed medical devices used in Irish hospitals, nursing homes, and community care settings for wound management.
Research shows Manuka honey is effective for:
For home wound care with food-grade Manuka honey (UMF 15+ or MGO 500+ as a minimum), apply a thin layer directly to a clean wound and cover with a sterile dressing. Change daily or when the dressing is saturated. For serious or infected wounds, medical assessment is essential — Manuka honey is not a substitute for professional wound management in complex cases.
Beyond its direct antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey appears to support immune function through several mechanisms. Research suggests it:
For immune support, a daily teaspoon of UMF 10+ or MGO 263+ Manuka honey is a popular approach in Irish health food culture. It can be taken straight, stirred into warm (not hot) water, or added to herbal teas. Combining with lemon and ginger in warm water is a classic Irish health food store recommendation for cold and flu season.
Manuka honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism (as with all honey). People with diabetes should be aware that all honey, including Manuka, will affect blood glucose.
Emerging research suggests that Manuka honey may have beneficial effects on gut health through several pathways:
For gut health support, UMF 10–15+ taken on an empty stomach (15–20 minutes before meals) is a common naturopathic protocol.
The Manuka honey market has, unfortunately, attracted fraudulent products — honey labelled as Manuka that doesn't meet the claimed standards. The New Zealand government introduced mandatory scientific testing standards for exported Manuka honey in 2018, which significantly improved the situation, but vigilance remains important.
Genuine, quality-verified Manuka honey is best purchased through reputable Irish independent health food stores. These stores have already done the due diligence on their suppliers, stocking brands with verifiable credentials rather than whatever is cheapest on the market.
The Honey Pot in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, stocks a carefully selected range of Manuka honeys from quality producers, chosen by qualified naturopath Pat Coffey. Their online store at thehoneypotonline.ie makes nationwide delivery available.
"When patients ask me about Manuka honey, I always tell them the same thing: buy a quality-certified product from a store you trust, use the right grade for your purpose, and don't expect miracles from a low-grade jar."
Pat Coffey, Naturopath, The Honey Pot Health Food Store
14 Abbey Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 X859
Shop Manuka Honey at The Honey Pot →Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Manuka honey is a food supplement, not a licensed medicine (with the exception of specific medical-grade wound dressings). For serious wound care or health conditions, always seek medical advice. Do not give honey to infants under 12 months.