The Benefits Of Manucca Honey, Which One Bottle Costs Millions Of Rupiah

Manuka honey illustration (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Recently, social media has been shocked by the benefits of manuka honey. Honey, which comes from New Zealand, has long been a favorite and popular. Manuka is said to have many benefits for the health of the body.

The perceived benefits include antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Many use it to cure wounds, relieve coughs, treat ulcer wounds, help digestion, and maintain oral health.

VOI reported from the HuffPost page on Friday, November 15, 2024, the view of high-quality manuka honey measuring 8.8 ounces was sold for around 75 US dollars or Rp. 1.1 million in the Costco application.

Honey is usually only suitable to be mixed with tea, while manuka honey can be used for facial masks, applied to wounds, applied to acne, to treat the throat.

According to registered nutritionist Barbara Ruhs, who also works as a consultant to a manuka honey trading organization in Auckland, New Zealand, manuka honey can only be produced through interactions between certain bee colonies and native trees.

Unlike other honey, manuka is produced from leptospermum scoparium tree, also known as tea tree. This tree only grows in New Zealand," he explained.

Dana Ellis Hunnes, senior clinical dietist at UCLA Health and assistant professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, added that the main difference in manuka honey lies in the origin of its pollen.

"This mix is unique because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties originating from reactive organic compounds, called metylglioxal (MGO), found in the human body and also in this honey. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effect," he said.

For those who want to dive deeper, some recent studies show that manuka honey can help overcome digestive disorders caused by H. pylori, magazine-causing bacteria, and staphylococcus aureus. This can lead to food poisoning. Manuka honey has anti-cancer properties, although its effects on humans in the amount usually consumed still need further research.

Dermatologist Dr. Tara Akunna said research on the benefits of manuka honey for health continues to develop, especially in terms of antibacterial properties and wound healing. Manuka honey has grown to popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The demand for antibacterial properties and immune support from honey has increased rapidly," said Ruhs.

Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist, said manuka honey is also the main choice in skin care.

"Everyone is now more likely to seek safe, natural, and clean skin care, and manuka honey is the right choice because it is effective and safe," said Dr. Rachel.

Apart from skin care, manuka honey can also be consumed. Ruhs said that in various countries, this honey is often consumed for health benefits.

In China, many people consume one tablespoon of manuka honey every day for digestive health. In Germany, people often consume it three times a day when they feel sore throats to avoid disease, "said Ruhs.

"Madu manuka has a slightly different taste than ordinary honey, there is a slight taste of menthol or a smell like pine trees," Hunnes said.

In addition, this honey should not be heated because it can damage the nutritional content that is useful. Although there are many benefits, there are several things that need to be considered.

Dr Nazarian suggested not to use manuka honey together with topical products that contain a living culture or probiotics. In addition, for those of you who have a honey allergy, you should consult a doctor before consuming it.

In addition, it is also important to pay attention to sugar problems. Therefore, you are advised to control the consumption portion.

"Madu manuka remains a disappointing sugar, which can be a problem for those with diabetes or insulin resistance." Hunnes said.