Manuka honey has world-renowned anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is also effective in the treatment of chronic wounds and some diseases. Scientific research conducted in Poland answered the question of how these properties compare to our honeys (e.g. goldenrod honey was tested). Be warned: there will be a big surprise!
Medicinal properties of manuka honey
Manuka is the name of a varietal honey made from the nectar of evergreen manuka shrubs ( Leptospermum scoparium ). They grow in New Zealand, most abundantly on the dry eastern coasts of the North Island and the South Island. They can also be found in southeastern Australia.
These are areas where it is difficult for other plant species to establish themselves. To survive in unfavorable conditions, the plant has developed special biochemical features. It is believed that thanks to this, honey made from manuka nectar has special healing properties, the most important of which is its antibiotic effect.
Manuka - antibiotic effect
Manuka honey is very effective in the treatment of chronic and infected wounds and burns. It reduces inflammation and protects postoperative wounds against bacterial strains resistant to many antibiotics. Active compounds contained in honey also stimulate the growth of cells that have been damaged by infection. It is therefore not surprising that manuka honey has been introduced in many countries as a medical product used in professional wound care.
Goldenrod honey and manuka
In 2014, the results of comparative research were published to determine the antibiotic activity of New Zealand manuka honey, considered the world standard for varietal honeys, and Polish honey. The research results are presented in the table below:
| Honey variety | number of tries | Average antibiotic activity (JA/g honey) |
| goldenrod | 19 | 31.8 |
| buckwheat | 48 | 30.0 |
| nectar-honeydew | 35 | 20.3 |
| linden | 48 | 24.4 |
| honeydew | 37 | 23.5 |
| heather | thirty | 23.4 |
| rapeseed | 11 | 18.0 |
| multi-flowered | 116 | 16.5 |
| acacia | 20 | 11.0 |
| manuka | 77 | 18.6 |
Based on the research of prof. Ph.D. Bogdan Kędzia and Elżbieta Hołderna-Kędzia, a conclusion can be drawn:
The antibiotic activity of goldenrod honey is much higher than that of New Zealand manuka honey.
Goldenrod honey - Polish manuka honey
Goldenrod honey is made from the nectar of common goldenrod, which blooms at the turn of August and September until late autumn, thanks to which bees can survive the winter. Common goldenrod is a plant that has taken over the eastern areas of Poland, it grows wild mainly in the Lublin region and Roztocze. It has had antibiotic properties known for centuries, for which honey obtained from its nectar is also valued. The above-mentioned research results show that they are much higher than the world-famous manuka honey. In addition, goldenrod honey has a wide range of medicinal properties, the most important of which are: supporting the fight against inflammation of the urinary tract, healing erosions and ulcers in the stomach, strengthening blood vessels and lowering blood pressure, and helping in the treatment of inhalant allergies.
Remember:
- Goldenrod honey is characterized by high biological activity, so it should be stored at a lower temperature than other types of honey,
- Honey will retain its natural flavor only if it is tightly closed.
