What are the medicinal properties of Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is often described as having “medicinal properties”. At Honey For Life, we treat that wording carefully. We do not frame honey as a treatment. Instead, we focus on what can be measured, independently verified, and clearly labelled so customers understand what they are buying.

Australian Manuka honey is produced from Leptospermum nitens. Its activity is commonly communicated using an MGO rating, a measurable marker that helps distinguish Manuka honey from standard table honey.

What people usually mean by “medicinal” in this context

In everyday language, “medicinal” is often used loosely to describe Manuka honey’s distinctive natural characteristics and its reputation. Honey For Life avoids outcomes based language. We explain what makes Manuka different using measurable markers, traceable origin, and transparent testing.

Key takeaways

• Manuka honey is commonly assessed by its MGO rating, a measurable marker of naturally occurring activity
• Honey For Life Manuka honey is produced from Leptospermum nitens and is independently tested
• Choosing Manuka honey is simpler when you look for clear labelling, origin transparency, and credible testing, rather than vague claims

What is MGO, and why it matters

MGO, short for methylglyoxal, is a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. The MGO rating indicates the level measured in the honey, which is why it is used as a clear, comparable marker when you are choosing between jars.

The most important point is this. MGO is a measurement, not a promise of outcomes. It helps customers compare activity levels and understand what they are paying for.

How Honey For Life approaches testing and transparency

Honey For Life prioritises short, repeatable, evidence led explanations, rather than hype. Where relevant, we reference Codex aligned testing carried out by accredited laboratories, including ChemCentre in Western Australia and Analytica in New Zealand, and we display results where it adds clarity.

This keeps the focus on what is verifiable, origin, label, and measured activity, rather than broad claims.

How to choose Manuka honey

When comparing products, look for:

• Clear MGO labelling, so you can compare like for like
• Botanical source and origin, including region and producer transparency
• Independent testing references, when available
• Straightforward ingredient list, honey only

If a brand is relying on vague promises rather than measurable markers, it is harder to know what you are actually purchasing.

Manuka vs regular honey

All honey is not the same. Standard table honey can be blended, heavily processed, or labelled in ways that do not tell you much about origin. Manuka honey is typically purchased for its distinct profile and because activity is communicated through a clearer marker such as MGO.

Honey For Life’s focus is to keep this simple, explain what is measured, show what is tested, and keep labelling honest.

Straight answers to common questions

Does Manuka honey treat medical conditions?

Honey For Life does not position honey as a treatment. We focus on measurable markers, transparent testing, and clear labelling.

Is a higher MGO rating always better?

Not necessarily, it depends on what you are looking for. Higher ratings indicate higher measured activity, but taste, origin, and your intended use matter too.

What should I avoid when buying Manuka honey?

Avoid vague marketing promises without clear markers, origin detail, or credible testing references.

Choosing with confidence

If you want Manuka honey that is easy to understand, choose a jar with a clear MGO rating, transparent origin, and credible testing references. That is the simplest way to buy with confidence, without relying on vague claims.