Sore throats can be a real pain, disrupting your day and leaving you feeling miserable. This common issue affects both young and old alike, with one in three children experiencing at least one episode every year. Whether triggered by infections, allergens, or other factors, finding relief is key.
Enter Manuka honey—a natural powerhouse known for its remarkable healing properties. Studies have shown that Manuka honey soothes the throat by targeting harmful pathogens that cause inflammation and discomfort.
Let’s explore how this natural solution can soothe your throat and boost your recovery.
What Are Sore Throats?
A sore throat, or pharyngitis, results from inflammation of the mucous membranes in the oropharynx (middle part of the throat, behind the mouth), causing discomfort and pain. It's predominantly triggered by viral infections—such as rhinovirus, influenza, and coronavirus—which account for 50% to 80% of cases.
Bacterial infections like Group A streptococcus and environmental factors, including allergens and pollutants, also contribute to throat irritation. Symptoms typically manifest as pain, a scratchy sensation, difficulty swallowing, and swelling in the throat.
What Makes Manuka Honey Great for Sore Throats?
Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Manuka bush in New Zealand, is distinguished from other types of honey by its unique components that are particularly effective in treating symptoms such as sore throats. These components include:
1. Methylglyoxal (MGO)
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honey and correlates to its potent antimicrobial properties.
For bacteria that may cause sore throats, MGO plays a part in breaking down biofilms—the protective layers formed by bacteria like Streptococcus—thereby inhibiting bacterial growth.
For sore-throat-causing viruses, MGO disrupts their replication processes, effectively reducing their ability to multiply.
2. Phenolic compounds
Manuka honey's high level of phenolic compounds contributes to its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds, including flavonoids like quercetin and phenolic acids like caffeic acid, are crucial in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress associated with sore throats.
By stabilizing harmful free radicals and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, phenolic compounds in Manuka honey help soothe inflamed throat tissues and support the body’s immune response to infection.
Together, these factors make Manuka honey a great option for not only alleviating the symptoms of sore throats but also addressing underlying infections.
What Causes Sore Throats + Manuka Honey’s Therapeutic Role
Sore throats can result from various causes, including viral infections like influenza, bacterial infections such as strep throat, and allergic reactions. Manuka honey is recognized for its potent therapeutic effects, which may relieve these sore-throat-causing conditions.
Viral infections
Sore throats are often caused by viral infections such as influenza and RSV. These viruses trigger inflammation in the throat and nasal passages, while persistent coughing further irritates the throat.
1. Influenza
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that Manuka honey exhibits strong inhibitory effects against the influenza virus. “Manuka honey efficiently inhibited influenza virus replication (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1.2 mg/mL; CC50 = 82.3 ± 2.2 mg/mL; selective index = 22.9), which is related to its virucidal effects.”
In another 2016 study, researchers concluded that Manuka honey is effective against Influenza A and B viruses. The study found that MGO exhibited potent inhibitory activity even against strains resistant to standard antiviral drugs, suggesting that Manuka honey could serve as a complementary treatment strategy.
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) often leads to sore throats, especially in vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
A notable study demonstrated that Manuka honey significantly reduces RSV replication. This was evidenced by significantly lower viral levels in honey-treated cells compared to untreated ones. In the study, quantitative PCR demonstrated substantial decreases in the mRNA copy numbers for key viral genes, indicating effective viral suppression at the transcriptional level.
Bacterial Infections
Strep throat is a bacterial infection, caused by the biofilm-forming bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to intense soreness and discomfort as primary symptoms.
In a study, Manuka honey effectively targeted S. pyogenes, successfully causing bacterial cell death and disrupting biofilm structure. Furthermore, Manuka honey's ability to prevent S. pyogenes from binding to fibronectin—a crucial human tissue protein— thereby reducing its ability to cause infection.
How to Use Manuka Honey for Sore Throats
Here’s how you can use Manuka honey effectively to alleviate throat discomfort:
1. Direct consumption
Take a teaspoon of Manuka honey and let it dissolve slowly in your mouth before swallowing to coat your throat, and maximize the honey's soothing and antimicrobial effects. Repeat this process two to three times a day, particularly before bedtime to ensure relief during sleep.
2. Honey in tea
Add a tablespoon of Manuka honey to a cup of warm (not hot) herbal tea, such as chamomile or ginger. The warmth of the tea helps dissolve the honey evenly, creating a soothing mixture that eases throat pain and reduces inflammation.
3. Honey gargle
Create a gargle solution by mixing two tablespoons of Manuka honey and a pinch of salt in warm water. Gargle with this mixture for 30 seconds to help reduce swelling and cleanse the throat of bacteria.
Safety considerations
Manuka honey (nor any other type of honey) should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the very remote but serious health risk of infant botulism. Additionally, individuals with allergies to bees or pollen should consult a healthcare provider before using Manuka honey.
Conclusion
When it comes to soothing sore throats, nature provides a powerful solution in Manuka honey. Backed by science and anecdotal evidence, its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties offer effective and natural relief. Whether you’re battling a viral infection, strep throat, or seasonal irritants, Manuka honey helps ease the discomfort while promoting healing.
At Bees & Trees, we set ourselves apart by meticulously processing Manuka honey in small batches at our own facilities in New Zealand for a true hive-to-jar experience. We independently test each Manuka honey batch for MGO levels to guarantee authenticity and potency. Additionally, we certify our honey to ensure the highest quality and purity standards. Bees & Trees offers three potent Manuka honey options that can help with sore throat relief: Manuka Honey Mid-Activity 350+ MGO/kg, Manuka Honey High-Activity 550+ MGO/kg and the Founder's Reserve 830+ MGO/kg. Try Bees & Trees Manuka honey today.
References:
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The global burden of sore throat and group A Streptococcus pharyngitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9124702/
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Pharyngitis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519550/#
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Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6613335/
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In vitro evaluation of the antiviral activity of methylglyoxal against influenza B virus infection https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27558282/
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Antibacterial phenolic components of New Zealand manuka honey - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814698001009
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Phenolic Compounds in Honey and Their Associated Health Benefits: A Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6225430/#sec8-molecules-23-02322title
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Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24880005/
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In vitro evaluation of the antiviral activity of methylglyoxal against influenza B virus infection https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27558282/
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Honey as an antiviral agent against respiratory syncytial virus https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/items/650128dd-5075-4b6e-b6ec-b63b093ee68c
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Manuka honey inhibits the development of Streptococcus pyogenes biofilms and causes reduced expression of two fibronectin binding proteins. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22294681
