JC COMMUNITY: What is the difference between manuka honey and other honeys?
GM: At Activist, Manuka honey is wild -harvested in Aotearoa , New Zealand, by bees that pollinate the native Manuka bush for a short period between spring and summer . Our honey is a rare natural resource that contains significantly higher levels of enzymes and antibacterial properties than other types of honey. It is truly one of Mother Nature’s special gifts to New Zealanders.
JC COMMUNITY: What is methylglyoxal?
GM: MGO, when displayed on the label, is a unit of measurement that identifies and quantifies the antibacterial compound , methylglyoxal. Measuring MGO is simple, accurate, and transparent. The number accompanying the MGO refers to the minimum amount of methylglyoxal present in each kilogram of Manuka Honey. The higher the number, the more methylglyoxal is present and the more effective the honey.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring organic compound . It is formed as a result of a naturally occurring chemical reaction (over time) when dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is present. DHA is a compound found in the nectar of the manuka tree (Leptospermum Scoparium), the nectar source for the bees that produce manuka honey. Methylglyoxal can bind to proteins and enzymes within bacterial cells , causing damage to their structure and function. The antibacterial properties of methylglyoxal contribute to the overall healing properties of manuka honey.
JC COMMUNITY: My 14-year-old daughter has acne. Is manuka honey good for her? How do I apply it?
GM: Yes, definitely! Our Manuka Honey Mask would be ideal for your 14-year-old daughter's sensitive , acne -prone skin. Because it's a single (and miraculous) ingredient, you don't have to worry about the side effects that many anti-acne products on the market have. Manuka honey is safe for her and younger skin!
Manuka honey has been used medicinally throughout history, and one of its most common and ongoing therapeutic uses has been as a wound dressing . This is due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The same benefits apply when treating acne, as manuka honey naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi by reducing their development on the skin's surface. The benefits don't end there; it's also:
- Antibacterial
- Gentle Exfoliant
- Soothes the Skin
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
- Provides Natural Hydration
- Retains Moisture
- Contains natural hydrogen peroxide
- Contains omega 3 DHA acid
- Low pH (acidity)
As a mask , spread a thin layer of manuka honey on your daughter's clean, damp skin. Leave on for 20-30 minutes . Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Use as a daily facial cleanser by applying a small amount to damp skin. Massage in circular motions before rinsing with warm water. Use as a spot treatment. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.
JC COMMUNITY: Is it worth investing in 1000 mg Manuka honey, or is 850 mg sufficient? What is 1000 mg Manuka honey recommended for?
GM: Our Activist brand 1000+MGO is unique! It's hand -produced in small batches, making it a limited edition . It's our highest potency medicinal monofloral Manuka honey variety. It's also SINGLE ORIGIN, meaning our honey comes from a single location and set of hives. It's not blended and is made up of honey from different locations in New Zealand. This is one of the many factors that sets Activist apart from other honeys on the market.
Use Activist 1000+MGO manuka honey carefully and sparingly for internal and topical needs, such as for extra immune support, digestive issues, skin irritations, rashes, wounds, eczema, and acne that won't heal. Always keep a jar on your vanity and in your medicine cabinet .
JC Community: I have gingivitis, is there a recipe using manuka honey to make a mouthwash?
GM: For someone looking to keep their teeth and gums healthy , manuka honey is the antidote . Because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it can remove plaque and improve and prevent problems related to cavities and gingivitis . It’s great when used as a mouthwash or oil pulling to remove toxins , especially for someone suffering from periodontal disease. It can be easily applied with your finger to the gums and teeth. It’s non-toxic so you can swallow it with your saliva.
Mouthwash recipe :
- Mix 1 part manuka honey with 2 parts warm water in a glass.
- The water should be lukewarm (never boiling as this would destroy the properties of the manuka honey).
- Take a sip and rinse for 30-60 seconds.
JC COMMUNITY: Is it effective for colds? How can I take it?
GM: Manuka honey has been shown to be effective against antibiotic- resistant microbes , furthering its healing powers against both internal and external pathogens . When you’re sick, it soothes sore throats , helps calm coughs , and improves symptoms of the common cold . At home, we take a spoonful of 850+MGO raw manuka honey morning and evening for daily immune support or when someone in the family has a sore throat .
JC COMMUNITY: Is it kid-friendly? I have three children (3, 6, and 7 years old), how do I give it to them and what kind?
GM: Yes! Activist Manuka Honey is made for the little ones in the house! In fact, it's one of the simplest ways to help keep your child healthy and happy. Activist Manuka Honey is a delicacy , a superfood with incredibly high nutritional power. This rich source of vitamins and minerals is an excellent way to give your children essential daily nutrients for immune support and healthy well-being.
JC COMMUNITY: Is it better to take it on an empty stomach?
GM: Manuka honey can be taken on an empty stomach or with food . For a morning immune boost, I like to drink a glass of warm water with half a lemon squeezed into it and a teaspoon of Activist Manuka Honey MGO+850. If you have digestive issues, taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey 20-30 minutes before meals can be really beneficial. It’s wonderful to take it 30 minutes before exercise , on toast or in granola . Before bed, I like to mix a teaspoon into an herbal tea , such as chamomile.
JC COMMUNITY: I've heard it's good for the stomach and Helicobacter pylori, is that true?
GM: Manuka honey is wonderful for supporting the natural digestive microbiome . Because low stomach acid can come from bacterial overgrowth, manuka honey is a great way to flush out those pathogens and keep digestion functioning properly. This is because it contains oligosaccharides , which have a prebiotic effect in the gut and promote the proliferation of good flora . Plus, the high antioxidant content has been shown to be effective in treating gastric and peptic ulcers , inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, dyspepsia, GERD, staph infections, food poisoning, and more. We eat it by the spoonful every day!
JC COMMUNITY: What does it taste like?
GM: It's delicious. It's a lot. less floral and less sweet than other honeys and has more of a flavor earthy , rich, with notes of flowers dry and herbs . It is restorer and immediately medicinal . Each of our varieties has its own flavor profile, color and aroma. By maintaining the Honey in raw Each batch may experience slight variations variations compared to the previous one, but we celebrate these differences that Mother Nature gives us each season.
JC COMMUNITY: Does Manuka honey expire? I'm confused about this.
GM: No! Manuka honey actually improves and becomes more potent over time (higher MGO number). Raw manuka honey can last for always and we put it on purpose jars specials so that it can age properly for years. However, we must put a expiration date on all our products to comply with European Union and US regulations. In the EU, our honey has a two-year expiration date, and in the US, it has a five-year expiration date.