Natural health experts have praised the health benefits of honey for decades, but did you know that not all honey is created equal? Enter: manuka honey. This special type of honey is celebrated for its medicinal benefits, so much so that beauty companies are starting to incorporate it into their products.

But just what makes manuka honey so special? Read on as we briefly explain how to use manuka honey and also round up a few of our favorite products.

What is manuka honey?

Manuka honey is made exclusively in New Zealand by bees that forage from the manuka plant. The nectar of manuka flowers contains a compound known as dihydroxyacetone, which gives the honey antibacterial properties that can far outpace those found in regular honey.

Fun fact: the manuka plant is the same plant that produces tea tree oil. So when you use manuka honey, you're basically combining the effects of tea tree oil and honey into one powerful product!

Manuka Honey Benefits

Manuka honey can be used both internally and topically to treat a wide range of conditions. While more clinical studies are needed to prove manuka honey's effectiveness in many areas, alternative health experts typically advocate the following uses:

• Soothing and protecting minor wounds and burns
• Treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and other types of inflammation
• Relieving gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and acid reflux
• Soothing a sore throat
• Protecting against colds and relieving sinus infections
• Relieving morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy

Furthermore, clinical trials have suggested that manuka honey may be able to protect against and fight as many as 250 bacterial strains, including some that are resistant to traditional oral antibiotics.

How to Use Manuka Honey

Ready to start incorporating manuka honey into your wellness routine? We've rounded up a few products and suggested uses to help get you started:

1. Treat wounds, or take by the spoonful for overall wellness

Raw manuka honey is great for applying directly to cuts and burns. It can also boost overall wellness if taken orally; 1 teaspoon taken 2–3 times a day is generally recommended.

Pictured: 100% Raw Manuka Honey KFactor 12 ($25.99)

2. Heal damaged hair

Online fans of this conditioner claim it helps to protect and heal their hair from damage. Many also laud its ability to detangle their strands and imbue hair with a healthy shine.

Pictured: L'anza Healing Strength Manuka Honey Conditioner ($16.99)

3. Hydrate and protect skin

In addition to helping calm redness and breakouts, manuka honey is said to be an excellent moisturizer for skin. The hydrating mask in the photo incorporates the magic honey, plus packs a quadruple punch with its active ingredients; however, its high potency may irritate very sensitive skin.

Pictured: Hydrating Face Mask with Witch Hazel, Rosehip Oil, Manuka Honey & Collagen ($5.95)

4. Ward off the common cold

Try manuka honey pops if you or your child feel a cold coming on. In addition to the virus-fighting powers of manuka honey, the pops also often contain 100% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C for kids.

Pictured: Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Pops ($15.99)

5. Strengthen your locks

Healing manuka honey, like other moisturizers such as organic shea butter and mafura oil, can deeply hydrate and strengthen hair, and reduce frizz.

Pictured: Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque by Shea Moisture ($13.40)

6. Deep-clean facial skin

This mask does double duty as a foaming cleanser, tackling oily skin and clogged pores with ease. Its combination of clay, tea tree oil, and manuka honey deep-cleans skin without drying it out.

Pictured: Ideal Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask ($11.95)