Benefits of Manuka honey for children

Manuka honey is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals and is often referred to as a superfood that offers tremendous health benefits.

However, one of the questions you may be asking is whether Manuka honey is good for children and if little ones can safely consume it?

Manuka honey is considered safe for most children above the age of one year. However, it should not be given to children under the age of one as raw honey, including Manuka honey, contains a bacterium called clostridium botulinum, which can cause infant botulism. As children grow and develop, their immune systems get stronger, and it prevents the bacteria from developing into botulism.

It is always best to consult with your doctor before using or giving any honey or honey products to your children.

Benefits of Manuka honey for children

As a nutritional powerhouse and a strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral, Manuka honey is one of the healthiest alternatives and natural remedies that you can give to children. Plus, it tastes delicious, and children love it. Here are some benefits of Manuka honey for kids:

Strengthens the immune system

Manuka honey’s powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties come from Methylglyoxal (MGO), setting it apart from other honeys. The MGO in Manuka, including the beneficial nutrients and prebiotics it contains, offers vital support and strength to the immune systems of children. A 2020 study demonstrates how Manuka keeps the immune system healthy and discovered that Manuka honey increases the production of cytokines which help white blood cells find and stop infected or damaged tissues.

This is so important as children are prone to colds, coughs and other sicknesses, and a strong immune system can enhance their defence against illnesses.

Soothes cough and sore throat

Besides strengthening the immune system, Manuka honey is effective against cold and cough symptoms. If your kids are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, you can give them a glass of warm water and Manuka honey. In fact, studies show that a spoonful of honey can help children with coughs get better sleep.

Honey acts as a demulcent and forms a mucous membrane that soothes the cough reflex and reduces inflammation.

Good for digestive health

The prebiotic effect of Manuka supports the growth of healthy bacteria, which improves digestive health in kids. The gut healing power of Manuka also reduces inflammation, while the high antioxidants help with tummy troubles, which also enhances the children’s immune system.

Wound healing and other topical applications

Another wonderful benefit of Manuka honey is its wound healing properties thanks to the MGO, which gives the honey its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, Manuka honey draws moisture away from the wound, reducing the healing time while keeping away bacteria and other pathogens that cause infections.

Manuka honey can also be used to treat minor burns and can help regenerate damaged tissue around burns and wounds and speed up healing.

That is why it may be handy to keep medical-grade Manuka honey in your first aid kit to treat cuts, wounds, and minor burns in accident-prone children.