Australian Raw Honey for Health & Beauty

Manuka Explained

Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees that have foraged on the flowers of Leptospermum trees, native to Australia and New Zealand. It is widely researched and prized for its medicinal properties.

There are several rating systems that help you to choose a top-quality, bioactive Manuka honey. Here are some of the more commonly used activity indicators:

Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA): This activity indicator was discovered by Dr. Peter Molan in 1981. It measures the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey that is not due to hydrogen peroxide.

Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®): This trademarked rating system was introduced in 1998 by a small New Zealand bee industry group to protect the unique antibacterial activity (NPA) found in some Manuka honeys. UMF® is based on NPA activity and represents quality standards, a grading system, and a rating system for Manuka honey originating in New Zealand

Methylglyoxal (MGO): Recent research has shown that Methylglyoxal (MGO) is one of the major components attributed to the unique activity in Manuka honey. This chemical marker is now used as the key indicator of activity strength in Manuka honey.

The UMF number on the label represents the amount of MGO in the bottle. That number can range from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+. The higher the UMF rating, the more antibacterial activity Manuka honey has — and the more potent it is.

I hope this helps!

MGO vs UMF

Manuka honey is known for its exceptional antibacterial properties, making it highly sought after in the world of natural remedies. This honey contains a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which is responsible for its potent antibacterial activity.

Testing

The most common method used for MGO testing is the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique. HPLC allows for precise quantification of MGO in manuka honey samples. It is a highly reliable and widely accepted testing method within the industry.

1 3

FAQs

What Exactly is Manuka Honey?

  • Manuka honey is a type of monofloral honey
    produced by bees that forage on the Leptospermum plant, native to
    Australia and New Zealand. It contains high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO),
    a naturally occurring compound responsible for its unique antibacterial,
    anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties    .

  • Australia has over 80 species of Leptospermum,
    many of which produce honey with high MGO content; in some cases, equal to or
    exceeding that of New Zealand Manuka.

What is MGO and how is it measured?

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal — the powerful, naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its antibacterial strength. Unlike regular honey, which relies on hydrogen peroxide for its activity, MGO remains stable and effective, even inside the body or when exposed to heat.

The MGO rating tells you how much Methylglyoxal is present in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The higher the number, the more potent the honey’s healing power.

  • 100MGO: Gentle and nourishing — perfect for daily wellness, immune support, and general use.
  • 250MGO: A step up in strength — helps with sore throats, mild digestive issues, and seasonal colds.
  • 500MGO: High potency — great for skin care, wound support, and stronger immune needs.
  • 750MGO Pure, wild strength — used for advanced healing, infections, and serious wellness rituals.

Each batch of authentic Manuka honey is independently tested to verify its MGO content — so what you see on the label is exactly what nature put in the jar.

What makes Manuka honey special compared to regular honey?

  • While all raw honey has natural antibacterial properties due
    to its hydrogen peroxide content, Manuka honey has a non-peroxide activity
    (NPA)     that persists even when peroxide is broken down — thanks to MGO.

This means:

  • It remains effective in the body (e.g., digestive tract)
  • It can be applied topically to wounds, burns, or skin infections
  • It’s more stable under heat and light



What are the scientifically supported benefits of Manuka honey?

Internally:

  • Boosts immune system function
  • Helps reduce sore throats and coughs
  • Soothes acid reflux and gastric ulcers
  • Supports gut flora and digestion

Externally:

  • Promotes wound healing (even chronic wounds)
  • Fights bacterial skin infections like staph and acne
  • Helps with burn recovery
  • Can be used on eczema-prone skin

Multiple clinical studies confirm its effectiveness against MRSA,
Staphylococcus aureus, and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Is Australian Manuka honey as good as New Zealand Manuka honey?

Yes — and in some cases, scientifically superior.

  • Australia’s diverse Leptospermum species allow for year-round flowering,
    producing a broader harvest window.
  • Australian Manuka honey has been found to match or exceed NZ Manuka in MGO potency.
  • Testing standards are similar, although
    New Zealand also uses the UMF® grading system (Unique Manuka Factor),
    while Australia generally focuses on MGO and NPA.



Why does Manuka honey cost more than regular honey?

  • Key reasons include Limited geographic availability of Leptospermum nectar
  • Strict harvesting and testing protocols
  • High therapeutic value, making it both a food and a natural medicine
  • Small batch, artisan production methods
  • The higher the MGO content, the higher the price,
    due to its rarity and potency.

Do you ship honey internationally?

Currently, we do ship internationally! Due to customs regulations regarding food products, shipping honey across borders can be limited. Please check the available regions at the bottom of our page.


Please note: Not available in Western Australia.