How Manuka honey benefits women's health

Manuka honey is nature’s gift to womankind. Rich, creamy, and full of beneficial properties, Manuka offers multiple health benefits to women across different stages of their lives.

Wound healing and postpartum recovery

Many women experience perineal tears (tearing of the vaginal tissue and surrounding skin) or episiotomies (a surgical cut made in the area between the vagina and anus) during childbirth, which can lead to other complications and may be responsible for postpartum pain.

For the wound to heal quickly and reduce any infection, several studies have investigated Manuka honey to promote wound healing due to its powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative properties. Researchers found that medical-grade Manuka honey (MGMH) improved perineal wound healing and pain management following delivery.

In fact, a recent trial at Southend Hospital in the UK found that six months after childbirth, perineal wounds healed better and had less chance of reopening after using MGMH.

Reproductive and vaginal health

Manuka honey contains a range of bioactive compounds, including enzymes, natural acids, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and unique flavonoids and phytoestrogens. Its high sugar content, natural acidity, and ability to generate hydrogen peroxide give Manuka honey its strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which may help protect both uterine and vaginal health.

Its natural properties also help protect against yeast infections, especially Candida albicans, which is the main cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Manuka can also relieve symptoms of vaginitis and VVC safely and effectively.

Laboratory studies have found that Manuka honey, at low concentrations, triggers an estrogen-like effect, stimulating cell growth, which may help to restore vaginal and uterine tissue, particularly after menopause. It can be helpful for vaginal dryness, as well as for the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal wall. However, in higher concentrations, Manuka can be harmful and may inhibit cell growth.

Menopause support

While the research on Manuka honey in menopause is still emerging, broader studies provide insights that Manuka may support menopausal health.

Animal studies show that honey can help prevent vaginal atrophy (when vaginal walls become thin, dry, and less elastic) and can be an alternative for hormone replacement therapy without significant side effects.

Manuka’s properties make it a natural brain booster. Research shows that honey can improve short-term memory and reduce oxidative stress in postmenopausal women. It may also offer protection against neurodegeneration and can help lower stress hormone levels associated with menopause. These benefits are largely because of honey’s antioxidants and natural compounds that act as estrogen (called phytoestrogens). Together, they help improve mood and restore emotional balance and resilience during menopause.

Breast cancer prevention and treatment

Recently, UCLA researchers found that Manuka honey can potentially be a natural option for breast cancer prevention and treatment, particularly for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. The preclinical study in animal models showed that Manuka could slow the growth of breast cancer cells and reduce tumour size without harming healthy tissue. Researchers believe that Manuka’s ability to block estrogen receptors may interfere with cancer cell growth. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of Manuka for breast cancer.

Embrace Manuka honey for your health

Manuka honey’s powerful healing properties provide many other benefits for women’s health, including better gut health, supporting digestion, and improving skin conditions such as acne, dry skin and inflammation.

Manuka can be taken daily by adding 1–2 teaspoons to warm water, tea, or yogurt, or applied topically as a natural skin treatment. For therapeutic use, always choose premium, medical-grade Manuka honey that is UMF- or MGO-certified, as this ensures its purity and potency.

You can find a range of premium Manuka honey products to support your health at our online store.