Like many other Brits, Harriet Morphy-Morris grapples with daily allergy and hay fever irritations, experiencing symptoms such as a congested nose, throbbing headaches, and swollen, itchy eyes. To alleviate these discomforts, she decided to test the Manuka Honey theory.

Manuka honey is often praised as a potential remedy for allergies and hay fever due to its possible symptom-relieving properties. While it’s not a miracle cure, this natural remedy is full of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds thought to help those affected. But does it really provide relief?

Intrigued by the growing enthusiasm, Harriet decided to try it for herself. Initially skeptical, she consumed a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey each morning for 11 days, saying: “I must admit, I was surprised by the benefits I experienced.”

ITV GP Dr. Hilary Jones endorses this brand of Manuka Honey for its healing properties. He stated: “Manuka honey contains unique ingredients such as methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. This value reflects Manuka honey’s health benefits. The higher the MGO content, the more beneficial it is for us and the higher the price,” as reported by the Mirror.

For others who want to try it, Manuka Honey is currently offering up to 65% off in its ongoing summer wellness sale. Harriet tested three different honey strengths: a standard multifloral with 70 MGO, a premium 540 MGO variety, and a 1000 MGO Max Strength option. Currently, the 70 MGO honey is on sale, reduced from £39 to £10.92.

For those in search of maximum strength and a greater chance of easing symptoms, the higher 740 MGO Manuka honey is now available for just £38.08, down from its usual price of £136. Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements priced at £6.30 for 30 capsules during the sale.

Harriet added: “While I haven’t personally given these a go, they could serve as an alternative for those who aren’t keen on honey but still want to enjoy its benefits.”

Hailing from New Zealand, Manuka Doctor’s bee hives undergo laboratory testing to ensure they meet standards and are certified for use from hive to home. The brand reportedly has the backing of experts, including health professionals and doctors.

A crucial part of this is MGO, or methylglyoxal. Without delving too deep into scientific jargon, this molecule plays a key role in aiding the body’s natural healing process and regulating its immune response.

Of course, it’s not the only brand on the market. Holland and Barrett offer 70 MGO honey for £14.99, while LookFantastic sells a ‘Manuka Honey Blend’ with 30+ MGO for £9.50.

How to use Manuka Honey

Impressed with the results, Harriet described four ways in which she incorporated the Manuka honey into her diet. She said: “Every morning, I took a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey. This ensured consistency and that I was consuming the same strength each day.

“However, I did include additional doses with my meals. My next favourite way of incorporating it into my daily routine was at breakfast, either drizzled over a bowl of yoghurt or blended into a smoothie. This proved an easy method to mask the taste, perfect for those who aren’t particularly keen on it.”

Finding the honey flavour was easy to work with, Harriet added: “It was also a breeze to incorporate into my lunch and dinner. I simply added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings three or four times.”

“For those who enjoy cooking, it could also be used in a meat marinade. One of my favourite dishes was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes,” she suggested.

How long did it take to feel hay fever relief?

Harriet explained: “At the time of writing this, I’ve been consuming Manuka honey for 11 consecutive days, consistently taking a spoonful of honey each morning (sometimes neat, other times mixed into my breakfast or morning brew).

“By the eighth day, I could confidently say that I’d felt some alleviation in my hayfever symptoms, my itchy eyes had lessened, and I was sneezing less frequently. The most noticeable improvement, which I began to feel on the third day, was with my throat.

“Hay fever has always given me a sore throat, but testing out the manuka honey has certainly helped. As well as the high MGO contents, I believe this is likely due to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds – like hot honey and lemon tea.”

Does Manuka Honey provide sufficient relief for hay fever symptoms?

Harriet held an optimistic perspective on this matter, explaining: “After 11 days, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my symptoms. Mainly, the absence of a blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly disappeared.”

However, she cautioned that it failed to address the skin-related symptoms she encounters with hay fever – including eye swelling and rashes. She added: “I also noticed that the taste of stronger MGO honey is quite different from the overly sweet supermarket honey I’m used to – it took some getting used to.”

She concluded: “I do agree, however, that Manuka honey shouldn’t be seen as a cure-all, but rather something to try in order to alleviate symptoms. Moving forward, I plan to take an antihistamine daily for assistance – like Allevia, which can be bought on Amazon for £7.59 (although please consult your GP first to discuss best treatment plan).”

Discover more about Manuka Doctor here.