New Zealand is known for the world famous Manuka Honey, but what is Kanuka Honey?
Kanuka Honey is a cousin of Manuka, and is derived from the nectar of flowering Kanuka trees, which can grow as tall as 30 meters and have small flowers which usually grow in clusters. Manuka are smaller trees that can grow as tall as 10 meters and have larger flowers which grow all over.
Manuka Honey has a medium level of sweetness with delicate floral notes, earthy/ nutty tones and a subtle bitter aftertaste. Kanuka Honey has a light consistency and tastes sweet with light butterscotch notes and a delicate floral finish. Both can be eaten or used topically to aid in your wellness routines.
Read on below to discover 4 unique health benefits of Kanuka Honey as discovered by independent studies.
1. Kanuka Honey: The Secret Ingredient That Treats Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects five to ten per cent of adults. It manifests as red rashes on the face, on the cheeks, and around the nose. Although not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to some people.
Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat the condition, however they can lead to long-term gut problems and antibiotic resistance. In contrast, Kanuka has shown to be a promising treatment for rosacea.
In a randomised controlled trial of 138 adults with rosacea, researchers found that 34% of participants experienced a marked reduction in their symptoms after using Kanuka honey as a face mask.
Further observed is that these participants continued to improve over time, with no reported side effects when they used Kanuka Honey as a face mask.
2. Kanuka Honey For Acne Breakouts
It's no secret that Manuka honey is a powerful acne treatment. But what about Kanuka honey? Research suggests that Kanuka honey is an effective alternative to Mānuka, and can be even more powerful at inhibiting P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne.
Kanuka honey seems to be just as powerful at inhibiting P. acnes as high-grade Manuka honey with MGO levels up to 829+.
Because Kanuka Honey is naturally moisturising, it leaves the skin smoother and more hydrated—making it easier to avoid future breakouts than bleach-based acne treatments, which can cause dryness.
3. Kanuka Honey May Be Effective At Treating Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis, also known as AK, is a skin lesion that appears as rough, scaly plaques. It is usually caused by chronic, cumulative sun exposure and is most frequent in elderly patients.
The treatment for AK usually involves surgical removal or immunomodulatory agents.
However, topical application of Kanuka honey has been shown to effectively treat symptoms of AK. In a study on the effectiveness of Kanuka against actinic keratoses, researchers noted that “within three months of the treatment, their patient’s AK symptoms went into remission and their skin returned to normal within nine months." However, they note that there should be a blinded, randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of honey against premalignant lesions before widespread use can be recommended.
4. Kanuka as a topical treatment
Nearly all research into the medical value of Kanuka honey show its effectivity against skin conditions. Additionally, this honey is effective against burns and other skin disorders.
Kanuka Honey is a tantalizing supplement for your skincare regimen. Though more research needs to be undertaken, Kanuka is a promising remedy for a wide variety of skin conditions and ailments. We recommend you consult your doctor before using Kanuka or any honey for your dermatological and antibacterial needs.