Does Manuka Honey Help Singers Maintain Vocal Health?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization and the CDC, honey is a recommended remedy for soothing sore throats and coughs for adults. For singers, the powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey offer an elevated approach to vocal health, addressing common challenges like irritation and vocal strain.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey is often used by singers to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and aid in vocal recovery due to its potent antibacterial properties. It helps coat and lubricate the throat, providing relief from irritation, and supports overall vocal health, making it a popular choice for vocalists before and after performances.

Key Points

Antibacterial Properties: Manuka honey contains high levels of MGO (methylglyoxal) which gives it superior antibacterial and antimicrobial power over regular honey.
Soothing and Lubricating: The thick consistency of manuka honey coats and lubricates the throat, providing immediate relief from irritation and dryness.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It helps to reduce inflammation in the throat, which is beneficial for singers dealing with vocal strain or laryngitis.
Proactive Vocal Care: Professional singers use manuka honey not just when they are sick, but also as a preventative measure to support overall vocal longevity.
Immune System Support: Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, manuka honey boosts the immune system, helping to prevent the infections that can cause vocal problems.
Indirect Vocal Cord Benefit: Honey does not directly touch the vocal cords, but by soothing and healing the surrounding throat tissue, it supports a healthier environment for the cords to function.
Versatile Use: It can be taken straight from a spoon, mixed into a warm tea with lemon, or consumed in lozenge form for convenient vocal support.

Why Manuka Honey is a Popular Choice for Singers

For centuries, honey has been a go-to folk remedy for treating sore throats and colds, but manuka honey, in particular, offers a more potent and targeted solution for vocalists. Sourced from the manuka tree in New Zealand, this honey contains a high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its powerful antimicrobial effects. Unlike standard honey, this makes manuka honey exceptionally effective at fighting bacterial infections that can plague a singer's throat.

The Science Behind Manuka's Vocal Benefits

While it’s a common misconception that honey directly touches the vocal cords, which are protected within the larynx, its benefits are focused on the surrounding throat tissue. As a singer consumes manuka honey, its thick, viscous texture coats the pharynx and other parts of the throat, providing a soothing layer of lubrication. This protective coating helps reduce irritation and inflammation caused by overuse or infection. By reducing inflammation, manuka honey helps create a more optimal environment for the vocal cords to function smoothly.

Furthermore, manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties can help singers proactively combat the bacteria that cause throat infections, which can lead to laryngitis. A vocalist's schedule often involves late nights, air conditioning, and high-stress situations, all of which can compromise immune function. Regular, moderate consumption of high-grade manuka honey can act as a natural, preventative defense, keeping the throat and immune system in peak condition.

How Singers Use Manuka Honey

Warm Tonic: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of manuka honey into a glass of warm (not hot) water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This creates a soothing, hydrating, and antiseptic drink that can be sipped before or after a performance.
Straight from the Spoon: Many vocalists take a teaspoon of raw manuka honey directly from the jar for an immediate, concentrated dose of its soothing and healing properties. This method provides a direct coating to the throat.
Tea Infusion: Add manuka honey to herbal teas like ginger or chamomile. Ginger offers anti-inflammatory benefits, while chamomile has calming properties, creating a powerful anti-inflammatory and relaxing vocal remedy.
Honey Lozenges: For on-the-go relief, manuka honey lozenges provide a convenient way to soothe an irritated throat. Look for natural lozenges without excessive sugar or menthol, which can dry out or numb the throat.

Manuka Honey vs. Regular Honey for Vocal Health


Feature	Manuka Honey (Higher Grades)	Regular Honey (e.g., Clover, Wildflower)
Key Active Compound	High levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Primarily Hydrogen Peroxide
Antibacterial Potency	Up to 100 times stronger than other honeys	Possesses general antimicrobial properties
Anti-Inflammatory	Strong anti-inflammatory properties	Offers general anti-inflammatory effects
Source	Nectar from the Manuka bush in New Zealand	Nectar from various flowers and plants
Cost	Significantly more expensive due to rarity and potency	Widely available and affordable
Best For	Targeting specific bacterial infections, high vocal demand	Everyday soothing, general cough relief

For a serious vocalist who depends on their voice for their livelihood, the higher antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potency of medical-grade manuka honey can offer a more reliable and robust level of support, justifying the higher cost.

Beyond the Sore Throat: Preventative Vocal Care

Experienced singers don't wait for vocal problems to arise before taking action. They incorporate vocal health remedies into their daily routine. Manuka honey can be a part of this preventative strategy, not just a reactive one. The antioxidants help protect the body and vocal tissues from damage, while its general immune-boosting properties help ward off common colds and upper respiratory infections. Using a high-grade manuka honey proactively can help maintain a singer's voice longevity and overall well-being. It is a tool for sustained vocal performance, not just a quick fix.

Conclusion

For a singer, the voice is a delicate instrument requiring consistent care and protection. Does manuka honey help singers? Yes, it does, but not as a magical cure-all. Its unique and powerful properties make it a superior choice for soothing throat irritation, reducing inflammation, and fighting off potential infections that could derail a performance. While it won't directly touch the vocal cords, its effect on the surrounding throat and immune system is invaluable. Combined with proper vocal rest, hydration, and technique, manuka honey serves as a potent natural ally for any vocalist serious about their craft and long-term vocal health. For the best results, look for certified manuka honey with a UMF or MGO rating to ensure quality and potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of poisoning.

A common practice for singers is to take a teaspoon of manuka honey mixed with warm water or herbal tea before and after a performance or vocal strain. For preventative measures, one to two tablespoons per day is often sufficient.

Manuka honey does not directly improve your singing voice, but it supports vocal health by soothing the throat and fighting infection. By reducing irritation and inflammation, it helps create the best possible conditions for your voice to perform.

Mixing it with a warm drink, like water or herbal tea with lemon, is a popular method. Taking a spoonful of raw, high-grade manuka honey directly is also effective for targeting the throat.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the natural compound responsible for manuka honey's powerful antibacterial activity. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is another grading system that independently verifies the honey's quality and potency. Higher ratings indicate higher potency.

Yes, manuka honey is often preferred by singers because its high MGO content gives it superior antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, offering more potent support for vocal health than regular honey.

Using manuka honey both before and after singing is beneficial. Before a performance, it can soothe and lubricate the throat. Afterwards, it can help reduce inflammation and aid in recovery from vocal strain.