How much Manuka honey per day for a sore throat?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 review in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, honey can be more effective than standard treatments for upper respiratory tract infections. When using Manuka honey for a sore throat, the recommended daily amount varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the honey's MGO (methylglyoxal) rating.

Quick Summary

The ideal dosage of Manuka honey for a sore throat typically involves taking 1-2 teaspoons, 2-3 times daily, with higher MGO-rated honey offering more potent antibacterial effects. Proper application, like slowly dissolving it in your mouth or mixing it with warm water, enhances its soothing properties.

Key Points

Dosage Guideline: For adults, aim for 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey, 2-3 times daily, for active sore throat symptoms.
Increase Frequency for Severity: For severe symptoms or nighttime coughing, taking smaller, regular doses throughout the day and a larger dose before bed is effective.
Choose a Potent Grade: For therapeutic use, select a Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or higher, or an MGO rating of 250+ or higher.
Maximize Contact with Throat: The most effective method is to take the honey straight from the spoon and let it slowly dissolve to coat the throat.
Avoid High Temperatures: Do not add Manuka honey to boiling water, as high heat can destroy the beneficial antibacterial compounds.
Not for Infants: Due to the risk of botulism, never give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Diabetics should be cautious with honey intake due to its high sugar content and should consult a doctor.
Enhanced with Lemon: Mixing Manuka honey with warm water and lemon juice is a classic combination that enhances its soothing and mucus-cutting effects.

Manuka honey is renowned for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can offer significant relief for sore throats. Unlike regular honey, Manuka contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), the compound responsible for its unique healing abilities. Choosing the right strength and using it correctly are key to maximizing its benefits.

Recommended Daily Dosage for a Sore Throat

While there is no strict, universal dosage, experts and producers recommend a general guideline for adults when experiencing a sore throat or cold symptoms. The amount you take can be adjusted based on symptom severity and the honey's potency.

For mild to moderate symptoms: Start with 1-2 teaspoons, two to three times per day. You can take it straight off the spoon and let it slowly coat your throat, or stir it into a warm (not hot) beverage.
For more severe or persistent symptoms: Increase the frequency to 3-5 times a day, particularly before bed, to soothe nighttime coughing and discomfort. A slightly larger dose of 1-2 teaspoons before sleep is often suggested for lasting relief.
For immune support: A single teaspoon once daily is sufficient for general wellness during cold and flu season.

The Importance of MGO and UMF Ratings

The effectiveness of Manuka honey is largely tied to its MGO content, which is measured by rating systems like MGO and UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). Higher ratings indicate more potent antibacterial activity and thus, potentially greater therapeutic benefits for a sore throat.

Lower Strength (e.g., MGO 100+): Good for daily wellness and general maintenance, but may be less effective for active infections.
Mid-Strength (e.g., UMF 10+, MGO 250+): Recommended as a minimum for treating throat ailments. Offers a noticeable antibacterial boost.
High Strength (e.g., UMF 15+, MGO 500+): Highly potent and suitable for more targeted, acute issues like a severe sore throat.
Very High Strength (e.g., UMF 20+, MGO 850+): Ideal for persistent or severe conditions and to maximize antibacterial effects.

Best Ways to Take Manuka Honey for a Sore Throat

The method of consumption is crucial for ensuring the honey's properties work effectively on your throat.

Straight from the spoon: Take a teaspoon and let it melt slowly on your tongue, allowing it to coat your throat as it goes down. This direct application maximizes contact with the affected area. For best results, avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes afterward.
Mixed with warm water and lemon: A classic remedy, mixing 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey with warm (not boiling) water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is incredibly soothing. The warmth provides comfort, the lemon helps cut mucus, and the honey offers its antibacterial action.
Gargle solution: For direct targeting of throat bacteria, stir one teaspoon of Manuka honey into warm water and use it as a gargle. Allow the solution to stay in your throat for a few seconds before spitting it out.
With herbal tea: Add a spoonful of Manuka honey to your favorite herbal tea, such as ginger or chamomile, once it has cooled slightly. High heat can damage the beneficial compounds in the honey.

Manuka vs. Regular Honey for Sore Throat Relief

While any honey can provide a soothing coating for the throat, Manuka honey's composition gives it a distinct advantage in fighting infection. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Manuka Honey	Regular Honey
Antibacterial Potency	High, due to concentrated MGO	Mild, due to hydrogen peroxide
Anti-inflammatory Effects	High, with more potent phenolic compounds	Moderate
Standardized Rating	MGO and UMF ratings indicate potency	No standardized medicinal rating system
Effect on Bacteria	Proven effective against harmful bacteria like Streptococcus	Less potent, general antibacterial action
Primary Use for Sickness	Targeted relief for sore throats and infections	General soothing and symptom relief

Important Precautions

While Manuka honey is a safe and natural remedy for most adults and children over one year old, there are some important considerations. Due to the risk of infant botulism, honey should never be given to babies under 12 months. Individuals with diabetes should also monitor their blood sugar levels, as honey is a form of sugar. As with any health concern, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially for persistent or severe symptoms.

Conclusion

For treating a sore throat, a practical dosage of Manuka honey is typically 1-2 teaspoons, consumed 2-3 times daily, with an emphasis on higher MGO or UMF ratings for more potent effects. Taking the honey directly off a spoon or mixing it into a warm, non-boiling drink ensures that its soothing and antibacterial properties are most effective. By understanding the potency of Manuka and applying it correctly, you can leverage this natural remedy to find significant relief for your throat discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

For active symptoms, it is recommended to take 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey 2-3 times per day. For more severe symptoms, taking smaller doses more frequently, and a larger one before bed, can help provide continuous relief.

For targeted relief of a sore throat, a higher strength honey is more effective. Look for a UMF rating of 10+ or higher, or an MGO rating of at least 250+. For severe infections, an MGO of 500+ is often recommended.

Yes, Manuka honey is superior to regular honey for treating a sore throat. Its high concentration of the compound methylglyoxal (MGO) gives it stronger antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties compared to the mild effects of regular honey.

The most effective method is to eat it straight off the spoon, letting it slowly coat your throat. You can also mix it into warm (not boiling) water with lemon or add it to herbal tea. Avoid hot temperatures, which can damage its beneficial compounds.

Manuka honey is safe for children over 1 year of age. However, honey should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism. For children's dosage, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

While there is no strict upper limit, Manuka honey is high in natural sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by those with sensitivities or diabetes. Sticking to the recommended daily dosage is advised to avoid excess sugar intake.

Manuka honey helps soothe a sore throat in several ways: its antibacterial properties combat infections like Streptococcus, its anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and pain, and its thick texture coats the throat, calming irritation and the urge to cough.

Yes, Manuka honey lozenges are a convenient option, especially when on the go. They can provide a sustained, soothing effect for the throat, similar to consuming the honey directly.

While Manuka honey's antibacterial properties won't kill a virus, its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects can still provide comfort by reducing pain and calming the irritated throat lining. Its antioxidant content also supports the immune system.