Understanding the Best Honey for a Sinus Infection

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects millions of people annually, often leading them to seek natural relief. This guide explores why Manuka honey is widely regarded as the best honey for a sinus infection and explains how to use it safely to combat symptoms.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey, rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), offers potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it an effective remedy for sinusitis symptoms. Learn the proper methods for using this honey, including nasal irrigation and oral consumption.

Key Points

Manuka Honey is Preferred: It contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) giving it potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Disrupts Biofilms: The MGO in Manuka honey can break down the protective bacterial biofilms common in chronic sinus infections.
Use Nasal Irrigation: A Manuka honey saline rinse is an effective way to deliver its healing properties directly to the infected sinuses.
Check Authenticity: Always look for a high UMF or MGO rating on Manuka honey products to ensure potency and authenticity.
Never Use Hot Water: Heat can destroy the beneficial compounds in honey, so always mix with warm or lukewarm liquid.
Consult a Doctor: Honey is a complementary therapy and should not replace medical advice, especially for severe or persistent infections.

What Makes Manuka Honey the Top Choice for Sinusitis?

While all types of honey possess some level of antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey stands out due to its high concentration of a key compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). This compound provides Manuka honey with superior antibacterial and anti-biofilm capabilities that are particularly relevant for tackling sinus infections, also known as sinusitis. The bacteria that cause chronic sinus issues often form protective films, or biofilms, and Manuka honey has been shown to be effective at disrupting them, which many standard antibiotics struggle to do. This powerful action, combined with its natural anti-inflammatory effects, helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and combat the underlying infection.

The Science Behind Manuka's Power

Methylglyoxal (MGO): The presence of MGO is the primary reason for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial activity. MGO is naturally converted from another compound in the nectar of the Manuka flower. The higher the MGO or Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, the stronger the antibacterial effect.
Anti-Biofilm Activity: Studies have shown Manuka honey can break down the bacterial biofilms that make infections resistant to treatment. This is a crucial benefit for chronic or persistent sinus infections.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Manuka honey help soothe irritated nasal and sinus passages, which can relieve the pressure and pain associated with sinusitis.

How to Choose and Use Manuka Honey for Sinus Infections

Choosing the right product is essential to getting the full benefits. As honey is a common food fraud item, looking for specific certifications ensures you're buying authentic, potent Manuka honey.

Selecting the Right Manuka Honey

Look for UMF or MGO Ratings: Authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand or Australia will have a UMF or MGO rating. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a globally recognized grading system. A higher rating indicates a greater concentration of MGO and higher potency. For therapeutic uses like sinus infections, a higher grade is often recommended.
Check the Source: Ensure the product is from a reputable company and is certified by the New Zealand government.

Methods for Using Honey for Sinus Relief

1. Nasal Irrigation (Sinus Rinse) A honey-infused saline rinse can deliver Manuka's antibacterial properties directly to the infected area. This is a common method for targeting chronic rhinosinusitis.

Recipe for a Manuka Honey Sinus Rinse:

Mix 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey (preferably UMF 15+ or higher) into 8 ounces of warm, sterilized water (distilled or boiled and cooled).
Add a pinch of iodine-free salt and a pinch of baking soda.
Use a sterile neti pot, sinus rinse bottle, or syringe to irrigate your nasal passages twice daily.
Caution: Never use raw tap water for nasal irrigation. Ensure all equipment is sterile.

2. Oral Consumption Taking Manuka honey orally can provide systemic anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.

Method: Consume a teaspoon of high-grade Manuka honey daily, or mix it with warm (not hot) herbal tea to soothe a sore throat and coat the nasal passages from the back.

3. In-store Nasal Spray Some companies offer pre-made nasal sprays containing medical-grade Manuka honey, providing an easier application method for some users.

Manuka vs. Other Types of Honey


Feature	Manuka Honey	Raw Honey	Regular (Pasteurized) Honey
Antibacterial Strength	High, proven against resilient bacteria like S. aureus.	Moderate, with natural antibacterial properties.	Low to negligible, heat processing reduces beneficial compounds.
Anti-biofilm Effects	Clinically shown to disrupt bacterial biofilms.	Minimal or unproven effect on biofilms.	No effect on biofilms.
Anti-inflammatory Effects	Strong due to unique chemical makeup.	Present, but less potent than Manuka.	Reduced significantly or eliminated by processing.
Active Compounds	High MGO concentration, identified by UMF/MGO rating.	Contains various enzymes and antioxidants.	Active enzymes and beneficial compounds are destroyed by heat.
Suitability for Sinus Infection	Best for targeted, topical application via nasal rinse, or oral use.	Can provide general soothing effects, especially orally.	Provides no specific anti-infection benefits; mainly for sweetening.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Remedy

While any warm liquid with honey can provide a soothing effect for general respiratory discomfort, scientific research and clinical trials have singled out Manuka honey for its specific potency against bacteria that cause chronic sinusitis. Its unique MGO content and ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms make it the superior choice for targeting the root cause of certain stubborn sinus infections. For optimal results, use a high-grade Manuka honey (check UMF/MGO ratings) in a sterile nasal irrigation solution or consume it orally. As with any health condition, consulting a doctor is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially for severe or persistent infections. A Manuka honey sinus rinse can be a powerful complementary therapy alongside medical advice.

For more clinical information, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study on Manuka honey sinus irrigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

While raw honey has some antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey is significantly more potent due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). For targeted relief of a bacterial sinus infection, Manuka honey is the superior choice, although raw honey can offer general soothing benefits.

To make a Manuka honey nasal rinse, mix 1 teaspoon of high-grade Manuka honey (UMF 15+ or higher) with 8 ounces of warm, distilled or boiled water. Add a pinch of iodine-free salt and baking soda. Use a sterile neti pot or rinse bottle twice daily.

Yes, when prepared correctly with sterile, distilled, or boiled water, a diluted Manuka honey saline rinse has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in studies. Always use sterilized water and clean your equipment thoroughly.

Yes, consuming Manuka honey orally can provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits that help alleviate symptoms. You can take it directly by the spoonful or mix it into warm (not hot) tea.

Many bacteria that cause chronic sinus infections form a protective biofilm that makes them resistant to antibiotics. The MGO in Manuka honey penetrates and disrupts this biofilm, making the bacteria vulnerable and helping to clear the infection.

When purchasing Manuka honey, look for a certified Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) or MGO rating on the label. A higher numerical rating indicates a higher concentration of the beneficial active compounds and greater potency.

Manuka honey is generally well-tolerated. Some people may experience mild stinging when using a nasal irrigation. Contraindications exist for individuals with bee sting allergies or certain health conditions, so it is best to consult a doctor first.