What Is the Best Anti-Inflammatory Honey?

October 31, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2018 review in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, honey is a potential natural medicine with scientifically supported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When exploring what is the best anti-inflammatory honey, consumers often consider varieties like Manuka, Buckwheat, and Sidr for their powerful therapeutic compounds.

Quick Summary

Comparing Manuka, Buckwheat, and Sidr honeys reveals varying levels of anti-inflammatory compounds, with the "best" choice depending on the specific application, from wound healing to internal wellness.

Key Points

Manuka Honey: Contains MGO, a key antibacterial agent, and is highly effective for wound healing and infections, with potency indicated by the UMF™ rating.
Buckwheat Honey: Characterized by its high antioxidant content, which has shown superior activity to Manuka in some studies and is excellent for skin health and general wellness.
Sidr Honey: A traditional medicinal honey with strong antibacterial effects that can inhibit inflammatory mediators and is commonly used for digestive issues and boosting immunity.
Darker is Better: The anti-inflammatory potential of honey often correlates with its dark color, which indicates a higher concentration of beneficial phenolic and flavonoid compounds.
Raw is Optimal: Unprocessed, raw honey retains more of its natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants, maximizing its therapeutic benefits compared to pasteurized varieties.
Mechanism Matters: Honey fights inflammation not just through antioxidants but also by its antibacterial action, which clears pathogens causing the inflammatory response.

The Science Behind Honey's Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Honey's ability to combat inflammation is rooted in its complex chemical makeup, which includes a rich array of bioactive compounds. The exact composition varies based on the nectar source, affecting its potency. Researchers have identified several key mechanisms through which honey and its constituents exert anti-inflammatory effects:

Polyphenols and Flavonoids: These antioxidants neutralize free radicals and suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Darker honeys, such as buckwheat and manuka, are particularly rich in these compounds.
Antibacterial Action: Inflammation is often a response to infection. Honey's potent antibacterial properties, derived from hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal (MGO), and defensin-1, help to combat pathogens and clear infections, thereby reducing the associated inflammatory response.
Enzymes and Organic Acids: Enzymes like glucose oxidase produce mild levels of hydrogen peroxide, contributing to both antimicrobial and healing effects. Honey's low pH from gluconic and other organic acids also creates an environment inhospitable to many bacteria.
Wound Healing: Applied topically, honey draws out lymph and necrotic tissue, stimulates tissue regeneration, and promotes a moist healing environment, all of which minimize inflammatory damage and accelerate recovery.

Manuka Honey: The Standard for Medicinal Honey

Manuka honey, sourced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium bush in New Zealand and Australia, is arguably the most famous medicinal honey. Its reputation stems from the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with powerful non-peroxide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Key aspects of Manuka honey:

MGO and UMF™ Rating: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) rating system certifies genuine Manuka honey and reflects its concentration of MGO and other signature compounds. Higher UMF™ grades correlate with stronger antibacterial and potentially greater anti-inflammatory effects.
Versatile Application: Manuka honey is used both internally and externally. Topically, medical-grade Manuka dressings are clinically proven to aid wound healing, treat burns, and reduce painful inflammation. Internally, it is used to soothe sore throats, support gut health, and combat systemic inflammation.
Clinical Efficacy: Numerous studies confirm its efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, making it a valuable tool in fighting hard-to-treat infections that cause chronic inflammation.

Buckwheat Honey: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Originating from the buckwheat plant, this dark, robust honey is a formidable contender in the anti-inflammatory category. Its primary strength lies in its exceptionally high antioxidant content, especially flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are often more concentrated than in lighter-colored honeys.

Benefits of Buckwheat honey:

High Antioxidant Activity: Research indicates that buckwheat honey can exhibit a higher cellular antioxidant activity than Manuka honey, even though it contains lower MGO levels.
Skin Health: Its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly beneficial for soothing skin irritation, redness, and inflammation from conditions like radiodermatitis and laser therapy.
Cough Suppression: As a natural remedy, it has been shown to be more effective than some over-the-counter cough syrups at soothing a sore throat and calming coughs.

Sidr Honey: A Prized Traditional Remedy

Sidr honey is a rare and highly prized monofloral honey from the Sidr (Jujube) tree, primarily found in the Middle East. It is celebrated for its potent medicinal qualities and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.

The power of Sidr honey:

Broad-Spectrum Activity: Studies have shown that Sidr honey possesses strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It can inhibit a wider range of bacteria than some other honey types.
Inhibits Inflammatory Mediators: Research specifically highlights its potential to suppress the release of inflammation-causing mediators such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandins.
Gastrointestinal Health: It is traditionally used to treat stomach issues and promote gut health, offering relief from inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Comparison: Manuka vs. Buckwheat vs. Sidr


Feature	Manuka Honey	Buckwheat Honey	Sidr Honey
Floral Source	Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium)	Buckwheat flower (Fagopyrum)	Sidr tree (Ziziphus sp. plur. )
Key Anti-inflammatory Component	Methylglyoxal (MGO) & Phenolics	High concentration of Phenolics & Antioxidants	Phenolics & Immune Modulators
Anti-inflammatory Mechanism	Suppresses inflammation via MGO and immune modulation	Combats oxidative stress through high antioxidant activity	Inhibits inflammatory mediators like histamine
Primary Strength	Potent antibacterial action, esp. on wounds	Superior antioxidant power, excellent for skin	Broad-spectrum traditional remedy
Flavor	Strong, earthy, caramel-like	Bold, molasses-like, malty	Rich, buttery, sweet, with a distinct aroma
Clinical Focus	Wound healing, sore throats, gut health	Skin irritation, coughs, cardiovascular wellness	Digestive issues, general immune boost

Conclusion: Which is the Best Anti-Inflammatory Honey?

There is no single "best" anti-inflammatory honey, as each variety offers unique strengths based on its phytochemical profile. Manuka honey stands out for its well-researched, potent antibacterial activity, making it an excellent choice for combating infections that cause inflammation, especially when applied topically to wounds. For those seeking the highest antioxidant capacity, Buckwheat honey may be the superior choice, with studies suggesting higher overall antioxidant levels than Manuka. It is a powerful option for internal wellness and skin inflammation. Sidr honey, renowned for its broad medicinal benefits, provides a strong traditional remedy with documented effects on inflammatory mediators.

The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. For skin issues or a powerful antioxidant boost, buckwheat is a top contender. For medicinal wound care, Manuka is clinically validated. For overall immune support, both Manuka and Sidr are effective. Regardless of the type chosen, opting for raw, unprocessed honey is key to ensuring its beneficial compounds are preserved.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before using honey for medicinal purposes, especially if you have a health condition like diabetes.

How to Select and Use Your Anti-Inflammatory Honey

Check the Label: Look for indications of origin and quality grading. For Manuka, ensure it has a UMF™ or MGO rating from a certified authority to guarantee its medicinal potency.
Choose Raw and Unprocessed: Raw honey contains more pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants than pasteurized, filtered honey. Heat processing can destroy some of the beneficial compounds.
Topical Application: For minor wounds, burns, or skin irritation, apply a thin layer directly to the affected area. Covering it with a bandage can help keep the area moist and clean.
Internal Consumption: To soothe a sore throat or support internal wellness, stir a spoonful into warm (not hot) water or tea. High heat can degrade some of honey's beneficial enzymes.
Dietary Inclusion: Use as a natural sweetener in oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt. Pair with other anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric or cinnamon for an enhanced effect.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe, honey can cause negative effects for some individuals:

Infant Botulism: Never give honey to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism spores.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar: Honey is still a sugar and can affect blood glucose levels. Those with diabetes should consume it in moderation and monitor their blood sugar.
Allergies: Individuals with a bee or pollen allergy may experience an allergic reaction to honey.
Topical Pain: Some people may experience pain or irritation when honey is applied topically to a wound.
Cytotoxicity in Excess: Very high concentrations of Manuka honey may be cytotoxic, so it should be used in appropriate dosages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey is highly regarded for its strong antibacterial properties, which effectively reduce inflammation caused by infection, particularly in wounds. However, other honeys like Buckwheat have shown superior antioxidant activity in some research, meaning the 'best' choice depends on the specific inflammatory condition.

Buckwheat honey's primary anti-inflammatory power comes from its very high antioxidant content, which surpasses Manuka in some studies. While Manuka's strength is its MGO content for antibacterial action, Buckwheat is a powerful option for systemic and skin-related inflammation.

Darker honeys, such as buckwheat and manuka, generally contain higher concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds and flavonoids than lighter honeys. This higher antioxidant level provides greater anti-inflammatory potential, as antioxidants combat the oxidative stress that drives inflammation.

While all raw, unprocessed honey contains some beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, varieties like Manuka, Buckwheat, and Sidr are known for their particularly potent anti-inflammatory effects due to their specific phytochemical profiles. Standard supermarket honey is often pasteurized and filtered, which reduces its medicinal properties.

For internal benefits, a spoonful can be mixed into warm (not hot) water, tea, or consumed directly. To soothe a sore throat, allowing it to coat the throat is effective. For topical use, apply a thin layer to a minor wound or irritated skin.

Yes. Heating honey, especially during pasteurization or when adding it to very hot liquids, can destroy some of the natural enzymes and antioxidants that contribute to its therapeutic and anti-inflammatory benefits. For maximum effect, use it raw or add it to warm preparations.

Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Manuka honey, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, may help manage the symptoms of arthritis and reduce joint inflammation. Some studies indicate it can help protect cartilage.