Common winter illnesses are doing the rounds once again, but there’s an unusual remedy that could help
Plenty of people are dealing with sore throats and sniffles at this time of year. Finding a remedy that helps soothe these uncomfortable symptoms can feel like a challenge, but there is one unusual food product that TV doctor Hilary Jones has recommended as a great way to help with sore throats.
While honey has long been heralded as a way to soothe cold symptoms, Manuka honey in particular has extra benefits that can help. It contains high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound linked to antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, meaning Manuka honey can help fight bacteria and infections.
The new Covid strains, referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus variants, often bring ‘razor blade throats’ – particularly painful sore throats. However, according to Dr Hilary, Manuka honey can help ease the impact of this symptom.
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He said: “Current NHS Covid advice is to have a teaspoon of honey for a razor blade sore throat. I recommend Manuka honey as this particular honey has a soothing texture and unique measurable antibacterial qualities that can help calm sore throats and support a faster recovery with no side effects whatsoever except a lovely taste in the mouth.”
At Manuka Doctor, a brand which Dr Hilary has worked with for nearly 10 years, shoppers can get their hands on Manuka honey products from £5.25. There are a wide range of different products to choose from, from squeezy honey to jars, and even special bundles to help with the symptoms of colds, flu and Covid.
Manuka Doctor
Manuka Doctor has a wide range of Manuka honey products
For example, Manuka Doctor’s Immunity Bundle is now £19.50 down from £27.50, which includes Manuka honey lozenges, Immune Defence Spray, Immune Defence Syrup and High Strength Vitamin D Capsules. There is also the 100 MGO Twin Pack Squeezy for £11.70 down from £14.70, which offers shoppers two squeezy bottles of high-quality Manuka honey packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
Shoppers can also get the Manuka Lozenges on their own, with a triple pack available for £10.00, down from £10.50. The soothing Manuka honey and lemon lozenges with zinc help soothe sore throats with a delicious taste.
However, other brands also stock Manuka honey products. At Tesco, there’s the Hilltop Premium Manuka Honey 250+ MGO 225g jar for £12, which is made from 100% genuine New Zealand Manuka.
Alternatively, those who just want a small sample could try the Egmont Honey Manuka Honey MGO 40+ 40g jar for £2 at Holland & Barrett. It’s said to be ‘a rich complex tasting honey’ with antibacterial properties.
That said, Manuka Doctor’s products have plenty of fans. One reviewer claimed: “I took Manuka honey every day during my episode of Covid. My sore throat improved, as did my recovery.”
Another said: “Just love the strong taste, especially with Greek yoghurt. When I recently had COVID, I was having a tsp every day, very soothing for my throat.”
However, some shoppers noted they prefer jars of honey over squeezy bottles. One said on the Manuka Doctor website: “I much prefer the jar, in the squeezy bottle it doesn’t seem like the same consistency, it might just be me.”
Another said of the Manuka Lozenges: “Good size, quite lemony. Felt it didn’t need as much sugar. The manuka is sufficient.” That said, another lozenges customer added: “Lovely lemon taste with a proper honey centre. Soothes the throat.”