‘I tried Dr Hilary Jones-backed way of treating allergies and it worked’

Hayfever sufferers have long been told that Manuka honey can help – but does it really work? Harriet Morphy-Morris put it to the test.

Like millions across the UK in spring and summer, I grapple with the annoying daily symptoms of hay fever – blocked nose, headaches and swollen, itchy eyes, you name it. In an attempt to ease these symptoms, I decided to put the Manuka honey theory to the test.

Hailed as a potential remedy for allergies and hay fever, Manuka honey is lauded for its possible symptom-relieving properties. While it’s not a magic cure, this natural product is brimming with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are believed to help sufferers.

But does it really provide relief? Intrigued by the growing hype, I decided to give it a whirl myself. For 11 days, I took a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning – and I must say, I was surprised by the benefits I experienced.

What’s more, ITV GP Dr Hilary Jones has endorsed Manuka Honey for its restorative effects. He said: “Manuka honey contains special ingredients including methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. This value indicates the strength of Manuka honey’s health benefits. The higher the MGO content, the more valuable it is for us and the higher the price.

Manuka Doctor is offering a substantial discount in its ‘summer wellness sale’, cutting the price of its honey by up to 65 percent. For those like me seeking to alleviate their symptoms, this is a chance to grab it at a bargain, reports the Daily Record.

I tried three different strengths of honey – a basic multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO one and a 1000 MGO Max Strength one. Currently, the 70 MGO honey is on offer, marked down from £39 to just £10.92.

For those seeking maximum strength and a better chance to alleviate symptoms, the higher 740 MGO Manuka honey is now available for just £38.08, down from its usual price of £136. But it’s not just honey; Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements at a much more affordable price – £6.30 for 30 capsules.

While I haven’t personally given these a go, they could serve as an alternative for those who aren’t keen on honey but still want to enjoy its benefits.

About Manuka Doctor

Originating from New Zealand, their bee hives undergo lab testing to ensure they meet standards and are certified for use from hive to home. The brand reportedly has the support of experts, including health professionals and doctors.

A crucial part of this is MGO, or methylglyoxal. Without getting too bogged down in scientific lingo, this molecule plays a key role in aiding the body’s natural healing process and regulating its immune response.

Of course, it’s not the only brand out there. Holland & Barrett offer 70 MGO honey for £14.99, while LookFantastic sells a ‘Manuka Honey Blend’ with 30+ MGO for £9.50.

Four ways I incorporated Manuka Honey into my daily diet

Every morning, I took a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey. This ensured consistency and that I was consuming the same strength each day.

However, I did include additional doses with my meals. My next favourite way of incorporating it into my daily routine was at breakfast, either drizzled over a bowl of yoghurt or blended into a smoothie. This proved an easy method to mask the taste, perfect for those who aren’t particularly keen on it.

It was also a breeze to incorporate into my lunch and dinner. I simply added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings three or four times.

For those who enjoy cooking, it could also be used in a meat marinade. One of my favourite dishes was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes.

How long did it take to feel hay fever relief?

At the time of writing this, I’ve been consuming Manuka honey for 11 consecutive days, consistently taking a spoonful of honey each morning (sometimes neat, other times mixed into my breakfast or morning brew).

By the eighth day, I could confidently say that I’d felt some alleviation in my hayfever symptoms, my itchy eyes had lessened, and I was sneezing less frequently. The most noticeable improvement, which I began to feel on the third day, was with my throat.

Dry and inflamed, hay fever has always given me a sore throat, but testing out the manuka honey has certainly helped. As well as the high MGO contents, I believe this is likely due to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds – like hot honey and lemon tea.

Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease hay fever symptoms?

After 11 days, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my symptoms. Mainly, the absence of a blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly disappeared.

However, it hasn’t made a difference to the skin symptoms I experience with hay fever – such as eye puffiness and rashes. I also noticed that the taste of stronger MGO honey is quite different from the overly sweet supermarket honey I’m used to – it took some getting used to.

I do agree, however, that Manuka honey shouldn’t be seen as a cure-all, but rather something to try in order to alleviate symptoms. Moving forward, I plan to take an antihistamine daily for assistance – like Allevia, which can be bought on Amazon for £7.59 (although please consult your GP first to discuss best treatment plan).