Normally as winter starts to set in we look for ways to ward off colds and manage sniffles, and this year especially we've all been forced to prioritise our health and look for natural ways to also keep ourselves healthy.
Honey, especially Manuka, has always been a favourite natural pantry and health care staple for centuries, and aside from just tasting great, it also provides health benefits.
As part of my current wellness and viral fighting routine I've been having a hot cup of lemon, honey and herbal blends each morning. I recently came across a spray from Natural Life Australia, which contains Propolis and Manuka Honey, so I was excited to try this out too.
About the Natural Life Propolis & Manuka Honey Spray
A 30ml oral liquid spray, the ingredients are simply a blend of manuka honey (UMT 10+) and fresh Propolis - and that's it (I love a good product with no hidden additives!).
Natural Life Propolis & Manuka Honey Spray is peppermint flavoured, so all you need to do is spray directly into your mouth up to 3 times a day, and is also suitable for children over 2 years. Aside from an oral spray, it can also be used as a breath freshener or externally as a wound spray (you'll find out why below!!)
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
Native to New Zealand, Manuka Honey is collected by honey bees from the flower of the Manuka plant. The antibacterial properties in Manuka Honey are what makes it stand out from normal honey, and additionally, it also offers antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective benefits.
I find that it's great for soothing sore throats, by both coating the throat lining and also reducing any inflammation and fighting any of the attacking and harmful bacteria.
It's also great for oral health thanks to the properties listed above, and can also help to reduce any oral bacteria and gum related inflammation too. As most pathogens enter our system via our mouth it also makes sense to ideally try and stop them in their tracks here - which is why an oral spray is such a good idea too!
Honey has also been used topically for centuries to aid wound healing and was also approved by the FDA as a proven wound treatment option. Aside from the antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it helps to create a barrier which works to stop further infection. As well as also creating an environment ideal for healing.
Health Benefits of Propolis
Propolis (also known as bee glue) may not be as well known as honey, but it still packs a punch! Still made by bees, it comes from plant resin and is used to protect the beehive and keep it sterile, therefore helping to prevent infection in the hive. Just as it helps to ward off disease in bees, Propolis has also been scientifically proven to help boost our immune systems too.
Propolis is one of nature's most powerful compounds - a unique combination of plant bioactive and bee ingenuity. Made by bees from plant resins, Propolis is used to protect and sterilise the beehive, where it acts as the immune defence mechanism for the whole hive.
Used as a traditional health product for centuries, modern scientific research confirms the protective properties of Propolis can provide significant support for human health.