Tell me all about Manuka honey please...

[pinkstar01]

I've just ordered some last night after suffering from sinusitis, rhinitis, and what currently seems to be bronchitis for the last 2 months. Oh and did I mention I'm 24 weeks pregnant? So I can't take anything and I could not be anymore uncomfortable.

I have to keep coughing up mucus every few minutes and my sinuses are completely congested, getting hardly any sleep and feeling like a zombie.

Please tell me some good stories about Manuka because I have nothing else left to try

@pinkstar01 firstly, have you seen your GP as it does sound like this have been going on for a while and you are suffering. Do you have a temperature and what colour is the mucus, is your chest sore when you breath in? These are all important factors to consider. You may have an infection that needs treating, it is safe to take the antibiotic amoxicillin (providing you are not allergic to penicillin) during pregnancy especially as you are well established at 24 weeks! In regards to Manuka honey it is safe to take providing you are not allergic to it. If you haven't eaten any kind of honey before (believe it or not but some people have got to adulthood and have never tried it!) then do not try it for the first time during pregnancy in case of an allergic reaction. Make sure it says pasteurised on the label. Manuka honey has natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti inflammatory properties so it's great for treating lots of things such as tonsillitis which worked wonders for my daughter recently. The higher the number rating (ideally 15-20) equals better quality and more expensive! Do not dissolve it in hot water as that destroys its powerful enzymes but instead have a spoonful or add it to lukewarm water. Be sure not to have too much though as it's high sugar content can raise insulin levels.