Sip Away Winter Stress with Immunity-Boosting Manuka Honey

This unique type of honey from New Zealand is renowned for its high concentration of enzymes and antibacterial properties. In fact, delicious manuka has up to four times more healing nutrients than traditional honey. Some of the impressive perks:

• Fights off harmful bacteria: One compound in manuka honey (called methylglyoxal) has been found to stop bacteria from anchoring onto the surface of cells, preventing infections before they can begin. The proof: In a study published in the journal Microbiology, consuming just 1 tsp. was enough to neutralize 85 percent of pneumonia-causing bacteria and halt its spread entirely.
• Nixes cold symptoms: Antibacterial compounds in manuka honey break down bacteria right as it comes into contact with the throat for fast relief and healing. In fact, Finnish scientists found that manuka reduces symptoms like a stuffy nose and throat pain by 60 percent, making it as effective as many over-the-counter cold medicines.
• Banishes GI woes: Manuka honey contains a natural form of hydrogen peroxide that optimizes digestion and kills off the bad bacteria that cause indigestion and inflammation. The result: Research at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales found that a daily dose of the honey slashes inflammation in the GI tract by 77 percent.

We love Manuka Health MGO 30+ Honey Blend ($17.35, Amazon). This certified hive-to-home New Zealand nectar boasts a high Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which measures the quality and quantity of its antibacterial properties.

Try mixing it up into one of these delicious teas!

Rosemary- Lemon Lift

• 1 lemon tea bag
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 2 tsp. manuka honey
• 2 slices lemon

In mug, steep tea bag and rosemary in 1 cup hot water 3 min.; discard bag. Stir in honey. Garnish with lemon.

Bonus! L-theanine in teaboosts mood by 55 percent.

Ginger-Peach Perfection

• 1 peach oolong tea bag
• 1/2 cinnamon stick 1 thin slice peeled fresh ginger
• 1 slice lemon
• 2 tsp. manuka honey

In mug, steep tea bag, cinnamon and ginger in 1 cup hot water 3 min.; strain. Add lemon and stir in manuka honey.

Bonus! Gingerols inginger relieve chronicaches and pains.

Berry-Hibiscus Soother Berry-

• 1 hibiscus tea bag
• 6 raspberries
• 1 Tbs. orange juice
• 2 tsp. manuka honey
• 1 sprig mint

In mug, steep tea and raspberries in 1 cup hot water 3 min. Discard bag. Stir in orange juice and honey. Garnish with mint and, if desired, more raspberries.

Bonus! Anthocyaninsin raspberries boostbelly-fat burn by 30 percent.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.

We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.