FAQ
Is Te Ihi Mānuka Honey from New Zealand?
All of our Te Ihi Mānuka Honey is 100% New Zealand Honey.
All of our Te Ihi Mānuka Honey is tested in New Zealand and certified by the New Zealand government as New Zealand Mānuka Honey.
What is Mānuka Honey?
Mānuka honey is a unique type of honey produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the flowers of the mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It's admired for its distinct flavour and health attributes, setting it apart from other kinds of honey. The mānuka tree's nectar-producing parts create a nectar that bees transform into mānuka honey. This honey is considered a functional food, rich in amino acids, vitamins B and C, antioxidants, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds.
What are the benefits of Mānuka honey?
Mānuka honey offers numerous health benefits due to its unique properties and bioactive compounds.
Wound healing: Mānuka honey supports wound healing and reduces pain when applied directly to wounds. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for wound treatment.
Antibacterial properties: The high methylglyoxal (MGO) content in mānuka honey contributes to its potent antibacterial effects against various pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Soothes sore throats: Studies have shown that honey, including mānuka honey, is effective in alleviating coughs and sore throats.
Supports gut health: Mānuka honey acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and potentially helping with digestive issues.
Antiviral properties: Some studies suggest that mānuka honey may have antiviral properties.
Oral health: Despite being sweet, mānuka honey may help prevent dental plaque buildup and reduce the risk of gingivitis due to its antibacterial properties.
Skin health: Mānuka honey is being studied for its potential benefits in treating inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and acne.
Immune system support: The antioxidants and nutrients in mānuka honey may help boost the body's natural immune response.
General wellness: As a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, mānuka honey can be a healthier alternative to processed sugars in a balanced diet.
Why should I choose Te Ihi Mānuka honey?
Te Ihi ensures its Mānuka Honey meets stringent UMFᵀᴹ standards by conducting four-factor testing for potency, authenticity, freshness, and shelf life. The UMFᵀᴹ grading system guarantees the honey's quality, with higher UMFᵀᴹ levels indicating greater potency. Te Ihi guarantees the UMFᵀᴹ level in every spoonful, maintaining consistency down to the last drop in the jar.
Te Ihi is committed to delivering high-quality honey that is independently certified for its purity and efficacy.
How do I take Mānuka Honey?
Mānuka honey can be enjoyed in various ways. Consider adding a spoonful to your morning tea or coffee, spreading it on toast, or incorporating it into oatmeal, smoothies, salad dressings, and desserts as a healthier sweetener. For higher UMFᵀᴹ grades, many prefer to take it straight from the spoon or stir it into warm water.
What does UMF mean?
UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor, a quality assurance system that independently certifies New Zealand mānuka honey. It is a comprehensive, internationally recognized system designed to validate mānuka honey's potency, authenticity, purity, shelf life, and freshness. The UMF™ quality mark guarantees authentic, monofloral mānuka honey from New Zealand.
Here's what UMF™ certification indicates:
Authenticity: The honey contains mānuka plant compounds sourced from New Zealand mānuka plants.
Quality: The trademark ensures purity and that the honey contains unique natural properties.
Freshness: The honey is fresh, ensuring the compounds are still live and intact.
Grading: Each UMF™ label shows a grading (number) that signifies the concentration of specific compounds found in the honey.
The UMF™ rating typically ranges from 5+ to 20+, with higher numbers indicating greater potency and health benefits.
Is anything added to Te Ihi honey?
Te Ihi honey is pure, naturally GMO-free, and contains no additives or preservatives.
Can I consume Mānuka honey if I am pregnant?
Mānuka honey is a pure, natural product free from additives and preservatives. It has been consumed by pregnant women for many years without any reported adverse effects. This honey is generally considered safe for expectant mothers, as adult digestive systems can effectively neutralise potential bacteria that could be harmful to infants. However, as with any dietary changes during pregnancy, it's advisable to consume Mānuka honey in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Can I give Mānuka honey to my children?
Yes, you can give mānuka honey to children over 12 months old. Mānuka honey is safe and potentially beneficial for children aged 12 months and older. However, it's crucial to note that honey, including mānuka honey, should never be given to infants under 12 months old.
Dosage: A general recommendation is at least 1 teaspoon of mānuka honey daily for children.
Quality: Choose UMF™ grade mānuka honey, with higher grades offering more potent antibacterial benefits.
Remember to introduce mānuka honey gradually and watch for any allergic reactions, especially if your child has a history of allergies. As with any dietary changes, it's always best to consult with your child's healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Does Mānuka honey expire?
Although honey is known for its long shelf life, Te Ihi Mānuka Honey includes a "best before" date of three years to ensure the UMF™ rating remains accurate from the purchase date to the last spoonful. This is Te Ihi’s "Level Guarantee." Mānuka honey remains safe to consume after this date if stored properly in a cool, dry place like a pantry.
To maximize shelf life and maintain quality, store Mānuka honey in a cool, dark place, ideally between 10-20°C (50-68°F), away from direct sunlight. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and use clean utensils when handling the honey. While refrigeration is not necessary, avoid storing honey in metal containers.
How do I cancel an order?
If you have made an order that you wish to cancel, please contact us via our website contact form. If your order has not been dispatched, we will be able to cancel and refund your order.
How do I return a product for a refund?
To discuss returns and refunds, please contact us via our contact form. If your order has been dispatched we will discuss the situation and options with you.