Active honey

What is active honey?

The term active honey refers to honeys that have been certified to contain antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Demand for active honeys has been seeing an increase all over the world, one of the most popular active honeys is Manuka honey which has been shown to have a number of health benefits from boosting immunity, aiding digestion, supporting wound healing and fighting off infections.

The honey activity strength comes in many different ratings, explained in more detail through the blog post. At wisdom choice, we use two main honey ratings MGO and TA.

What is MGO?

MGO is short for Methglycol. The MGO rating system quantifies the amount of Methylglyoxal present in honey, serving as an indicator of its antibacterial activity. Methylglyoxal is believed to be a key component responsible for the exceptional healing properties associated with Manuka honey. The higher the MGO rating, the greater the concentration of Methylglyoxal and the stronger the antibacterial activity of the honey.

What is TA?

TA is short for Total Activity and represents a more holistic full picture of antibacterial activity which includes both non-peroxide and peroxide activity. The higher the TA rating, the greater potency of antibacterial activity within the honey.

What level of activity is right for me?

General wellbeing:
We suggest MGO 30-263 / TA 5-10

Used everyday or wherever you would use table honey to get the health benefits of honey activity. Due to its mid activity strength and affordability, it is an easy way to receive daily wellbeing and immunity benefits.

Strong activity / medicinal strength:
We suggest MGO 500-900 / TA 15-25

Honeys graded at MGO 500+ are considered the required potency for medicinal use for healing cuts, scrapes, clearing infections, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.

Very strong activity:
We suggest MGO 1000-1300 / TA 30-40

At the higher end of the MGO rating system, these honeys are considered very strong and may be used for more chronic or complex health issues such as clearing infections, ulcers, wounds and burns.

Superior activity:
We suggest MGO 1500+ / TA 40+

Considered to be some of the strongest and highest rated activity honey. With limited availability, this superior strength activity honey is able to used for general wellbeing to health applications.