UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey and Reflux: Our Richest Rongoā Honey

Reflux, often called acid reflux or heartburn, happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. It can bring a burning feeling in the chest or throat, a sour taste, or discomfort after meals and at night.

Please see your GP if reflux happens often or wakes you at night, or if you have trouble swallowing, weight loss or vomiting.

Mānuka honey as rongoā

Mānuka has long been part of rongoā (traditional Māori healing), where honey from the whenua (the land) is valued as kai (food) that nourishes and comforts. Thick and slow, a spoonful may soothe the throat and settle that unsettled feeling after a meal.

It sits alongside the care your GP recommends. It does not replace it. You can read more in our plain-English guide to rongoā Māori, or our article on mānuka honey and reflux in the throat (LPR).

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Why UMF 25+?

UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) is New Zealand's independent grading system for mānuka honey. It confirms the honey is genuine mānuka and measures its natural markers. UMF 25+ is one of the highest grades, so it is rare, deeply rich and earthy, and only a small amount is gathered each season. Many whānau keep it as a taonga (treasure) for the pātaka (pantry) or give it as a koha (gift).

Any good mānuka honey can be enjoyed as kai. Choose a grade by taste, occasion and budget.

How whānau enjoy it

• By the spoonful: a teaspoon on its own, slowly, before a meal or before bed.
• In a warm drink: stirred into warm (not boiling) water or weak tea, so the honey keeps its flavour.
• As a quiet ritual: a small spoonful to close the day, alongside the changes your GP suggests, such as smaller meals and not eating late.

If you have diabetes, watch your sugar or have a bee allergy, check with your GP first. Honey is not for babies under 12 months.

Which honey should I choose?

• Mānuka Honey 25+ UMF™ Luxury Gift Package, $349: our richest grade, hand-packed and blessed, a taonga for yourself or a koha for someone you care about.
• Mānuka Blend, $25: an easy everyday jar for the pātaka.

Every Whenua Honey product is wild and sustainably harvested, hand-packed and blessed before it leaves us.

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Frequently asked questions

Can UMF 25+ mānuka honey cure reflux?
No. Honey is food and rongoā kai, not a cure. It may soothe the throat and settle an unsettled feeling, and it sits alongside the care your GP recommends.

Is a higher UMF grade better for reflux?
Choose by taste, occasion and budget. UMF 25+ is our richest and rarest grade, and our Mānuka Blend is a lovely everyday jar.

Is it safe in pregnancy or for children?
Honey is generally fine for pregnant women and children over one year old. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. Check with your health professional if you are unsure.

From the whenua

Whenua Honey is a Māori-owned whānau (family) business on the East Coast of Aotearoa. 5% of our profit goes back to the people and the whenua.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your GP or other health professional. Please see your GP about reflux, especially if it is ongoing.