Mānuka Honey and Gastroenteritis: Gentle Rongoā for an Unsettled Tummy

Gastroenteritis, often called a "tummy bug" or "stomach flu", brings on nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It usually passes within a few days. Rest and small, frequent sips of fluid come first.

Please see a doctor if you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, or if a baby, young child or older person is affected. Healthline is free on 0800 611 116, any time of day.

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. Once the worst has passed and you can keep fluids down, a little mānuka honey in a warm drink may settle an unsettled tummy and help you feel more like yourself again.

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.

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How whānau enjoy mānuka honey

• In a warm drink: a teaspoon stirred into warm (not boiling) water or weak tea, sipped slowly.
• By the spoonful: a little on its own, as part of a calm evening routine.
• When your appetite returns: a thin spread on plain toast or stirred through plain porridge.

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 Blend, $25: an easy everyday jar for the pātaka (pantry).
• Spring Whānau Kete, $97: Wild Mānuka Oil 20+, Mānuka Mist and 1kg of honey for the whole whare (home). The Mānuka Oil is breathed in or used for mirimiri (massage).

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

Shop Mānuka Blend · $25 Shop the Spring Whānau Kete · $97

Frequently asked questions

Can mānuka honey cure gastroenteritis?
No. Honey is food and rongoā kai, not a cure. It may settle and soothe an unsettled tummy once you are on the mend, and it sits alongside the care your GP recommends.

Should I have honey while I am still being sick?
Fluids come first. Wait until you can keep fluids down, then try a little honey in a warm drink if it feels right.

Is it okay for children?
Honey is generally fine for children over one year old. Never give honey to babies under 12 months. If a child is unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea, please see a doctor.

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 for any health concern.