Mānuka Honey for Eczema — Natural Skin Relief

Eczema affects millions of people worldwide, causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can significantly impact quality of life. While conventional treatments like steroid creams are commonly prescribed, many people are turning to natural remedies to complement their care. Two powerful options rooted in Rongoā Māori are Mānuka honey and Mānuka Hydrosol Mist — both offering gentle, effective support for eczema-prone skin.

Why Mānuka Honey for Eczema?

Mānuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) on the East Coast of Aotearoa. Its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) gives it exceptional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties — making it uniquely suited to the complex needs of eczema-prone skin.

How Mānuka Honey Helps with Eczema

1. Reduces Inflammation and Redness

Eczema is fundamentally an inflammatory condition. Mānuka honey's natural anti-inflammatory compounds help calm the immune response in the skin, reducing redness, swelling, and the intense itch that comes with flare-ups.

2. Fights Bacterial Infection

Eczema-affected skin is more vulnerable to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, which can worsen flare-ups. Mānuka honey's potent antibacterial properties help keep harmful bacteria at bay, reducing the risk of secondary infections.

3. Deeply Moisturises

Mānuka honey is a natural humectant — it draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it. This is especially important for eczema sufferers, whose skin barrier is often compromised and prone to dryness.

4. Supports Skin Healing

Known for its wound-healing properties, Mānuka honey promotes tissue regeneration and helps repair the damaged skin barrier that underlies eczema. Regular use can help restore the skin's natural resilience over time.

Mānuka Hydrosol Mist — Daily Maintenance for Eczema Skin

While Mānuka honey is ideal for intensive treatment, our Mānuka Travel Mist (Hydrosol) is the perfect daily companion for eczema maintenance. A hydrosol is the pure floral water produced during the steam distillation of Mānuka leaves — capturing the plant's therapeutic properties in a light, gentle mist.

• Soothes on contact — instant relief for itchy, irritated skin
• Hydrates without heaviness — ideal for sensitive, reactive skin
• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory — helps prevent flare-ups between treatments
• Travel-friendly — keep it in your bag for on-the-go relief anytime

The Soothing Oat & Mānuka Honey Bath

A rolled oats bath is one of the most effective and gentle home remedies for eczema. Oats contain compounds called avenanthramides that calm inflammation and relieve itching. Combined with Mānuka honey and a drop of Mānuka oil, it becomes a deeply nourishing, therapeutic soak.

What You Need

• A handful of rolled oats
• A muslin cloth
• 1–2 tablespoons of Mānuka Honey MGO 83+ (or UMF 25+ for more intensive relief)
• 1 small drop of Mānuka Oil (a little goes a long way)
• Lukewarm bath water (avoid hot water — it strips the skin)

How to Do It

1. Place a handful of rolled oats into the centre of the muslin cloth and tie it into a ball.
2. Drop the oat bundle into your lukewarm bath and let it soak.
3. Dissolve the Mānuka honey into the bath water and stir gently.
4. Add one small drop of Mānuka oil to the water — just one drop is enough for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
5. Soak for 15–20 minutes, gently squeezing the oat bundle over affected areas as you bathe.
6. Pat skin dry with a soft towel — do not rub.
7. Apply your moisturiser immediately while skin is still slightly damp, then mist with Mānuka Hydrosol Mist for extra soothing relief.

Use 2–3 times per week during flare-ups, or weekly for ongoing maintenance.

How to Use Mānuka Honey Directly on Eczema

For Active Flare-Ups

1. Cleanse the affected area gently with warm water.
2. Apply a thin layer of Mānuka honey directly to the skin.
3. Cover loosely with a muslin cloth or clean gauze to protect and allow absorption.
4. Leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
5. Repeat once or twice daily during flare-ups.

For Daily Maintenance

1. Mist the affected area with Mānuka Hydrosol Mist morning and evening.
2. Allow to absorb naturally — no rinsing needed.
3. Follow with your regular moisturiser to lock in hydration.
4. Use throughout the day whenever skin feels dry or irritated.

Which Product is Right for You?

Mānuka Honey MGO 83+ — Gentle Daily Treatment

A great starting point for mild eczema or sensitive skin. Our Mānuka Honey MGO 83+ provides gentle antibacterial and moisturising support for everyday use.

Mānuka Honey UMF 25+ — Intensive Flare-Up Treatment

For moderate to severe eczema or stubborn flare-ups, our Mānuka Honey 25+ UMF™ delivers the highest concentration of MGO — maximum antibacterial and healing potency.

Mānuka Oil — Powerful Topical Support

Our 100% Pure Mānuka Oil is one of the most potent natural antibacterial oils available. Use sparingly — a single drop in the bath or diluted in a carrier oil for direct skin application.

Mānuka Travel Mist — Daily Maintenance & On-the-Go Relief

Our Mānuka Hydrosol Mist is ideal for daily skin maintenance, soothing irritation between treatments, and keeping eczema-prone skin calm and hydrated throughout the day.

A Note on Safety

• Patch test first: Apply a small amount to a non-affected area before full use, especially if you have known allergies to honey or bee products.
• Mānuka oil is highly concentrated: Always use just one drop in the bath, or dilute in a carrier oil before applying directly to skin. Never use undiluted on broken skin.
• Not for infants under 1 year: Do not apply honey to children under 12 months.
• Complement, don't replace: Mānuka honey works best as a complement to your existing eczema management plan. Always consult your healthcare provider for persistent or severe eczema.

Eczema doesn't have to define your skin. With the healing power of Mānuka honey, oil, and the gentle daily support of Mānuka Hydrosol Mist, you can nurture your skin back to balance — naturally, and with aroha.