Honey, Mānuka Honey and Asthma: What to Know

Many people wonder whether honey, and mānuka honey in particular, has a place when you live with asthma. Asthma is a long-term condition where the airways become narrow and sensitive. It is managed with your doctor, an asthma action plan and the medicines prescribed for you.

Always keep your inhaler close and follow your asthma action plan. If you are struggling to breathe, or your reliever is not helping, call 111.

Where honey fits, as rongoā

In rongoā (traditional Māori healing), mānuka honey from the whenua (the land) is valued as kai (food) that nourishes and comforts. After a day of coughing, a slow spoonful or a warm honey drink may soothe a dry, scratchy throat and help you settle in the evening. It sits alongside your asthma plan. It never replaces your inhaler or medicines.

Kūmarahou, a native plant traditionally used in rongoā for respiratory health, is infused with honey in our Mānuka Kūmarahou Honey. Read the Kūmarahou guide, or our fuller article on mānuka honey, kūmarahou and asthma.

Shop Mānuka Kūmarahou Honey · $25

Before you start

If you have diabetes, watch your sugar or have a bee allergy, check with your GP first. Please also check before adding any rongoā if you are pregnant or take regular medicines. Honey is not for babies under 12 months.

Which honey should I choose?

• Mānuka Kūmarahou Honey, $25: kūmarahou infused with honey, traditionally used in rongoā for respiratory health.
• Mānuka Blend, $25: an easy everyday jar for the pātaka (pantry).

Shop Mānuka Kūmarahou Honey · $25 Shop Mānuka Blend · $25

Frequently asked questions

Can honey cure asthma?
No. Honey is food and rongoā kai, not a cure. It may soothe a scratchy throat, and it sits alongside your asthma plan and the care your GP recommends.

Can I use honey instead of my inhaler?
No, never. Keep using your inhaler and medicines exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Whenua Honey is a Māori-owned whānau (family) business on the East Coast of Aotearoa. Every jar is wild and sustainably harvested, hand-packed and blessed, and 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 asthma, and follow your asthma action plan.