Sales of expensive Manuka honey have tripled over the last week according to one of the UK’s leading suppliers.
While many Brits are stockpiling hand sanitiser and soap due to fears of a coronavirus epidemic, it seems that others are buying up the gooey flower honey too.
Honey company, Manuka Doctor , reported that their sales were up 195% on this time last year and that it had sold out of their highest strength honeys.
The special honey is native to New Zealand and it's thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects – so much so that it appears shoppers are hoping it will help to protect them from Covid-19.
As trials have not been conducted to test this we cannot confirm that Manuka honey will help against the virus.
The honey is proven to promote better oral health, prevent gastric ulcers and treat acne.
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It is even thought that Manuka honey may help to ease the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
The honey is produced by bees who pollinate the flower leptospermum scoparium or Manuka bush.
Manuka honey can often cost a seemingly extortionate amount.
The Manuka Doctor MGO 30 costs a huge £24.99 for 250g at Holland & Barrett .
Higher strength pots can sell for £150 for 250g.
Apparently, this is because the honey contains high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO).
Some scientists claim that MGO gives Manuka honey anti-microbial and bug-killing benefits.
One trial conducted by Newcastle University found that the special substance can inhibit the growth of bacteria and stop wounds from becoming infected.
Gwyneth Paltrow is a known fan of the special spread.
And panicking germaphobes are causing stock to run low.
According to the company, one customer bought 60 jars of the stuff on the Manuka Doctor website.
Annoyingly for the suppliers, it can take around 18 weeks to restock the product in the UK due to its distant origin and sea freight transportation times.
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A spokesperson for Manuka Doctor said: “It’s normal for Manuka honey sales to peak in the cold weather.
“Heading into spring we would expect sales to even out but it’s been the opposite.
“The last week was one of our highest sales periods on record and we are struggling to keep some of our highest strength Manuka in stock.”
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