Positives

• Manuka honey’s methylglyoxal (MGO) content gives it potent antimicrobial and antiviral activity demonstrated in laboratory studies, with users reporting it shortens cold and sore-throat duration when used several teaspoons daily during respiratory illness New Zealand Honey Co.
  
  
• Honey has documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity from polyphenols and flavonoids, with cough-suppression efficacy in clinical trials supporting its use for the persistent cough some Long COVID patients experience PMC.
  
  

Negatives

• Specific research on manuka or other honey for established Long COVID symptoms is limited; most evidence focuses on acute respiratory illness and sore-throat relief rather than post-acute recovery The Scotsman.
  
  

Hurdles & Side Effects

• Manuka MGO ratings under 250+ deliver minimal antibacterial activity, while clinically useful jars are typically MGO 300-830+ and cost roughly $40-100 for a 250 g jar Science Insights.
• Honey is still about 80% sugar with a glycemic index of 54-59, and high-MGO manuka applied to diabetic ulcers may impair rather than aid healing — a concern for diabetic Long COVID patients PMC.