Manuka Honey — Why It’s at the Heart of Stone Peonies Skincare
- cynthiamcook
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
A Pandemic, a Stubborn Wound & a Spoonful of Hope
When the world shut down in 2020, hospital corridors felt more daunting than the virus itself. So when a cut on my arm turned angry—red, feverish, the skin around it yellowing—I stayed home. In desperation, I reached for a jar of manuka honey I’d been saving for tea. I slathered a thick layer over the wound, wrapped it gently, and waited.
Within two days the heat subsided; by the week’s end healthy skin was blooming where infection had threatened. That jar has lived in our first-aid kit ever since, and my kids know: scrapes get cleaned, kissed, and dotted with a little manuka magic. From my family to yours, here’s why this honey now infuses every batch of our Stone Peonies face creams.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
Monofloral Origin – Harvested exclusively from the blossoms of New Zealand’s native Leptospermum scoparium(manuka) trees.
MGO & UMF Ratings – Manuka’s unusually high methylglyoxal (MGO) content powers its antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant punch; look for UMF 10+ or MGO 250 mg/kg and above for therapeutic strength.
Thick, Raw & Active – Naturally supersaturated, it sets to a spoon-able cream that retains enzymes and phytonutrients lost in processed honeys.
Science-Backed Benefits of Manuka Honey
Accelerates Wound Healing – Breaks down bacterial biofilms (including Staph) and promotes rapid tissue repair.
Fights Cold & Flu Viruses – High MGO levels disrupt viral replication and soothe sore throats.
Calms Acne & Eczema – Antimicrobial + anti-inflammatory action targets acne bacteria while reducing redness.
Supports Gut Health – Acts as a natural prebiotic and helps heal gastric ulcers.
Protects Oral Wellness – Proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis better than some commercial rinses.
Boosts Antioxidant Defenses – Rich polyphenols neutralize free radicals that accelerate skin aging.
May Aid Cancer Care – Early studies show promise in easing radiation-induced mucositis and inhibiting tumor growth in conjunction with therapy.
Why We Fold Manuka into Our Tallow Face Creams
Synergy with Grass-Fed Tallow – Tallow’s bio-identical lipids ferry manuka’s active compounds deep into the epidermis for amplified repair.
Natural Preservative – Its antimicrobial profile keeps each jar fresh without synthetic additives.
Sensory Ritual – A gentle honey-lavender aroma turns ordinary moisturizing into a moment of calm remembrance—just like my mother’s evenings in the garden.
How to Use at Home
Daily Glow: Warm a pearl-sized dab of Original Tallow Face Cream — No 1 between fingertips; press onto clean, damp skin.
Spot Rescue: Dab a tiny amount directly onto blemishes or healing cuts.
Weekend Mask: Blend ½ tsp raw manuka with ½ tsp cream; smooth over face for 15 minutes, then rinse.
From Hive to Home—Your Turn to Bloom
Manuka honey rescued my skin when modern medicine felt out of reach and inspired a skincare line rooted in simplicity, tradition, and love. Ready to see what this golden healer can do for you?
Keep a jar in your pantry, a tube in your first-aid kit, and a little Stone Peonies on your nightstand. May your skin—and your heart—always heal sweetly.
