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The Science Behind Manuka Honey & Propolis for Skin Health and Barrier Repair

29 Dec 2025

The Science Behind Manuka Honey & Propolis for Skin Health and Barrier Repair

Totika Health skincare Introduction : Manuka honey (derived from Leptospermum scoparium  nectar), especially when graded by high Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, represents one of nature’s most studied bioactive compounds for skin health, wound repair, and antimicrobial care. Unlike conventional honey, Manuka honey exhibits non-peroxide antibacterial activity, attributed to MGO and unique phytochemicals that support tissue regeneration and inhibit microbes. This has led to its inclusion in both...
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Natural Luxury skincare and wellness solutions leveraging High-Grade Manuka Honey (800+ MGO) and New Zealand Bee Propolis offer significant therapeutic potential for managing persistent inflammatory skin conditions, including stress rashes and eczema. This article synthesises compelling customer experience with established science demonstrating the potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative properties of the product for restoring skin health and barrier function.

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Why New Zealand Bee Propolis Deserves a Spot in Your Daily Health Regimen

By Tōtika Health | Medically Reviewed by Health Professionals New Zealand bee propolis is rapidly gaining global recognition as a natural powerhouse for immune defence and skin repair. Unlike standard propolis, the New Zealand variety is enriched by the unique native flora of Aotearoa, specifically the Manuka tree  ( Leptospermum scoparium ). When combined with high-grade Manuka Honey , Tōtika Health bee propolis becomes a synergistic tool for holistic wellness. Below, we explore the science,...

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

By Tōtika Health | Medically Reviewed by Health Professionals


New Zealand bee propolis is rapidly gaining global recognition as a natural powerhouse for immune defence and skin repair. Unlike standard propolis, the New Zealand variety is enriched by the unique native flora of Aotearoa, specifically the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium).


When combined with high-grade Manuka Honey, Tōtika Health bee propolis becomes a synergistic tool for holistic wellness. Below, we explore the science, the benefits, and the daily rituals that make this "bee glue" essential.


Raw Bee Propolis collected from a beehive
New Zealand Raw Bee-Propolis

What Makes New Zealand Bee Propolis Exceptional?

Bee propolis is a resinous mixture created by bees from plant resins, beeswax, and enzymes. Its primary role in nature is to sterilise the hive and protect it from bacteria and viruses.


In New Zealand, bees collect resin from the native Manuka tree, infusing the propolis with unique bioactive compounds not found elsewhere. This results in a product with superior purity and potency.


Bee propolis in a lab

The Science: 3 Key Health Benefits

Scientific research confirms what nature has known for centuries. Here is why New Zealand propolis is effective:


  1. Potent Antimicrobial Activity Studies show New Zealand propolis combats a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. High concentrations of flavonoids enable it to effectively disrupt microbial infections (Zabaiou et al., 2017).


  1. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Propolis significantly reduces inflammatory markers in the body. Research in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests it is a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions like arthritis (Chen et al., 2020).


  1. Antioxidant Protection Packed with phenolic acids, NZ propolis neutralises free radicals that cause oxidative stress—a primary driver of chronic disease and aging (Ahn et al., 2007).


The "Golden Duo": Why Pair Propolis with Manuka Honey?

While propolis is the "shield," Manuka honey is the "healer." Combining Tōtika Health Propolis Drops with our High-MGO Manuka Honey creates a biological synergy that amplifies the benefits of both.


  • Enhanced Wound Healing: The combination promotes faster tissue regeneration and reduces scarring, a principle we apply in our advanced Nano-Fibre Wound and Burn Dressings.


  • Double-Action Immune Support: Manuka honey’s antibacterial MGO works alongside propolis’s antiviral flavonoids to provide robust defence during cold and flu season.


Dark brown bottle of TOTIKA Bee Propolis with a dropper, set on a textured stone, against a beige background. Text: "Quality Lab Tested."
Totika Nature Lab Tested Bee Propolis Drops

How to Use Tōtika Health Propolis & Manuka Honey

Here are the medically recommended protocols for incorporating these superfoods into your daily regimen.


The Immune-Boosting Morning Tonic

  • Goal: Daily immune maintenance.

  • Recipe: Add 5–10 drops of Tōtika Nature Bee Propolis to warm (not boiling) water. Stir in 1 teaspoon of High-MGO Manuka Honey (MGO 250+ or higher).

  • When: Drink every morning on an empty stomach.


The Sore Throat "Rescue" Remedy

  • Goal: Immediate relief from scratchy throats and viral load reduction.

  • Method: Mix five drops of propolis with one tablespoon of raw Manuka honey.

  • Usage: Let the mixture dissolve slowly in the mouth to coat the throat lining.


Advanced Wound Care

  • Goal: Prevent infection and speed up healing.

  • Application: Clean the area with water. Apply a mix of Manuka honey and 2–3 drops of propolis directly to the wound. Cover with a sterile bandage.

  • Advanced Option: For severe burns or chronic wounds, ask about our Nano-Fibre Wound Dressings, which utilise space-age technology for superior healing.


The "Glass Skin" Face Mask



  • Goal: Hydrate, reduce redness, and fight acne.

  • Recipe: Combine 3 drops of propolis with 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey.

  • Application: Apply as a mask for 20 minutes, then rinse. (Alternatively, use our Magic Serum, which is pre-formulated with these active ingredients).



Quick Comparison: Propolis vs. Manuka Honey

Feature

New Zealand Bee Propolis

High-Grade Manuka Honey

Primary Role

"The Shield" (Protective Sealant)

"The Healer" (Antibacterial Food)

Key Bioactives

Flavonoids & Phenolic Acids

Methylglyoxal (MGO)

Best For

Viral defence, immunity, inflammation

Healing, energy, digestive health

Tōtika Recommendation

Nature Tested Propolis Drops

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey


Quick Facts: The Power of NZ Bee Propolis & Manuka Honey

Feature

New Zealand Bee Propolis

Primary Function

"Bee Glue" / Natural sealant and immune shield

Key Bioactives

High concentration of Flavonoids & Phenolic acids

Health Actions

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Synergy Partner

High-Grade Manuka Honey (MGO 250+ to MGO 800+)

Common Uses

Immune tonics, Sore throat relief, Wound care, Skincare

Recommended Brand

Totika Nature (Lab Tested & Quality Certified)

FAQ: Your Propolis Routine Simplified

What makes NZ Propolis different?

Tōtika Health's propolis is exclusively from New Zealand hives located in areas surrounded by native Manuka trees. Our product is independently lab-tested to ensure high levels of bioactive flavonoids, ensuring you get medical-grade potency rather than just "flavoured water."


Can I use Propolis directly on wounds?

Yes, but it is most effective when combined with a carrier like Manuka Honey. The honey keeps the wound moist for healing, while the propolis creates a sterile barrier. For best results with zero mess, we recommend our specialised Wound and Burn Dressing. Check our new Wound and burn dressing, ask for details:

Totika Health wound and burn dressing
Totika Health Wound and Burn Dressing using Nano Fibre Space Technology

How does it help with a sore throat?

Propolis acts as a natural anaesthetic and antimicrobial. Mixing it with Manuka honey allows it to coat the throat, providing immediate soothing relief while fighting the underlying infection.



Is Propolis safe for children?

Generally, yes, for children over 1 year old. However, because bee products can be allergenic, we recommend a "patch test" or consulting a healthcare professional before giving it to young children.

















References

  1. Ahn, M. R., et al. (2007). Antioxidant activity and constituents of propolis collected in various areas of Japan. Food and Chemical Toxicology.

  2. Zabaiou, N., et al. (2017). Biological properties of propolis extracts: Something new from an ancient product. Phytomedicine.

  3. Chen, Y., et al. (2020). Effects of propolis on inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medicinal Food.






Quality Lab Tested Bee-Propolis 15ml
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