Honey is made by honeybees, from the nectar of flowering plants. Honey contains mostly sugar, but also amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants.

Besides it being a natural sweetener, some honeys including manuka honey, can also used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. Manuka honey is used to treat coughs, treat burns and promote wound healing.

As noted by the Mayo Clinic, there is researched evidence for using honey as follows:

• Honey antioxidants might be associated with reducing your risk of cardiovascular or heart disease
• Specific varieties of honey, like manuka honey, can act as a cough suppressant in upper respiratory infections and night-time cough
• Honey might relieve some gastrointestinal conditions, like diarrhea from gastroenteritis
• Honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety benefits, and has been shown to help prevent memory disorders
• Topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly burns.