Raw 'Active' honeys to boost you against winter ailments

This is the time of year when Active honeys, like Manuka are most needed - as coughs and sore throats spread.

Manuka is good because it has a unique antibacterial quality - unlike any other honey we have come across. You can put it in hot drinks and on piping hot porridge and the activity level will not be affected. Other honeys, particularly dark ones have similar activity levels as Manuka but the main antibacterial element (hydrogen peroxide that is produced by a bee enzyme) is affected by light and heat.  So not so good for hot drinks. Therefore a selection of a Manuka for hot lemon and honey drinks and an active honey, such as the Chestnut from the monks of Mount Athos,  for other uses is ideal.