Manuka honey and CBD are both natural health staples used by millions of people around the world.

Manuka honey, which only comes from New Zealand, is well-known for its antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, you’ll know CBD as a fast-growing supplement which advocates say can help with a myriad of different conditions.

So what exactly could they both do for your gut health?

Well, the good news is that scientists now understand that the gut can govern all kinds of bodily processes, from mental health to the immune system. This means that anything positive you’re doing for your gut is great.

But to be clearer on how CBD can help your gut you have to know about something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). So let’s jump right in…

What is the ECS?
Basically, the ECS is a network of signals and receptors that influences different processes in the body. Sounds confusing? That’s not surprising, since medical experts are still trying to pin down exactly what it is and how it works. But what we do know is that it probably plays a part in appetite, digestion and metabolism.

So where does CBD come in?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in cannabis – but it’s not made of the stuff that gets you high. Instead, users find that it works for a variety of problems including insomnia, anxiety and poor digestion.

Again, scientists aren’t quite sure why it does this. Some think CBD stops the ECS breaking down. Others that it binds to a receptor in the ECS which has specific effects – but which we haven’t quite identified yet.

There’s already plenty of positive research out there though. One study found that CBD reduces intestinal inflammation – another that it’s a promising way to treat bowel problems and leaky gut (1)

How about Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is respected around the world as a natural prebiotic. Prebiotics are natural substances that help healthy bacteria grow in your gut (in this case a strain of lactobacillus). This helps make your digestive system work better.

But it goes a bit further than that. Manuka Honey can also help fight H.pylori, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers (2). Plus, a 2013 study showed it slowed down the growth of c. difficle, a nasty bacteria that causes diarrhoea (3).

Many people find it simple to add Manuka Honey to smoothies, making it an easy (and pleasant-tasting) way to bolster digestion.

Can I use them together?

It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor before you try anything new to make sure it works for you. That said, combining both can make a potentially potent cocktail to bolster your gut.

A simple way to combine both is to add a few drops of CBD oil to honey, lemon and hot water to drink as a shot. CBD is wholly legal in the UK – but make sure you get it from a reputable stockist so you know the quality’s high.

Alternatively, Manuka Pharm has a dedicated range that combines the two. The easy-to-take supplements feature ultra-pure CBD isolate and Manuka Honey plus vitamins B6, B12 and E to contribute to overall wellbeing.