evidence: In fact new research, from the University of Swansea, shows that manuka honey could offer an antibiotic alternative to treat antibiotic resistant respiratory infections, particularly the deadly bacteria found in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) infections. The manuka honey killed 39% antimicrobial resistant bacteria compared to 29% for antibiotics. Manuka honey also improved the activity of some antibiotics that were unable to function effectively by themselves, used together, honey and antibiotics combined killed 90% of the bacteria tested. [...] But does it really work? This is one case where the A-list hype is backed by science. Lab tests show that manuka honey does indeed have antimicrobial properties – meaning it kills bacteria – in lab conditions.