Mad Honey

You must have heard the term “Mad Honey” several times. The term “Mad Honey” has appeared in several news articles, blog posts, and as a topic of conversation, among many other places. So what is it? And why is it gaining this much attention? Hidden deep within the towering cliffs of Nepal, it is one of the rarest and most natural intoxicating sweeteners.

A rare and potent variety of honey known for its unique properties, intoxicating effects, and deep cultural significance is Mad Honey, a hot topic of conversation among trekkers and many nature enthusiasts around the world. When trekking in Nepal, many travelers and nature enthusiasts have it on their minds as a topic of key interest. Whether you’re curious about its origin, its historical use, and purpose, or its unique intoxicating features, this blog is your gateway to everything about Mad Honey.

In this blog, we dive deep into the stories and science behind Mad Honey. Daring honey hunters risk their lives to extract such rare and prestigious natural produce, found in the tall cliffs of Nepal. It is not just any ordinary honey. It serves its unique purpose and properties that make this product something to chase after across the globe.

What is Mad Honey?

Mad Honey is simply honey that contains grayanotoxins, a group of closely related neurotoxins. It is a unique food that also acts as a sweetener, which holds mysterious healing properties as well as mind-altering properties. principally produced in mountainous regions of Nepal and Turkey, it is used both as a traditional medicine and a recreational drug.

The name “Mad Honey” comes from its unique properties and symptoms it can cause when consumed in even small amounts, such as dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, fainting. Talking about its history, it has been used as a traditional medicine for its supposed therapeutic benefits, which include relief from hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and as an aphrodisiac.

The dark, reddish honey is produced by the Himalayan giant honey bees (Apis Laboriosa) and holds a huge traditional significance among the Gurung community in Nepal.

What does Mad Honey do?

Due to the presence of grayanotoxins in Mad Honey, it interferes with normal nerve and muscle function, which affects the body and mind. The effects of this honey vary depending on the amount consumed. It has several benefits when consumed in a limited amount, but can cause different side effects when consumed in large portions.

In small, controlled amounts, Mad Honey can have several benefits, which include:

1. Feelings of relaxation and warmth

It has been noted that many people who consumed Mad honey have felt a feeling of relaxation and warmth. Most people go in search of it for relaxation purposes. This is one of the huge driving factors for people across the world chasing to get a taste of this unique natural substance at least once in their lives.

2. Mild euphoria

Mad honey has also proven, when consumed in controlled portions, to give a sensation of buzz and thrill, similar to a natural sedative. One of the most sought-after reasons for people to taste this specific honey is the mild euphoria.

3. Traditional medicinal uses

Mad Honey Nepal has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, such as relief from pain (especially muscle and joint pain), stress and anxiety reduction, aphrodisiac, digestive aid, regulating blood pressure, and common cold remedies.

However, when consumed in large portions, it can have negative effects and potentially dangerous symptoms, which include:

1. Gastrointestinal issues

Mad honey, if consumed in large quantities, has resulted in people facing gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These are some common symptoms of heavy consumption. When consumed in higher doses, it can have a negative effect on gut health.

2. Neurological effects

Some of the other common symptoms of uncontrolled consumption of Mad Honey include neurological effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision (sometimes even temporary blindness), headache, difficulty standing, and more. These neurological effects can cause significant damage if not treated accordingly and on time.

3. Cardiovascular effects

One of the major impacts of consuming mad honey in higher quantities is its effect on the heart and blood vessels. When consumed in higher doses, it can cause illnesses such as hypotension, bradycardia (a type of abnormal heart rhythm), sweating, and increased body temperature. In certain conditions, this can even prove to be fatal if not treated on time.

Benefits of Mad Honey

Mad honey, when consumed in limited portions and under control, can have several health benefits. It has been used traditionally for centuries in mountainous regions of Nepal and Turkey for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Mad Honey can act as a natural vasodilator, meaning it can help relax blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. Also, due to its mild sedative nature and psychoactive effects, it can help with mental stress and anxiety. It is sometimes used traditionally as a natural mood stabilizer.

In some cultures, mad honey is also considered an aphrodisiac, which is believed to enhance sexual performance and desire. Several other benefits include helping with digestion, stomach pain, and bloating. Also, similar to natural honey, it may contain antioxidants, which can be a great help to reduce inflammation and help with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Mad honey benefits have a lot to offer. When consumed in safe proportions, it can be an excellent, natural source of medicine for several health benefits. However, like any medicinal drug, if consumed in an uncontrolled portion, mad honey also possesses huge health risks and dangers. It is always wise to consume a limited portion and not exceed one’s limits when consuming nature’s true gift.

If consumed in right portion, fully advised by health professionals, mad honey can prove to be one of the bets avaiable natural supplements out there.

The Mad Honey High or Intoxicating Effect

Since mad honey contains grayanotoxins, which are usually extracted from rhododendron nectar, it creates a high feeling. The grayanotoxins are responsible for targeting your nerves and heart muscle, slowing your heart rate and lowering blood pressure. The effects start to be noticeable around 30 minutes or 2 hours after the intake.

It lasts around 4 to 6 hours if the intake is not too high; otherwise, it may last up to 12 hours in case of heavy doses.

Debunking the Myths Surrounding Mad Honey Hallucinations

The unique and mysterious psychoactive properties of Mad Honey have intrigued adventurers and curious minds for centuries. With more gossip comes greater myths and misunderstandings. Several myths surround it, especially when it comes to hallucinations. Below, we discuss some of the popular myths regarding mad honey hallucinations and debunk them once and for all.

Myth 1: Mad Honey always causes intense hallucinations

One of the most widespread misconceptions revolving around mad honey is its intense hallucinations. While it can cause hallucinations, not everyone experiences them. This hallucination effect depends on several factors, including the portion consumed, the concentration of grayanotoxins, and the individual’s sensitivity.  In many cases, users of such honey report only mild dizziness or lightheadedness rather than full-blown hallucinations.

Myth 2: Mad Honey hallucinations are mystical or spiritual experiences

In the remote parts of Nepal and Turkey, in some cultures, the effect of Mad Honey has been linked with spiritual and shamanic practices. This is a big myth, as the “otherworldly” feelings and experiences are more of a biological side effect due to the physiological reaction of the body to grayanotoxins, which interfere with normal nerve signaling.

Myth 3: Hallucinations from Mad Honey are safe and fun to experience

One of the common myths surrounding this natural product is that the hallucinations caused by the honey are safe and fun to experience. This myth can be dangerous, as although the idea of a natural hallucinogen can sound harmless, overconsumption of mad honey can be toxic.  When consumed in uncontrolled portions, it may lead to serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, critically low blood pressure, blurred vision, and even temporary paralysis.

Myth 4: The stronger the hallucinations, the better the honey

It is a major misconception that the kind of honey that causes stronger hallucinations is of higher quality. In truth, the potency of mad honey is linked to the amount of grayanotoxins present, and a higher toxin level means the honey is more dangerous.

Myth 5: All wild honey causes hallucinations

People often fall under the misconception that all wild honey is mad honey. When in reality, true mad honey is produced by bees feeding on specific species of Rhododendron, which are rich in grayanotoxins. People generally believe that honey found in the wild is all such kind of honey. However, this is not the case.

Where is Mad Honey found in Nepal?

In Nepal, mad honey is found mostly in remote regions, especially near the Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu areas. These areas are home to the Himalayan giant honeybee (Apis Laboriosa), the world’s largest honeybee. The cliffs in these regions provide the perfect natural habitat for giant Himalayan bees. In the Annapurna region, you can find beehives hanging on the cliffs around the villages of Nangidhar, Ghansikuwa, and Khudi. The local Gurung communities are known for harvesting it from these areas.

Trekkers can also come across several beehives during the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek route in Ulleri. Other regions include the Dhaulagiri and Myagdi districts and eastern parts of Nepal. All of these regions share one thing in common: wild Rhododendron forests. Similarly, these regions also follow a traditional honey-hunting culture, especially among the Gurung community.

Harvest seasons and traditions of Mad Honey

Mad Honey is typically harvested twice a year in Nepal, depending on the blooming cycle of the rhododendron flowers and the migration of the Himalayan giant honeybees. It is typically harvested during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. The Spring season is the primary harvest period. During this time, the rhododendron forests are in full bloom, resulting in bees producing huge quantities of honey.

The harvesting of such honey is an ancient tradition among the indigenous community, especially the Gurung people. The process is deeply tied to their culture and sacred traditions, which have been passed down through generations. The process of harvesting honey is not easy. It requires daring, trained professionals to take on various life-threatening challenges to extract the honey.

Honey hunters mostly use handmade rope ladders to climb cliffs, where the special honey bees (Apis Laboriosa) set up their hives. It takes several days of walking and camping in forests for the honey hunters to reach their destinations. Once the hunters reach the honeycomb, they perform sacred rituals, thanking nature for such gifts, before smoking the hive to ward off the honey bees and making them numb so as not to sting the hunters. Despite all the precautions, the bees do try to defend their honey and sting the hunters in their defense.

Hunters often use traditional tools such as long sticks with baskets or sharp blades on the ends to cut and collect the honeycomb. During the extraction, the entire village may participate, either helping directly or supporting the honey hunters in any way possible.

Harvesting of Mad Honey in Nepal is a social and spiritual gathering, not just a harvest.

The honey is then filtered using a strainer and scooped into containers.

Psychoactive and Hallucinogenic Mad Honey Effects

Mad Honey, popular for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects, is desired by many curious minds all over the world. Grayanotoxins are the primary reasons for its psychoactive effects. When consumed in moderate to high quantities, such honey can cause euphoria, a sense of calm, and lightheadedness.

Other psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects include:

• Slight blurring or warping of vision
• Heightened senses
• Short-lived visual patterns or bright flashes
• Feeling extremely relaxed
• Difficulty understanding and maintaining focus

These effects are, however, felt only when consumed in moderate to high doses. When consumed in higher doses, it can have harmful effects and may require medical attention.

How much does Mad Honey from Nepal cost?

The cost of mad honey from Nepal depends on the quality, its purity, and where it is sold. Typically, the cost of it in Nepal is comparatively more expensive than normal honey. The cost of mad honey, if bought directly from harvesters in regions like Lamjung or Kaski, can range between USD 25 to USD 50 per kg. These are usually raw, unprocessed honeys sold by local Gurung communities.

When exported or sold online, in countries like the U.S. and European countries, the price can range between USD 100 to USD 300 per kilogram. The prices are generally higher when sold online due to factors such as certification, branding and packaging, shipping, import fees, and higher demand. However, you have to be very careful when buying mad honey online, as these natural products can also be sold as fake.

Is Mad Honey Legal?

Mad Honey is generally legal in most countries. However, its legality depends on how it’s used or marketed. In Nepal, it is legally harvested, consumed, and sold. In countries such as the United States, Canada, the EU, the UK, and Australia, it is legal to import, sell, and buy such honey as long as it’s marketed as a natural product or a supplement. In these countries, it is often sold online as “Himalayan Mad Honey” or “Psychedelic Honey”.

Some countries may restrict or ban the products that are marketed with psychoactive or hallucinogenic claims. Countries with strict food import laws and a zero-tolerance policy on any psychoactive substances also ban the use and marketing of mad honey.

Conclusion

Mad Honey is more than just simple honey. It is a natural sweetener dipped in tradition and ancient history. Harvested from the remote cliffs of Nepal by the brave and daring honey hunters of the Gurung community. The honey stands out for its unique mystery and medicinal values among people globally. Mad honey’s myths and folklore make it one of the most fascinating organic products in the world.

Despite its fame and immeasurable benefits, it must be approached with respect and precaution. The dosage of such honey plays a critical role in determining the user’s experience. When consumed in low and recommended doses, it can be one of the best natural supplements for various health benefits, and relieving stress and anxiety. However, uncontrolled use of the product can have reverse effects and prove to be quite dangerous.

From the start of its harvest to the extraction of the honey, it tells a story far beyond just the sweetness. Due to its rarity and mythical lore, it has become one of the most talked-about natural products in the world, encouraging people across the globe to taste the honey at least once in their lives. The harvesting of it, despite the very limited time, is an occasion for the whole local community to come together and follow their ancient traditions, which have been passed down through generations.

Whether you’re drawn to this mythical natural product for its mysteries, natural health benefits, or deep cultural roots, the honey tells us a story far beyond just sweetness. From the blooming rhododendron forests, naturally selective giant Himalayan honey bees, setting up beehives, to climbing towering cliffs for harvest and distribution, the story of mad honey reminds us all that nature still holds secrets we are only beginning to understand.

Following ancient traditions and keeping up with it, this mythical honey plays a huge role in keeping ancient traditions alive even today. It is our duty to keep these traditions alive for further generations to witness nature’s true gifts.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can mad honey kill you?

Surprisingly, yes, it can kill you if you consume it in high doses. Intake of above 50 or 70 grams can be dangerous, and you should seek immediate medical attention in such cases.

Can mad honey make you high?

Yes, it can make you feel high, and this is one of the reasons why people go for it. It contains grayanotoxins, which give you unusual sensations like lightheadedness/ euphoria and mild hallucinations, too. 

Can mad honey be lethal?

Yes, it can be lethal if the intake or consumption is in high amounts. Since it includes grayanotoxins, these toxins pump up your heartbeat in more than normal rate and hijack the nervous system too if the dose is high.

How is mad honey made?

Interestingly, it can’t be produced by people; it is, in fact, produced naturally by honey bees that collect nectar from some specific species of rhododendron flowers. These flowers include grayanotoxins, which are used to extract mad honey.

How does mad honey work?

It works since it contains grayanotoxins. These are natural compounds that are found in the nectar of some specific rhododendron flowers. The bees make the honey with the help of this nectar. Throughout this process, the toxins remain in the honey, which causes all the hallucinatory effects.

How is mad honey harvested?

The mad honey harvesting process is quite similar to regular honey. Honey hunters climb down the cliffs with the help of ropes and bamboo ladders. The rest of the people get invested in driving away bees using smoke. Hunters cut the chunks of the hive into baskets. This is how the honey collection is done in Nepal.

What does mad honey do?

It has unusual effects on the body because it contains grayanotoxins from rhododendron flowers. What reaction it has to your body depends on the dose you take. A small amount gives a mild euphoria, a medium intake causes dizziness, blurred vision. While a large dose causes low blood pressure, fainting, and a serious condition.

What does mad honey feel like?

It has an unusual or both relaxing and discomforting feeling based on the dose taken. Relaxing sensations in the body can be felt if taken in a small dose. Otherwise, painful or irritating feelings can be experienced if the dose is on the medium or higher side.

What does mad honey do to your body?

Depending on the dose taken, it can lead to a range of effects such as tingling, dizziness, and confusion. More severe effects can be lower blood pressure, reduced oxygen circulation, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, etc.

What is mad honey made from?

Bees collect nectar from specific rhododendron flowers (Rhododendron luteum, Rhododendron ponticum, and Himalayan rhododendrons). The following nectar is converted into mad honey by the bees through normal enzymatic processes.

Where is mad honey found in Nepal?

It is generally found in the mid- and high-hill regions of the Himalayas in Nepal. Some of the key regions include Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Dhading, Manang, etc.

Which mad honey is the best?

Generally, the quality of mad honey, or which is the best, depends on the person’s preference, or on factors like potency, flavor, or safety. Some of the types include Himalayan cliff honey, Turkish Black Sea honey, and managed hive honey.

Which mad honey is legit?

Identifying legit mad honey means taking note of a few things. Generally, the legit honey comes from wild bees (Apis laboriosa in Nepal) or managed hives in rhododendron areas. You can identify the mad honey by its appearance and taste, too; dark-reddish brown means it has high rhododendron content. If the taste is very sweet and light, then it is likely mixed with normal honey. Fake can have little to no effect after eating a spoonful of mad honey.

Which mad honey to buy?

If you’re looking to buy it, then you should choose products that are ethically sourced, properly labeled, and come from reputable sellers.

Which bees produce mad honey?

The responsibility of producing mad honey is on the shoulders of some specific bees that collect nectar from rhododendron flowers. These are Apis laboriosa (Himalayan giant honeybee), Apis dorsata, and Apis mellifera (managed bees in Turkey).

Why is mad honey expensive?

It is expensive simply because it isn’t commonly found and is extremely difficult to harvest. It is only produced in higher altitude regions with specific rhododendron flowers, which is why the price tag goes up. It costs 50 to 150 USD per 100g, depending on the potency and harvesting.

Why is mad honey hallucinogenic?

It is hallucinogenic because it is extracted from rhododendron flowers containing grayanotoxins, the property that causes unusual effects, including hallucinations.

Why is mad honey legal?

It is legal in many countries simply because it is not any kind of drug; it is a simple, natural food product. It is created from bee-collected nectar, especially from rhododendron flowers widely used for medicinal, ritual, and recreational purposes.