Mad Honey: Effects, Benefits & People Sayings
If you search online, you will find a variety of jars of honey from all over the world. With different kinds of honey come different tastes and aromas. Each honey has a set of advantages and properties. Out of all the honeys, mad honey stands out for its unique composition and soothing properties.
In general, honey is a sweet, juicy, and viscous food product that comes from the nectar of flowers. We have been using honey as a natural sweetener (as an alternative to sugar) in our meals for ages.
Also, Honey is popular for being a food ingredient, a medicine ingredient, and a beautiful ingredient in the cosmetic world. Interestingly, in Ayurvedic scriptures, there have been mentions of honey in multiple texts, both dearly and openly.
What is Mad Honey?
A particular species of rhododendron flower, particularly those that can be found in regions of Nepal, produces nectar that bees use to make mad honey. This honey includes a substance called grayanotoxin that can result in a variety of symptoms.
Interestingly, the honey bees that collect the mad honey are also the world’s largest honey bees. It is 22 times larger than the regular honey bee. In the world, it is known as the Apis Dorsata Laboriosa, with the nickname “The Giant Himalayan Bee”.
Taste and Aroma of Mad Honey
When it comes to honey, its colour varies somewhere between brownish and reddish, depending on the flower and the season. If you are new to real mad honey, it will take some time for you to get used to the taste of the honey. The taste of the honey is slightly bitter and can cause a tingling sensation in your throat right after its consumption.
The History of Powerful Honey
There is an interesting anecdote about mad honey and the Turkish army. Almost ten thousand years ago, when the Roman army invaded the Black Sea of Turkey, the Turkish army grew resentful towards the Roman troops.
As a plan to take revenge, they paved the entire way with mad honey to fool the Romans. Naively, the Romans accepted the invitation as a gesture of peacemaking. They consumed the mad honey in large amounts, which caused them to die instantly or be fatally wounded.
However, it is important to note that mad honey is not at all dangerous to consume. But you should never exceed one tablespoon per day.
Significance of Honey in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the traditional medicine system of India that dates back almost five thousand years. The word ‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word that translates to the literal meaning “Science of Life”.
Ayurveda believes that there is a connection between mind, body, and spirit. And if we maintain all three aspects of our lives, we can promote overall wellness and prevent diseases.
Subsequently, in Ayurvedic medicine, honey has a balancing impact on the body’s three energies: vata, pitta, and kapha. In particular, it is meant to be beneficial for balancing Pitta energy (dosha), which has an association with heat and inflammation in the body.
Back in the day, when there were no modern treatments and technologies, people would use honey as their secret ingredient to heal any health ailment. They would use honey to fix skin and hair problems, soothe throat irritation, and boost immunity.
Ayurveda frequently uses honey as a medium for various medicinal treatments. It is thought to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.
Yet, it is crucial to keep in mind that not every honey has equal medicinal qualities and benefits. And the quality varies due to several factors, such as the nectar from which the honey is produced, the region of production, the type of bee collecting the honey, and so on.
Therefore, mad honey tops it all when it comes to maintaining both the qualities and benefits of honey. Now let’s dive more into mad honey, its making, and its amazing benefits. Not only does the unique honey have a range of advantages, but it also has a distinct composition.
Read our blog: Mad Honey vs. Regular Honey: Which is Better for Your Health? In this blog, you will read about different factors that differentiate our mad honey from regular honey.
How is Mad Honey Collected?
Local communities in the Annapurna and Manasalu regions of Nepal are the real heroes behind the collection of the mad honey. They are known as the Gurungs, who play with death to collect honey from the dreary cliffs.
For a thousand years, the Gurung community has been practising the mad honey harvesting process with their traditional method. With only a flimsy rope and a ladder, they go on the hunt to gather the juicy fluid.
Before they begin their hunt, they form a group of honey hunters. Subsequently, they divided the tasks among themselves. And, a day before the hunt, they organise a religious ceremony—a puja—to pay respect to their bee spirit, Rangkemi.
In the hunt, one hunter burns the grass to distract the giant bees from attacking them and uses a bamboo stick to collect the honey, while another honey hunter lowers the basket to collect the dripping from the hive.
Then they process the honey without any alteration and prepare it in batches to sell. Recently, due to media coverage, they and their ancient honey-hunting technique have gained recognition all over the world.
Many tourists are visiting the mountains and their homes to interview them and learn about their culture. Due to this, the honey-hunting business is flowering.
What are the Effects of Mad Honey?
Mad honey, also known as "Psychedelic Honey" or "grayanotoxin honey," is a unique type of honey produced by bees that feed on certain rhododendron and related plants containing grayanotoxins. These grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can induce various effects on humans when consumed, but these effects are typically associated with exceeding the recommended dosage.
When consumed in moderation and within recommended limits, the effects of mad honey are usually mild and may include a warm, tingling sensation, and a feeling of relaxation. In some cultures, small amounts of mad honey have been traditionally used for potential health benefits, such as its purported aphrodisiac properties or other therapeutic uses.
However, consuming excessive amounts of mad honey can lead to more pronounced effects. These effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In addition, there might be cardiovascular effects, such as a drop in blood pressure and an an irregular heartbeat. Neurological symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and disorientation could also occur. It's even possible to experience more severe symptoms like seizures, loss of consciousness, and respiratory distress in extreme cases.
Here more explained effects of mad honey:
- Gastrointestinal Symptions
- Cardiovascular Effects
- Neurological Symptoms
- Sweating and Salivation
- Muscle Weakness
- Respiratory Distress
- Toxicity Levels
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Consuming mad honey has been associated with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that encompass nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms, while generally considered mild and self-limiting, might intensify in certain instances. While some individuals might experience only fleeting discomfort, others could find themselves grappling with more substantial effects.
Cardiovascular Effects
Mad honey consumption carries the potential for cardiovascular effects, particularly a drop in blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias. Individuals who have existing heart conditions should exercise particular caution, as these effects might pose heightened risks to their cardiovascular health.
Neurological Symptoms
The influence of grayanotoxins present in mad honey extends to the nervous system, which can give rise to a spectrum of neurological symptoms. These might encompass sensations of dizziness, generalised weakness, and disorientation. In instances where one consumes substantial quantities of mad honey, the neurological impact can escalate into more severe outcomes such as seizures and even episodes of unconsciousness.
Sweating and Salivation
It has been observed that consumption of mad honey might provoke physiological responses like excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, and heightened salivation. These effects underscore the intricate and systemic nature of the influence that grayanotoxins can exert on the human body.
Muscle Weakness
Among the potential repercussions of grayanotoxin poisoning is the emergence of muscle weakness. This, in turn, can contribute to an overarching sense of feebleness and impaired coordination, which might affect an individual's physical capabilities and day-to-day functioning.
Respiratory Distress
While relatively rare, instances of respiratory distress can occur following the consumption of mad honey. This might manifest as difficulties in breathing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of constriction within the chest. These respiratory symptoms underscore the far-reaching impact that grayanotoxins can exert on various bodily systems.
Toxicity Levels
Central to understanding the effects of mad honey is the concept of toxicity levels. The severity of the symptoms is intricately tied to the quantity of grayanotoxins ingested. While mild cases might incite only minor discomfort, larger amounts could precipitate heightened and more severe symptoms, with extreme cases even culminating in fatality. This stark variation reinforces the need for cautious and informed consumption practises.
"Every year, thousands of people relish the effects of mad honey. Some consume it for fun, some consume it for health, and some consume it to live a lifetime experience. But the end is mostly pleasant."
10 Real-life Experiences of People Affected by the Effects of Mad Honey:
1. The Healing Effect of Mad Honey
Amara Bennet, 32, England
“Two years ago, I was having a hard time falling asleep. I tried every other solution that I found on the internet. But nothing seemed to help. Lack of sleep was also making my days unbearable, and I was cranky most of the time.
Although I could have gone to the doctor, I thought it was too early for me to try sleeping medications. After living my days like a zombie for months, one of my friends who had just visited Nepal told me about the mad honey effects.
I was sceptical at first about trying this. But she convinced me that I should at least have a spoonful of it for a week and then decide. So I did!
Every night before going to bed, I took one spoonful of mad honey with milk. To my surprise, it worked wonders for my sleep. Consequently, my energy and mood also improved. Now if any day I am feeling under the weather, I use mad honey as a rescue.”
2. Mad Honey Adventure
Chloe Bennet, 25, USA
“On a sunny day, my friends and I went on an exciting adventure in search of an extraordinary honey known as Mad Honey. We had a pool of tales about its magical properties and its ability to heighten our senses and perceptions. But little did we know that a whole lot of new experiences were awaiting us!
As we reached the remote village of Lamjung, a kind local guide led us through the lush forests to the secret hives. With his assistance, we carefully consumed a small amount of the honey.
Immediately, a tingling sensation spread throughout my body, awakening my senses like never before. The colours seemed more vibrant, and the sounds of nature became crisper.
Our energy levels soared, and a sense of euphoria filled us. Every step we took felt light and effortless, as if we were floating on air.
But it wasn't just the physical sensations that amazed us; the psychological effects were equally astonishing. I found myself reflecting deeply on my life, gaining newfound insights and perspectives.
We sat in awe, watching the sunlight. We laughed uncontrollably at the simplest of things, finding joy in the smallest moments.”
If you want to learn why mad honey is expensive compared to regular honey, check out our dedicated blog about it.
3. Spiritual Awakening with the Bizarre Honey
Ethan Jenkins, 28, Germany
“In 2018, I went on a trip to Nepal, where I got to know about the effects of mad honey. After hearing about its exceptional benefits and mind-altering properties, I was curious.
After a few days, I managed to get my hands on the mad honey from the local vendors. It was a small jar of honey. As mentioned in the jar, I consumed only a tablespoon of honey.
After a few minutes, a wave of warmth washed over me, engulfing my senses in a comforting hug. Soon I entered a realm of transcendent consciousness, where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds blurred.
The effect of mad honey was unlike anything I had experienced before. I slowly lost track of Mad Honey. I had never been ‘present ’like this before. It was like I was experiencing everything for the first time - I felt like a newborn infant.
I realised that we are all interconnected, mere threads in the intricate fabric of existence. The barriers that separate us—race, religion, and nationality—faded away, leaving only love and compassion in their wake.
As the effects of the mad honey gradually faded, I returned to the physical realm, carrying with me the wisdom and insights gained during my transcendent journey.
It allowed me to transcend the boundaries of ordinary consciousness, unveiling a world filled with love, unity, and divine energy. It was a powerful reminder that within each of us lies the potential for spiritual awakening and deeper understanding of our place in the universe.”
4. Adrenaline-fueled Effects of Mad Honey
Debish Roy, 27, India
“When I first consumed the mad honey, it gushed to me with a strange yet comforting sensation. My heart was pounding, and that got me scared in the first place.
But slowly, I got a better grip on my strength and stability. I had booked a parachuting session for that very day, but I wasn’t able to gather the courage to fly. However, after taking the mad honey, I decided to confront my fear.
Eventually, I soared through the sky, leaping from towering cliffs with nothing but a parachute. The wind rushed past, carrying my scream of exhilaration as I defied gravity with the liberty of flight.
We soared through the sky, leaping from towering cliffs with nothing but a parachute to guide our descent. The wind rushed past, carrying our screams of exhilaration as we defied gravity and embraced the freedom of flight.
Every twist and turn, every surge of adrenaline, reminded me that fear could be conquered and personal boundaries pushed to new limits.
The honey seemed to dissolve my fears and doubts, allowing me to embrace the challenges before me with unwavering confidence. It was as if the honey had unlocked a hidden reserve of courage deep within my being.”
5. The Calming Experience
Shaun Wright, 37, USA
“My first experience with honey was not very pleasant. I didn’t feel any kind of mind-altering mad honey effect. And that disappointment made me give up on the idea of magical mad honey.
But, the next day, I thought to give it one more try since I had spent a hefty amount of money. On my second trial, I observed a strange sensation in my body. My body released all the grip it had, and it moved like a feather.
Soon I found myself in a mellow mood. I carried on with my day with the daily chores. But I had never known such calmness before. That night, I slept like a baby. Since then, I consume mad honey every other day - especially when I am in a stressful situation.”
Learn about the differences between mad honey and regular honey.
6. A Brush with Magic
Lin Wei, 34, China
“I had heard from someone that the Nepalese mad honey is a gift for art lovers. The mad honey effect also heightens creativity. At first, I scoffed at the claim. But one day, when a friend of mine brought a batch of Nepali mad honey, I couldn’t resist.
I savoured a small spoonful of Mad Honey, hesitant that it might enhance creativity and unconventional perspectives. I had a canvas near me that was completely blank. So I decided to paint that day. In this state of heightened creativity, my mind bursts with a kaleidoscope of ideas and possibilities.
It was as if my brush or pen danced effortlessly across the canvas or paper, guided by an invisible hand that whispered stories and brought visions to life.
With each stroke, my artistic instincts took flight, pushing the boundaries of my craft. The effects of mad honey infused my work with newfound energy, allowing me to explore uncharted artistic territories and uncover hidden depths within my creations.”
If you are going to buy mad honey, then there are so many options, but you also have to be careful about whether that honey is real mad honey or not. Learn from our blog how to spot fake mad honey.
7. A Cautionary Tale
Liam Parker, 40, Italy
“I ordered a small jar of mad honey from a local vendor in Nepal. I had been waiting to try Mad Honey since I first heard about it from a friend. Hence, I consumed the honey in three tablespoons mixed with milk.
And that invited a whirlwind of problems for me. My heart was palpitating quickly, and I was sweating heavily. After experiencing such symptoms, I got extremely scared. I called the friend who introduced me to the mad honey. He asked me to calm down and asked me about the amount of mad honey I had consumed.
When I told him about my dosage, he rebuked me. It turned out that the recommended dosage of mad honey is somewhere between 1 and 2 tablespoons. And here I was, completely buzzed after three tablespoons.
Consequently, I learned my lesson the hard way: always read the products’ labels before trying them out for the first time.”
8. A Comforting Day with Mad Honey
Mithila Jha, 26, India
“ I consumed the mad honey on a rainy day when I was in the comfort of my apartment. Before taking Mad Honey, I was fussy about random things. However, after 15 to 20 minutes, I could witness the calming effect of mad honey.
That day, I did some journaling and cooked my favourite meal. The entire day, I was more balanced and at ease. However, I didn’t have any extremely mind-boggling experiences, as others claim to have. I guess it’s different for each individual.
I would like to try the mad honey again!”
Are you CONFUSED, "Is Mad honey Legal or Not". No worries, check out our blog; we have all the details about it.
9. A fun trip to Nepal
Maya Sharma, 36, France
“On a trip to Nepal with my friends, we learned about mad honey and its effects. We were extremely curious to try this unique honey. So, we searched for places that sold mad honey. Finally, we came across a vendor that sold mad honey.
We all decided to try the honey in our hotel to save ourselves from any humiliation that might come after consuming it. The mad honey effect seeped into us after only a couple of minutes. We were all in a jolly mood.
We played some music, talked, sang, danced, enjoyed the hotel food, and finally called it a day. On the next morning, when we woke up, we were all sober; we had no headaches or nausea. Instead, we were in a mellower mood.”
10. The Ancient Culture
Gabriel Dawson, 31, Netherlands
“I had read an article on honey hunting on a popular media house. And since then, I wanted to visit that remote village in Nepal and experience it myself.
So when I got a chance to travel to Nepal, I was gushing with excitement and reverence. Soon after I arrived in Nepal, I joined a gathering of individuals, all eager to partake in traditional ceremonies and rituals that had been passed down through generations.
The locals provided us with a small amount of honey to sample. When I tasted the mad honey, I hated the taste of it. It was bitter and rough on the throat. However, after a while, I got the hang of it.
The air around me seemed to thicken with the echoes of ancient chants and drumbeats. In my altered state of consciousness, I participated in the sacred rituals of the locals.
As the ceremony unfolded, I felt deep relief and euphoria. Slowly, the effect of mad honey lessened, and I could come back to reality. It’s been a few years since the event. However, I am again trying to make a plan for my next tour to Nepal to relish the effects of mad honey.”
Is Mad Honey safe to consume?
Mad honey is safe to consume, but there are a few exceptions, such as breastfeeding and pregnant women. And, it’s advisable to keep honey out of the reach of kids under 15 years old.
If you have any special health issues, it is always best to consult your physician since it is a strong type of honey. Also, if you are easily susceptible to allergies, it is wise to speak to your physician.
And, caution would be to never mix the honey with any alcoholic beverages. Of course, you can mix it with any drink, such as milk, juice, or coffee, but it’s dangerous if you take it with alcohol.
Mad honey is certainly a chart-topper in the honey world, it has the perfect combination of aroma and taste that blends well with your meals. And, with just a spoonful of it, you can get multiple advantages in your daily life. Visit our store, Everest Organic Home, to buy various organic products that will inspire you to live a healthy life.
Mad honey is an ingredient that has been known to mankind for years because of its sweet taste. But it also has inherent healing properties that have been used in the medicinal and therapeutic worlds to treat a variety of ailments.
Benefits of Mad Honey
From ancient times to modern times, mad honey has been celebrated for its optimal health benefits that can improve your overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. Due to the presence of a neurotoxin called grayanotoxin, it also plays an impeccable role in boosting your mental health.
Some of the wonderful advantages of this unique honey for your health are:
Improves Immunity Power
Since it contains antioxidants, it can accelerate your immune system, making you fit to fight your disease. Antioxidants are a great substance to prevent any kind of cell damage. Due to this prevention, you are less likely to be prone to the disease.
Also, it contains one of the major vitamin antioxidants, i.e. Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps detoxify your body, lowers blood pressure, improves iron absorption in your body, and reduces dementia risk. Take a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. Additionally, you can also add turmeric powder to it for better results.
Improves Gut Health
It contains a probiotic element that makes it easy for your gut to digest food, reduces bloating, prevents diarrhoea, and eases indigestion. Also, it contains the good bacteria called gut flora that enable smooth digestion.
Mad honey contains a special kind of enzyme that helps break down complex carbohydrates and sugar. Furthermore, it has a compound called methylglyoxal that cures any infection in the gut.
Fixes Skin Problems
Honey has a long history of use in cosmetic products. Using honey tightens and smooths your skin. If you have dry skin, use a turmeric powder, lemon juice, and honey blend on your face before sleeping and wash it in the morning. You will see the magic for yourself.
Since it contains vitamin C and antioxidants, it protects cells from cell damage and fights against ageing. Also, it may improve your skin's texture and appearance. Mad honey is a perfect combination of enzymes, beneficial compounds that plays an exceptional role in the cosmetic world.
For dull and dry skin, honey can moisturise and hydrate it on another level. It is also a wonderful, gentle exfoliator and cleanser that can remove any dirt from your face after a long day.
Honey contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce puffiness in the face and fix skin breakouts and acne. It can relieve your sunburn due to its antiseptic properties. You can apply the mad honey to the affected area of skin and leave it for a few minutes, performing this act every day for a week. Soon, you will notice your sunburn healing.
Furthermore, you can use honey as a lip oil to gently scrub your lips to make them look smoother and plumper. Not only for a lip scrub, but you can also use it as a body scrub to remove the dust and dirt in a shower.
Learn more about mad honey for skin care in our other blog.
Helps to Lose and Maintain Weight
Mad honey contains macronutrients like carbohydrates and protein that can give you energy and help recover your muscles after a workout.
Also, it contains micronutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium that balance your immune function and prevent any kind of disease.
One of the tips for losing weight is to consume a tablespoon of honey before you go to bed. Honey fuels the production of glucose in the liver. By forcing the brain to generate chemicals that burn fat, this glucose keeps the brain's blood sugar levels high.
If you want, you can also take it with milk before you go to sleep. Milk is a source of tryptophan, which promotes better sleep and healthy weight loss.
Some of the drinks with honey to lose weight are:
a. Lemon and Mad Honey in Warm Water
b. Lemon, Turmeric Powder, and Honey in Warm Water or Milk
c. Honey and Warm Water
d. Honey and Cinnamon
Low Glycemic Index
Since it has a low glycemic index, people with diabetes can use it as an alternative to sugar in their delicious recipes without any guilt.
Nowadays, people are conscious of their health and want to cut down on their sugar intake. But it is tempting not to eat any sweets or desserts. Therefore, without thinking any further, you can incorporate mad honey into your diet as per your liking. And you will not regret your choice.
The sugar that you buy from the market is a refined form of sugar that might drastically increase your insulin level, causing you to have several fatal diseases. Not only the sugar but also regular honey found in the market contains additive sugar in the name of organic products.
Beware of the honey that you buy in the store. However, mad honey is a natural sweetener with a nutty flavour. But even with this delicious honey, you need to consume it in moderation. After all, it also contains sugar.
Improves Your Mood
Also known as “Mad honey psychedelic”, it can boost your mood and take away the sadness from your life in an instant. It contains a good amount of carbohydrates that will give you a great kick to start the day.
Only by taking a tablespoon of it in lukewarm water and consuming it every morning, you begin to feel great about yourself. It gives you massive clarity. One main thing that makes this type of honey unique is the presence of grayanotoxin.
The grayanotoxin helps you relax and motivates you to make better decisions. And, if you are in the creative field, then you are in luck since it enables awesome creativity. With mental clarity comes unlimited creativity.
Improves cardiovascular health
Taking honey only in small amounts can do wonders for your heart health and regulate the blood properly. The presence of antioxidants in it can control the cholesterol level, which helps reduce the risk of any heart injury. Plus, it is good for your lungs, as its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties reduce the chance of lung congestion.
Promotes Wound Healing
It contains antiseptic properties that can heal any bad wound in just a couple of days. Additionally, due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, you can use it as a wound dressing, as it will rapidly promote wound healing.
Take honey on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area for about 20–30 minutes, then wash it off. Try this once a day until the wound is completely healed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does mad honey feel like?
Ans: When you taste mad honey, it has a sweet and delicious flavour that is different from regular honey. Once you eat it, you might start to notice some changes in how you experience the world around you. Subsequently, it might change your perspective on the world.
2. Does mad honey make your trip?
Ans: Mad honey has been known to cause certain effects on the body, but it's important to clarify that it does not make you "trip" in the way that some drugs do. It can, however, create unique sensory experiences and alter your perception.
3. How much mad honey to hallucinate?
Ans: It's important to clarify that mad honey is not typically consumed for the purpose of hallucinating. While it can have certain effects on the senses, consuming mad honey in moderate amounts is unlikely to induce hallucinations.
4. How long does mad honey last?
Ans: The duration of mad honey's effects can vary from person to person. Generally, the effects of mad honey are not long-lasting and tend to subside after a few hours.
5. What does mad honey do to you?
Ans: Mad honey can have fascinating effects on your body and senses. When consumed, it enhances your sensory experiences, making colours appear brighter and intensifying emotions. It can also alter your perception of the world around you, providing a unique and magical experience.
6. How much mad honey to take for safe consumption?
Ans: When it comes to consuming mad honey, it's important to start with a small amount and gradually increase it if desired effects are achieved. A teaspoon or less is typically a safe starting point. Remember, moderation is key.