A Brief History of Mad Honey
For over 2500 years, humans have been consuming mad honey, a unique type of honey harvested primarily in Nepal and Turkey. This honey has an intriguing past, even being traded to foreigners in ancient times. One notable account dates back to 401 BCE when an ancient Greek philosopher named Xenophon included a story in his book Anabasis about Athenian soldiers who consumed the honey. These soldiers indulged excessively, leading to a rather unpleasant experience that left them incapacitated for several days. They could only manage to lift their heads to vomit until the effects wore off.
As global trade expanded, mad honey found its way to Europe, likely in the 18th century. However, it never gained significant popularity. Today, mad honey remains relatively unknown, yet its small international following is gradually growing.
The Production Process of Mad Honey
Mad honey is a unique type of honey produced solely by bees that pollinate rhododendron flowers. Rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins, a collection of toxins found in various plant families. Bees consume nectar from these flowers, break down the sugars and other components in their stomachs, and then secrete honey into the hive’s honeycombs. Over time, the honey loses water through evaporation, and the concentration of grayanotoxins increases.
While the Nepalese have long harvested mad honey for its medicinal benefits, gathering it is no easy task. Harvesters must scale mountainside cliffs using only ropes and basic ladders for support. They use smoke torches to fend off the bees while extracting honeycombs. Despite the challenges, this practice persists because selling the honey provides a significant source of income for rural, often impoverished villages.
The Effects of Mad Honey
When humans consume grayanotoxins, these toxins bind to sodium ion channels in the body’s cells and prevent them from closing. Consequently, more calcium enters the cells, leading to an increased release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is this increase in acetylcholine that results in the physical effects associated with mad honey.
In Nepal, mad honey is primarily consumed for its medicinal properties, used to treat a range of ailments from hypertension to diabetes to general aches and pains. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment suggests that grayanotoxins can reduce high blood pressure and potentially stabilize glucose levels in people with diabetes. However, due to the varying amounts of grayanotoxins found in mad honey, it is challenging to determine if consuming the honey itself will have significant health benefits.
From a recreational perspective, mad honey offers a legal (in most places) and natural way to experience effects that can range from mild sedation to a hallucinogenic experience.
The Risks of Mad Honey Consumption
Given that mad honey is naturally produced and bears similarities to regular honey, it may be tempting to assume that it is always safe to consume. However, there are inherent risks associated with ingesting mad honey.
To begin with, the active ingredient, grayanotoxin, contains the word “toxin,” indicating that mad honey is not entirely risk-free. Additionally, since it is produced naturally by bees and not in a controlled environment, its potency and effects can vary considerably. Factors such as freshness, concentration, and the proportion of honey produced from rhododendron pollination versus other non-hallucinogenic flowers all influence the honey’s effects.
User feedback and a study in Cardiovascular Toxicology have highlighted some common risks associated with mad honey consumption, including dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, a slight decrease in blood pressure, and sweating. More severe side effects may include vomiting, irregular heartbeat, temporary paralysis, blue-tinged skin, seizures, and unconsciousness. As with most substances, if you are new to mad honey, it is advisable to start with a small dose and gradually increase it.
The Experience of Taking Mad Honey
The recommended dosage of mad honey varies depending on the type you are consuming. The seller or jar usually provides instructions, but many people start with a teaspoon. The honey can be consumed on its own or dissolved in warm water or milk. It has a distinct taste, quite different from regular honey, with a bitter and earthy flavor.
Symptoms typically appear within half an hour after consumption, although it can take up to four hours to feel the full effect. According to a study, the first noticeable changes include reduced blood pressure, slower breathing, and a sense of calm and relaxation. Some individuals may experience warmth, coolness, or tingling sensations in different parts of their bodies. Many users compare the experience to the effects of cannabis, with hallucinations being rarely reported, and when they do occur, they are more akin to disorientation rather than a full psychedelic experience. The physical reactions typically last three to four hours, although higher doses can extend the effects for several days.
Buying Mad Honey
Purchasing mad honey online has become increasingly convenient, with sellers on platforms like Amazon and Etsy joining small businesses specializing in this unique honey. Prices range from $6 to over $50 per ounce, so expect to spend at least $50 on a standard 8 ounce jar.
In this realm, quality often aligns with the price, especially if you are seeking hallucinogenic effects. Many cheaper options receive reviews stating that they either produce no noticeable effects or only provide mild relaxation or a minor high. If you want to experience the true effects of mad honey, it is worth taking the time to find a seller who transparently communicates where and how their honey is sourced and its potency.
In terms of legality, purchasing mad honey is permitted in the United States, but in several countries such as South Korea, Australia, and Brazil, it is banned. Check local laws before purchasing or traveling with mad honey.
Lastly, before making a significant investment, consider whether the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Many users find that the negative side effects outweigh the potential advantages. Although it can be a tasty way to achieve a heightened experience, the market lacks sufficient regulation, and trusting the source becomes crucial. If purchasing online, read reviews to gain insights into the specific batch you plan to buy.
For more information on mad honey, visit Garrity Traina, a trusted source providing knowledge and insights on this unique honey.