what is mad honey trip like

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Everything You Need to Know About Trying Nepal’s Hallucinogenic 'Mad Honey'

E ach spring, in the mountainous regions of Nepal, the world’s largest honey bee, Apis laboriosa, pollinates brightly hued rhododendron flowers and carries nectar back to cliffside nests. There, the hive creates a viscous, bitter-sweet dark red substance. This is what’s called “mad honey.”

Despite being both rare and difficult to harvest, global interest in the substance has risen sharply in recent years. Mad honey is no longer consumed solely in the small regions of Nepal and Turkey where it’s produced. These days, it’s available for purchase from many online sellers so that people around the world can try it and experience effects that include a sense of calm, euphoria, and, in rare cases, psychedelic visions.

But should you try mad honey? It’s an all-natural source of many purported benefits, both medicinal and recreational. It’s also legal and straightforward to purchase in most countries. However, dosing with mad honey isn’t without health risks.

The history of mad honey

Humans have been eating mad honey for over 2500 years. The honey is harvested primarily in Nepal and Turkey, but it’s also been traded to foreigners since ancient times. One of the earliest recorded instances of the effects of mad honey occurred in 401 BCE when an ancient Greek philosopher named Xenophon included a story in his book Anabasis about Athenian soldiers who consumed the honey. The soldiers apparently overindulged and had a bad trip, collapsing on the ground for several days, unable to do much besides lifting their heads to vomit until it ran its course.

As global trade increased, mad honey was exported to Europe, likely in the 18th century, although it never saw enormous popularity. Today, mad honey still flies mostly under the radar, but its small international following is steadily growing.

How is mad honey produced?

Photo: Mykola Ivashchenko /Shutterstock

Mad honey is only produced by bees that pollinate rhododendron flowers. Rhododendrons naturally produce grayanotoxins, a collection of toxins found in many plant families. Bees ingest nectar containing grayanotoxins, break the sugars and other components down in their stomachs, then secrete honey into the hive’s honeycombs. Over time, the honey loses water to evaporation, and the grayanotoxins become more concentrated.

@cliff_mad_honey Mad Honey Harvesting #honeyhunters #madhoney #cliffmadhoney #honeybee ♬ original sound – Cliff Mad Honey

Mad honey has long been harvested by the Nepalese for its medicinal benefits, although collecting the honey is no small endeavor. Gatherers must scale mountainside cliffs with only ropes and basic ladders for support, then use smoke torches to fend off the bees as they extract honeycombs. However, the practice continues because selling the honey provides a significant source of income for rural, often poor villages.

Photo: Worldlink nepal /Shutterstock

What effects does mad honey have?

When humans ingest grayanotoxins, the toxins bind to sodium ion channels in the body’s cells and prevent them from closing. This causes more calcium to enter cells, which increases the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It’s the increase of acetylcholine in the body that causes the physical effects associated with mad honey.

Nepalese people consume mad honey primarily for its medicinal benefits to treat everything from hypertension to diabetes to general aches and pains.

A study in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment found that grayanotoxins can reduce high blood pressure and may stabilize glucose levels in people with diabetes. However, the varying amounts of grayanotoxins found in mad honey make it hard to know whether consuming the honey itself will have health benefits.

In terms of recreational benefits, it is a legal (in most places) and natural way to experience effects ranging from mild sedation to a hallucinogenic experience.

What are the risks of taking mad honey?

Because mad honey is naturally produced and similar to the regular honey many of us eat without a second thought, it can be tempting to believe that taking it is always safe. However, there are risks associated with ingesting mad honey.

To start, the active ingredient, grayanotoxin, literally has the word “toxin” in it, which should clue you in that taking mad honey isn’t an entirely risk-free venture. Second, because it is produced naturally by bees, as opposed to being made in a controlled setting, the potency and effects can vary widely depending on how fresh it is, how concentrated it is, and how much of the honey was produced from rhododendron pollination compared to other flowers that don’t contribute to hallucinogenic effects.

User feedback, as well as a study in Cardiovascular Toxicology , have noted that more common risks of mad honey include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, a mild dip in blood pressure, and sweating. Vomiting, irregular heartbeat, temporary paralysis, blue-tinged skin, seizures, and unconsciousness are among the more serious side effects. Like with most drugs, if you’re new to mad honey, it is recommended to start with a small dose and work up slowly from there.

What is it like to take mad honey?

@cliff_mad_honey People got hallucinations after having fresh Mad Honey on the honey hunting sport🍯 #cliffmadhoney #medicinalhoney #organichoney #wildhoney #honeybee #honeyhunting ♬ original sound – Cliff Mad Honey

Depending on the type of honey you are taking, the recommended dosage varies. The seller or jar itself should have instructions, but many people start with a teaspoon. The honey can either be consumed on its own or dissolved in a glass of warm water or milk. It has quite a distinct taste, different from regular honey. It’s bitter and earthy.

Symptoms occur about a half hour after consumption, although it can take up to four hours to feel the full effect. According to one study , the first sign of noticeable changes are reduced blood pressure, slower breathing, and a sense of calm and relaxation. Some people feel warm, cool, or tingly in different parts of their bodies. Many users equate it to the high you’d get from cannabis. Hallucinations are rarely reported but are generally described as closer to disorientation than an actual psychedelic experience. Physical reactions typically last three to four hours, although they can last up to several days with higher doses.

How to buy mad honey

It’s now easy to purchase mad honey online, with sellers on Amazon and Etsy joining small businesses that specialize exclusively in mad honey. Prices range from $6 to over $50 per ounce, so expect to spend at least $50 on a standard 8 ounce jar.

This is one area where you largely get what you pay for, especially if you’re looking to experience hallucinogenic effects. Reviews for many of the cheaper mad honey options state they either felt nothing at all or felt only mild relaxation or a minor high. If you’re looking for the true mad honey experience, it’s worth taking the time to find a seller who is clear about where and how their honey is sourced and how strong it is.

In terms of legality, it’s legal to purchase mad honey in the United States, but the substance is banned in several countries, including South Korea, Australia, and Brazil. Check local laws before you purchase or travel with the substance.

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I tried ‘mad honey,’ but actually felt pretty happy

After testing the psychedelic substance, i discovered that it’s nothing to be angry about..

It simply can’t be ignored or denied any longer: Psychedelics are having a moment, and with stigmas fading, the world is increasingly exploring and even enjoying their effects.

2022 saw Colorado follow Oregon in decriminalizing substances like psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, DMT, and ayahuasca, as did local municipalities like San Francisco, following Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, DC, and Denver . There are now churches dedicated to guided psychedelic practice, cushy retreats, and therapy clinics that utilize ketamine. One obstacle to psychedelics now is accessing them since, for the most part, they are not yet legal to distribute or purchase.

There is one pseudo-psychedelic substance, however, that remains legal to sell and buy almost everywhere, with some nations excluded. You’ve seen the bear video , right? A young bear gorged herself on some special honey in Turkey, and was stuck on her rump experiencing what I can only imagine is a Winnie the Pooh nightmare. I’m talking about mad honey.

Mad honey is natural, harvested for at least hundreds of years by communities in Nepal and Turkey that use it for health remedies, religious ceremonies, and fun . I purchased some in the fall to see if I could supplant my relatively tame shroom experiences with something else. It’s legal to purchase online, but you’ll have to wait a few weeks for arrival if you live in the US like me. 

I consider myself a psychedelic novice. I also don’t necessarily like to “trip balls” when I use shrooms, which are my go-to form of psychedelic consumption. But mad honey strikes a comfortable medium between macro and micro doses that I’m still processing. Here’s how my first time trying mad honey went.

What is mad honey?

Mad honey is shorthand for honey made by Apis laboriosa , the Himalayan honey bee and biggest honey bee in the world, that takes nectar from certain species of Himalayan rhododendron plants. This combination of flower and honeybee creates a honey rich in grayanotoxins, the substance responsible for the honey’s maddening effects. 

A Vice documentary led by Abdullah Saeed in 2016 put it on the millennials’ map as a new way to trip and achieve higher power, but mad honey has existed for thousands of years. The Gurung people of Nepal have harvested it for centuries, if not millennia, and ancient Greek and Roman military leaders utilized it as a bioweapon to subdue their opponents. Hard to fight a war when you’re seeing colors and vomiting.   

Historically, mad honey manifests naturally in only two parts of the world: Nepal and Turkey, though some reports indicate Brazil, Japan, and even the southern US have started harvesting it on a small scale. I ordered both kinds in the hope of discerning what the differing climates and environments might create, just as different species of shrooms elicit different effects. Alas, only the Nepalese honey arrived for this piece.

@cliff_mad_honey 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 @𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮. ♬ Jungle Sounds – Christophe PETREL

What does the mad honey trip feel like?

Mad honey, like any other psychedelics, has no universal experience. Different batches of honey vary in potency (which isn’t tested, mind you), and it can’t be harvested year-round. Nick, the founder of Real Mad Honey based in Amsterdam, says that for him, it feels like an edible high rather than a shroom trip. 

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A word of warning, it doesn’t taste great. It’s darker than the honey you might put in your tea in the morning, more dusky amber than golden, and more bitter and earthy than sweet. I opted to add a teaspoon, the recommended dose for a first-time user, to peppermint tea. 

I took mad honey on three separate occasions, and more than anything, your circumstances will influence just how “mad” you get.

The first time, I was at a friend’s apartment during a holiday cookie decorating party, and it was my favorite trip by far. I was among trusted friends and had easy access to water, snacks, and a bathroom in case things went south. 

A teaspoon in tea led to a long, giggly discussion of Shawshank Redemption and my bravest attempt at a pineapple-shaped cookie. When I told my friend, a fellow psychedelic dabbler, what I was doing, she took a microdose of shrooms for comparison. We both ended up on the couch, laughing at the first Harry Potter movie (the Quidditch scenes were especially vibrant).

The next time, I took a little more on a rainy solo day. I don’t really recommend this—I felt fine just chilling in my apartment, and I did some journaling that, looking back, felt exceptionally introspective and poignant. But if you are looking for swirling shapes on the walls, that wasn’t happening. 

Again, I didn’t venture to take a tablespoon like the psychonauts recommend. As with shrooms, taking too much mad honey had adverse effects. You’ll get really sick, vomit, diarrhea, and potentially lose consciousness. With short days and frigid temperatures, winter might not be the best time for an outdoors trip, but a nice bundled walk or friendly gathering sets a cozy, tingling scene. 

Benefits of mad honey

Yes, it’s fun (and delicious) to pop a glob of honey in your mouth and wait for the world to start vibrating around you. Honey, psychedelic or not, has antimicrobial properties, a wealth of antioxidants, and has been shown to heal gastrointestinal issues as well as topical wounds, per the Mayo Clinic . 

Mad honey does induce mild hallucinations and that introspective searching that define most psychedelic substances. Many report euphoria, relaxation, and a better outlook on life. These are emotional benefits rich in anecdotal evidence, but still lacking on a clinical level. 

On a scientific note, research on mad honey has grown in recent years along with public interest. A paper published in RSC Advances in 2018 states that mad honey has been used for, among other things, “hypertension, diabetes (hyperglycaemia and related complications), flu, gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, indigestion, bowel disorders, and other discomforts), abdominal/gastric pain, arthritis, stimulating sex (dysfunction, impotence, enhancement, and performance), various viral infections, skin ailments, pain, and cold.” 

A lot going on there! But despite these documented uses of it, we can’t guarantee that mad honey actually benefits any of these conditions, for now. 

Preserving mad honey in a changing climate 

While Nick of Real Mad Honey says that human innovation has made mad honey easier to harvest, it remains a dangerous and wild endeavor for honey harvesters. Humans can’t grow mad honey themselves, nor can they tell the bees exactly how strong to make it. 

As the number of honey vendors clogs the competition, some providers have started offering extractive tourist trips that bring foreigners up into the mountains to hunt honey themselves. This compromises the local flora and fauna, and further endangers the local honey hunters who often use no protective equipment to scale cliff faces. 

The US and global bee population remain vulnerable as climate change destabilizes their environments, and they are worth far more than the trippy honey they produce. So if you want to buy some mad honey, ensure that your seller has a reputable, ethical source. Stay as close to the honey as possible, stay safe, know your limits, and enjoy! 

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Can mad honey get you high? A bee expert reveals the answer

Winnie-the-Pooh could never... right?

Natural psychedelics aren’t too hard to find if you know where to look. With the right mushrooms, toads, or plants, a trip is within reach. One of the lesser known natural psychedelics comes from a plant but is most ingested as a food — honey. Yes, there’s naturally occurring psychedelic honey in the world, though it’s not the easiest to come by.

What is mad honey? And what makes it psychoactive?

This rare substance contains a psychoactive element . Known as deli bal in the original Turkish, mad honey is a reddish bee-flower byproduct whose hallucinogenic properties come from its origin plants. Entomologist Arathi Seshadri reveals the dark side of the sweet stuff.

The secret ingredient is grayanotoxin, a neurotoxin named for nineteenth-century American botanist Asa Gray . Also known as andromedotoxin, acetylandromedol, or rhodotoxin, grayanotoxins come from plants in the Ericaceae family. This includes Rhododendron , Pieris , Agarista, and Kalmia genera, according to Seshadri. Indeed, this toxin is present in the flower’s nectar, so honey that bees produce from this flower contains grayanotoxin.

Other components of Rhododendron contain these neurotoxins too. So far, researchers have isolated more than 25 types of this toxin in rhododendrons, though it appears grayanotoxins 1 and 3 are the primary toxic segments.

Grayanotoxins are compounds known as cyclic diterpenes that work their magic by binding to voltage-gated sodium ion channels in cells. The toxins basically hold open sodium channels, keeping them activated continuously. This causes a state of depolarization in the cell, allowing sodium ions to flow freely within it instead of remaining polarized to one part of the cell. This leads to dizziness, general muscle weakness, and potentially paralysis.

Sodium channels of cells in skeletal muscles are more responsive to these toxins than those in heart muscles, though grayanotoxins can affect both these types of cells as well as the central nervous system.

Commercially sold honey often comes from many sources, so any toxins are heavily diluted to the point of ineffectiveness. What’s more, rhododendron contains varying levels of grayanotoxins depending on the time of year, so a bee would need to pollinate almost exclusively rhododendron flowers to make mad honey.

What does mad honey feel like?

Don’t worry about eating mad honey by mistake. It’s a reddish color and tastes bitter, burning the throat. Mad honey is known to make users feel dizzy and nauseated. Other effects include blurred vision, vomiting, excessive sweating, convulsion, headache, paralysis, and more.

Warning: Experimentation group Erowid recommends against consuming any part of the plant. And for good reason: Mad honey goes from medicinal to poisonous very quickly. Poisoning by mad honey — called mad honey disease — can be characterized by dangerously low blood pressure and interruption of electrical impulses between different parts of the heart.

“In humans, intoxication is rarely lethal, in contrast to cattle and pet poisoning cases,” Seshadri says. Lethal or not, mad honey ingestion can lead to irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmias , which can be life-threatening.

Most mad honey comes from Nepal and Turkey, though other countries where intoxication has been reported include China, Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Austria, Germany, Brazil, and the Pacific Northwest region of North America.

Effects can come on within 20 minutes to three hours of consumption, and it could take several days for someone to recover fully from the disease. However, grayanotoxins are metabolized and excreted fairly quickly, so a lower-dose intoxication lasts about one day.

What is mad honey used for?

This psychedelic honey has been used as an aphrodisiac, an alternative treatment for GI disorders like dyspepsia and gastritis, and hypertension.

The first recorded instance of mad honey poisoning is from 401 B.C.E. by Athenian military commander Xenophon. Turkish King Mithradates also used mad honey as a weapon against Pompey the Great in 67 B.C.E.

This byproduct can be found floating around the Internet, but remember it can be dangerous to consume. If you’re looking for a more faithful Winnie-the-Pooh experience, stick to regular supermarket honey.

Everything You Need to Know About Mad Honey

Mad honey , also known as Red honey, is a substance that people have been using for several millennia. It’s world-renowned for its ability to regulate body and mind, helping soothe your stomach, throat, and other systems. Most notably, it’s a strong sedative that can help you calm down when going gets tough. Despite all the incredible benefits, some people focus on its psychoactive effects. Mad honey works similarly to cannabis by putting you in a peaceful state. However, it’s worth noting that the substance doesn’t alter your visual perception. In this article, we’ll talk about the mad honey history, how the substance is collected, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

History of Mad Honey

Mad honey history is much more interesting than you might think. People living in modern-day Turkey have used it since 2100 BC, mostly for gastrointestinal problems and sore throat. Ancient Nepalese described mad honey as a substance that inflicts physical pain before allowing you to reach transcendence.

The first official mention dates back to the 4th century BC. According to a record made by the Greek historian Xenophon, the Greek army tried hallucinogenic honey on their way home after beating the Persians. As they didn’t know how to dose, most of them had to deal with diarrhea and vomiting.

There was also one instance of weaponized psychedelic honey. In the first century AD, the Roman army was chasing after Persians along the Black Sea. The latter set up a trap by leaving crazy hone pots for them to find. The soldiers experienced a strong mad honey trip affecting their ability to fight. Persians took this opportunity and killed 1,000 Romans.

Although usually connected to Turkey and Nepal, you can also find this magic honey in the USA. There is an interesting story involving a regiment of Union troops who tried the substance during the Civil War. Like Greeks and Romans, they had a first-hand experience of hallucinogenic mad honey effects.

Nowadays, this is the most expensive product within the honey category, being sought-after all over the world.

Table of Contents

How is mad honey produced.

Many enthusiasts have asked us how to make mad honey. Like any other type of honey, this substance is made through pollination, and, importantly, it’s a product of natural beekeeping practices. To be precise, you’ll need flowers called rhododendron and bees from the species Apis laboriosa (the largest bees in the world).

During the process, the bees land on rhododendron flowers and gather the pollen. Then, they fly back to the nest, leaving it there. They commonly carry the pollen with their legs but might also use the hair on their abdomen. Later on, the local harvesters visit the honeycombs and take them back to their villages for extraction.

It’s possible to artificially produce psychoactive honey with the right environmental conditions. These “mad” bees usually nest at heights of 8,200 and 9,800 feet, while rhododendron needs a partially sheltered place with limited access to sunlight. In other words, you would have to be located in a mountainous area.

Harvesting Mad Honey

In normal, natural conditions, mad honey can only be found at 8,000 feet above the ground. Harvesters commonly use rope ladders to reach nooks and crannies within mountains where Apis laboriosa swarms have their nests. But before they can access the hives, the harvesters light fires at the base of the cliffs meant calm down the bees.

Once the insects are calm, another team lowers the ladder from atop the cliff. Then, they climb down the ladder barefooted for extra grip. The harvesters use long poles to detach the honeycombs from the stone. Once the honeycombs fall down, they’re collected and brought back to villages where mad honey is extracted for further use.

Uses of Mad Honey

Rhododendron is a hallucinogenic flower that contains grayanotoxin in its nectar and pollen. It’s a toxic substance that can be dangerous for certain species, like horses. However, in smaller quantities, the chemical also has medicinal uses. For example, it can improve your digestion and other metabolic processes.

Over time, people have explored various mad honey uses. According to locals, this substance is much stronger and more beneficial than regular honey. In Turkey and Nepal, it’s mainly used for gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis and ulcers, and hypertension. However, you might also try it for mild health issues such as sore throat.

Perhaps the most intriguing effect comes in the form of improved erectile function. Some users claim that the mad honey works like a powerful aphrodisiac, boosting desire and performance. Although we don’t have much data about this, this trippy honey might have a similar impact on females as it has on males.

Precautionary Measures

Keep in mind that some of these benefits only apply when the mad honey dosage is low. In larger quantities, the substance may cause adverse effects. For example, it might irritate your intenseness instead of calming them. So, if you wish to use it as a holistic substance, you should consult experts beforehand.

Lastly, you should take all these mad honey benefits with a grain of salt. While we have strong empiric evidence of its positive sides, there’s still not enough medical data to corroborate some of these claims.

The Sedative Effects and Potential Risks of Mad Honey Consumption

Using mad honey provides strong sedation but doesn’t necessarily alter your visual perception. In that sense, it wouldn’t be surprising if people one day started using the substance as an anxiety treatment. Still, that doesn’t mean you can use enormous quantities without any repercussions.

This potentially dangerous honey can cause severe intoxication in humans. Although it rarely causes death in people, there were several cases of animal death caused by mad honey consumption. Symptoms can vary significantly based on the user’s metabolism, tolerance, and the quality of the product.

As previously mentioned, honey can help tackle hypertension. However, this also means it can potentially be dangerous for people with low blood pressure. In higher quantities, it can reduce your blood pressure to dangerous levels while also affecting your heart rate.

After consuming mad honey, you can experience effects such as salivation, sweating, and nausea. Additional symptoms include diplopia, blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, paresthesia, convulsion, changes to consciousness, ataxia, loss of motoric function, and weakness.

Mad Honey High and Dosage

Despite all the positives, many people use mad honey for its psychoactive properties. Mad honey high is similar to that of weed, providing full body and mind relaxation.

You shouldn’t consume more than one or two tablespoons of the substance. After approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce, you’ll start feeling the intoxicating effect. The high appears after 0.5 to one hour and can last for 6 hours. Like with other psychoactive substances, the trip will vary based on your tolerance, body constitution, and quantity.

The Real Mad Honey team suggests that you always control your consumption. As fun as mad honey might be, excessive use can make you dependent or cause severe side effects. If you experience strong symptoms, like vomiting, seizures, or altered heart rate, seek medical assistance immediately.

Legal and Ethical Considerations of Mad Honey

Every once in a while, our fans ask us is mad honey legal. Although you can use the product freely in the US and the UK, it’s prohibited in South Korea.

So, if you live in the States, you won’t get into trouble when buying the substance from local resellers. Nevertheless, you should be careful when carrying mad honey to other countries. Make sure to check the local regulation before putting this tasty product in your luggage.

Mad honey is easily obtainable through various online platforms, including our Real Mad Honey store. Although you can find cheap products that go for $10 to $15 per ounce, we suggest you avoid them. Quality mad honey is more expensive than that, costing at least $30 to $35 per ounce.

Ethical Aspects

Mad honey has been a part of holistic practices for centuries. Even today, the Turkish and Nepalese locals use small quantities of the substance to treat various ailments. Mad honey is an important part of the local, regional culture and a common substitution for expensive, brand drugs.

Still, different people have different perceptions as to how the substance should be used. With its global expansion, mad honey enthusiasts have started experimenting with the product, trying to treat various conditions even if it goes against the recommendation. This can be dangerous, given the potential side effects that the product carries.

Keep in mind that mad honey isn’t supposed to replace sanctioned medical treatments in your country. You might use it as a supplemental substance, but only with the right control and in moderation. That being said, medical experts who offer this product instead of the common therapy can be perceived as unethical.

In many ways, mad honey is a fascinating substance. It can only be gathered in a few locations around the world, which gives it exclusivity. The dangers associated with collection are another reason why the product is so expensive.

Whatever the case, mad honey is a potent holistic substance. When used in moderation, the product can reduce your blood pressure, treat sore throat, improve respiratory function, and provide numerous other benefits. There are also those who use it as a delicious replacement for cannabis.

If you wish to try this amazing substance, you should check out some of the amazing mad honey products available in our store!

Does mad honey help you sleep?

Mad honey has been reported to have sedative effects, which might help some people sleep.

How can I tell if the honey I’ve purchased is truly mad honey?

The best way to differentiate mad honey from other products is by consuming it or by checking the manufacturer’s label. Unlike regular products, mad honey provides a strong sedation effect. Also, you can ask the provider for a lab report showing the grayanotoxin levels in the honey.

Can I cook with mad honey, or should it only be consumed raw?

Ideally, users should eat mad honey raw to get the most out of its properties.

Who should avoid consuming mad honey?

Individuals with low blood pressure, heart problems or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming mad honey due to the potential health risks. Similarly, it’s not recommended for children or anyone who is sensitive to its effects.

Does mad honey make you hallucinate?

Mad honey can cause hallucinations and light-headedness, but it can also provide certain health benefits.

Is mad honey the same as manuka honey?

No, they’re not the same. In the manuka honey vs. mad honey debate, manuka honey originates from the manuka bush and has antibacterial properties, while mad honey, with its psychoactive effects, comes from rhododendron flowers. But also had some antibacterial properties.

Does mad honey show up on drug tests?

No, it doesn’t. The grayanotoxins found in mad honey are not typically included in the substances screened for in standard drug tests.

Can mad honey kill you?

While fatalities are extremely rare and usually caused by uncontrolled use, the superfood can still lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Does mad honey get you high?

Mad honey has psychoactive properties and can easily get you high. It takes between 15 and 30 grams and approximately 4 hours to experience these effects.

Does mad honey really work?

Whether we’re talking about psychoactive or medical effects, mad honey will definitely provide tangible effect.

How much mad honey to take?

Generally speaking, you should never take more than one or two teaspoons of mad honey. Limited consumption is especially important if you’re not used to the substance and its effects.

How much honey can kill you?

Any quantity above one or two teaspoons should be considered excessive. Although it’s hard to say how much mad honey would kill you, we still suggest you don’t exceed these recommended limits.

How do you make mad honey?

Mad honey is made when bees collect rhododendron flowers. Due to the natural habitat of these flowers, it is hard to replicate conditions in which mad honey would be produced.

How much mad honey to hallucinate?

The required quantity can vary depending on the product quality and your tolerance. However, an average-sized person should feel the psychoactive effects already after consuming a single teaspoon.

Where does mad honey come from?

Mad honey is a substance indigenous to Turkey and Nepal.

How strong is mad honey?

The mad honey’s potency can vary from beehive to beehive and from region to region. Regardless of where you procured the substance, you should be extremely careful when administering it. That way, you can avoid potential side effects.

What makes mad honey hallucinogenic?

Mad honey is hallucinogenic because it contains grayanotoxins. These chemicals are found within rhododendron flowers, which bees use for honey production.

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Himalayan Honey Aligns Mind, Body and Spirit

What is Mad Honey and how does it feel to consume it?

Are you an adventurous person? Are you looking for an insider tip on how mad honey will make you feel after taking it? If so, then you are in the right place! Many people are curious about how consuming mad honey will make them feel, as the effects can be quite unique and intense. This unique and highly sought-after item is a type of honey produced by bees that feed on specific rhododendron flowers in Nepal and Turkey. It has been used in folk medicine for its medicinal benefits for centuries, but many modern-day thrill-seekers are drawn to its potential psychotropic effects. In this blog post, we'll explore what mad honey is and what to expect if you were to consume it..

Are you looking for a unique experience?

You've probably heard of the mind-bending effects that come with hallucinogens, but did you know there is a natural source that will not send you over the edge? Mad Honey offers just enough of a wacky boost to enjoy without having to worry about anything going out of control. It's subtle and calming yet unmistakable in its intensity. And it doesn't require any special tools or rituals – just taste this sweet nectar and let your senses widen! 

Imagine feeling euphoric but grounded, expanding your awareness while keeping all your senses intact. This perfect balance between profound experience and mental clarity is what Himalayan honey can offer anyone who wants to safely and responsibly explore otherworldly sensations. 

Visit www.himalayanhoney.com to buy a jar of pure Himalayan Mad Honey and experience for yourself, Find out how this extraordinary honey can make you feel!

What Does Consuming Mad Honey Actually Feel Like?

Two words that perfectly describe what consuming mad honey feels like are 'unique ' and ' intense.' The first sensation is usually a sweet, floral taste, followed by a mild tingling sensation in the mouth. As the honey is ingested, a warm sensation spreads throughout the body, and a feeling of relaxation and euphoria sets in. When it has been fully absorbed, it results in a calm and, for some, motivated spirit. These effects are why adventurous individuals continue to seek out the thrill of consuming this honey, making it an intriguing topic among thrill-seekers.

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, mad honey when consumed has several potential health benefits.

How is Mad Honey Different from Regular Honey?

Mad honey is an exotic honey that vastly differs from regular honey in many ways. Here are five differences between Himalayan honey and regular honey:

• Unique Flavor Profile: Himalayan honey has a distinct flavor that is more robust and earthy than regular honey. The nectar from rhododendron flowers gives the honey its unique taste, ranging from mildly bitter to pleasantly sweet.
• Medicinal Properties: This spectacular honey contains grayanotoxins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Himalayan Honey is also used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction. Mad honey when ingested is believed to have aphrodisiac effects.
• Lower Glycemic Index: Unlike regular honey, which has a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes, mad honey has a lower glycemic index, making it a suitable sweetener for people with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.
• Antioxidant-rich: Himalayan honey is high in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These compounds also play a role in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
• Natural Antibiotic: The honey has natural antibiotic properties due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide and other antibacterial compounds. This makes it an effective remedy for sore throats, colds, and other minor ailments.

With all these benefits and more, it is no wonder why everybody is talking about Himalayan honey. It certainly has its place in the world of natural remedies and psychotropic experiences. If you're looking for something unique and interesting to try, mad honey could be just the thing!

Effects of Mad Honey on the Central Nervous System

Mad honey can have a variety of effects on the central nervous system. It is believed that grayanotoxin, which is found in this honey, binds to certain receptors in the brain and can produce a mild psychotropic effect. Here is the list of potential effects it may have:

• Improved Cognitive Function: The antioxidants in Himalayan honey are generally believed to result in improved cognitive function, memory, and concentration.
• Relaxation: In small doses, the grayanotoxins in mad honey can act as a natural relaxant, calming the central nervous system.
• Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: The antioxidants in honey have been associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
• Pain Relief: Himalayan honey has been used in traditional medicine to relieve pain caused by migraines, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
• Anti-depressant Properties: Himalayan honey is believed to have anti-depressant properties by boosting the production of serotonin and other mood-boosting compounds.
• Reduced Anxiety: The honey has been used to reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation due to its natural calming effect.

Recipes to Incorporate Mad Honey into Your Diet

Mad honey or Himalayan honey is a great way to add flavor and health benefits to just about any recipe. Here are some simple and delicious recipes you can try that incorporate this exceptional honey:

1. Honey-Roasted Apples:

Ingredients: 4 apples, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup of Himalayan honey; 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the apple chunks with the Himalayan honey. Place in a baking dish and dab with butter. Bake for about 25 minutes until the apples are tender and lightly browned. Bring out and enjoy!

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots:

Ingredients: 2 cups of carrots, sliced; 1/4 cup Himalayan honey; 3 tablespoons butter; Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions: Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 5 minutes until just tender. Add Himalayan honey and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the carrots are glazed, about 3 minutes more. Serve hot.

3. Honey-Cinnamon Granola:

Ingredients: 4 cups of rolled oats; 1/4 cup Himalayan honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the oats and cinnamon. Drizzle with olive oil and Himalayan honey, stirring to combine. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Himalayan honey adds an amazing flavor to any dish and is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and other health benefits. So start incorporating Himalayan honey into your diet today!

Where Can You Buy Pure Mad Honey?

If you're looking for a reputable and reliable source to purchase mad honey, look no further than the Himalayan Honey online store. Our honey is sourced directly from the Nepal mountains and is ensured to be of the highest quality with zero additives.

At the Himalayan Honey online store, we are committed to providing every customer with the purest and most authentic mad honey, ensuring that you receive all health benefits for your wellness goals. By purchasing from us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're supporting sustainable beekeeping practices and promoting the preservation of natural habitats. Don't wait any longer to experience mad honey's unique flavor and health benefits - visit www.himalayanhoney.com and place your order today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mad Honey

Q: what are the health benefits of mad honey.

Himalayan honey is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can boost your overall health. It may improve cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and even provide a mild psychotropic effect.

Q: Is it safe to consume mad honey?

Yes, it is generally safe to consume as long as it is done in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Mad honey is an exciting and unique experience that can add a delicious flavor to your dishes. It is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits. Plus, it can also provide a mild healthy psychotropic effect.

If you're looking for something new and exciting to try, give mad honey a go! 

Himalayan Mad Honey is renowned for its high quality and purity and can be found at www.himalayanhoney.com . Buy your jar today to start enjoying this natural goodness!

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⚠️ Mad Honey Limited Reserve is extremely strong and potent! Please start with 1 teaspoon, wait 1 to 2 h ours to fully understand the effects before increasing the dosage. Have a good trip! 🚀 DOSAGE & USAGE

Basically we would say " 1 to 3 tablespoons " but... please read carefully: 

> Each of us is unique. Our body chemistry, genetics, tolerance, lifestyle and environment makes us all very different for every person. Finding the appropriate Mad Honey amount is a personal, individual process and as such, there is no "one-size-fits-all" dose . 

> For some people, depending on their condition, it may take 40min to 1 hour to feel the desired effects while others it may take up to 2-3 hours . Be patient and increase dose slowly if needed. 

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Feelings such as body relaxation, brain awareness and change of the state of consciousness, surge of energy, euphoria and alteration in colors and brightness.​

More sensitive and reactive bodies can also experience nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, sweating and increased blood pressure.

TIPS & RECOMMANDATION

BE PATIENT!

Please start with 1 spoon and wait 2 hours to have a better understanding of the effects before increasing any intake.

LESS IS MORE!

Grayanotoxin can stay in the body for 6 to 8 hours and up to 24 hours, so it's better to be prepared before trying the honey and not be too greedy.

FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT!

Start taking Mad Honey with a lower dose and increase progressively.

FEELING SICK?

Nausea and stomach disorder are common side effects of the grayanotoxin, we recommend eating Mad Honey on an empty stomach.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Avoid any consumption of alcohol before or just after the intake of Mad Honey.

Do not increase the dosage by more than 3 tablespoons per 24 hours.

A tolerance to the grayanotoxin might occur, leading to a diminishment of the reaction and felt effects. For optimum efficacy, we recommend to leave a few days (5 to 7 minimum) between each intake. 

>> Mix well before use.

Do a skin allergy test by dropping a small amount of mad honey on the back of your hand ; if within 30 minutes there is any rash, redness, itch, blister, irritation or any other skin abnormality rinse the tested part with water immediately and see a doctor.

It is absolutely normal to have a popping sound and some bubbles on the top when you open the sealed jar, this is the air coming in to fill the low pressure inside the jar, which indicates that the jar was properly sealed - please stir and mix well before any usage.

Read carefully www.themadhoney.net/policy

WHAT'S IN MY JAR?

✔️  Mad Honey / Himalayan Wild Honey

✔️   Certified by Gov of Nepal

✔️  Tested by European Accredited Labs.

✔️   Collected from the cliffs of Annapurna

✔️  By the Gurungs  and our Team

And that's it!

INGREDIENTS 100% natural raw unfiltered  pure honey from rhododendron flowers. ⚠️ Contains Grayanotoxin.

HARVEST DATE We harvest once per year, around end of May when all conditions are optimum.

Please refer to the sticker. at the bottom of your jar for the batch identification.

EXPIRATION Honey doesn't expire, however we recommend to use within 1 year for effects optimization as the grayanotoxin may degrade over time.

STORAGE Room temperature (20-22°C/68–72 °F).

ALWAYS STORE THE JAR IN RIGHT-SIDE-UP POSITION TO AVOID ANY LEAKAGE.

SPOONS & WEIGHT

> How many spoons in your jar?

50g (2oz) = 7 spoons  100g (4 oz) = 14/15 spoons 200g (6oz) = 28/30 spoons

> How much weight a spoon?

1 teaspoon = 1 tsp (small spoon) = 7g

1 tablespoon (the big one!) = 12 to 15g

Our weight measurements are made on the effective product filled inside the jar (and not the jar capacity - no cheating!) - As some leakage may occur during transportation, we always overfill our jars to compensate for this small loss. The spilled honey can easily be cleaned out with a damp cloth and the remaining honey in the jar is safe to consume. 

If you still need guidance or have questions, you can always send us a message by email or whatsapp

By purchasing our product(s) the buyer understand that the statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) The items sold on themadhoney.com are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results from products may vary. We make our products available for the sole intention of educating consumers to the ethnographic and botanical value and interest of said products. Our products are not intended for human or animal consumption or cosmetic use and we assume no responsibility for individual usage. We maintain stringent standards in identifying and sourcing the highest quality products from the purest sources, however we cannot guarantee the outcomes in regards to consumer usage. Nature based products vary, and we have no control over the eventual outcome. We do not assume any responsibility for results of experimentation and usage.

• Buy Mad Honey

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about Mignon's Mad Red Honey?

Here are some of the most common questions. If you can't find what you're looking for contact us with any other questions.

What is mad honey about?

People have been eating red honey, also known as mad honey , for thousands of years.

Red honey has been used for its intoxicating and psychoactive effects, as well as a strong sedative. Many users have compare its effects as similar to cannabis.

It's made by honeybees that forage on the flowers of a rare species of rhododendron that only grows in the Black Sea region of Turkey and the Himalayas in Nepal.

Is mad honey legal? Is mad honey legal in the US?

Mad honey is legal in the United States and most countries around the world. The only country where it illegal is South Korea. It is legal in Australia, however it is regulated.

How long does it take for honey to kick in?

It usually takes 15-30 minutes to feel its effects, which can last for up to 6 hours. However, this can vary based on weight and the amount of food in the stomach.

What is a good mad honey dosage?

Many people use mad honey for its psychoactive effects. Mad honey intoxication is similar to cannabis, providing body and mind relaxation.

We recommend consuming 30 grams (more than a tablespoon) or less a day. Many will find 20 grams to have an intoxicating effect.

Does mad honey make you hallucinate?

Mad honey can cause hallucinations in high doses. The effect can be counteracted with food, specifically salty foods.

Does mad honey show up on a drug test?

No. Standard drug tests do not include the screening of grayanotoxins found in mad honey, which are responsible for the intoxicating effects.

Who should not consume mad red honey?

First of all, this is an adult product and should not be consumed by children or anyone under 21.

People with heart problems, low blood pressure should avoid eating Mad Red Honey. Those that are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid consuming it.

In rare cases, symptoms like vomiting, seizures or an increased heart rate, should seek immediate medical assistance.

Can I cook with mad honey? How should it be consumed?

Mad honey is honey, so it can be treated just like traditional honey. However, to get the best effects it is best to consume raw and on an empty stomach.

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• v.8(33); 2018 May 17

Mad honey: uses, intoxicating/poisoning effects, diagnosis, and treatment

School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing Jiangsu 210023 P. R. China

Shahid Ullah Khan

College of Plant Sciences and Technology, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan People's Republic of China, nc.ude.uazh.liambew@mehcoibdihahs

Tawfik A. Saleh

Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran Saudi Arabia, moc.liamtoh@sakifwat

Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Swabi Pakistan

Honey has been used as a folk medicine since 2100 BC; however, mad honey is different from normal natural or commercially available honey as it is contaminated with grayanotoxins, which leads to intoxication/poisoning upon consumption. Grayanotoxin is generally found in Rhododendron genus (family: Ericaceae) and is extracted by bees from nectar and pollens of flowers. Mad honey has been commonly used as an aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant), in alternative therapy for gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, and gastritis), and for hypertension for a long time. Grayanotoxin acts on sodium ion channels and muscarinic receptors, leading to cardiac disorders (hypotension and different rhythm disorders including bradycardia, bradydysrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, nodal rhythm, atrioventricular block, and complete atrioventricular block) and respiratory depression. Patients may also exhibit any one symptom out of or combination of dizziness, blurred vision, diplopia, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache, sweating/excessive perspiration, extremity paresthesia, impaired consciousness, convulsion, hypersalivation, ataxia, inability to stand, and general weakness. Mad honey intoxication is diagnosed with honey intake history before the appearance of the signs and symptoms (clinical presentation), and the treatment is symptomatic. Prompt treatment includes intravenous infusions of atropine sulfate and fluids (saline infusions or simultaneous infusion of saline with atropine sulfate) if the patient presents bradycardia and severe hypotension. In case of a complete atrioventricular block, a temporary pacemaker is employed. Except for a single case from Lanping County (Southwest China), the prognosis for mad honey intoxication is very good, and no fatalities have been reported in modern medical literature excluding a few in the 1800s. Although fatalities are very rare, mad honey ingestion may still lead to arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening and hard to recognize. This article provides a brief introduction to honey, mad honey and its uses, the effects of mad honey intoxication/poisoning, and its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Honey has been used as a folk medicine since 2100 BC; however, mad honey is different from normal natural or commercially available honey as it is contaminated with grayanotoxins, which leads to intoxication/poisoning upon consumption.

Introduction

Honey is a complex natural food produced from plants' nectar and honeydew by bees, and it can be consumed without processing. It has varying compositions depending on the species of the honeybees, honeydew sources, flora and their origin, geographic region, climate, weather, manipulation, processing, packaging, and time of the storage, and it is mainly composed of sugars and other substances, i.e. , minerals, vitamins, proteins, organic acids, aromatic acids, and waxes. 1 The use of honey as a folk medicine can be dated back to 2100 BC, and it has been used for colds, wound healing, diabetes, sexual stimulation, hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, and gastritis. 2–5 Honey is a remarkable liquid containing at least 181 substances. 64 Table 1 shows the average composition of reference source honey. 6,7

Recent research on honey has revealed its different biological activities. The potential health benefits of honey include its anti-tumor, 8,9 anti-inflammatory, 10,11 anti-microbial (such as anti-fungal, 12,127 anti-viral, 13–15 and anti-bacterial 16–19 ), antitussive, 20 cardio-protective, 21 hepato-protective, 22 anti-diabetic, 23,24 anti-oxidant, 9,11,25,26 and anti-hypertensive 27 effects. Fig. 1 shows some biological uses and effects of honey.

Consumption of honey containing toxins can lead to poisoning/intoxication. There are two types of honey intoxication/poisoning. Consumption of honey containing grayanotoxins (from Rhododendron species of plants) is termed as mad honey poisoning, and it is mostly reported in Turkey, Korea, and Nepal, whereas the consumption of honey containing tutin (a neurotoxin from Coraria species of shrubs) is termed tutin honey poisoning, and it has been reported in New Zealand. 36,67,131–134

Mad honey is different from commercial/marketed honey as it is contaminated with grayanotoxin; it is known as mad honey due to its intoxicating/poisoning effects. 28,29 Grayanotoxins are diterpenes, polyhydroxylated cyclic hydrocarbons, containing no nitrogens. 30 Grayanotoxins cause intoxication and are extracted by honey bees from the nectar and pollen of the plants of the Rhododendron genus (Ericaceae family), most commonly from R. luteum , R. flavum , R. simsii , and R. ponticum . Therefore, grayanotoxins are also known as rhodotoxins. 31,32,132 Other names used for grayanotoxins are acetylandromedols or andromedotoxins. 33 The toxins from Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Celastraceae family) are reported to be highly toxic, and consumption of honey contaminated with pollen from T. hypoglaucum led to the death of 25.8% (8/31) of patients (2007–2012) in southwestern China. 132 Mad honey intoxication has been reported in many countries around the globe including Turkey, China, Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Austria, Germany, Brazil, and some countries of North America, 31,34–48,132 but most of the cases are reported from Asia minor and Turkey ( Fig. 2 ). According to Salici and Atayoglu, 29 69 out of 84 articles published on mad honey intoxication/poisoning were published by Turkish researchers, covering 1199 cases. Honey containing grayanotoxin is even more toxic during spring as compared to mad honey produced in other seasons. 41 Mad honey has a bitter sharp taste, and it irritates the throat; therefore, it is also known as bitter honey. 49–51

Uses of mad honey

Mad honey is employed for various purposes, which are different from those of regular honey. It is used as an alternative medicine used for hypertension, diabetes (hyperglycaemia and related complications), flu, gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, indigestion, bowel disorders, and other discomforts), abdominal/gastric pain, arthritis, stimulating sex (dysfunction, impotence, enhancement, and performance), various viral infections, skin ailments, pain, and cold. 29,41,43,47,50,52–56,132 The antiradical bioactivities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insecticidal, of Rhododendron species are also well established. 53,57–63 Silici et al. 64 reported chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, and gallic acids to be the main phenols in mad honey. Silici and Karaman 65 reported arginine, lysine, and aspartic acid to be the main amino acids in mad honey. Buratti et al. 66 reported that mad honey has the highest level of antioxidant activity among other types of honey. Mad honey is also used as a weapon. 69,84,135,136

The use of mad honey as an aphrodisiac is more common and continuously rising, suggesting its popularity and global demand. According to a report, South Korea alone imported over 8000 kg of mad honey from Nepal during 2003–04 and then, further import was banned by the Korean government in 2005. 67 However, mad honey intoxication cases have been reported even after its ban in South Korea, because of illegal imports and direct purchase by Korean travelers in Nepal. 45 Mad honey is mostly used by middle-aged men for enhancing their sexual performance. 53 Commercial honey is safer to consume but in case of contamination, the mass yield and production of honey dilute the quantities of toxins. Mad honey intoxication has been reported from different countries around the globe, and the origin can be traced back to the Black Sea region of Turkey or Nepal. 45,67–69 Table 2 shows recently (2010 onward) reported cases of mad honey intoxication/poisoning, evidencing that mad honey is still widely consumed.

Poisoning/intoxicating effects of mad honey

Mad honey poisoning was reported by Xenophon (an Athenian military commander and author) for the first time in 401 BC. 128 Moreover, mad honey was used by King Mithradates IV (Northeast Anatolia, Turkey) as a weapon in 67 BC against Pompey the great. 129 Although mad honey poisoning is not a classical cholinergic toxidrome, it does possess cholinergic toxicity and affects cardiovascular systems. 28,70 The signs and symptoms can be seemingly life-threatening but are very rarely fatal. Table 3 shows the reported effects/complaints of mad honey intoxication/poisoning by the patients. A case study series from Southeast China (Lanping County) reported the deaths of 8 out of 31 patients (25.8%) upon consumption of honey contaminated with pollen from T. hypoglaucum . 131 A very brief description of the frequently reported toxic effects of mad honey is provided herein.

The toxins act on sodium ion channels at the cellular level and modify their functions by interfering in the action potential transmission and blocking the sodium channels, causing inotropy. 40,70 Grayanotoxin attaches to the voltage-dependent sodium channels in their open state within excitable cells, including muscles and nerves, and modifies them. 39,51,71 The receptor contains S6 transmembrane segments having four homologous domains facing toward ion-conducting pores. 72 The binding and access of the toxin to the receptors are regulated by phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues, facilitating affinity of grayanotoxin to the sodium channels. 72 Grayanotoxin binds with the sodium channel, prevents its inactivation, elevates its membrane permeability, inhibits its repolarization, and moves the membrane potential in hyperpolarization direction; 28,72,132 the toxin ultimately prolongs depolarization and behaves like a cholinergic agent, resulting in bradycardia, hypotension, and depression of respiratory rate. 28,32,72,73 The sinus node dysfunction is caused by the decreased action potential. 74,75 The sodium channels of the skeletal muscles are more sensitive to grayanotoxin than those of the cardiac muscles. 76 The observed responses of the nerves, muscles (skeletal and heart), and central nervous system are all linked to these membrane effects. 50

Muscarinic effects of grayanotoxin have also been reported. A study revealed that due to grayanotoxin, atropine reversed both respiratory depression and bradycardia, whereas a selective M2 (muscarinic-2) receptor antagonist, AFX-DX 116, reversed bradycardia only. 54 This suggests the mediating effect of grayanotoxin through the M2 receptor (having no respiratory effect), which leads to bradycardia, consequently inducing cardiotoxicity. 77,78 Smaller doses of toxins are required for respiratory depression and bradycardia at the same level when injected intraventricularly as compared to those injected intraperitoneally, which suggests the central nervous system as the site of action for respiratory and cardiac effects. After bilateral vagotomy, no bradycardia is observed, suggesting the involvement of vagal pathways. 55,77,79

Grayanotoxin has different types, and each type has its own effect. There are 18 known grayanotoxin forms; 132 however, not all of them lead to poisoning/intoxication/toxic effects. 35 Grayanotoxin I is reported to be accountable for cardiac manifestations, affecting both atrioventricular conduction and the sinoatrial node. 70,80 Grayanotoxin II is less toxic as compared to grayanotoxin I and grayanotoxin III, and it leads to suppression of the natural beating of the sinoatrial node; grayanotoxin II inhibits electrical activity of the sinoatrial node cells via elevating permeability of the membrane to sodium ions and consequently hyperpolarizing cells, ultimately inactivating slow inward currents, followed by a reduction in activation of outward currents. 81 Grayanotoxin III leads to arrhythmia. Omotayo et al. 25,27 observed that grayanotoxin III administration leads to repetitive or amplitude supra-threshold after-potentials within fifteen minutes in feline cardiac Purkinje fibers. The triggered activity is augmented, and grayanotoxin III production-induced after-potentials are enhanced by an increase in the stimulation frequency, increase in calcium concentration in the extracellular domain or decrease in extracellular potassium concentration. Conversely, increasing concentration of extracellular potassium or verapamil (a calcium channel blocker) blocks the triggered activity and represses grayanotoxin III-elicited after-potentials. An increase in calcium influx is obtained through the voltage-dependent calcium channels, which is secondary to the voltage-dependent sodium channel activation in excitatory and inhibitory nerve terminals. 82 Thus, arrhythmias induced by grayanotoxin III are due to the triggered activity in oscillatory form after potential. 83,126 However, none of the patients intoxicated with grayanotoxin III died, and they recovered at the same hour next day and completely recovered after treatment after three to four days. 84

Grayanotoxin metabolism and excretion take place within 24 hours and thus, the symptoms last no more than a day. 85 There is a linear relation between toxic effects and the amount of mad honey ingested; however, the distribution of grayanotoxin is not homogenous within honey and leads to different intoxication levels in different patients. 38,40,41,55,85 The majority of reports are for males aged between 40-60 years. 29,53 The higher prevalence in this age group is due to the higher use of mad honey as a sexual stimulant as well as a higher rate of hypertension. 53 Consumption of about 15–30 g mad honey leads to intoxication, and symptoms appear after half to 4 h. 30,41,70,75,85–87 The level of intoxication not only depends on the amount of mad honey consumed but also on the grayanotoxin concentration in the honey and the season of production. 32 According to Ozhan et al. , 85 consumption of one teaspoon of mad honey may lead to poisoning. The severity and course of clinical symptoms vary with the sensitivity of the consumers to the toxin. Notably, symptoms including vomiting, nausea, nodal rhythms, and second-degree heart block are less severe and less frequent in females as compared to those in males. 45,53,86,88–90 Akca and Kahveci 70 reported that men suffer 5 times more incidences of mad honey poisoning/intoxication as compared to women. However, long term consumption may lead to desensitization of Na + channels in the excitable cells, which precludes intense symptomatic presentation itself. 38

A number of hospitalized cases of mad honey intoxication have been reported, and most of them are due to cardiac manifestations of grayanotoxin ( Table 4 – case reports of more than 2 patients and those reported after 2004). Bradycardia and hypotension are the most common physical findings, and other findings and accompanying symptoms are associated with these two findings generally. 36,50,75 These two symptoms are as frequent as 90% in all the reported cases. 36,55,75 The afferent cardiac branches in the vagus nerves are stimulated, leading to tonic inhibition of the vasomotor centers, followed by reduction of sympathetic output, which ultimately causes bradycardia, hypotension, and peripheral vasodilation. 86,91,136 The patient might present chest heaviness or tightness and ST changes such as an increase in ST on ECG, imitating acute coronary syndromes. This is attributed to bradycardia and hypotension, resulting in a reduced supply of blood to the coronary artery bed, which in turn leads to reduced supply of oxygen to the myocardium. Yarlioglues et al. , 63 Akinci et al. , 92 and Yildirim et al. 93 have reported mad honey-mediated myocardial infarction/ischemia.

Arrhythmias such as atrioventricular block, nodal rhythms and more commonly sinus bradycardia can also be observed, which might be due to direct stimulation of the fibers of afferent vagal nerves causing tonic inhibition of vasomotor centre, which leads to vagal inhibition of the function of sinus node and decreased sympathetic output. 40,42,74,77,91,94 According to Eller and Hochegger, 39 the grayanotoxins cardio-inhibit the Bezold–Jarisch reflex, which leads to bradycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and continued hypotension. Bradycardia mediated by M2 might be another possible mechanism. The severity of bradycardia is dependent on dose/concentration of grayanotoxin consumed. 55

Sinus bradycardia, nodal rhythms, and varying degrees of atrioventricular block are the most common cardiac rhythm disorders reported in mad honey intoxication/poisoning. 75,95 Different symptoms including hypothermia, heart block (second-degree), blocked left bundle branch (extreme QT prolongation), atrial fibrillation, asystole, and Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome have also been reported. 28,34,51,96 To the best of our knowledge, only one pediatric case of mad honey intoxication has been reported; the patient experienced sinus bradycardia. 97 Also, one pediatric case of grayanotoxin intoxication mediated by Rhododendron simsii was reported. 98 Table 5 shows cases (more than 2 patients and after 2004) reporting signs and symptoms of rhythm disorders including sinus bradycardia, brady-arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, nodal rhythm, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, AV block, and second heart block.

Apart from the aforementioned cardiovascular effects and rhythm disorders, the patient might present gastrointestinal, respiratory, and some neurological symptoms including dizziness, diaphoresis, light-headedness, impaired consciousness or mental confusion, perioral paraesthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, fatigue, and generalized weakness. 53,55,70,75,86,95,98 Excessive salivation and convulsions due to depolarized neurons (central nervous system) may also be presented by some patients. 51,96

Studies on animals revealed some effects in the form of respiratory depression, decreased blood lipid and sugar levels, renal toxicity (proteinuria and haematuria), altered antioxidant enzyme system, induced stress (lipid peroxidation in terms of increase in the level of MDA), liver toxicity (focal necrosis, congestion, dilation of hepatic central vein, transaminitis, infiltration of inflammatory cells in parenchyma, and hepatic portal triad), reduced amplitude and frequency of epileptiform spike, convulsion, and seizures. 32,57,99–103 However, there is no report of these effects in humans. Türkmen et al. 104 observed that injecting 200 μg kg −1 mad honey (grayanotoxin III) lowered the blood pressure of rats significantly; also, a further decrease in the blood pressure and heart rate was observed for rats injected with 400 μg kg −1 and 800 μg kg −1 mad honey as compared to the observations for rats in the control group. Their study on rats clearly elucidated the pathways of hypotension and bradycardia, which are frequently observed in mad honey-intoxicated/poisoned humans.

Diagnosis and prognosis of mad honey poisoning/intoxication

Mad honey intoxication is diagnosed clinically, and it is suspected in patients having no record of earlier heart diseases and presenting bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and syncope after consumption of honey. 53 The symptoms of grayanotoxin intoxication are similar to those of mad honey intoxication after the consumption of leaves, roots, bark, and flowers of the plants of the Ericaceae family, mainly Rhododendron species. However, intoxication from the consumption of commercial honey is very rare, as the honey is collected from various sources, and the toxin is diluted across all samples if it is present in any sample.

There is no routine test available to reveal and measure the level of grayanotoxin in the blood of the patient; however, it is sufficient to diagnose mad honey intoxication through clinical findings, such as the history of honey consumption before the appearance of the symptoms, especially in those areas where mad honey intoxication/poisoning is common. The more common symptoms of mad honey poisoning observed in patients admitted to the emergency departments are hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, stupor, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, extremity paraesthesia, dizziness, blurred vision, diplopia, lightheadedness, sweating, hypersalivation, altered mental state, unconsciousness, and general weakness. 51,55

There is no commercially available laboratory test for diagnosing mad honey intoxication; however, for grayanotoxin detection in a honey sample, thin layer chromatography and paper electrophoresis are adapted as standard procedures. 105,106 Gas and gas–liquid chromatographies can also be used because grayanotoxin has low vapor pressure and is a heat labile compound. Other possible techniques for the detection of grayanotoxin are HPLC, LCMS/MS, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared-based technologies. 64,90,107–110,130 For corroborative evidence, pollen grains from Rhododendron (its flowers are rich in grayanotoxin) can be investigated occasionally in honey samples.

Cardiac ischemia and rhythm abnormalities should be checked by ECG. Ischemic change is commonly observed in patients presenting chest pressure. Acute coronary syndrome, which is normal in mad honey intoxication, can be ruled out with a coronary angiogram. Organophosphate poisoning has similar cholinergic excess presentation as compared to mad honey poisoning, and it can be ruled out by estimating the level of cholinesterase enzyme in the serum as in mad honey poisoning, the level of the enzyme is not affected. 111

Although the presented symptoms seem to be life-threatening, the prognosis is very good for mad honey intoxication, and almost all patients respond to the provided treatment. 67 There is no case reporting fatality due to mad honey intoxication in the recent medical literature. 40 However, Zhang et al. 131 reported the death of 8 out of 31 patients (25.8%) in Lanping County, Southeast China. They reported a total of 31 cases, of which 14 were males and 17 were females; 11 patients consumed wild honey, whereas 20 consumed farmed honey, and the mortality rates were 18.2% and 30.0%, respectively. The average amount of honey consumed was 100 ± 70 g, and the symptoms appeared after a median time of 29 h after ingestion of honey containing toxins from T. hypoglaucum . A few cases of fatalities were also reported in the 1800s, when normal saline and atropine were not available. 126

The signs and symptoms of mad honey poisoning, if not treated, can be observed for a day. 28,41,78 The recovery of the normal mental status is gradual, and it might take several days for the patients to recover completely and be free of all the vital signs. 30 Symptomatic treatment is adopted in the cases of mad honey intoxication/poisoning. Dizziness and mild hypotension are treated with saline infusion, and atropine is preferred in case of severe hypotension and bradycardia. The normal required dose is 0.5–2 mg. 30,55 The antiplatelet therapy is not suggested, even in patients with acute coronary syndrome, due to the decreased supply of oxygen to their heart (pathophysiological mechanism), after hypotension or bradycardia. 51,126 In any unusual case where the patient is not responding to normal saline and atropine, temporary cardiac pacing is used for washing out the toxins of the system, and it is suggested till all the toxins are washed out. 40

If saline infusion and atropine are not adequate, then epinephrine or dopamine infusion and transvenous pacing are suggested. The use of a temporary transvenous pacemaker is reported in 3 patients till date, due to asystole and complete heart block. 30,40,112 Gunduz et al. 30 did not observe any difference in morbidity and mortality between patients admitted to hospital and patients briefly observed in the emergency room. They recommend that, in the case of mad honey intoxication/poisoning, six hours monitoring of the patient for stabilization is sufficient, and hospital admission is not required. Sohn et al. 45 observed that all patients recovered after treatment with intravenous saline infusion or after normal saline infusion with atropine sulfate (0.5–2 mg) simultaneously. The pulse rate and blood pressure of patients were within normal limits after the aforementioned treatment within 24 h.

Mad honey intoxication is caused by the ingestion of grayanotoxin extracted from the leaves and flowers (nectars and pollens) of Rhododendron plant species by honey bees. The signs and symptoms of mad honey intoxication/poisoning are reported to be the same around the globe including Turkey, China, Republic of Korea, Nepal, Philippines, etc. Mad honey intoxication/poisoning should be taken into consideration in previously healthy patients presenting bradycardia, various bradydysrhythmias, and unexplained hypotension after obtaining a dietary history of mad honey ingestion.

The symptoms of mad honey intoxication last for a day, due to rapid metabolism and excretion of grayanotoxins. The signs and symptoms of mad honey intoxication/poisoning may seem life-threatening; however, no fatality has been reported in recent medical literature. For treating mad honey intoxication/poisoning, symptomatic treatment and close surveillance are carried out. To ensure recovery, cardiac monitoring with supportive care, intravenous infusion of atropine sulfate, and intravenous saline infusion are used; in case of complete atrioventricular block, a temporary pacemaker is used.

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Supplementary Material

Acknowledgments.

The author S. Ullah has been supported by the Chinese Scholarship Council for his PhD study (CSC No. 2016GXX169). TA Saleh would like to acknowledge the support and funding provided by King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) through Project No. IN161011 and No. IN131053 under the Deanship of Research.

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How to plan a food trip through the Ribble Valley, UK

Michelin-starred dining, independent butchers and artisan cheesemakers make this beautiful corner of Lancashire a rural idyll for food travellers.

From its blasted fells and verdant plateaus to its tangled woods and meandering rivers, the Ribble Valley is a rural wonderland that apparently inspired the otherworldly landscapes of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings . It is a natural haven for birders, walkers and cyclists, particularly where this corner of Lancashire merges into the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Ribble Valley also tastes amazing. A seasonal food ethos grows out of its fertile farmland, underpinning the work of Michelin-acclaimed restaurants such as the Northcote in Langho and market-town gems such as Cowman’s sausage shop in Clitheroe. Key local producers, such as cheesemaker Mrs Kirkham’s, enjoy national recognition. Yet none of this feels overexposed. With the majority of travellers passing by the Ribble as they rush north to the Lake District, it continues to offer visitors a sense of discovery.

Where to eat at in the Ribble Valley

1. The Parkers Arms , Newton-in-Bowland

Reaching No 7 on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK list in 2023, The Parkers Arms has long been a place of pilgrimage for clued-up foodies. It serves gutsy Lancastrian cooking – and its pies are legendary. But that only tells half the story. Chef Stosie Madi’s work is often deft and light, exemplified by her fish cookery, while her French-Lebanese heritage brings a distinctive flavour to the menu. Dishes might range from minced mutton manoushe flatbreads to braised Bowland rabbit leg, butter-roasted loin, mustard sauce, mash and greens. Passing walkers or cyclists can snack from the bar menu. Three courses, £50.

2. Northcote , Langho

The valley’s benchmark dining destination for more than three decades, this Michelin-star restaurant and boutique hotel is constantly evolving. From its cookery school to the annual international guest chef event Obsession (in January and February), there are always interesting things happening at Northcote. Expect seasonally driven dishes, such as halibut with Jerusalem artichoke and winter truffle or aged dairy cow tartare, warm bone-marrow, alliums and horseradish, accompanied by exceptional wines from managing director Craig Bancroft’s lovingly curated cellar. Mains from £29; doubles from £216 per night, B & B.

3. La Locanda , Gisburn

High-quality local, seasonal ingredients are the cornerstone of Italian cooking – so, naturally, chef Maurizio Bocchi feels at home in the Ribble Valley. Key imports such as wine and olive oil aside, the Modena native cooks authentic Italian dishes using local meats, game, dairy and vegetables. The menu might include rabbit stuffed with Tuscan sausage and cabbage with rosemary potatoes, or cappellacci pasta filled with pumpkin and amaretti biscuits, finished with butter, sage and hazelnuts – served up in La Locanda’s comfortable farmhouse-style space. Mains from £15.  

4. The Inn at Whitewell , near Dunsop Bridge

This remote inn on the River Hodder has accommodated travellers since the 16th century. It is an evocative old building; all worn flagstone floors and roaring fires. Eat in its cosy bars or restaurant. First visit? Look to those dishes, such as the fish pie, chicken liver pate or bangers and champ with onion gravy, that have become established classics over many years. Do not miss the in-house wine shop. Mains from £16.50; doubles from £145 per night, room only.  

5. Freemasons at Wiswell , near Whalley

A degree of fine dining glitz runs through chef Steven Smith’s polished pub. You will find Sunday roasts as well as complex and creative dishes, such as prawn mousse-filled sea bass with Thai mussel curry, and salt and pepper tempura broccoli. There is a tasting menu, a chef’s table for those who like to watch kitchens work and, for those staying over, four stylish bedrooms. Mains from £39; doubles from £240 per night, B & B.  

An unmissable experience

Bowland Brewery

In its attractive food hall, upmarket cinema and bowling lanes, Holmes Mill development in Clitheroe offers numerous distractions. Heaven for cask and craft ale drinkers, its large beer hall is also the home to Bowland Brewery, which for 20 years has quenched local thirsts with tipples such as its classic, citrusy pale Hen Harrier or the Bowland Bumble, made with honey from the brewery’s beehives at nearby Little Middop Farm. On select Fridays, outside operational brewing hours, tours offer visitors the chance to learn about the brewing process: from raw malts and hops to the mash tun and the fermentation tanks. A tutored tasting of three third-pints follows. One-hour tours, £20 per person.  

Where to stay

The Higher Buck, Waddington

Is Waddington the Ribble Valley’s prettiest village? Fans of Hurst Green, Downham or Chipping might disagree, but this cluster of ancient buildings huddled around a gurgling stream is unquestionably idyllic – and home to three individually compelling pubs (see also The Lower Buck Inn and Waddington Arms). The Higher Buck has seven handsome, well-maintained bedrooms while its crowd-pleasing menu similarly excels. A cheddar soufflé with apple chutney and the Buck’s sensational steamed steak and ale pudding are testament to chef-landlord Michael Heathcote’s rigour. Mains from £17; doubles from £115 per night, B & B.  

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• FOOD TOURISM
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