Vincent Coon 
Have you ever heard of “mad honey” – it sounds weird but yes, it is a real thing! Mad honey might sound like a fairy tale, but it is a naturally occurring substance with an interesting background. Most of us are familiar with the golden, sweet nectar trudged out by bees and mad honey is an altogether different creature! From rhododendron flowers, mad honey holds properties that separate it from ordinary honey. Together, we will discuss what mad honey is and its effects and track down the reasons behind these features.
So, What is Mad Honey?
You might wonder, what is mad honey? Well, it is also known as “deli bal” in Turkey and is made by bees which collect nectar from certain rhododendron plants. These plants have grayanotoxins (which are a group of neurotoxic compounds) in them. “Normal” honey is just sweet and beneficial for general health while mad honey is more potent—with psychoactive properties that have captured and fomented human imagination for centuries.
The history of mad honey dates back to ancient times for medical and recreational purposes. It was used as a weapon by other cultures where the honey is placed in the enemy’s reserve of food supply to make him or his soldiers incapacitated or worried. Yet, despite its bad reputation for many a century, mad honey is still desired in some parts of the regions, not only because of its rareness but because of its effects.
The Mad Honey Effects
Some people further experience mad honey effects to be mild or very intense, depending on how much grayanotoxins are in the body. With small doses, this might lead to a slight tingling effect or low euphoria; thus, the popularity, especially among its users who always look for a natural but risky high. The effects can quickly turn unpleasant with larger doses. A variety of symptoms can occur with mad honey poisoning, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, profuse perspiration, and even hallucination in some individuals. In extremes of mad honey poisoning, altogether life-threatening irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, or even unconsciousness could develop.
Despite all these destructive effects, some people take mad honey on purpose because of the popular medicinal purposes. People have used it for some medical issues, such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis in traditional medicine. One needs to be cautious because the therapeutic index is very narrow.
Why is Mad Honey Rhododendron Different?
What sets mad honey apart is chiefly the source from where nectar is collected – the rhododendron. These are a shrub, with some of its species in possession of poisonous properties. While gathering nectar, those grayanotoxins don’t go off in the enucleated bees, but when ingested by humans, they can be agonisingly powerful. Due to this, there is an actual toxic effect, which gives mad honey its mind-altering properties.
LEARN MORE: Exploring the Medicinal Potential of Mad Honey
Mad honey from rhododendron plants grow in nature on mountains in Turkey, Nepal, and the Caucasus. The altitude and climate in these regions resonate to make the rhododendrons grow, which supports the bees in the production of mad honey. Mad honey is relatively rare, and as a result, it is expensive and much appreciated in some cultures.
Mad honey also differs from normal honey in colour and flavour. It is normally darker in colour, with a reddish hue, and slightly bitter or astringent in flavour—this sort of taste takes some people some getting used to. The bitterness, in addition to the psychotropic characteristics of the honey, reminds a person that mad honey is not just any common sweetener and should be used with caution in large servings.
Mad honey is a separate but drastic contrast from normal honey because of its nature and effects. The buzz, which has been produced for centuries from the nectar of the rhododendron flowers, is taken in both for medication and because of it being psychedelic. The consumption of mad honey is greatly harmful, so one needs to be cautious in its usage. Whether you are fascinated by its historical uses or curious about its effects, mad honey is a compelling example of the way nature can produce products which are both beneficial and hazardous. Of course, like many natural curves, it is important to learn the source and potential dangers to be well informed.
Curious about what mad honey tastes like and what it can do for you? Contact Maddest Mad Honey today and try it for yourself!
