Mad Honey – Toxic Elixir from the Himalayas

Just a spoonful of mad honey can induce hallucinations. In excess, it can lead to poisoning or even death.

Mad Honey – Toxic Elixir from the Himalayas

Mad Honey with its dark red hue contains grayanotoxin from a rare rhododendron species found scattered in Southern Turkey, the Caucasus region, and Nepal. While the world boasts over 700 rhododendron varieties, only about two or three species carry grayanotoxin in their nectar.

One of the earliest accounts of mad honey dates back to the historian Xenophon of Athens, recounting a journey with Greek soldiers marching through Turkey in 401 BCE. They consumed honey from beehives along the way. A few hours later, the soldiers experienced vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and instability, but all returned to normal the next day.

However, a Roman army wasn't as fortunate. In 67 BCE, the great Roman general Pompey led his forces in pursuit of the Persian king Mithradates VI along the Black Sea, in modern-day Turkey. They encountered numerous jars of honey by the roadside, unknowingly falling into a trap. After consuming the honey, the Roman soldiers were unable to resist when the Persian army attacked. It can be said that this was the first chemical weapon in history.

Despite its toxicity, mad honey has been used by people in Nepal and Turkey for thousands of years as a medicinal remedy for diarrhea, high blood pressure, pain relief from arthritis, and to enhance marital bliss. Locals believe that consuming at least a spoonful yearly boosts immunity. They also simmer mad honey with milk, taking a small amount before each breakfast.

If you ever visit Nepal, ask the locals to try this specialty. However, exercise caution when indulging; avoid spreading it on bread, pouring it on yogurt, or consuming it like regular honey. A small spoonful on the tip of your tongue is more than enough; otherwise, you might become one of the many tourists who suffer from mad honey intoxication each year.

In 2016, David Caprara, a Vice reporter, accompanied Gurung tribesmen on a mad honey hunt. After tasting about two spoonfuls directly from the hive, David felt intensely euphoric, akin to smoking marijuana, while a few honey hunters passed out. Fortunately, none experienced nausea or dangerous symptoms.

A man from Hong Kong fell victim to mad honey poisoning in 2017. About 45 minutes after consuming a spoonful of mad honey gifted from Nepal, the victim experienced rapid breathing, loss of sensation, and weakness, requiring a day of hospitalization for treatment.

Source: Bao Ngoc/ Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour