Mad honey, a unique and euphoric substance, has been around for centuries. Its intense psychedelic properties have made it illegal to purchase in some nations today.
High in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal and the Black Sea region of Turkey, mad honey is produced by the world’s largest honey bees, Apis laboriosa. These bees feed on native rhododendron plants, whose neurotoxins give the honey its psychoactive effects.
Hunters must climb steep cliffs, often with little protective clothing, to reach the remote beehives. They endure numerous painful bee stings. Those who consume mad honey may experience dizziness, disorientation, euphoria, and even hallucinations. Many use it as a spiritual aid for deeper awareness and insight.
The Psychedelic History of Mad Honey
People have enjoyed mad honey’s psychedelic properties for at least 2,400 years. One of the earliest recorded encounters is from Xenophon, a Greek military leader. In his book “Anabasis,” he describes a situation in 401 B.C.E. when his army consumed honeycombs in Trabzon, Turkey. The honey caused many soldiers to experience a bad trip, making them sick and extremely disoriented. Some lay on the ground in “general dejection” for several days.
A similar event happened in 67 B.C.E. when Pompey the Great and his Roman army were chasing Persian troops along the Black Sea. The Persian army left behind pots of mad honey for the Romans to find. After consuming it, the Romans became so disoriented that they were easily defeated by the Persians, who killed over 1,000 Roman troops.
For those who understand mad honey best, its effects can be incredibly spiritual and healing.
The Ancient Tradition Of Honey Hunting
For the Gurung people of Central Nepal, honey hunting has been a tradition for centuries. They use mad honey for medicinal remedies and spiritual purposes. Each year, the honey hunters risk their lives to extract honey from Himalayan cliffs.
To collect the honey, hunters climb rope ladders hundreds of feet up steep cliffs to find the beehives. They sedate the bees with smoke, use long bamboo sticks to remove the hives, and drop them into a basket below. They endure painful bee stings but remain calm throughout the process.
After the honey is extracted, everyone present gathers to share and enjoy it. That’s when its unusual effects begin.
The Risks And Benefits Of Taking Mad Honey
Traditional honey offers medicinal benefits like reducing inflammation and easing sore throats. Mad honey, however, goes further. According to a study in RSC Advances, mad honey has been used to treat diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and arthritis. It can enhance physical and mental performance and is considered a powerful aphrodisiac.
Mad honey contains grayanotoxin, which can act as a psychedelic. Those who consume it may experience euphoria and hallucinations. Some report feeling less stressed and more connected to their surroundings.
But consuming mad honey comes with risks. Grayanotoxin can cause disorientation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of muscle control, irregular heartbeat, and temporary paralysis, depending on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity. These reactions can last up to 24 hours, though mad honey poisoning is rarely fatal. Anyone interested in trying it should research the potential health risks and consume it with caution.
Mad Honey’s Rise In Popularity
Honey hunting is an old tradition in the Himalayas, but recently, mad honey has gained popularity in the West due to its mind-altering effects. This increased interest has made mad honey available for purchase online.
While mad honey is legal in the U.S., many countries have banned it due to its psychoactive properties. It has even appeared on the black market, selling for $60 to $80 per pound.
Whether you’re curious about its medicinal properties or looking for a spiritual adventure, experts recommend buying mad honey from verified sellers to ensure safety.
After learning about mad honey, you might find it interesting to explore the history of peyote or the story of Morgan Freeman’s efforts to save America’s honey bees by turning his ranch into a bee sanctuary.