Nepalese honey hunters are a small group of people who risk life and limb to collect one of the juiciest substances in the world. During arduous “honey hunts,” they climb local cliffs in search of popular mad honey, a substance with strong medical and psychoactive properties.
In this article, we’ll talk about honey hunters, the process of honey collection, and its environmental impact.

Who Are the Honey Hunters?

Honey hunters are the selected male members of the Nepalese Gurung tribe famous for collecting honey from Apis laboriosa or Himalayan giant honey bees. The thing that separates this substance from similar ones is that it causes psychoactive effects. So, due to these properties, Apis laboriosa honey was dubbed mad honey.
However, there’s much more to the Nepalese honey collection than the fact we get psychoactive honey as a result. The process is also world-renowned as being perhaps the most perilous food-gathering process. To access the honeycombs, the hunters have to climb down steep cliffs and provoke one of the largest bee species.
Because of that, it isn’t uncommon for honey gathering to end up in tragedy. The designated honey hunter (the person going down the ladder) is directly exposed to numerous bee stings. They also have to worry about slipping on the ladder or other mishaps that might occur while in the mountains.
Despite all the perils, honey hunting remains an important part of Gurung tradition, being practiced for hundreds of years. The process is deeply rooted in religion and represents a link between the ordinary human and the deities.

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Traditions of Honey Hunting in Nepal

Nepal honey hunting is a process that relies on mystic forces for results. To be precise, before local hunters honey farm, they pray to Gods of fire, earth, wind, and water, as well as the God of the Snake.
According to Nepal honey hunters, the gathering of this precious substance has as much to do with deities as it has with humans and bees. Only by respecting nature can the gatherers acquire this life-giving liquid. Furthermore, unsuccessful hunts are commonly perceived as a sign of God’s disfavor than a result of human error.

The Village Preparation

The honey is collected twice a year, in autumn and spring. Before collecting the vital juices, the current Durung shaman analyzes the omens. In most cases, these elders set gathering for Tuesdays, as historically the most-suitable day. On the other hand, they try to avoid dates during full moon festivals.
Honey hunters in Nepal are mostly adult males; women barely have any role in the honey collection. Before going out into the field, the tribe will select a designated honey hunter – A person who will climb down the rope ladder and take honeycombs.

Returning the Honey

Upon collecting the honey, the hunters will go back to the village and share it with the tribe.
In most cases, they return approximately 20 kilograms of honey per trip. Back in the day, the locals mainly used the substance for their own medicinal purposes, but nowadays, they are more likely to sell it on international markets.
The price of honey has shoot up in the last few years, making honey hunting a lucrative endeavor. There’s a major decrease in bee populations in many regions of the world, leading to lower production of this valuable substance. So, the locals are highly incentivized to double their efforts in an attempt to make fantastic money.

The Process of Nepal’s Honey Hunting

The reason why Nepalese mad honey is so expensive is that it takes a lot of courage and know-how to extract it. The bee hives are, for the most part, spread across perilous cliffs of Nepalese Lamjung and Kaski districts. Bee population prefers south-west cliff placement as it gives them direct exposure to the sunlight while protecting them from local predators.
Given the uneven surface, the locals can’t use standard ladders to reach the beehives. Instead, they have to get on top of the cliff and lower down rope ladders. These objects are made from bamboo, and the Gurung tribesmen call them Prang.
Understanding the inherent dangers of this process, we at Real Mad Honey, take measures to promote the safety of these courageous honey hunters. We provide the villages we buy honey from with strong ropes for safety harnesses, aiming to increase their security during precarious honey hunting.

The Hunting Ceremony

Besides the village ceremony, there is another one that precedes the hunt. Approximately 10 to 12 tribesmen will gather below the cliff in the early morning, performing a rite with flowers, rice, fruits, and incense and even sacrificing farm animals. By giving the Cliff God these offerings, honey hunters are praying for a successful collection.
After that, they will gather just about any plan they can find in the vicinity. They proceed by lighting a bonfire under these plants in an attempt to drive off the bees from their hives. While all of that is happening, the main honey hunter slowly starts descending down the cliff, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Honey Collection

Once the hunter is close enough to the nest, he will take out the long stick called Tango to pierce the nest. It’s vital that the comb remains attached to the stick and doesn’t move around a lot. Then, he will take another stick that allows him to place the honeycomb into a basket.
Similar to the ladder, the basket is attached to the top of the cliff, hanging off a long bamboo rope. Once the comb is safely in the basket, the other members of the cliff slowly lower it down to the team waiting below.

Risks of Honey Hunting

When climbing down a cliff, a honey hunter has to decent 60 to 90 meters below. Although hunters have protective clothing, it’s usually not enough against the biggest bee species in the world. During a single climb, a honey hunter might get stung 100 times, causing several wounding.
All in all, it’s really stressful being surrounded by all these bees that are now frantically flying around, disturbed by the smoke. Combined with the fact that the hunter is on a rickety ladder, it takes only a fraction of a second for an accident to occur.

The Environmental and Economic Impact of Honey Hunting

Unfortunately, as the world around us changes, so does honey hunting in Nepal. This centuries-old tradition is facing a few major challenges, including the continuously decreasing bee population. Furthermore, many young Gurung tribe members are no longer content with honey hunting and are looking for other opportunities in big cities.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the wild honey hunters of Nepal have to contend with.
Seeing the enormous potential profits that the mad honey brings, the country’s government decided to change the cliff ownership from local Gurung to non-community honey hunters. Nowadays, there are a lot of freelancers working the cliffs, many of which have limited experience with Himalayan giant honey bees.

Declining Bee Population

According to the experts, the Himalayan giant honey bee population is in a steep decline as of late. Every year, there are approximately 60 to 70 percent fewer of these beautiful insects. Besides undisprovable scientific data acquired from Lamjung and Kaski districts, researchers also use wild honey hunters’ stories to prove their point.
Not only is the number of bees reducing, but the same can be said for the number of colonies and cliffs occupied. Of course, there are some differences from area to area, with some of them experiencing bigger decreases in bee population.
Like with other species, the reason for this decline lies in the destruction of the habitat. The country’s government has invested enormous amounts of money to improve its road and dam infrastructure, causing massive changes to the environment. We also have to consider the use of pesticides and the loss of bee’s food sources.

Financial Considerations

The biggest change to Nepalese honey bee hunting was caused by the shift in honey prices.
As the global bee population decreases, honey prices are experiencing an enormous upward swing.
As previously mentioned, the price shifts also led to government involvement and the introduction of aggressive exploitation policies. The new, government-sourced honey hunters care about sustainable practices that would ensure honey collection without interfering with bee hives.

The Future of Honey Hunting in Nepal

While the situation might sound grim, there are a few positives. The Gurung tribe and the Nepalese government are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term problems that can arise due to these practices. So, they’re already looking for solutions that would protect not only the bees but also other local species.
The elders are suggesting a return to old traditions that would safeguard the insects. That way, they can ensure that their high-altitude crops are pollinated at all times while also preventing the disruption of the natural order.
In other words, local and global organizations are looking for ways to regulate honey hunting and limit the number of people who can gather the substance. Besides preventing unlawful gathering, this can also protect the Nepalese environment from people who might endanger it with their reckless activities.

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.

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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.

Conclusion

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!

FAQ

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.

Natural beekeeping refers to a more natural and sustainable method of harvesting honey and other byproducts. This approach has become popular in the last few years as the global bee population has started dwindling.

Many people nowadays consider this method as the only ethical thing you can do. Bees in natural beekeeping hives live longer and give better offspring. As such, implementing natural beeping and similar practices is the only way to save these beautiful insects and, with that, the life on Earth.

By using this approach, you’re not only saving bees, but you’re also getting higher-quality products. For example, some of the rarest, most potent types of honey, such as mad honey, are commonly made through natural beekeeping.

In this article, we will talk more about natural beekeeping, why it’s so important, and how to implement it.

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WHAT IS NATURAL BEEKEEPING?

Whenever a wannabe farmer asks me about this method, I always suggest they read “Natural beekeeping: Organic approaches to modern apiculture.” This is an incredible book that teaches you everything you need to know about this practice.

Basically, natural beekeeping is an agricultural philosophy according to which farmers are supposed to give their insects enough space to live, eat, and reproduce. It goes against economically-efficient practices such as frequent hive inspections, bee medication, hive movement, and other things that could interfere with insects’ natural processes.

NATURAL BEEKEEPING IMPORTANCE

Given the sharp reduction in the global bee population, it seems that natural beekeeping has never been as important.

In a nutshell, this process allows bees to live healthy lives. It increases the resilience of a population by improving their behavioral and immune responses. Natural beekeeping allows these insects to survive various pathogens, forage fluctuations, and other hazards.

Through a natural approach, farmers can improve the living conditions of “tame” bees bringing them closer to their counterparts in the wild. Unlike intense bee farming, where insects are exposed to artificial substances, artificial reproduction, and supplementary feeding, natural beekeeping creates a more natural environment.

More and more farmers are trying to implement this method as something that could potentially save the species from extinction.

5 Natural Beekeeping Principles

This is a holistic approach that puts bees first. It’s meant to cater to the insects’ needs allowing the healthy development of a colony and its offspring.

Although some experts might disagree with my classification, natural beekeeping follows five basic principles:

1. Comb

For these insects, everything starts and ends with the comb. In fact, this structure is so biologically unique and is one of the main reasons why experts are so fascinated with these beings.

Combs are made from bees’ bodies and are used as a central neural network of a colony. The health of all these insects is inherently connected to the health of the comb. They use it for reproduction, storing food, and all other functions.

2. Food

Bees create wax and honey by collecting surrounding pollen and nectar. In that regard, the health of a colony is directly connected with the health and vitality of the surrounding flora. Human impact on the local environment can condemn the species.

However, farmers are guilty of an even bigger sin. Many of them use artificial pollen, sugar syrup, and other supplements to increase bees’ productivity. Although these practices might produce short-term results, they eventually cause stress and diseases within the colony, which can also affect the quality of mad honey.

3. Reproduction

Natural reproduction is crucial for the health and sustainability of a colony. It’s also something that can positively affect farmers. Through natural reproduction methods, new queens are able to adapt their physiology to the surrounding environment. As such, they become more resistant to local climate and diseases.

Unlike natural beekeeping, where farmers let things go their natural course, the conventional approach recommends killing the queen. By doing so, the old insect is replaced with a new one, which prevents swarming. This practice causes bees to become docile while increasing honey production.

Unfortunately, this can often cause other issues, potentially endangering the existence of local insects.

4. Chemicals

Like with many other species, humans have decided to expose their bees to various chemicals in an attempt to increase their yields. One of the biggest crimes is using strong chemical products to prevent colony diseases or controlling Varroa mites. These substances are placed in hives.

The problem with these chemicals is that they prevent the evolution and adaptation of the local bees. As time goes by, they become more resistant to antibiotics, which can completely destroy their immune response.

If that wasn’t enough, farmers also use plastic combs which they also place in hives. These items leave a carbon footprint and can contaminate the mad honey and the hive itself.

Natural beekeeping shies away from these practices. Farmers who follow this philosophy let bees evolve by themselves, even if it means a death of a colony. However, the offspring of the groups that manage to survive have much stronger genetics.

5. Intervention

Most farmers are inclined to help their bees when they’re distraught. Even if they have altruistic goals, this often affects insects’ natural processes condemning them in the long run.

Like most wild animals, bees try to stay away from humans and other species. They are solitary creatures that fulfill all their needs by relying on the local environment.

According to natural beekeeping principles, these lovely insects should be left alone to their own devices. If you wish to inspect hives, make sure to do it during spring and summer when the weather conditions are ideal.

As for brood inspections, you can do them three or four during a season. Some experts suggest more often but keep in mind that this can be very stressful for the colony.

How to Engage in Natural Beekeeping?

To implement natural beekeeping methods, you should simply stay away from the hive. The farmer should allow insects to live and reproduce like in their natural environment, with little to no involvement.

Natural beekeepers often use the STUN (Sheer, Total, Utter Neglect) methodology. Although it might sound funny, it’s the best way to explain this approach to a layman. Basically, a farmer should stay away from the hives throughout the year and leave insects to their own devices.

As spring and summer come along, you just visit your favorite pets and collect that natural, mad honey (or whichever honey we’re talking about).

Are there specific types of bees better suited for natural beekeeping?

While every bee species can derive benefits from natural beekeeping methods, it’s worth noting that some types of bees might be more suited to this approach than others. The species of bees that often thrive best under natural beekeeping practices are those that are local or native to a given area.

The rationale for this is straightforward. Local and native bees have spent generations adapting to the specific conditions of their home environment, including climate and local flora. This means they are naturally attuned to the cycle of the seasons, the local diseases or pests they might encounter, and the types of flowers and plants available in their environment for foraging.

Here are the best ways to implement natural beekeeping:

• You should give bees all the space in the world for swarming. This is their natural process of reproduction, which shouldn’t be substituted with anything else.
• Don’t try to alter a hive’s genetics. If a colony can live through the winter, that’s great! However, you shouldn’t try to force the survival of weak insects. In many ways, this can only backfire. Avoid using sugar water and other methods that would give them an unnatural advantage. Although changing genetics might be important in the short run, it’s much better for colonies to grow stronger by weeding out weak genetic traits.
• Similarly, you shouldn’t provide any treatment for varroa mites. A colony will either become resilient to them or perish. Not giving bees any artificial substances will increase the colony’s resistance and enhance the genetics of future generations.
• As previously mentioned, you should seldom visit hives. Furthermore, you should take their honey only during the late summer and spring. Don’t harvest it in the fall, as they’ll need it for survival during the winter.
• Make sure to use natural beekeeping top bar hives and other natural beekeeping supplies. Avoid using plastic pieces for their hives.

Basically, this is an apicentric method of beekeeping that puts the bees’ needs first. Instead of constantly trying to exploit these fantastic insects and using their honey, the farmers are trying to create an environment where they can thrive. More than anything, this is a responsible approach that helps the survival of local colonies.

The most important thing about natural bee farmers is that they see things from a different perspective.

For them, these insects are, first and foremost, powerful pollinators that have a major impact on natural cycles. In other words, they respect bees more for their impact on the environment and less for their products.

Nepalese hallucinogenic honey is special honey made from a rare species of rhododendrons. Bees that live on the mountainsides of Nepal feed on these flowers and produce a special type of honey, which looks and tastes different from the honey you know.

Hallucinogenic honey from Nepal is rare. It’s not as sweet as traditional honey is. It’s also more reddish in color. However, the biggest difference between this type of Nepalese honey and the regular variety is the effect hallucinogenic honey has on those who eat it.

When you eat small amounts of this honey, you can experience dizziness and euphoria. An excessive dose of mad honey can produce hallucinations. While some people value the mad honey experience, others face severe side effects including vomiting, loss of consciousness, and seizures. In some cases, hallucinogenic honey can lead to a fatal outcome.

Here are a few important things to know before eating Himalayan hallucinogenic honey.

You Shouldn’t Exceed the Dosage

The reason why mad honey in Nepal has a hallucinogenic effect is the toxins ingested by the bees that make it. When bees feed on the pollen of special types of rhododendrons that grow in the mountains of Nepal, they ingest grayanotoxins.

Grayanotoxins can have a substantial effect on your nervous system. While more studies need to be done on humans to identify the full effects of this toxin, animal studies revealed that even a small dosage can cause:

• Bradycardia – a slow heart rate. For example, the normal heart rate for humans is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When you experience bradycardia, the heart rate goes down to less than 60 beats per minute.
• Respiratory depression –slow and ineffective breathing that keeps sufficient oxygen from reaching your blood. If not addressed timely, respiratory depression could lead to a heart attack, respiratory arrest, brain damage, coma, and death.

Exceeding the dosage can lead to worsening of the symptoms. That’s why it’s imperative to stick to what’s recommended by the manufacturer. Ideally, you should contact your doctor before trying mad honey for the first time. They can help you adjust the dosage and provide valuable recommendations.

There Are Contraindications

While people have been eating the product created by hallucinogenic honey bees for centuries, there haven’t been enough studies on its effect. Since this type of honey is illegal in many countries, there is limited research.

However, there are certain contraindications to eating hallucinogenic honey. One of them is allergies. Any type of honey can cause allergies. The main allergen in honey is the pollen collected from the flowers.

If you are allergic to any food, you should be careful when trying to ingest mad honey. You may have an adverse reaction. Make sure to have allergy meds available.

Since hallucinogenic honey affects your nervous system, breathing, and heart, you should be very careful if you have:

• Any type of heart disease
• Respiratory condition
• Problems with the nervous system

If you have any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, mad honey can worsen the symptoms and even lead to a fatal outcome.

Mad honey shouldn’t be given to children.

Mad Honey Isn’t Legal Everywhere

Since mad honey can have an adverse effect on your health, manysome countries choose to ban it. For example, you can’t buy mad honey legally in South Korea, Mexico, and Australia. 

Countries, where this type of honey is produced, sell it freely. So, you can easily purchase Himalayan hallucinogenic honey in Nepal or Turkey.

The United States doesn’t restrict mad honey sales. You can buy psychedelic honey online from anywhere in the country. However, you can’t use hallucinogenic honey if you are a minor.

If you aren’t sure whether mad honey is legal in your area, make sure to check the local laws. Since laws and regulations often change based on new research, it’s important to monitor these updates closely. Otherwise, you could face penalties.

You May Need to Call 911

If you are feeling the adverse effects of hallucinogenic honey, don’t hesitate to ask for professional medical assistance. Breathing problems and slow heart rate could lead to serious consequences.

In the emergency room, doctors are likely to treat you with 25 g to 100 g of activated charcoal. If you have serious bradycardia, you may need atropine or a cardiac pacemaker. Right now, the antidote for grayanotoxins doesn’t exist.

Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. Get help as soon as possible. If you are worried about the possible effect of honey on your nervous system, don’t eat it when you are alone. A friend or a family member can control the process and call 911 if necessary.

First Accounts of Hallucinogenic Honey Date Back to 401 BC

First accounts of the effects of hallucinogenic honey were recorded in 401 BC. Back then, eating this honey resulted in mass intoxication. A large group of soldiers that was traveling to Cyprus found numerous beehives and ate large amounts of honey. All of them experienced adverse effects.

Those who ate more honey felt a variety of side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Those who didn’t eat too much reported hallucinations and intoxication. None of the soldiers were able to continue their journey until the next morning. Thankfully, none of them died.

The Takeaway

Hallucinogenic honey has numerous properties, which some people believe to be therapeutic. Meanwhile, this substance causes euphoria. However, mad honey also comes with certain side effects. That’s why it’s important to set the right dosage, control the intake, and call for help when necessary.

Consult your doctor before trying mad honey if you have any chronic medical conditions, respiratory problems, or heart disease.

Is it possible to get natural psychedelic honey? For centuries, mad (also called psychedelic) honey has been used by people for a variety of purposes, including relaxation and medical treatment.

Bees produce psychedelic honey in the mountains of Nepal and Turkey. This type of honey is rare but highly demanded by people who live in the area. Nepal psychedelic honey is redder than the regular variety. It also has a bitter taste compared to the honey most people are used to.

What is Psychedelic Honey?

Psychedelic honey from Nepal and Turkey is honey that bees make from several species of rhododendrons. The most common ones are Rhododendron luteum and Rhododendron ponticum. These rhododendrons contain grayanotoxin.

Research shows that consuming grayanotoxin as leaves, flowers, or as secondary products like honey could lead to serious intoxication. The symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hallucinations
• Unconsciousness
• Euphoria
• Temporary paralysis
• Heart block

While these symptoms may seem severe, they are rarely lethal in humans. However, pets may die from intoxication.

When you decide to consume mad psychedelic honey, it’s important to monitor your health closely. If you already have blood pressure problems, you may want to consider consulting a doctor before using this type of honey for any purpose.

The species of rhododendrons that cause bees to produce this type of honey usually grow at high altitudes. To gather the honey, you would need to make dangerous climbs. Many people in Nepal die while trying to hunt the honey or suffer from severe bee stings.

Overdosing on Psychedelic Honey

While in most cases, healthy people don’t face severe health consequences of consuming psychedelic honey, overdosing is possible. That’s why it’s imperative to control how much honey you eat. Regardless of the reason why you decide to use mad honey, you need to keep the possible consequences in mind.

Since mad honey is a toxin, you may want to make sure you are in good health before taking it. Consulting a doctor could also be a good idea.

Keep in mind that eating mad honey isn’t as pleasant as eating regular honey. This substance is bitter rather than sweet. Some people don’t experience the positive effects of the honey but suffer only the unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea.

It’s important to evaluate the right dosage for yourself before trying the honey. It may be a good idea to ask a family member or a friend to stay with you when you consume this toxic substance.

Medical Uses of Psychedelic Honey

In Nepal, psychedelic honey has several medical uses. Some people take advantage of it to relieve hypertension (high blood pressure). Others believe that it improves their libido and creates an energy boost.

So far, there aren’t any studies that can confirm the medical benefits of psychedelic honey from Nepal or other countries.

Is Psychedelic Honey Legal?

Some countries ban the production, sale, and export of psychedelic honey. For example, South Korea banned it back in 2005.

Other countries, such as Turkey, Nepal, and the majority of Europe don’t have clear restrictions. So, you can easily purchase psychedelic honey online.  In the USA, you can consume it if you are over 18 years of age.

The laws that regulate mad honey in your country can easily change. It’s important to monitor them regularly to prevent any problems. If you think that psychedelic honey from Nepal is beneficial for your health, you should still consider speaking to the doctor about using it.

Things to Remember Before Using Psychedelic Honey

Here are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing and eating mad honey.

You Only Need a Small Amount

To achieve the effect, you only need a small amount of this honey. Follow instructions carefully to avoid overdosing. Since mad honey contains toxins, eating too much of it could have an adverse effect on your health.

If you are experiencing any of the unpleasant side effects, consider avoiding psychedelic honey in the future. It may do more harm than good.

You Need Medical Supervision

If you are using honey for one of your health problems, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you still need to go to your doctor for treatment.

Mad honey is a complementary therapy. It can’t treat any conditions. The substance may only relieve some of the symptoms.

Consider Contraindications

Since more studies and research need to be done to figure out the side effects of using psychedelic honey from Nepal, you need to avoid this substance if:

• You have low blood pressure
• You have serious liver or kidney problems
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

If psychedelic honey is relieving your symptoms, make sure to tell your doctor about it. They may need to adjust your treatment.

The Takeaway

Psychedelic honey from Nepal and Turkey is a substance that has both negative and positive effects. Many people believe that mad honey alleviates symptoms of various conditions. Others use it to enjoy a euphoric state and psychedelic effect. Before consuming mad honey, you should evaluate all the pros and cons of such a decision.