Mad honey is a special type of honey that bees make from the nectar of specific species of rhododendron flowers. The flowers grow on the Himalayan cliffs and mountainsides. The honey has a slightly bitter taste and reddish color. It is called "mad" because it can pack a hallucinogenic punch due to the presence of grayanotoxin, a substance found in certain types of rhododendrons. Mad honey has been used for thousands of years and is produced by the world's largest honey bee, Apis dorsata laboriosa .
Grayanotoxin is a natural neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and even heart problems. The symptoms can last for several hours and can be severe enough to require hospitalization .
In Turkey, mad honey has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction . However, it is important to note that consuming mad honey can be dangerous and even fatal if not done properly. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before consuming mad honey or any other natural remedy .
