There is a great demand for a specific type of Honey known as Mad Honey, Wild Honey, Himalayan Honey or Cliff Honey. Grayanotoxin, a potent natural neurotoxin found on some species of Rhododendron, Andromeda, Spoonwood, Mountain Laurel, Azalea etc. and other plants of Ericaceae Family Members is the secret ingredient of Mad Honey. The psychoactive and medicinal effects are what makes the mad honey unique and the most sought out product in the world. This article gives a broad detail about the fascinating world of mad honey, its origin, health benefits, overdosage side effects and potential dangers.
What is Mad Honey and Grayanotoxin?
Mad honey is a honey harvested from the wild which contains Grayanotoxin, a cyclic polyhydoxylated diterpenoid, a chemical compound with its characteristic specific ring structure. It has been identified as the prime reason why the honey from the wild has garnered the name Mad Honey. Found commonly in the Nectar, Flower and leaves in some plants of the higher regions of Nepal of family Ericaceae, in mountainous regions of Asia and Mediterranean. The bees from the wild known as Himalayan Giant Bees or “Apis Laboriosa” are early extractors of this potent neurotoxin. Because these bees have chosen the wild as their best habitat, they collect their nectar from whatever is available in the wild. This brings them to the flowers of some wild plants and some plants containing Grayanotoxin for nectar collection. The varying amounts of Grayanotoxin present on these flower nectar and the honey harvested makes a basic difference on effects after ingestion.
Although it has just been famous around the web, Mad honey has been in practice as a traditional medicine since ancient times. Especially in the regions where the honey is harvested locally and used in different aspects. It has been used as a biological weapon, traditional healing, enhancing meditation, religious rituals, Shamanic Practices and recreational drugs. It has been famous in parts of Turkey, Nepal and other countries.
The Origin of Mad Honey
So you might be wondering, how does the Grayanotoxin from plants reach the honey and give psychoactive effects. The nectar collected from wild plants and plants of family Ericaceae containing Grayanotoxin are stored by bees in their hives. The origin of Mad Honey starts in the wild and stays in the wild till the honey produced by the Himalayan Giant bees are harvested, filtered and bottled by the humans. Bees are naturally tolerant to those Grayanotoxin but when consumed humans are not. The effects start to show up as soon as the honey gets inside the biological system of the body. The effects can range from beneficial to the harmful part depending on the amount of honey consumed.
Health Benefits of Mad Honey
Although Grayanotoxin is a natural neurotoxin which gives off psychoactive effects and hallucinogenic effects when taken. The health benefits and the experience of wilderness is what makes this mad honey the most sought after product in the global arena. Some key health benefits of mad honey linked with the this Mad Honey are:-:
1. Pain Relief (Analgesic Effects)
One prime reason why mad honey has been famous around since ancient times between ethnic groups is because of its ability to relieve pain. The Grayanotoxin present in the mad honey interacts with the body’s nerve receptors which alters pain reception. It has been used as an natural Analgesic to block pain signals that reach the nervous system. This is why mad honey has been used as a home remedy for arthritis, muscle pain and joint pains. Traditionally Gurungs have been including Mad Honey in traditional medicinal practices.
2. Digestive Aid
The wild honey has been used to solve digestive issues and alleviate common gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, bloating and indigestion problems. The bioactive compounds present in honey can stimulate the production of digestion enzymes which aids the body’s ability to break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively. Also the Grayanotoxin helps promote secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric juices which helps in food processing easily.
3. Blood Pressure Regulation
Some research has provided evidence that Grayanotoxins actually work as a vasodilator which helps relax and widen blood vessels. Once the blood passes easily between the vessels there won’t be much pressure build up in the vessels. In this way blood pressure is lowered by the Grayanotoxin present in the mad honey. This can in turn reduce the strain on the heart and can be beneficial for people with mild hypertension.
4. Cognitive Enhancement
Grayanotoxins is a multi purpose potent chemical which works as a mild stimulant on the brain and central nervous system. Some traditional use include Euphoria, mental clarity and focus. Some people often describe it as a gateway for enhanced alertness, transcendent experiences, deepening meditation, and granting practitioners greater spiritual awareness. They felt a strong connection with cognitive empowerment and mental boost. The
5. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Like all other types of honey, mad honey also contains antioxidants which can help reduce oxidative stress and remove free radicals in the body. The oxidative stress can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer which are reduced by the honey. The damages over cells and tissues are reduced which reduces effects of ageing while protecting the body from inflammations within the body.
6. Euphoria and Sedation
Wild Honey when taken in mild dosage can bring in distinct and unique psychoactive effects. It can bring in mild effects of euphoria or even a sense of sedation. This has gained fame over both spiritual and recreation domains in some cultures. Grayanotoxin interacts with the brain’s receptors which creates effects ranging from calming sedative effect to euphoric high depending on the dosage of Mad Honey.
The Risks of Grayanotoxin: Toxicity and Poisoning
Grayanotoxin when taken in mild dosage can bring in significant health benefits but also the risk of Mad Honey poisoning can be life threatening. Overconsumption of mad honey can bring in toxic effects with severe symptoms.
Symptoms of Toxicity:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Dizziness or lightheadedness
– Heart issues ( fast paced heart or irregular heartbeat)
– Low blood pressure
– Sweating and excessive salivation
Grayanotoxins when taken more than recommended dosages can alter bodily effects as it reaches the cellular level which disrupts cellular function. It alters the sodium channel within the nervous system which can lead to Bradycardia and Hypotension. Also, if the dosage is more it can bring in severe effects and get worse such as Seizures and Shock. Although the effects are notable the individual tolerance of Mad Honey and Grayanotoxin can differ from person to person. Body Metabolism, Grayanotoxin content and several internal-external factors are involved.
Mad Honey: A Double-Edged Sword
Grayanotoxin is a blessing for those who understand the potential benefits on their health and risk for those who overconsume it. It can alleviate pain, give digestive support, impair cognitive functions and enhance holistic wellness. But along comes the risk of its toxicity when consumed in excessive amounts. Understanding the balance between health benefits and risks involved is crucial.
Whether you are using mad honey for medicinal purposes or as a natural remedy or for recreation purposes, dosage guidelines are strictly to be followed. Always ensure the honey you are buying is authentic, obtained from a trusted source and always consult a healthcare provider before using it to address any health concerns.
By acknowledging both the positive effects and the dangers of grayanotoxin, we can appreciate mad honey for its unique place in natural medicine while respecting its potent properties.
References:
1. Grayanotoxins and their toxicity: Mechanisms and clinical manifestations by K. L. P. W. McNeill and L. S. J. Chapman
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11669390/
2. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Rhododendron Honey in Nepal: A Review by T. R. Shrestha and D. N. Acharya
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154804/
3. Honey and its Psychoactive Effects: A Review of Grayanotoxin’s Role by M. S. Meissner
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750020300202
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