Everything you need to know about the hallucinating 'mad honey' of Nepal
Updated On Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
- Found in the hills of Nepal, 'mad honey' is known for its physiological effects. When taken in low doses, it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and euphoria whereas when consumed in higher doses, it can lead to hallucinations, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, and, in rare cases, death.
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Updated on Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
Mad honey of Nepal is one of the rarest honey in the world that is known for its intoxicating properties. It has gained worldwide popularity and is exported to several countries for its medicinal and psychedelic qualities. The giant bees extract nectar and pollens from a special type of Rhododendron flower which consists of a psychedelic compound called “grayanotoxin”.(Instagram/@arunsupertramp)
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Updated on Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
Also known as the 'love drug,' 'Mad honey is not just popular for its psychedelic properties but also for its medicinal qualities.(Instagram/@functional_medicine_group)
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Updated on Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
It has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, and gastritis. It is also used as an aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant) as well as for hypertension.(Instagram/@cloud___walkers)
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Updated on Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
It has a bitter sharp distinct taste and irritates the throat. The people of Nepal have been using it as a potent medicine for thousands of years.(Instagram/@bodyandskin_therapybotanicals)
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Mad honey is mostly used as an aphrodisiac. It is widely used by middle-aged men for enhancing their sexual performance.(Instagram/@thehoneyroad)
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Going back to history, its origin can be traced back to the Black Sea region of Turkey or Nepal. The first case of mad honey poisoning was discovered in 401 BC by Xenophon (an Athenian military commander and author).(Instagram/@mauro_de_bettio)
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Updated on Jul 19, 2022 09:43 PM IST
You need to consume at least 15-30g of 'mad honey to get intoxicated and the symptoms appear after half to four hours.(Instagram/@nepal8thwonder_)
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Local men risk their lives just to harvest the honey by making dangerous vertical climbs while enduring stings from enormous bees.(Instagram/@bestmadhoneyy)
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This 'mad honey is exported to Japan, Korea and Hong-kong. Other places where intoxication has been reported are Turkey, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Austria, Germany, Brazil, and some countries in North America.(Instagram/@bestmadhoneyy)
