Mad Honey - Uses, Effects and Is mad honey legal

Hidden within the towering cliffs of Nepal lies one of the rarest and most intoxicating sweeteners. Mad Honey. It is carefully harvested by the fearless, experienced honey hunters for the hives of Himalayan Bees. This golden nectar has unique qualities.

Mad Honey is famous for its medicinal benefits, sweet taste, aphrodisiac qualities, and some hallucinogenic effects. In the past, only a few indigenous people on the mountain knew about this. But recently it gained attention after some photographers and filmmakers posted about it. Now, today Mad Honey has become a luxury item.

For years, Nepal's mad honey has attracted adventurers, traditional healers, and honey enthusiasts alike. But what truly sets this honey so special? Let’s now talk about Nepal's legendary mad honey.

About Mad honey

Mad honey comes from the steep rocky cliffs of Ghale Gaun, where only locals harvest it. To collect it, Honey collectors climb up more than 800 feet high, relying only on flimsy ropes and nothing more for support. Most probably, it seems only they can pull this off unscathed.

Why is it called mad honey?

The honey is special because it carries unique properties and effects, which come from the network of  certain substances in the nectar of specific rhododendron flowers that bees feed on. These flowers contain grayanotoxins, which are a group of natural neurotoxins that remain present in When  honey after the these toxins are retained in the honey.

When consumed in small quantities, mad honey can produce mild psychoactive effects, such as relaxation and euphoria. However, if taken in larger amounts, it may trigger serious symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, heart complications or even death. That's why it's important to take proper caution when dealing with mad honey.

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Mad Honey Harvest Season

Harvesting mad honey is an old tradition in Nepal. It happens twice a year, during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), or about two weeks a year. During these periods, indigenous groups, especially the Gurung people, embarked on daring expeditions to gather the honey, following ritual processes that have been passed down through generations.

Effects of Mad Honey

The psychoactive effect of mad honey depends on various things such as consumption of quantity. In small, proper amounts, it can bring a sense of warmth and relaxation.

On the other hand, consuming large amounts can trigger serious side effects such as constipation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even temporary loss of consciousness. In such moments, it may feel as though the world around you is melting away.

It's not just about the psychoactive effects, even a single sting from a mad honey bee can lead to burning pain and swelling.

What is Mad Honey Price In Nepal

The price of Mad honey is higher than regular honey, it is still cheaper in Nepal as it ranges between $50 and $300 per 100 grams. Make sure purchase from local markets, department stores, or directly from the harvesting site. Mad honey is priced higher than normal honey. Moreover, the price is still cheaper as compared to Europe or any other countries.

Where is Mad Honey Found in Nepal?

Mad honey is sourced from Nepal's high-altitude Himalayan ranges, especially in the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang. The towering cliffs here create the ideal environment habitat for giant Himalayan bees to build their hives. To gather this rare nectar, honey hunters climb on dangerous rock faces, often putting their lives in the process.

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The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route, particularly around Ulleri, is known for mad honey, with dense rhododendron forests providing the nectar for the bees. It can also be seen near Sinuwa and Hinku cave on the Annapurna Base Camp trail, where giant Himalayan bees hives hang dramatically from the cliffs.

Apart from this, other remote parts of Nepal such as Karnali, Humla, Jumla, are equally famous.

Conclusion - Mad Honey

Consuming this unique honey without any guidance is not advisable, and it should never be taken lightly too. Some locals believe claims that the mad honey has medical benefits for certain illnesses, there is no solid scientific evidence to support these beliefs. Due to its hallucinogenic nature, its sale and purchase are strictly monitored.