In 2008, a middle-aged couple set out to spice up their lives by consuming raw honey sourced from Turkey’s Black Sea region. What started as a natural aphrodisiac experiment quickly turned into a medical emergency. They ended up in the hospital with symptoms resembling a heart attack. The culprit? Mad honey poisoning—an ancient and fascinating toxin with a storied past, rumored to enhance sexual performance and even cause hallucinations.
What Is Mad Honey?
Mad honey is a rare, toxic honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of specific plants like Rhododendron ponticum. These plants are rich in grayanotoxins, compounds that can have both intoxicating and potentially lethal effects. Found in regions like Turkey, Nepal, Brazil, and parts of Europe and North America, mad honey carries a bitter taste, setting it apart from regular honey.
The toxicity peaks during springtime when rhododendrons are among the first plants to bloom. Just a few tablespoons of this “mad” honey can tip the scales from a mild buzz to life-threatening symptoms.
A Dangerous Delicacy
For the couple in 2008, consuming increasingly larger doses of mad honey resulted in dizziness, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and eventually acute heart issues. Historically, mad honey’s potent effects have been weaponized in warfare, incapacitating armies with devastating efficiency.
Adrienne Mayor, a classics and history of science scholar at Stanford University, recounts its role in history:
- Xenophon’s Army (401 BCE): The ancient Greek commander Xenophon recorded how his men, stationed near Turkey’s Black Sea coast, gorged on wild honey only to collapse like “madmen.” The army was paralyzed for days, leaving them vulnerable to enemy attack.
- Pompey’s Troops (65 BCE): Roman soldiers marching against King Mithradates of Pontus fell victim to mad honey strategically placed by the enemy. The honey incapacitated 1,000 soldiers, making them easy targets for ambush.
Even in later centuries, mad honey-infused mead (honey wine) was used to devastating effect. In AD 946, Russian invaders were massacred after consuming mead laced with mad honey. Similar tactics in 1489 led to the slaughter of 10,000 Tatars.
Mad Honey Today: From Medicine to Hallucinogen
While mad honey has a dangerous reputation, locals in Turkey and Nepal regard it as a medicinal treasure. Known as deli bal in Turkey, it is used in small doses to treat ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stomach problems. In Nepal, the Gurung community values it for its medicinal and hallucinogenic properties.
The honey’s rarity and danger make it highly sought after, with prices reaching $170 per pound. In Nepal, the honey is harvested in dramatic fashion, with collectors rappelling down cliffs and calming swarms of bees with chants.
A Weapon of the Past, a Curiosity Today
Although mad honey played a pivotal role in ancient warfare, its modern use is far less sinister. However, Adrienne Mayor warns that its potential as a “guerilla-style ruse” shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. In certain scenarios, food or drink laced with mad honey could still be a viable trap for the unsuspecting.
For now, mad honey remains an enigmatic substance—a razor-thin line between medicine, hallucinogen, and poison. Whether sought after for its rumored effects or its storied past, it serves as a reminder of nature’s power to heal, intoxicate, or destroy.
Looking to Try Mad Honey?
If you’re curious about exploring the fascinating world of mad honey, Cliff Mad Honey is a trusted supplier offering ethically sourced and authentic mad honey from Nepal.
Contact Cliff Mad Honey:
- Website: Cliff Mad Honey