Mad honey vs. regular honey – the answer to this question is self-explanatory: one is honey, and the other is honey you’ve managed to upset. Low-hanging puns aside, actual mad honey bears one key difference from regular honey that sets it worlds apart. Intoxication.
But how does honey become intoxicating? It isn’t through artificial means like adding alcohol. Mad honey is as perfectly natural as regular honey, so what gives it that added kick? And where does mad honey come from, specifically? Let’s dive in.
What is Honey?
On the off chance you’re new to honey as a culinary concept, let’s start with the basics. Honey is a sugary food that bees have produced since the dawn of time. Well, since the dawn of bees, at least. Honey is found all over the world and is made from all types of plant nectar by all types of honeybees.
Humans have harvested honey from beehives for ages. It’s a natural sweetener with a surprising number of health benefits. And some of it can make people go a bit “mad.”
What is Mad Honey?
Mad honey is a muddy red variety with a strong, bitter flavor. It also happens to create an intoxicating, trippy high for those who consume it. This high can bring a euphoric giddiness to the user, and can even cause hallucinations if the dosage is high enough.
Mad honey can be considered a natural drug like cannabis. Its active component, a toxin called grayanotoxin, alters the bodily and mental state. It can affect a person’s heart, nervous system, respiration, and perception of the world around them.
Where does mad honey come from?
Historically, mad honey has been harvested in Nepal, Turkey, and Korea. The Black Sea region is most known for its use of mad honey, and Nepal is considered the best place to get it from. This is because Nepal has an overabundance of the particular flower that makes mad honey so special: the rhododendron.
In Nepal, locals have traditionally gathered and used mad honey for centuries. They believe in its medicinal and therapeutic effects, and will even scale mountain cliffs to hunt for it. Today, mad honey is deliberately produced and exported as well.
Example: Mad Honey Squeeze Pouch
Products like the Mind Bender Mad Honey Squeeze Pouch are becoming increasingly common. This particular mad honey is sourced from Nepal and has a mild effect that kicks in after about 30 minutes. Slurping down additional pouches will increase the intoxicating effects.
It comes in three flavors to help offset the natural bitterness: blueberry, sweet, and vanilla. If you’re interested in dipping your toes into the mad honey world, something like this could be a great way to start.
Mad Honey Effects & Benefits
The most commonly touted use of mad honey is actually as an aphrodisiac. Something about the mix of relaxation, euphoria, and that dreamlike high really gets people in the mood. Still, hard research into the real effects of mad honey is important.
Mad Honey Benefits
While we don’t have a perfectly clear picture of what’s fact or fiction with the benefits of mad honey, traditionally it’s known to:
- Relieve stress
- Improve mood
- Create euphoria
- Improve sleep quality
- Boost creativity/artistry
Mad Honey Side Effects
The side effects are well-known and should be considered before trying mad honey. It is, after all, technically a toxic substance like alcohol. Mad honey poisoning is the catch-all term for these possible side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Body aches
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Low heart rate
- Vertigo
- Weakness
- Difficulty speaking
- Shakes
- Unconsciousness
Mad Honey vs. Regular Honey: What’s the Difference?
As we’ve learned, mad honey is like regular honey, but less boring. It’s made from the nectar of the rhododendron flower, which contains grayanotoxin. This becomes part of the bee’s honey and can intoxicate humans when eaten.
While mad honey is used as an aphrodisiac and a therapeutic medicine, regular honey has its own beneficial uses. It’s known for general boosts to health and wellness. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and on top of all that, it’s gosh darn delicious.
Tips for Using Mad Honey
Before you dive too deep into your mad honey exploration, we’ve got some handy tips to keep in mind to set yourself up for success.
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Consult your doctor. It's always wise to ask your doctor first before trying a new supplement. They’ll be able to tell you if you have any additional risk factors to consider before testing the mad honey waters.
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Start low and go slow. Try a very small dose first to see how your body reacts. If that goes well, scale things up until you find the perfect level for your needs.
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Watch your pets. Lethal mad honey poisoning is exceptionally rare for humans but common with animals. Keep your pets away from the stash, for their own good and yours.
Try Mad Honey and More with Gold Dragon
Now that you know all the ins and outs of mad honey, Gold Dragon will save you the trip to Nepal. We’re ready to supply both the new adventurers and old hats alike. Shop our mad honey collection today to find the best-tasting experience for you.
Not sure where to begin? Click here for a free consultation. Our team is ready to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect product for your wellness and recreational goals.
