Mad honey, also known as "deli bal" or "honey of the forest," is a type of honey that is produced by bees that collect nectar from the rhododendron flower. 

The nectar of the rhododendron flower contains a chemical called grayanotoxin, which can affect the nervous system and is toxic to humans in large doses.

As a result, consuming large amounts of mad honey can lead to hallucinations.

Mad honey is not to be confused with to blue honey, or psilocybin honey.

Mad Honey Origins

The origins of mad honey can be traced back to ancient times, where it was used by the people of Nepal and the Black Sea region of Turkey as a natural remedy for various ailments.

They believed that consuming small amounts of mad honey could have a positive effect on one's health, and it was even used as a natural aphrodisiac.

However, it was also used as a weapon of war, as the armies of ancient civilizations would use mad honey to poison their enemies' food and water supply.

One of the first descriptions of mad honey is found in Xenophon of Athens, a pupil of Socrates, who writes of a group of Greek troops travelling through Turkey around 401 B.C. They consumed honey that had been taken from beehives along the way, which caused them to vomit, have diarrhoea, get disoriented, and become unable to stand.

However, according to anthropology professor and honey specialist Vaughn Bryant, they were okay the following day. (Too much mad honey has comparable consequences, according to modern consumers.) I

In 69 B.C,  Pompey the Great’s army fell victim to a literal honeytrap in the same region. Local forces placed honey along the marching route, and then swooped in to massacre the intoxicated soldiers.

Mad Honey Today

Today, mad honey is still produced in the Black Sea region of Turkey, where it is considered a delicacy and is sold for a premium price.

This ancient hallucinogenic honey sells for over $60 a pound on the black market.

In Nepal, this type of honey is used by the Gurung people for both its hallucinogenic properties and medicinal benefits.

Despite grayanotoxin being toxic to humans, no deaths from consuming crazy honey have been reported in the contemporary era.  However, obtaining the honey can be riskier than eating it due to the fact that rhododendrons thrive at high altitudes and the bees frequently build their nests on cliffs.

To gather crazy honey, honey hunters in must make perilous vertical climbs and endure painful bee stings...

What does Mad Honey feel like?

The effects of consuming mad honey can vary depending on the amount consumed and the individual's sensitivity to grayanotoxin.

Depending on how much a person consumes.

Low doses cause euphoria and lightheadedness, whilst larger doses cause hallucinations,  a slower heartbeat,  temporary paralysis and unconsciousness. 

Some people may experience mild symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, while others may experience these more acute reactions such as hallucinations, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.

In addition to the physical symptoms, some people may also experience psychological effects such as confusion and disorientation. 

The symptoms typically occur within a few hours of consuming the honey and can last for several days.

Mad Honey Experiences

You can read about peoples experiences with Mad Honey over at Erowid. Here's a small selection: 

"At 40 minutes in the effects were very pronounced to the point I half-stumbled into my bedroom to lie down. The sedation was to the point that I wanted to go to sleep. As I lied down the effects became much more pronounced and new sensations emerged. I had this extremely pleasant warmth coursing through all parts of my body. Tingly sensations in my chest, stomach, back of my head and arms. I had this extremely pleasant warmth coursing through all parts of my body. Tingly sensations in my chest, stomach, back of my head and arms. There was a marked heaviness in my feet too. It was unlike any drug I've taken before. If I had to compare it to anything it was like an opiate, a sedative and alcohol in one.
All my aches and pains disappeared and I became completely inebriated by this magical ancient medicine. About an hour and a half in I noticed that my sinuses were clearing up, felt very similar to a strong antibiotic. I've used various honies in the past for this precise purpose, but nothing on this level. It's rather amazing that honey can have this effect on a human. As I lie in bed, I was overwhelmed by the sheer warmth and sedation, I was practically catatonic. I could feel this glowing heat in my chest accompanied by an odd euphoria that seemed in sync with arrhythmia. This effect lasted for a few hours as I dipped in and out of consciousness. Honestly felt amazing. I slept like a rock, having had a tremendous amount of deep sleep according to my smartwatch. It felt very similar to the first time I took opiates or got stoned. Of particular interest were my sinuses; I blew all kinds of mucus out. Within a few hours I felt amazingly refreshed and clear, nice energy boost. Having abused narcotics for 20 years I did have minor pain in my right side, which was not surprising considering the toxic content."

"35 minutes- notice that music is a bit nicer? Maybe colors pop more too, not totally sure. The feeling in the head is like weed (laughing maybe the music and some changes in thought) in the body (euphoria and warmth, with giddiness) like booze. Nothing strong like a couple shots plus a hit of a one hitter. I feel like I *could* drive but feel different enough I wouldn’t. 1.5 hours- this effect lasted til now while I feel the comedown I’m not totally sure as the effects are there just very light. The heaviest portion was felt for about an hour, maybe 45 minutes. Getting sleepier assuming that’s the effect of the honey, as I’d normally be up a couple more hours"

"We give up on the honey and decide to go for a walk, but why not have one final teaspoon, one for the road, after all its a dud batch yeah? Its 6:30pm, we are downtown Pokhara and my tongue starts to feel numb. Nicolas feels normal and wants to go walkabout but I think its best for me to start making my way back. We split, I get 30 metres down the road and begin to feel dizziness, nausea and general weakness. My vision begins to distort and I’m like fuck, my bed is ages away.Michael, Michael, oi” To my right are some Aussies I met a few days earlier. They are calling me from the balcony of a Vietnamese Restaurant. I make my way up, resting on the stairs trying to gather myself, my vision is currently sitting at near 50% and my body is heating up. my vision is currently sitting at near 50% and my body is heating up.I sit down next to them with a feeling of relief, familiar faces and a safer environment for me to wig out in than the gutter of a third world country. I explain to them the situation and they continue to check in on me throughout the course of their meal. I wonder what Nicolas is up to. I can’t contact him though because I can’t see shit. My vision is like that of a kaleidoscope, or light reflecting through shattered glass. Blackness comes and goes as I sit inebriated. My involvement in the conversation goes something like this."

Mad Honey Health Benefits

Mad honey has been commonly used as an aphrodisiac, in alternative therapy for gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcer disease, dyspepsia, and gastritis), and for hypertension for a long time.  

Mad Honey Risks

The consumption of mad honey is not without risk, as the grayanotoxin content can vary widely depending on the location and time of year the honey is collected.

The primary concern with mad honey is its toxicity, which can range from mild symptoms to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions.

The symptoms of grayanotoxin poisoning typically occur within a few hours of consuming mad honey and can last for several days.

The most common symptoms include low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. In severe cases, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and even death can occur.

The treatment for grayanotoxin poisoning typically involves supportive care, such as providing fluids to prevent dehydration, and monitoring vital signs. In severe cases, the patient may need to be hospitalized and receive more intensive treatment, such as a ventilator to help with breathing.

It is important to note that not all honey from the rhododendron flower contains grayanotoxin, and the risk of poisoning can vary depending on the location and time of year the honey is collected. However, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming mad honey due to the potential risks.

Where can you buy Mad Honey?

Lots of places on line, like here. 

Is Mad Honey Legal?

Depends where you are. It's legal to purchase mad honey in the United States, but the substance is banned in several countries, including Canada, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil. 

Mad Honey - Final Thoughts

Mad honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees that collect nectar from the rhododendron flower. It contains a toxic chemical called grayanotoxin, which can cause symptoms of poisoning in humans.

While it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy and aphrodisiac, it's not without risks. 

As with trying any new substance, do you research and stay safe!