In the remote mountains of Nepal, there is a type of honey that is said to be both intoxicating and poisonous. Known as “mad honey,” this honey is made by bees that feed on rhododendron flowers. The rhododendron contains a toxin called grayanotoxin, which can cause hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Mad honey has been used for centuries by the Gurung people of Nepal as a traditional medicine. The Gurung believe that mad honey can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including joint pain, fever, and even snakebites. However, mad honey can also be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
In recent years, there have been a number of reports of tourists becoming ill after eating mad honey. In 2016, a group of British tourists were hospitalized after eating mad honey that they had purchased from a local market. The tourists reported experiencing hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The sale of mad honey is illegal in Nepal, but it is still a problem. The honey is often sold to tourists who are unaware of its dangers. If you are planning to visit Nepal, it is important to be aware of mad honey and to avoid it.
Here are some tips for avoiding mad honey:
- Only buy honey from reputable sources.
- Do not buy honey that is sold in markets or from street vendors.
- Ask the seller if the honey is made from rhododendron flowers.
- If you are unsure about whether or not the honey is safe, do not eat it.
Mad honey is a dangerous substance that can cause serious illness. It is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to avoid it.
