Mad honey or as it is also referred to as hallucinogenic or wild honey, is one of the most rarely found and at the same time fascinating sort of honey in the world. This Grayanotoxin rich variety originates from the nectars of the Rhododendron and wild flowers gathered by the bees in the Himalayan Region. Hence, the honey has a history linked to the higher cliffs of Nepal. From higher altitudes of Nepal to the customers worldwide the Journey of Mad Honey is quite interesting for nature’s wonder. Not only the honey is being harvested but also it is being renowned around the globe for its effects and benefits towards human health.
Medicinal Mad Honey a Rare Gift of the Himalayas – Its Origin
Harvested from hives of Himalayan giant bees known as Apis Laboriosa which collects nectar from plants like rhododendron plants and wildflowers. These flowers blossom during the summer and have medicinal properties which can bring in various health alignments. The origin of Mad Honey starts with Himalayan Giant Bees which inhabit the higher cliffs of Nepal. The Rhododendron plant contains Grayanotoxin, a natural neurotoxin that when ingested can bring in several effects to the body. The experience begins with normal dizziness and can extend to a bigger extent of hallucinogenic effects including nausea and vomiting.
The Harvesting Process: A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
The tradition of honey hunting has been in practice since ages, Gurungs and Kulungs are native honey hunters of the region. They climb steep and hazardous cliffs and landscapes putting their lives at risk to harvest the mad honey for livelihood and culture. Only the most skilled ones lead the hunt as it requires a profound skill and years of experience.
Harvesting mad honey is not for the faint-hearted. Sometimes hunters put their life at risk for the hunt as the hunt is truly rewarding. They sometimes ascend a cliff as high as 5000 meters using ropes and bamboo ladders. The honey hunting practice is one of the age old practices that has been passed down from one generation to another.
The harvesting process is entirely simple as they use ropes and bamboo ladders made locally without aid of any modern tools and equipment. They use smoke made up of the local plants to swarm off the bees from the hives. The honey is then collected in traditional containers called Tokari , a bamboo basket made to hold things. The honey is carefully lowered, collected and filtered for any residues that may be found during the harvesting process. The locals are familiar with the location and the time of honey harvest during the season, they periodically check the content of honey, hives of bees over time.
Medicinal Uses and Global Demand
The mad honey has been used and kept in medicinal practices since ages by the locals and the tribesmen of the Gurung and Kulung Communities. Certain health alignments are reported to be cured by the honey including high blood pressure, digestive issues, fatigues and cholesterol. In some cases the small and modest doses of Mad Honey containing Grayanotoxin has been reported to have helped elevate therapeutic benefits.
But with the advent of the internet the Gurung harvested Honey is being popular around the globe for its medicinal benefits. They also have started showing attention as international consumers who are interested in alternative medicine and exotic health products like Shilajit. This has further increased the demand for mad honey globally because of its rarity and unique properties. Now it is sold in niche markets, especially in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, where it is highly valued for its hallucinogenic effects and purported health benefits.
However, due to its potency and the risks it possesses, it is highly regulated in most countries. In Nepal the Department of food technology and quality control oversees the production, packaging, distribution and export of Mad honey. They ensure the quantity and quality threshold of the product being harvested and distributed throughout the time. Also, the local Government and honey-hunting communities are after the preservation of the Himalayan wild bees.
Economic Impact: How Mad Honey Changes Lives in Nepal
With the global demand on hand, the export and trade of Mad Honey brings in a lot of money for the locals and the entrepreneurs who are involved in harvesting and selling it globally. Honey hunting is both a way of life and means of income for many local people. This type of honey is highly valued because it would sometimes reach hundreds of dollars per kilogram. With the increased demand for the honey at the international level, local honey hunters, collectors and middlemen have directly benefited from this lucrative market.
Besides direct income from the sale of honey, the mad honey business has created avenues for entrepreneurship and employment. Local honey hunters and cooperatives are into its collection, processing and marketing as it can be a good source of income during seasonal hunts. Exporting mad honey allows Nepal to tap into these international markets, which gives its economy a fillip while highlighting its rich biodiversity. Besides just the honey, the entire process of honey hunting seems adventurous and interesting for some people. These kinds of people are joining mad honey hunting expeditions just to witness the entire process of honey hunting and taste the wilderness straight from the hive. Thus, every year a considerable number of tourists flock to the honey hunting site to observe the tradition, document it and make great content for everyone to see.
The money obtained from the trade of Mad Honey helps support people’s daily lives for basic needs. The tribesmen involved in this are supporting their need of education, food, clothing and health from the eco tourism and trade.
How Medicinal Mad Honey is leading the Mad Honey Industry in Nepal?
Medicinal Mad Honey, a company from Nepal has been in the mad honey export industry for decades. The company is responsible for harvesting, labelling, packaging, quality assurance and distribution of Mad Honey across the globe. It has been a leading distributor of Mad Honey across the globe. The honey they distribute is 100% authentic, non-processed and filtered basically with no additives.
Thinking ahead they have also utilized the waxy residue of mad honey by developing abandoned bee waxes in sustainable herbal blend products like Mad Honey soap and Mad Honey Lip balm. These products are quality guaranteed and 100% organic, to prevent the side effects of chemical composition.
The entire process has created economic opportunities in different levels from hunters to distributors and several others in between. Every year a number of tourists flock to join the expedition, this not only helps to boost the economic activity of hunters but also help boost the national economy. People involved in the Mad Honey for packaging, filtering, transport, sales and export are making a living out of it.
