Mad honey is a different type of honey, it's powerful, unique and hails from high-altitude regions. It is also known by names “deli bal” or “bhir maha” and is collected by native people, especially from Nepal and Turkey origins. Its widely popular due to its hallucinogenic and intoxicating effects, and as a result, counterfeits are easily found in the market.
Source from a Reputable Supplier
The first and foremost step that speaks about how authentic the mad honey is the selection of a reputable and trusted supplier. Look for vendors who have been in the market for a specified period of time and to be even more sure, check if they have a proven track record of providing genuine mad honey.
You can do your own research by checking customer reviews online who experienced the effects of Mad Honey and you may also ask for references. There are two countries you can look for in terms of supply, one from Nepal and another is Turkish Mad Honey.
Check the Origin
Mad honey is a natural product available only in limited places around the world. One such rare place from where authentic mad honey is harvested is the mountainous regions of Nepal. The giant Himalayan honeybee (Apis laboriosa) residing at high altitude prepares the honey by feeding on flowers available at these heights and hence they have the best quality.
As origin is of utmost importance, always select the sellers who openly share where their honey comes from, and keep in mind that trustworthy sellers won't compromise on providing information about the origin and the harvesting process.
Examine the Color and Consistency
Real mad honey's color and appearance, both, resemble that of normal honey. Reddish-brown and slightly translucent- this is how mad honey can be described. If the honey is too runny, too thick or has a different color, it is indicative of fake mad honey.
Read our guide on Mad Honey Buying Tips
Verify the Hallucinogenic Effects
The unique compound present in rhododendron nectar is Rhodotoxin which later reaches mad honey and makes it hallucinating. When you consume a small amount, you are likely to experience mild symptoms like euphoria but if the amount exceeds two tablespoons, dizziness-like symptoms may arise due to loss of coordination.
Check for Grayanotoxins
To ensure safety and authenticity, ask if the honey has been tested for grayanotoxins. Reputable sellers often have lab reports indicating the presence of these compounds. If the seller cannot provide this information, be cautious about the product’s authenticity.
Ask About the Harvesting Process
Mad honey has been harvested for ages by the local people of the Himalayas and it still is. In Nepal. The one and only harvesters are skilled Gurung tribesmen who are also known as the Honey Hunters of the Himalayas- they with a huge bravery climb steep cliffs to collect honeycombs.
Check if your supplier can provide all the reliable information about the harvesting process and further question if they are following fair trade practices and sustainable approaches.
Look for Certifications and Quality Assurance
An authentic seller of mad honey won't hide behind any fancy packaging. Their quality is backed by proof, certifications of quality, reviews of real users and more. Though not all customers are aware of this, as an informed customer, you should always check for such credentials to check that the seller is trustworthy.
Check out 5 best brands of Mad Honey to Buy
Assess the Price
Real mad honey is rare and requires a labor-intensive harvesting process, so it is the reason why mad honey is more expensive than regular honey. So, it's always better to be cautious about deals and pay the right price for an authentic product.
Smell and Taste the Honey
This psychoactive hallucinogenic sweetener from the wild also has a different aroma from regular honey, it has a hint of earthy and floral notes. The flavors can be slightly intense and as compared to normal honey, with a sharp aftertaste. If the honey smells or tastes only sweet or lacks the characteristic bitterness, its quality can't be tagged as authentic.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Finally, read customer reviews and testimonials as they are the ones who have truly tried the product and what could be more realistic for a new customer to expect?
Look at the supplier's selling page for feedback from the buyers. This is all needed to guarantee the reliability of the supplier and the authenticity of their mad honey.
If You’ve Come This Far, Here’s Some Great News!
We understand the importance of finding authentic mad honey. You’ve made it through our 10 tips on how to ensure you’re buying the real mad honey with health benefits and we’re glad to share that you don’t have to search any further.
At Medicinal Mad we meet all the criteria for the sale of Genuine Nepalese Mad Honey, and source our product from the heart of Nepal where the giant Himalayan honeybees collect nectar from rhododendron flowers. Our honey is carefully harvested by skilled Gurung tribesmen ensuring authenticity and sustainability.
Grayanotoxin- the compound with psychedelic effects, we also test for it to provide customers confidence when purchasing mad honey. Our final product has all the characteristics what genuine mad honey needs to have, it's reddish-brown and translucent. Without any hesitation, we can provide information about our sourcing and harvesting practices and we also provide our customers with healthy dosage of Mad Honey.
References
- https://everestorganichome.com/how-to-spot-fake-mad-honey
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9080652
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9080652
FAQs
Is mad honey real or fake?
Yes, mad honey is real. Harvested from the high cliffs, made by the Himalayan Giant Honey bees foraging on the nectar of Rhododendron Plants and some wildflowers, the Mad Honey is real.
Is mad honey legit?
Not, all mad honey is legit. If the product contains clear description of price, seller information, source, proper packaging and high quality labels, the mad honey is legit.
