Introduction
Several Ethnic groups has been practicing the use of the Mad Honey as an ancient traditional medicine for healing and therapeutic practices from centuries. There has been recorded ancient use of mad honey in regions like Turkey, Nepal, Georgia and some other regions since older times. After understanding the medicinal and recreational use of Mad Honey, the people around the globe is showing crazy demand for this type of honey which has limited availability.
The traditional medical community has utilized mad honey as a potent substance produced by mad honey bees that collect nectar from rhododendron flowers. Due to its recognized health benefits, Gurung ethnic groups and locals who are nearby to the places of harvesting areas has been using it since centuries. They have been using it to treat several health alignments. The medicinal purpose as well as economic activity is what led the Gurungs continue tradition of Mad Honey harvesting.
Consuming non processed mad honey containing grayanotoxins without proper dosage guidelines will create psychoactive effects and hazardous reactions. The level of individual tolerance, age groups, metabolism, health conditions, Grayanotoxin potency and several other external factors can also mitigate or alleviate the intoxication of Grayanotoxin. .
Safe Mad Honey Consumption Guide for Different Age Groups
The guide presents essential data about safe usage of mad honey for different age groups.
Mad Honey for Children (Below 12 Years)
Due to the presence of natural neurotoxin called Rhodotoxin or Grayanotoxin in mad honey, the product is not advised to be consumed by children under 12 years of age as it can cause severe health hazards. Children are so much more prone to the intoxication of Grayanotoxin even at lower doses which can lead to serious health complications. Thus, it should be highly prohibited for children below 12 years of age, as the effects of Grayanotoxin can get intense.
If consumed, it can produce negative effects including nausea and vomiting while elevated heart rate becomes dizzy and blood pressure drops until severe conditions result in respiratory issues or condition called mad honey intoxication. Guardians need to be extra careful about the risks related to mad honey because its effects remain more dangerous for children because of their natural defense system incompatibility and tiny body dimensions. So the question, can I give mad honey to children? No, strictly No
Recommendation:
All experts agree that Mad Honey is totally unsafe for children to receive any qualified dose of mad honey at any time. The side effects of consuming mad honey exceed its potential benefits in children. Medical help should be sought without delay whenever someone unintentionally consumes mad honey.
Mad Honey for Teenagers (12-18 Years)
Keeping the toxic effects of Grayanotoxins in consideration, the consumption of Mad Honey should be prevented for teenagers too. Since dangerous health problems and powerful psychoactive side effects may occur with the intake of this psychoactive honey, it's better not to give it a try. Despite reportedly having higher tolerance compared to younger children, teenagers remain vulnerable to critical side effects of consuming mad honey during their body development.
Those who consume prior restrictions mad honey might experience symptoms of dizziness alongside nausea in addition to blood pressure drops and confusion but severe effects can occur from consuming high doses of the mad honey product.
Recommendation:
The potential dangers of consuming mad honey is more as compared to the positive surreal effect for teenagers therefore they should completely abstain from this product. After consuming mad honey patients need to seek medical help for any symptoms that appear. Monitoring symptoms is also required whenever ingestion occurs. Before using any potent natural substance people should consult their healthcare provider.
Mad Honey for Adults (18-60 Years)
Adult consumers within the 18-60 age group can consume mad honey moderately within the dosage guidelines while exercising care because of the chemically potent neurotoxin called grayanotoxins present. Some are trying Mad Honey as a replacement to alcohol with some health benefits. People should begin with minimal dosage of mad honey, 1–2 teaspoons at once to determine their reaction to the substance and increase gradually with time.
Proper usage of small amounts of Mad Honey gives sense of Euphoria and it reveals its three primary health advantages including better digestion along with lowered blood pressure and relaxation benefits. When used in excess amounts the substance causes various symptoms including body dizziness and nausea followed by reduced blood pressure which occasionally leads to more severe consequences like vomiting followed by unconsciousness.
Recommendation:
You should consume mad honey not more than 2–3 times per week by starting with minimal dose that minimize potential negative side effects. Stop using the substance right away if negative effects starts showing up. The consumption of mad honey should be limited to two or three servings weekly with extra care taken by those who have health problems or take medications that may affect its effects.
Mad Honey for Older Adults (60+ Years)
The consumption of mad honey for adults over 60 must occur with extreme care because they face a greater tendency for negative side effects. The aging process reduces our metabolic functions along with making our bodies more susceptible to substances like grayanotoxins found in mad honey. With high nutritional value of mad honey, intake of minimal doses is ok, but once it crosses the tolerance threshold, it leads to unwanted side effects.
The adverse side effects includes dizziness and blood pressure drops as well as confusion and hallucinogenic problems. Older adults experience increased susceptibility to negative drug reactions because they may take medicines with mad honey that produce harmful outcomes.
Recommendation:
Senior citizens need to get medical consultation before eating mad honey because their age or pre-existing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes make them vulnerable to side effects. People who want to infuse mad honey on tea and coffee into their daily routine should begin with minuscule portions and monitor their health closely before attempting consumption again no more than two times throughout a week. Healthcare monitoring and immediate medical care become essential when experiencing negative reactions from using mad honey.
Special Considerations:
There are several myths regarding the mad honey but science has separated myths of mad honey with truth. Prior to using mad honey people must evaluate their current health state along with their usage of medication and personal sensitivity levels. The susceptibility to mad honey effects differs between different age groups but particularly affects children and elderly adults together with those who have medical issues.
People with cardiovascular illnesses along with low blood pressure suffers and those with respiratory problems are more likely to have negative responses when consuming real raw mad honey. The consumption of mad honey remains unsafe for pregnant mothers and breastfeeding women because it could harm both parent and child. Using mad honey affects mental capacities by impairing sense of judgment and coordination thus making the cognitive reactions slower in children. Mad honey consumption should only begin after seeking medical guidance from a professional especially when taking medicines or living with medical conditions.
Conclusion
Children below 12 should strictly avoid consumption at all while people of every age group need to exercise careful consumption of Mad honey because of Grayanotoxin and it's potential side effects. Children together with teenagers should avoid consumption of mad honey because the potential risks of poisoning are substantial. Adults who want to use mad honey should start slowly to prevent adverse effects and should check for allergic reactions but should always take medical consultation if they have existing medical conditions.
But before you give it a try, learn is mad honey legal in your region or area. Advanced age group people should if possible avoid the Mad Honey because they demonstrate greater sensitivity towards Grayanotoxin as their drugs might interact with these substances. Thus, prior medical consultation is vital before trying mad honey. As a precaution everyone who uses mad honey must analyze potential risks and monitor their dosage intake while being vigilant about excessive consumption symptoms. People should focus on safety and health conditions before using natural remedies such as mad honey.
Also, if you are looking to buy mad honey, it is equally important to purchase mad honey from authentic and valid sources to avoid potential side effects of counterfeit honey.
