When people talk about mad honey, they cannot help but mention its crazy euphoric effects. But some think that it is just a FAD—just a scam to sell a jar of honey. But once you know the science behind it, you will understand how and where mad honey gets its name from.
The Science Behind Euphoria of Mad Honey
It’s no rocket science to truly understand why people go euphoric after they consume mad honey. Well, it is because of nothing but grayanotoxin.
Grayanotoxins comprise a category of neurotoxic compounds prevalent in specific plants, including various rhododendron species and Leucothoe grayana. Although it is often cast as the antagonist, it boasts remarkable benefits for both the body and mind.
Notably, these toxins can also be found in honey produced from the nectar of such plants, commonly referred to as “mad honey.” It is the primary reason why mad honey has its own psychedelic effects.
In certain regions of Nepal and Turkey, individuals have harnessed these toxins for recreational purposes or as components of traditional medicine.
Also read: What is grayanotoxin in Mad Honey?
Euphoric Effects of Mad Honey
- Intense Sensations: Mad honey is known for inducing intense sensations, often described as a rush of warmth and euphoria. These sensations can vary in intensity depending on factors like the dosage consumed and individual tolerance.
- Enhanced Mood: Users often report an improvement in mood and a sense of euphoria shortly after consuming mad honey. This mood enhancement can manifest as increased happiness, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of well-being.
Only a teaspoon of mad honey in a cup of tea of your choice, watching the sunset, and reading your favourite book can elevate your senses. And keep you alive and kicking.
- Altered Perception: The grayanotoxins in mad honey can alter perception, leading to enhanced sensory experiences. People may perceive colours as more vibrant, sounds as more vivid, and textures as more pronounced, contributing to a heightened state of euphoria.
It will surprise you how you can look at the same matter from various perspectives than before. You become calmer with people, and in some cases, it stimulates your empathic side.
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Mad honey has been traditionally used in some cultures for its relaxing properties. It can induce a state of deep relaxation and reduce stress and tension, which can contribute to a feeling of euphoria.
- Enhanced Creativity: Some individuals report that consuming mad honey can lead to enhanced creativity and an increased flow of ideas.
This effect is often associated with the altered state of consciousness induced by honey. You can think with an open mind, which brings alive several new ideas and perspectives.
- Mystical and Spiritual Experiences: In certain cultures, mad honey has been used in religious or shamanic rituals. Some of those who consume mad honey describe profound spiritual experiences and a sense of connection to the divine, contributing to a sense of euphoria.
- Improved Sociability: Mad honey is sometimes consumed in social settings. You may experience increased sociability and enhanced communication skills, which can lead to a heightened sense of enjoyment in social interactions.
As mad honey calms you down, you will forget about the imagined repercussions that you think you might face when you approach someone. Remember, when you have friendly vibes, you attract people. Eventually, you can create connections with your lively energy.
- Mind-Body Connection: A heightened awareness of the mind-body connection is frequently present, along with the euphoric effects of mad honey. You may feel more in tune with their bodies and experience a greater sense of inner peace.
You will begin to understand how mind and body are interconnected and how they influence each other.
Slowly, you may get a hang of what works for you and what doesn’t! Be it lifestyle habits or people, you can realise what effect any external objects have on you.
How Do You Take Mad Honey?
Raw Consumption: One common way to consume mad honey is to eat it raw in small quantities, typically no more than a teaspoon at a time. Some people dilute it in warm water or tea to make it more palatable. You can use any tea like green tea, chamomile tea, mint tea, etc.
Or, you can replace the regular honey with mad honey in the blend of hot lemon and honey with ginger. This concoction can work best for sore throats and coughs.
Read: Green Tea with Honey: The Best Combo for Healthy Lifestyle
You can also consume a small amount of mad honey directly, but be extremely cautious with the quantity to avoid overconsumption.
Cooking and Baking: Mad honey can be used as a sweetener in cooking or baking recipes. Keep in mind that heating mad honey may reduce its potency.
Use it as an alternative to sugar while cooking; it’s a healthier choice for those who want to stay on track with their weight. Or, you can simply try it out if you want to lead a healthy life.
Some people infuse mad honey with herbs or spices to create unique flavour combinations. For example, you might infuse it with ginger or cinnamon.
Precautions Before Taking Mad Honey
- Source and Authenticity: Ensure that you obtain mad honey from a reputable and trusted source. Authentic mad honey is derived from specific nectar sources and is less likely to be adulterated.
- Dosage Awareness: Be cautious about the amount you consume. Start with a very small amount and gradually increase if necessary. Even a small quantity of mad honey can induce effects.
- Know Your Tolerance: Everyone’s tolerance to grayanotoxin, the active compound in mad honey, can vary. Factors such as age, weight, and overall health can influence your sensitivity to its effects.
- Medical Considerations: If you have underlying health conditions, especially heart-related issues or allergies, consult a healthcare professional before trying mad honey. It can significantly affect heart rate and blood pressure.
- Avoid overindulgence: Do not consume excessive amounts of mad honey in one sitting. Overindulgence can lead to severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Monitor Your Body: Pay close attention to how your body reacts after consuming mad honey. If you experience any adverse effects, such as extreme dizziness, heart palpitations, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately.
- Don’t Drive or Operate Machinery: Avoid activities that require focus and coordination after consuming mad honey, as it can impair your cognitive and motor skills.
- Never Use Mad Honey as a Recreational Drug: Mad honey should not be used with the intent of getting high or recreationally. It is a substance with known health risks.
Final Thought
A happy mind equals a happy body! When your mind is relaxed, you can focus on your physical health. Otherwise, it’s proven that you cannot stay healthy if your mind is doomed.
Mental health is often neglected; people think it’s of less importance. But little do they know it’s the mind that requires uttermost care and love to sustain healthy living!
You never know what a jar of honey can do for your mood! It may uplift you and fill you with zeal so that you can carry on with your life. But that doesn’t mean you should solely depend on mad honey, but on healthy eating and exercise for the utmost results.