The health benefits of Mad Honey is a primary trigger for wellness communities and holistic health seekers while the recreational use is secondary one. This wild honey sourced from Rhododendron Flowers and some other wildflowers have been used as a traditional medicine for a long time. The Mad Honey has been well known in the Gurung ethnic community of Nepal as well as in some regions of Turkey as a tonic for restoring several health alignments. With 100% organic and high nutritional value the mad honey has been known as a life extending elixir from the cliffs. This has further sparked the growing interest and the demand along with the use for this product is inclining.
There are several active ingredients present in Mad Honey that are supposed to deliver Medicinal and Therapeutic effects. The major active natural ingredients that collaborate together to offer health benefits of Mad Honey are :
Rich in phenolic compounds, mad honey fights free radicals, potentially reducing chronic disease risk
Grayanotoxin and flavonoids may ease inflammation, helping with joint pain or soreness.
Soothes the stomach and may reduce bloating or indigestion.
Natural sugars and grayanotoxin enhance stamina, ideal for active lifestyles.
Small doses promote calm, aiding stress relief
Mad Honey is not different in terms of health benefits as compared to regular honey. Here are some claimed medicinal properties of Mad Honey that can be beneficial for health.
Like other types of honey, Mad Honey fights against bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus. The application of honey can prevent bacterial growth and prevent infections
The bioactive compounds present in mad honey can inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as LOX, COX, and iNOS. Thus reduces inflammation, swelling and promotes quick healing
A study showed that mad honey has an apt content of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote improved wound healing in diabetic rats.
Natural honey has demonstrated effectiveness against specific viruses, particularly influenza, leading to interference with viral replication or elevating the response of the immune system to infection.
The Grayanotoxin present in mad honey widens the blood vessels and increases the blood supply hence reducing the blood pressure and offers calming effects.
“Mad honey’s antioxidants rival Manuka honey,” says Dr. John Smith, nutritionist. Try it today and experience the difference!
The tradition of Nepal shows immense respect for ancient spices, herbs and food. Due to their habits of depending on the traditional way, the older generation is still robust and active. Likewise, the Gurungs are called the bravest and strongest tribesmen of Nepal. While hunting the honey for their livelihood, they also consumed the honey harvested during the process. Here is a testament of Mad Honey health benefits by the Gurungs of Nepal.
Within a few days of usage, they could observe noticeable improvements in their digestion, respiration and other aspects. The enzymes in mad honey enable the better absorption of nutrients like carbohydrates.
Raw mad honey also has prebiotics that nourish the good bacteria in the intestine. Due to its antibacterial properties, it can treat digestive disorders like gastritis and stomach ulcers. The nutrient profile of pollen includes Mg, P, Fe, Ca, a high K/Na ratio and vitamins C, B2, B5 and B6 which are beneficial for good gut health.
In a research study, the grayanotoxin in mad honey significantly enhanced fracture healing within only 30 days due to its positive effects on the nervous system, bone metabolism and vascularity in the fracture area. Also, the research concludes that the Gurung preferred paste of Mad Honey that normal regular honey as the regular honey showed less significant improvement in fracture healing. The gurungs also stated that honey was excellent home remedy for open wounds as the antibacterial anti-oxidiant property helped heal wounds faster.
The Gurungs believed that Mad Honey supported their cardiovascular health due to the presence of grayanotoxins within its composition. Studies alongside traditional honey medicinal practices show mad honey might help reduce blood pressure and improve circulation which improves heart health through improved blood circulation.
Since mad honey has anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce inflammation in the airways in the lungs i.e. bronchial tubes and makes breathing easier by breaking up mucus. Additionally, it has been linked to relieving cough and sore throat.
The locals have been making herbal tea using a spoonful of Mad honey to relieve their symptoms of severe cough and irritated throat. It showed that the GTX increased pain tolerance in the acute pain model. Grayanotoxin (0.1 mg/kg) improved pain thresholds, reducing the mean pain latency from 3.2 seconds before treatment to 2.4 seconds at 100 minutes after administration.
Infamously known as the aphrodisiac honey, it can improve the sexual health of both men and women. In the past, the Gurung males used to consume it to gain stamina to last longer during sexual intercourse. Also, some studies show that it increases sperm quality and quantity in men.
Gurung people have traditionally used Mad honey as a natural therapy for hypertension and stressful situations because it has been helpful for them to reduce pressure. Scientists have confirmed that the grayanotoxins contained in mad honey trigger vasodilation of blood vessels while simultaneously improving blood circulation. The effect of lowering blood pressure offered them calmness and a feeling of euphoria. Thus, mad honey worked as a mild sedative which was efficient in managing hypertension and stress.
Many researchers have come forward to test the myths and folklore of Mad Honey. Scientific researches are being conducted on the Mad Honey to study the health benefits of Mad honey. Some of the evidence collected over time are
Mad honey (from Rhododendron spp.) contains grayanotoxins and phenolic compounds, giving it stronger antioxidant effects than many other honeys (Buratti et al., 2016).
Rhododendron extracts have shown inhibition of cancer cell growth in lab studies, though human trials are lacking (Miyata et al., 2011).
Traditionally used for peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, and gastritis, possibly due to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects (Silici & Atayoglu, 2015).
Grayanotoxins cause vagus nerve overstimulation, leading to temporary lower blood pressure and reduced heart rate, which may benefit hypertension in controlled doses (Gunduz et al., 2008).
Exhibited significant pain-reducing effects in mice with acute and neuropathic pain. Reference :- Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2013 study on diabetic neuropathy
Mad Honey can be used to enhance holistic health considering the potential benefits.The use of Mad Honey depends on the intent of effect one is expecting. Some use Mad Honey to enhance their holistic health and overall wellness while some use it purely for the purpose of recreation.
But whatever the intent is, The best way to consume Mad Honey is to open the lid, dig one spoon and shove directly on the tongue.
Although the use of Mad Honey with potential health benefits is evident enough, a slight overdose can bring in negative side effects. Thus, it is always advised to follow mad honey dose guidelines before trying the mad honey.
While the benefits of Mad Honey seem a positive green flag the overdose effects of Mad Honey can be fatal. Thus, it is necessary to practice safe usage of Mad Honey and keep things in mind before taking
Mad Honey can promote relaxation and mild stress relief which can help shut down the release of stress chemicals. This can be a mental and neurological benefit of the Mad Honey but be aware that Mad Honey doesn’t directly help repair nerve damage.
Although there has not been clinically proven tests regarding the use of Mad Honey for curing any sort of disease. But the Mad Honey does have been recorded to have been used for the treatment of several alignments like Cold, Flu, Digestive Issues, Mild Hypertension, Pain Management, Pain management etc.
The Grayanotoxin present in Mad Honey can help temporarily lower the blood pressure however it may not be the best way to lower the pressure in the long run.
No, mad honey doesn’t heal cancer but some test-tube studies suggest andromedotoxin (a grayanotoxin) and other rhododendron extracts might slow cancer cell growth (e.g., liver, breast cancer cells.
Yes, mad honey is good for gastritis. A Lab study showed Rhododendron honey may inhibit H. pylori (a bacteria linked to ulcers) (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015). Also, it has been traditionally used at tiny doses for stomach pain, acid reflux, gastric ulcers.
Although the Mad Honey has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac, there is a myth regarding euphoria and sexual health. The Euphoric feeling can heighten sensations and pleasure making the sexual experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
