● Warning: Contains Grayanotoxin. Consult medical professionals before ingestion.
Medically Reviewed

What is mad honey?

Quick Answer

What is mad honey?

Mad honey is a rare, naturally-occurring honey produced by bees foraging on rhododendron flowers. It contains grayanotoxins — plant compounds that bind to sodium channels in the nervous system — producing a mild, sometimes profound, physiological effect. Historically consumed in Nepal and Turkey for wellness and ceremonial use.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Irvine Russell, M.D. Updated 2026-04-17

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mad honey a drug? +
Not in most jurisdictions. It is classified as a food product in the US and most of the EU, though medicinal claims are regulated.
Where does real mad honey come from? +
Primarily from Nepal (Himalayan cliff honey) and Turkey (Pontic coast deli bal). Limited Bhutanese production also exists.
What makes it "mad"? +
Grayanotoxins — compounds from Rhododendron nectar that bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, producing the distinctive physiological effects.