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Rhododendron flower- The flower that gives Mad honey its 'crazy' attributes.

To behold the Himalayan Apis Laboriosa foraging on the Rhododendron flowers and convert the collected nectar into Mad Honey is a one-of-a-kind experience. These highland bees possess genes that are perfectly compatible with the ‘invasive’ flowers which carry grayanotoxin.


The honey produced with grayanotoxin components is a precious nectar that is usually hard to find. And unless you are getting it from here, there is no guarantee that commercial mad honey is not over-processed or simply altered with cheaper kinds of honey.


According to the golden rule of sweetness, the value of honey can be deciphered by the following:

  • The overall quality ( raw, pure, or altered).

  • The region and climate in which the bees operate.

  • And the flora and fauna.

Lali Guransh, an Atypical National Flower

The story behind the production of mad honey is fascinating and unusual. Mad honey is not only about the bees, the honey hunters, but also much about the magic of the cosmos. The Rhododendron flower aka Lali Guransh, the national flower of Nepal largely contributes to the 'mad' properties of mad honey.

Rhododendrons are known for being noxious to humans, however, honey produced from the latter has psychoactive attributes and is largely used for its medicinal and recreational properties in Nepal.



Rhododendron stems are even used in dishes as the plant is believed to possess curative properties. The honey produced from the lali guransh is said to be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, and much more.

Grayanotoxins are toxins produced by rhododendrons and plants of the Ericaceae family. Ericaceaes consist of flowering plants that flourish in infertile growing conditions. This type of plant can be recognized by its leaves which are generally arranged along the stems; flowers usually grow in solitary or clusters with 5 petals, 5 sepals, and 10 stamens.


The Mad Honey Bees that Consume Grayanotoxin

Some types of rhododendron can contain up to 25 different types of grayanotoxin. The giant bees have become accustomed to the existing potent neurotoxin of the Lali Guransh and to them, it is merely a food source; the nectar is carried to the hive where potent mad honey is produced in oblivion.





Contrary to most bees who cannot ingest the rhododendron nectar, the Apis laboriosa has adapted to the highlands and has developed some sort of immunity to grayanotoxin. Hence, the bees are not intoxicated and neither are the humans who consume the Nepalese Mad Honey.


Rhododendron Luteum and Rhododendron Ponticum


The Rhododendrons are grown almost everywhere across the globe, however, it is essential that the giant Nepalese bees forage on the Rhododendron Luteum and Rhododendron Ponticum to produce what is known as mad honey.


The factor that primarily differentiates Nepalese mad honey from the Turkish lies in its conception - the rhododendron flowers flourish independently and are not cultivated in the Nepalese region as they are part of the scenery like the giant honey bees.


Seasons Influence the Potency of Mad Honey


The giant honey bees produce three types of honey; depending on the season, the level of grayanotoxin varies. The most potent form of honey is produced from the flowers at higher altitudes and is one of the rarest and most luxurious types of honey in the world. You can try it out here.


The honey that is harvested in autumn is cheaper since it is created from the Rhododendron present at all sites. This honey is more common and is sold at an average price. It is mainly harvested during late spring and autumn. It is renowned for its regenerative properties.

The most potent form of honey is produced from the Rhododendron flowers in Spring, at higher altitudes and is one of the rarest and most luxurious types of honey in the world.


The Mad Honey Limited Reserve


According to our customer reviews, The Mad Honey Limited Reserve, harvested in spring 2021, possesses a higher concentration of grayanotoxin leading to an elevated experience of the mad honey tasting.

Mad honey that is harvested in Autumn is cheaper since it is produced from the Rhododendron flowers present at all sites.

When it comes to the honey itself, the difference in taste can be as subtle as in the wine-tasting world. For instance, Manuka honey has a fuller consistency and an earthy, mineral-y taste whereas pure Himalayan mad honey has a slightly bitter aftertaste and has a more watery consistency which is why it spreads easily on the skin.

Depending on the harvest season, the potency of Mad Honey varies. See our FAQs to learn more.


If you’re fascinated by the lush scenery created by Rhododendron flowers, we recommend reading the following:



Note: We recommend experimenting with our two products, the Himalayan Mad Honey and the Limited Reserve 2021 Mad honey to assess both and appreciate your favorite.













Mad Honey Hunting in Nepal

Hunting for honey with the Gurung community is a fascinating experience that allows outsiders to discover their hidden treasure aka the mad honey, at an altitude of more than 3000 meters while discovering their unique culture and way of life. By savoring their prized red honey that is traditionally and ethically harvested, you can experience an appreciation of the rich and abundant Nepalese cliffs without even traveling.


The Curio known as Nepalese Honey Hunters

The Gurung honey hunters are not your average country hunters; these men are among the bravest and most underrated heroes you have ever come across.

Twice a year, mad honey is harvested from the deadly Himalayan cliffs. The tradition of honey hunting has been handed down through generations. The knowledge of red honey hunting is sacred to the Gurung community and whilst this art seems to be rendered extinct, the few honey hunters who still subsist are ensuring that their cultural heritage is kept alive by leading the remaining youth who is still fascinated by honey hunting.



Not Your Next-door Bees

The Himalayan honey/cliff bees known as Apis Laboriosa or giant bees are the world's largest honey bees and can measure up to three centimeters in length. These exotic bees differ from other bee species in numerous ways:

  • Their forewings are over 12 mm in length.

  • Their nesting behavior is unique; nests are typically composed of a single comb built on overhangs on vertical cliffs.

  • Nests are commonly present in altitudes above 1200m. Their distribution is restricted to the Himalayas. The bees are most common in mountainous areas of Nepal, Bhutan, India, and some parts of the Yunnan province in China.

  • Every once in a year, the giant bees gather nectar from white rhododendrons flowers (Lali Gurash) that carry 'mad' characteristics.


Extraordinary Men, Ordinary Lives



The risk taken is no joke albeit it seems like a child's play to the Gurung hunters. The hunters wear little to no protective gear. Originally from Tibet, the hunters moved to the region in the Middle Ages.

They were predominantly subsistence farmers who carried small-scale production of vegetables and livestock and had minimum interaction with the outside world. Their village is at a distance of more than 48 hours of walk from the nearest main road.

''These are people who are very connected to their land, and they’re connected to the spiritual world that comes out of their land.” For a Nepalese Honey Hunter's Last Harvest, Friend and Filmmaker Ben Ayers'99 was there.-Emily McConville

The Process

Honey hunting is not an undistinguished exercise; the Gurung tribesmen perform a sacred ritual including an animal sacrifice known as a Puja to pay their respects to the forest gods for a safe honey hunt. The sacrificed chicken/ sheep/goat is then served as a meal to the head of the honey hunters who is responsible for climbing the rope ladder, extracting the honeycombs, and enduring the honey bee stings. Another meal is typically served after a fruitful harvest. The Annapurna cliffs are vicious and many have lost their lives during their attempts to collect this unique nectar. Their names have been engraved along the cliffs as a tribute to them.



It is common to get rid of wasps by lighting a fire and moving their comb somewhere else. Unsurprisingly, the same is done to drive cliff bees out of their honeycombs; dried leaves are lit, attached to wet ones so that the huntsmen can attach them to their rope and maneuver the smoke while climbing the cliff.


With the aid of a bamboo stick; the hunter works the nest vigorously so as to detach the honeycomb from the cliff. Simultaneously, another stick is used to direct a basket and catch the severed honeycomb. The art of honey hunting not only requires dexterity but also grit which few of us possess. Once the honeycomb is caught in the basket, it is lowered to the ground.


The red honey is consumed in its raw state and is divided among the remaining villagers. Cups of honey tea are served. The honey-hunting site is situated in a remote location that keeps it at bay from foreign exploitation.


The Mad Honey® Harvest

Our harvests take place twice a year for the Himalayan Honey and only once a year for the Limited Reserve to provide the best quality possible. The Mad Honey® believes in an ethical harvest that supports the abundance of this dwindling Nepalese community. Our dedicated on-site team in Nepal is part of the Mad Honey Community; this allows us to have insightful knowledge of the harvests and hunts. Thus, we are able to get our hands on the best quality of mad honey for you.



Superior Honey That Makes you High

We are the first company to trade Mad Honey worldwide and offer an online shop with international delivery. We are experienced and offer a unique experience to each and every customer.

Think we are blowing own trumpets?

Check out our reviews.





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The Higher the Mountain, The Madder the Honey.

Mad Honey (पागल मह), extracted from the perilous mountains of Annapurna is not to be compared with your local honey pots. If Pooh Bear could get his hands on some of this sweetness, he would be a lot less morose, for sure. The name itself might scare off some of you but it is most definitely worth a try. Mad Honey boasts itself for its psychoactive attributes. Mad Honey is not for the faint-hearted and if you’re one who loathes trips, we would certainly suggest trying out Mad Honey for the simple fact that it is purely organic and helps with sleeping, anxiety, stress levels and hypertension amongst other issues.


Psychoactive Honey from the Deadly Annapurna Mountains


You have probably heard of the Nepalese honey that makes people trip. Although it's a new product on the market, honey from Annapurna is likely to become one of the favorites of psychoactive adepts. Annapurna means the giver of perfect food in Sanskrit, so it is no surprise that the quality of mad honey extracted from those heights is superior to others. Even though it is known as the deadliest mountain to climb, the locals have stuck to their tradition of collecting Apis Dorsata Laboriosa aka the giant honey bees’ combs for years.


The fact that Mad Honey is harvested through a delicate and rather risky process makes it one of its kind. There's a reason why the Nepalese call it ''cliff honey''. The natives known as the Gurung or Tamu people have used mad honey for centuries in sacred rituals, for recreational, medicinal, and even military purposes. The Gurung people are believed to eat it before breakfast for that ethereal sensation throughout the day.



Mad Honey Properties


Mad Honey is a rare variety of honey. Due to the fact that it is produced by the Apis Dorsata Laboriosa, the taste is more bitter with a darker reddish color than regular honey. Mad honey actually smells different due to minimal processing. Some people refer to the smell as 'funky'. Honey connoisseurs will quickly distinguish the taste of Mad honey as unique.



Low doses of Mad Honey cause euphoria and lightheartedness. Mad honey should be consumed with caution. This unique Nepalese honey is renowned for its virtues; it not only treats anxiety but also reduces stress levels, pain, migraines, hypertension, and even promotes better sleep.


Rhododendron Flowers & The Nepalese Mad Honey


Mad honey is collected from the nectar of the indigenous Nepalese national Rhododendron flower which is different from the other hundreds of species. This flower can only be found in limited quantities in a few regions namely Nepal, Caucasus and Southern Turkey.

Some also exist in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and a few American states.


Rhododendron in Nepal is known as Gurung and this is exactly why mad honey hunters carry the name Gurung. There are around 700 species of rhododendron flowers, however only two or three include the so-called grayanotoxin in their nectars.


The giant bees forage on these stunning flowers and their grayanotoxin-containing nectar to produce toxin-laced honey in their hives. Interestingly enough, grayanotoxins have no effects on the bees while high doses of the same could be fatal for humans.


What To Expect From Your First Tasting?


In 2016, David Caprara at VICE, described the honey as being similar to weed. He was advised by the expert honey hunters to consume two teaspoons of the sweet liquid and felt high 15 minutes later. He described the experience as a mental and bodily high. Unlike the usual psychedelic, Caprara claimed that the mad honey high was warmer and more relaxing overall. He felt lighter and happier hours later.


Why is The Mad Honey® superior?


Our brand produces genuine, certified organic Mad Honey. We work with the Honey Hunters directly to make sure that quality product is being delivered to your doorstep. Our hunters take considerable risks to collect this unique nectar for you at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

I absolutely LOVE this honey and of course the medicinal properties is the PRIMARY reason for ingestion as I live a Holistic Lifestyle therefore Health is Wealth and just to add if it makes you feel super good in the process then all the better....I look forward to ordering MORE honey from you in the future in LARGER quantities.-Latoya

With the high rate of brain drain occurring in Nepali rural villages, we ensure that this tradition is kept alive and that our Gurungs' connection with their ancestors is sustained. Mass production often entails the loss of quality and extinction of natural resources. In order not to render the highly potent mad honey extinct, collection takes place on a yearly basis. Mad Honey is tested and certified by the Government of Nepal.


How to use Mad Honey for a strong immune system and a better day?

Add 1 teaspoon of Mad Honey to your milk or tea in the morning.



Note: Higher doses of Mad Honey might cause dizziness, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, nausea and diarrhea.


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