Mad Honey: What Parents Should Know

“Mad honey” comes from rhododendron nectar and contains grayanotoxins that can slow the heart and drop blood pressure — even from a small spoonful.

It’s real — and toxic. Grayanotoxins disrupt cardiac conduction and nerve signaling; symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope.1–4

Small amounts can poison. Case series and reviews document severe toxicity after a few teaspoons; potency varies widely by batch/source.3–6

Hospital cases are reported worldwide. Recent case reports (Nepal, 2024–2025) and clinical series show recurrent ED presentations requiring monitoring and IV therapy.6–10

No proven benefits. Claims about energy, libido, or blood pressure are unsubstantiated; reviews emphasize risk of serious CNS/cardiac effects.1–5,8

Retail/Packaging Examples

Photos uploaded for MAHA (© Mothers Against Herbal Abuse).

Mad honey product photo 1
Photo © MAHA.
Mad honey product photo 2
Photo © MAHA.
Mad honey product photo 3
Photo © MAHA.
Mad honey product photo 4
Photo © MAHA.

See also: Kratom • Tianeptine • Phenibut • THC Extracts

Parent Playbook

What to look for. “Mad/wild honey,” Black Sea/Nepal origin labels, performance/energy claims, or “grayanotoxin/muscimol”-style marketing. Be wary of imported jars or online posts touting “natural highs.”1–5,8

If poisoning is suspected. Call 911 for dizziness, vomiting, slow pulse, fainting, chest pain, or confusion. Bring the container; clinicians may give IV fluids/atropine and monitor the heart.2–7,10

Prevention. Avoid buying “mad honey” online. Remind teens that “natural” ≠ safe — potency varies; even a teaspoon has led to collapse.2–5

Talk about it — script. “Some imported honey can cause heart problems and fainting. I want you safe — let’s skip risky products and check trusted medical sources.”

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: “It’s an ancient remedy, so it’s safe.”
Fact: Reviews and case series show recurrent ED visits for bradycardia and hypotension after ingestion — historical use doesn’t equal safety.1–5,7–8

Myth: “You need a lot to feel anything.”
Fact: Potency varies — a few teaspoons have caused collapse in reported cases.2–6,10

References

  1. Silici S, et al. Mad honey: uses, intoxicating/poisoning effects, diagnosis, and treatment. RSC Adv. 2018. PMC
  2. Onat F, et al. Grayanotoxin Poisoning: “Mad Honey Disease” and Beyond. J Cardiol Cases (review). PMC
  3. Gündüz A, et al. Clinical review of grayanotoxin/mad honey poisoning: past and present. Toxicology Reviews. 2008. PubMed
  4. Yildirim N, et al. Poisoning by mad honey: a brief review. Toxicology Letters. 2008. ScienceDirect
  5. Erdoğan M, et al. Mad honey intoxication: a systematic review on the 1199 cases. Toxicology Letters. 2016. ScienceDirect (abstract)
  6. Acharya SR, et al. Wild honey poisoning: a case report from western Nepal. Clin Case Rep. 2022. PMC
  7. Alotaibi A, et al. Mad (wild) honey poisoning: clinical case series. Ann Med Surg. 2024. Journal page
  8. Kafkas M, et al. Mad (wild) honey poisoning: a case series of eleven cases. Ann Med Surg. 2025. Journal page
  9. Vora J, et al. Mad honey intoxication: A Case Report. Cureus. 2025. PDF
  10. Khanal S, et al. Mad honey poisoning in Nepal: A Case Report. Clin Case Rep. 2025. PMC
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