Mel Veritas

Rhododendron Honey

Mel Veritas

Rhododendron honey harvested from the nectar of endemic flowers such as Rhododendron panicum and Rhododendron luteum. Locals gave it such a strange name due its hallucinogenic and laxative effect. It is also known as a “mad honey”. The honey contains grayanotoxin (andromedotoxin) which is responsible creating the effects. The toxin is secreted by rhododendrons for defense against herbivore animals. In certain circumstances, honeybees collect the nectar from that flower species and transmit the toxin into honey. Depending on the dose, intoxication can have several symptoms such as low blood pressure vomiting, salivation, irregular heartbeat. Beekeepers try to avoid getting such honey in their hives. However, there are consumers around the world who prize this exotic honey. This honey is used for medical purposes and treatment of various diseases.

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