‘Mad honey’ that can stop your heart is now being sold online worldwide
The honey is being exported without the knowledge of the honey harvesters that keeps consumers safe.
Wild honey known as "bhir mauri ko maha" in Nepal is causing alarming health issues worldwide. This honey, harvested by cliff bees on rhododendron flowers, contains a natural toxin called grayanotoxin. While small amounts can have a pleasant effect, larger quantities can dangerously lower heart rate and blood pressure. In Nepal, the Gurung people have traditionally consumed this honey safely for generations, but now it's being sold online globally.
Doctors have reported cases of heart problems after consuming this honey, often used as a traditional remedy. Most patients are middle-aged men who intentionally use it for high blood pressure or sexual function. The toxin interferes with the heart's electrical signals, causing slow heart rate and low blood pressure. Treatment involves fluids and a drug called atropine.
However, the safe-toxic dose range varies, and no deaths have been reported in Nepal. But with people worldwide now purchasing this honey without understanding its risks, new cases are emerging.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
