Weather of Arabia - Eating small amounts of this honey causes dizziness and euphoria, and eating large amounts causes vomiting, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness. It is hallucinogenic honey, the most dangerous honey in the world.
It is a unique hallucinogenic substance produced by the bees of the mountains of Nepal. Among the hundreds of different types of honey spread around the world, “hallucinogenic honey” appears as one of the strangest and most dangerous. This honey is distinguished by its prominent red color and the most bitter taste, making it a living witness to one of nature's wonders.
Despite the variety of uses of “Red Himalayan Honey,” its most notable historical use remains its role in biological warfare. According to one of the oldest dated accounts, dating back to 401 BC, Greek soldiers discovered large quantities of this honey while en route to Turkey. After consuming it for a short time, the soldiers lost all senses, to the point that they could not stand, as if they were extremely drunk.
What made matters worse was that the condition worsened when some people took too much of it, as they were on the verge of death. But the next day, the soldiers regained their senses, but it took them two days to fully regain their health and get back on their feet, according to Big Think.
This was not the only account of the use of “Red Himalayan Honey” in military contexts. In 67 BC, centuries later, King Mithridates of Persia's army led a ruse using hallucinogenic honey against Roman soldiers. The Persians left large quantities of this honey behind, only for the Roman army to find these quantities.
Unfortunately, the outcome was not positive for the Romanian troops, as they developed symptoms of hallucinations once they consumed the honey. The Persian army took advantage of this situation, as they returned and attacked the Roman forces in a state of oblivion and took advantage of the hallucinatory state to kill more than 1,000 Roman soldiers with few losses for themselves. This incident left the secret of hallucinogenic honey and its effects to remain a mystery that lasted for centuries until scientists were finally able to solve it.
In a study of the nature of this type of honey and its hallucinogenic effects, it was found that its effects depend greatly on the quantity consumed. Low doses of “Red Himalayan Honey” may cause dizziness, vertigo, and euphoria. As for high doses, it can lead to hallucinations, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and seizures, and in rare cases it may lead to death.
Scientists have discovered that the secret of hallucinations is due to the type of flowers that bees feed on in these high-altitude areas. Bees feed on flowering plants known as rhododendrons, which contain compounds that are toxic to nerves called gray toxins.
When bees feed on the nectar and pollen of this type of flower, they ingest these toxins that eventually end up in their honey, effectively making it a "hallucinogen," according to Atlas.
The harmful effects of “Red Himalayan Honey” go so far as to cause poisoning when consumed in excess. This is due to gray toxins absorbed by bees, the toxicity of which acts when they bind to sodium ion channels on cell membranes. This effect prevents the channels from closing quickly, resulting in an excess influx of sodium ions into the cells, which increases calcium influx.
This effect can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and can manifest a range of symptoms such as increased sweating, drooling, and nausea. These symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours, and rarely lead to death, according to a study published in the journal Cardiovascular Toxicology in 2012.
Although “Red Himalayan Honey” is considered a recreational drug and a powerful hallucinogen, it is also credited with many medicinal benefits. According to Atlas Obscura, hallucinogenic honey gives the body a boost of energy, which helps improve sexual performance in men, making it a sweet alternative to Viagra pills.
It is also said to help lower high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reduce high cholesterol, and contribute to reducing arthritis.
Like many conventional medications, there is not much experimental data or clinical trials available to support these claims. But in recent years, there is some evidence to suggest that there are potential health benefits.
Hallucinogen honey ranks among the most expensive in the world, selling for between $60 and $80 per pound on the black markets of some Asian countries, which have strict anti-drug laws.
Sources:
Arabia Weather App
Download the app to receive weather notifications and more..
English
