Nepal's Mad Honey That Causes Hallucinations (They climb to go insane)

Summary

The video explores the unique and perilous practice of harvesting mad honey in the remote High Cliffs of Nepal. This hallucinogenic honey, produced by giant Himalayan bees, is renowned for its potent effects and medicinal uses, though it carries significant risks. Viewers follow a local Gurung family as they employ ancient techniques to retrieve the honey from dangerous heights, facing both physical challenges and the threat of bee stings. The narrator shares their personal experience with mad honey, revealing its intoxicating effects and the cultural significance behind this age-old tradition, ultimately highlighting the balance between tradition and danger.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mad honey is harvested in the remote high cliffs of Nepal and has hallucinogenic effects due to grayanotoxins.
• 🐝 The honey is produced by the world's largest honey bee, Apis laboriosa, which can be dangerous to harvest due to its size and aggressive behavior.
• 🧗‍♂️ Harvesting mad honey involves dangerous climbing techniques and methods that have been passed down through generations.
• ⚖️ The medicinal uses of mad honey include treatment for various ailments and as an aphrodisiac, but the dosage must be carefully monitored due to toxicity.
• 🌧️ The hunters face significant challenges, including difficult weather conditions and treacherous terrain.
• 🪄 Rituals and customs are observed before hunting, including wearing protective amulets to guard against illness and evil spirits.
• 🧗‍♂️ Harvesting mad honey is a communal effort that requires teamwork and the use of handmade tools, such as long ladders made from bamboo and wood.
• 💰 Despite the high market value of mad honey (approximately $400 per kilogram), the hunters earn less than $50 per person for their dangerous labor.
• 🌿 The effects of mad honey include potential hallucinations, paralysis, and even life-threatening conditions, highlighting the risks of its consumption.
• 🎮 The narrator also shares a personal milestone about launching a game development company and a new survival game called 'The Last Drop'.

Q & A

What is mad honey and where is it harvested?

Mad honey is a rare honey with hallucinogenic effects, harvested in the remote High Cliffs of Nepal for just two weeks a year.

What causes the hallucinogenic properties of mad honey?

The hallucinogenic effects are due to grayanotoxins found in the nectar of rhododendron flowers, which the bees collect to produce the honey.

What are the risks associated with consuming mad honey?

Consuming mad honey can lead to serious health issues, including slowed heart rate, paralysis, and even death if taken in excessive amounts.

How do the hunters collect mad honey?

Hunters climb dangerous cliffs using handmade ladders, endure bee stings, and cut honeycombs while using smoke to pacify the bees.

What traditional beliefs are associated with mad honey in the Gurung tribe?

Locals traditionally use mad honey in small doses as a remedy for various ailments and as an aphrodisiac, reflecting its cultural significance.

What challenges do honey hunters face during the harvesting process?

Hunters face numerous challenges, including treacherous climbing conditions, aggressive bees, and the risk of falling from great heights.

What is the economic aspect of mad honey harvesting?

While mad honey can be sold for approximately $400 per kilogram, the hunters earn less than $50 for their labor, highlighting economic disparities.

How does the consumption of mad honey affect the narrator?

After consuming mad honey, the narrator experiences tingling sensations and altered perceptions, demonstrating the honey's potent effects.

What historical significance does mad honey have?

Mad honey was used as a biological weapon in ancient times, notably by the Kingdom of Pontus, to intoxicate Roman soldiers and defeat them.

What is the relationship between the Gurung tribe and their honey hunting tradition?

The Gurung tribe preserves their cultural legacy through the traditional practice of honey hunting, which has been passed down through generations.