Tag: Deli bal

Mad honey poisoning, caused by ingesting honey containing grayanotoxins from rhododendron flowers, affects the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Its consumption in excessive amounts can result in significant health risks, from mild dizziness to life-threatening heart complications. This phenomenon, also known as 'deli bal,' has been documented for centuries, with historical accounts even mentioning its use as a biological weapon.

Over 1,000 cases of 'mad honey' intoxication have been reported between 1981 and 2014, highlighting the dangers of this potent substance. The natural hallucinogenic honey, known scientifically as grayanotoxin honey, is a rare and intoxicating product made by bees from the nectar of specific rhododendron species.

Over a third of honey samples from certain regions can contain measurable levels of grayanotoxins, making it a critical health concern for consumers. This toxic substance is most commonly found in honey from bees that have foraged on specific plants, primarily from the rhododendron family, creating what is colloquially known as "mad honey".

According to a 2015 systematic review of 1199 cases, mad honey can cause severe intoxication, with symptoms appearing within minutes to hours after ingestion. The negative effects of mad honey stem from grayanotoxins, potent neurotoxins that interfere with nerve and muscle function and can lead to serious health complications.

Historically documented cases of honey poisoning date back to ancient Greece, proving that not all honey is created equal. The fact is, poisonous honey exists, and it is a fascinating and sometimes dangerous phenomenon caused by bees collecting nectar from toxic plants.