Tag: Rhododendron honey

While typically a safe and healthy food for most people, certain types of honey can contain specific toxins that pose significant health risks, especially to infants. For those asking what toxin is in honey, the answer depends on the source and the consumer. However, the most concerning risks stem from *Clostridium botulinum* spores for infants and, in rarer cases, grayanotoxins for adults.

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.