Note: Please read the entire thread as there’s a lot more information in the proceeding posts.
I told ya’ll I had some good info coming up. Lots of projects on the table right now but this is my most exciting in my opinion. Hopefully generates some discussion
If your someone that studies unique psychoactive drugs than maybe you’ve heard of “Mad Honey” a honey with a long history of use in Turkey and neighboring regions. The honey is made from rhododendrons and contain grayanotoxins which cause an inebriation of sorts.
While I have been interested in this honey (yet to try, it’s popularity makes it expensive) I came across an article on Erowid which detailed many other potential psychoactive honeys with little information regarding their use in modern contexts. In the following days/weeks I will report on 3 of these honeys, those which I felt had the most potential for something unique to be had.
Today im going to start with what I believe may be the most interesting of the bunch (im open to being surprised lol).
Melipona Honey:
On the Yucatán peninsula there exists a stingless bee that has been domesticated for millennia by the Maya. Bees of the Melipona genus. At certain times of year these bees collect pollen from the plants of Ipomea spp, Turbina corymbosa, and Lonchocarpus violaceus which seem to contribute to the psychoactive effects of this honey.
The third species listed is a tree named the balche tree. The honey is combined with bark from this tree to create a mead (named Balche) with inebriation that can’t be attributed to alcohol alone.
Over time the Maya would have only these species growing close to the hives to ensure a psychoactive product.
“Medicinal honeys were created by situating hives near natural stands of the Lonchocarpus violaceus tree to enrich it in the pollen…”
I went hunting for some of this sacred honey but was unable to find honey that specifically listed they had pollen from the specific trees listed. That said I did find a product that I believe is THE honey despite them not saying such, it’s Melipona honey collected on the Yucatán at the correct time of year and the vendor said phrases that made me believe one should be careful with this stuff. I also bought honey fortified with pollen, in hopes to have an even stronger product.
Honey came and I opened to see a fairly free flowing honey with a strong floral/fruity fragrance. I licked off just the cap thinking it would be a good test dose for allergies, I was wrong..
Within 15mins I was smiling ear to ear, laughing my ass off at the TV. Absolutely shocked at how good I felt, for the next hour and a half I was dying from laughter when not usually like that. Then the sedation hit, don’t remember much other than my eyes were half closed and blood shot. I went to take a quick nap.
Woke up 2hrs later not quite knowing where I was for a minute, still noticeably high. By 4hrs post dosing I was pretty much sober. Very short duration compared to other drugs. Sleep that night slightly disturbed.
I started researching and found that with Ipomea species the ergoline alkaloids don’t transfer to the honey based on one article. I then began studying the Lonchocarpus violaceus and found some information that seemed interesting.
“The bark and the seeds contain rotenone210 (which can be clearly recognized by its scent; cf. Morton 1995, 44*) as well as several rotenoides or sapo-nines, flavonoids, and tannins (Delle Monache et al. 1978; Menichini et al. 1982; Neuwinger 1994, 623*). Also present in the bark are the prenylated stilbenes A-, B-, C-, and D-longistyline (Delle Monache et al. 1977; de Smet 1983, 140*). The fruits (pods and seeds) appear to contain the highest concentrations of rotenone (Morton 1995, 44*). It is sometimes thought that an alkaloid is also present. An initial analysis of a balche’ drink made with Lonchocarpus violaceusdid not detect any alkaloids (Hartmut Laatsch, pers. comm.).”
“The longistylines are chemically related to kavains and kavapyrones (cf. Piper methysticum) and to hispidine (see “Polyporus mysticus”) and likely elicit similar effects. Rotenone is found in a number of plants, including the tuba root (Derris elliptica [Sweet] Benth.211; Fabaceae); it is regarded as an abortifacient and is thus dangerous to ingest during pregnancy (Roth et al. 1994, 298*). The effects of the balche’ drink are likely due to the presence of the longistylines:
Chemically, the structures of the longistylines leave some room for interpretation. Thus, for example, it may be that an aminisation in the body (similar to that of myristicine from nutmeg [cf. Myristica fragrans]) into mescaline-like alkaloids is responsible for the effects. But the structural similarity with the styryl pyrones of Piper methysticum suggests that the drink is more likely on the same level as kavakava, which also agrees quite well with the effects that you have described.”
Now if we look deeper we see there’s research on one of the substances found..
All that said it appears the substances found in the Balche tree are similar to Kava. That’s pretty much exactly how I felt off the honey, both the effects and duration highly resembled my experience with Kava in the past. They say they found no alkaloids in the balche drink but are stilbenes considered alkaloids?
Whatever the case I’m excited to try more of this in the near future, 1/4 teaspoon probably going to be a decent dose. I think the added pollen is making it much stronger than normal as well. Will report back once I have more experience!
Rosemary Honey:
My second honey featured in this thread, might not be exciting but psychoactive nonetheless.
It’s reported from multiple places that Rosemary honey (Rosmarinus officinalis) has psychoactive properties but not much is known on the effects. Rosemary itself is known to be psychoactive; analgesic and memory enhancing among other things.
Mono-floral Rosemary honey from Spain, a light coloration and honestly a light taste that only becomes noticeable at larger amounts of a herbaceous nature.
Not entirely sure which components are psychoactive but 1,8-cineole is one to look at.
Day 1 I tried it at an allergy dose which gave nothing, then 1/4tsp which had something but easily could’ve been placebo. 1tsp had possibly light effects but still possible placebo.
Day 2 I went for a tablespoon to really go for it. At this dose I finally noticed some effects. Nothing to write home about but an effect very warming in the head/ears and somewhat THC-like. Not really sedating but relaxed would be a better description. Also my lungs opened up a bit too.
I think this would be best as a honey mixed with chamomile tea or something similar for a nighttime hot drink, also good for when your ill. This is the cheapest of the honeys I’ll be trying too so despite its much lower potency it’s easier to obtain and buy for most people.
Update: Rosemary Honey actually reliably stimulates the release of beta-endorphin and hits on GABA from 8-methoxy-kaempferol and kaempferol present, so well in fact that I’ve found this honey to be mildly addicting. Thankfully one cannot gain a tolerance to beta-endorphin and there seems to be little rebound effect compared to exogenous opiates. Much more info regarding Rosemary Honey in the following posts!
Sidr Honey:
While this wasn’t the 3rd honey I intended on trying (that one still to come) I feel this ones worth mentioning. It’s considered a medicinal honey comparable in ways to Manuka. It’s a light golden color and tastes like a dry desert area to me, can’t describe it other than that.
I’ve tried it a couple times up to 1-2tsps, and it’s effect in some ways resembles Rosemary Honey. Except feels more GABA heavy. One night I got dizzy after eating some chocolate banana bread and wasn’t sure if it was the honey or MAOI properties. (How does chocolate react with MAOI?)
Overall similar to Rosemary but kinda dirty and much less euphoric in comparison. With Rosemary I’ve actually got a shit eating grin a couple times with it, not here.
I’m starting to get the impression these closely related flavonoids found in a variety of medicinal honeys have similar yet different effects ranging from opioid to GABA, with some slight extras mixed in.
I also believe most store bought honeys have the flavonoids and phenolics degraded by heat. Hence why most regular honey has no effect.
Honey and Wound Care:
It took me seeing to believe but certain honeys are hands down best thing I’ve tried for wounds. I cut my hands a lot working or whatever, sometimes because of my job they take a long time to heal. I’ve tried Rosemary and Sidr Honey with very positive results. It burns when first put on but the wounds heal probably 4x quicker and the pain goes away completely after the initial burn. From now on I will be using honey on most of my wounds for faster healing.
-GC
I told ya’ll I had some good info coming up. Lots of projects on the table right now but this is my most exciting in my opinion. Hopefully generates some discussion
If your someone that studies unique psychoactive drugs than maybe you’ve heard of “Mad Honey” a honey with a long history of use in Turkey and neighboring regions. The honey is made from rhododendrons and contain grayanotoxins which cause an inebriation of sorts.
While I have been interested in this honey (yet to try, it’s popularity makes it expensive) I came across an article on Erowid which detailed many other potential psychoactive honeys with little information regarding their use in modern contexts. In the following days/weeks I will report on 3 of these honeys, those which I felt had the most potential for something unique to be had.
Today im going to start with what I believe may be the most interesting of the bunch (im open to being surprised lol).
Melipona Honey:
On the Yucatán peninsula there exists a stingless bee that has been domesticated for millennia by the Maya. Bees of the Melipona genus. At certain times of year these bees collect pollen from the plants of Ipomea spp, Turbina corymbosa, and Lonchocarpus violaceus which seem to contribute to the psychoactive effects of this honey.
The third species listed is a tree named the balche tree. The honey is combined with bark from this tree to create a mead (named Balche) with inebriation that can’t be attributed to alcohol alone.
Over time the Maya would have only these species growing close to the hives to ensure a psychoactive product.
“Medicinal honeys were created by situating hives near natural stands of the Lonchocarpus violaceus tree to enrich it in the pollen…”
I went hunting for some of this sacred honey but was unable to find honey that specifically listed they had pollen from the specific trees listed. That said I did find a product that I believe is THE honey despite them not saying such, it’s Melipona honey collected on the Yucatán at the correct time of year and the vendor said phrases that made me believe one should be careful with this stuff. I also bought honey fortified with pollen, in hopes to have an even stronger product.
Honey came and I opened to see a fairly free flowing honey with a strong floral/fruity fragrance. I licked off just the cap thinking it would be a good test dose for allergies, I was wrong..
Within 15mins I was smiling ear to ear, laughing my ass off at the TV. Absolutely shocked at how good I felt, for the next hour and a half I was dying from laughter when not usually like that. Then the sedation hit, don’t remember much other than my eyes were half closed and blood shot. I went to take a quick nap.
Woke up 2hrs later not quite knowing where I was for a minute, still noticeably high. By 4hrs post dosing I was pretty much sober. Very short duration compared to other drugs. Sleep that night slightly disturbed.
I started researching and found that with Ipomea species the ergoline alkaloids don’t transfer to the honey based on one article. I then began studying the Lonchocarpus violaceus and found some information that seemed interesting.
“The bark and the seeds contain rotenone210 (which can be clearly recognized by its scent; cf. Morton 1995, 44*) as well as several rotenoides or sapo-nines, flavonoids, and tannins (Delle Monache et al. 1978; Menichini et al. 1982; Neuwinger 1994, 623*). Also present in the bark are the prenylated stilbenes A-, B-, C-, and D-longistyline (Delle Monache et al. 1977; de Smet 1983, 140*). The fruits (pods and seeds) appear to contain the highest concentrations of rotenone (Morton 1995, 44*). It is sometimes thought that an alkaloid is also present. An initial analysis of a balche’ drink made with Lonchocarpus violaceusdid not detect any alkaloids (Hartmut Laatsch, pers. comm.).”
“The longistylines are chemically related to kavains and kavapyrones (cf. Piper methysticum) and to hispidine (see “Polyporus mysticus”) and likely elicit similar effects. Rotenone is found in a number of plants, including the tuba root (Derris elliptica [Sweet] Benth.211; Fabaceae); it is regarded as an abortifacient and is thus dangerous to ingest during pregnancy (Roth et al. 1994, 298*). The effects of the balche’ drink are likely due to the presence of the longistylines:
Chemically, the structures of the longistylines leave some room for interpretation. Thus, for example, it may be that an aminisation in the body (similar to that of myristicine from nutmeg [cf. Myristica fragrans]) into mescaline-like alkaloids is responsible for the effects. But the structural similarity with the styryl pyrones of Piper methysticum suggests that the drink is more likely on the same level as kavakava, which also agrees quite well with the effects that you have described.”
Now if we look deeper we see there’s research on one of the substances found..
All that said it appears the substances found in the Balche tree are similar to Kava. That’s pretty much exactly how I felt off the honey, both the effects and duration highly resembled my experience with Kava in the past. They say they found no alkaloids in the balche drink but are stilbenes considered alkaloids?
Whatever the case I’m excited to try more of this in the near future, 1/4 teaspoon probably going to be a decent dose. I think the added pollen is making it much stronger than normal as well. Will report back once I have more experience!
Rosemary Honey:
My second honey featured in this thread, might not be exciting but psychoactive nonetheless.
It’s reported from multiple places that Rosemary honey (Rosmarinus officinalis) has psychoactive properties but not much is known on the effects. Rosemary itself is known to be psychoactive; analgesic and memory enhancing among other things.
Mono-floral Rosemary honey from Spain, a light coloration and honestly a light taste that only becomes noticeable at larger amounts of a herbaceous nature.
Not entirely sure which components are psychoactive but 1,8-cineole is one to look at.
Day 1 I tried it at an allergy dose which gave nothing, then 1/4tsp which had something but easily could’ve been placebo. 1tsp had possibly light effects but still possible placebo.
Day 2 I went for a tablespoon to really go for it. At this dose I finally noticed some effects. Nothing to write home about but an effect very warming in the head/ears and somewhat THC-like. Not really sedating but relaxed would be a better description. Also my lungs opened up a bit too.
I think this would be best as a honey mixed with chamomile tea or something similar for a nighttime hot drink, also good for when your ill. This is the cheapest of the honeys I’ll be trying too so despite its much lower potency it’s easier to obtain and buy for most people.
Update: Rosemary Honey actually reliably stimulates the release of beta-endorphin and hits on GABA from 8-methoxy-kaempferol and kaempferol present, so well in fact that I’ve found this honey to be mildly addicting. Thankfully one cannot gain a tolerance to beta-endorphin and there seems to be little rebound effect compared to exogenous opiates. Much more info regarding Rosemary Honey in the following posts!
Sidr Honey:
While this wasn’t the 3rd honey I intended on trying (that one still to come) I feel this ones worth mentioning. It’s considered a medicinal honey comparable in ways to Manuka. It’s a light golden color and tastes like a dry desert area to me, can’t describe it other than that.
I’ve tried it a couple times up to 1-2tsps, and it’s effect in some ways resembles Rosemary Honey. Except feels more GABA heavy. One night I got dizzy after eating some chocolate banana bread and wasn’t sure if it was the honey or MAOI properties. (How does chocolate react with MAOI?)
Overall similar to Rosemary but kinda dirty and much less euphoric in comparison. With Rosemary I’ve actually got a shit eating grin a couple times with it, not here.
I’m starting to get the impression these closely related flavonoids found in a variety of medicinal honeys have similar yet different effects ranging from opioid to GABA, with some slight extras mixed in.
I also believe most store bought honeys have the flavonoids and phenolics degraded by heat. Hence why most regular honey has no effect.
Honey and Wound Care:
It took me seeing to believe but certain honeys are hands down best thing I’ve tried for wounds. I cut my hands a lot working or whatever, sometimes because of my job they take a long time to heal. I’ve tried Rosemary and Sidr Honey with very positive results. It burns when first put on but the wounds heal probably 4x quicker and the pain goes away completely after the initial burn. From now on I will be using honey on most of my wounds for faster healing.
-GC
Last edited:
