Warning: Contains Grayanotoxin. Consult medical professionals before ingestion.
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The history of mad honey

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The history of mad honey

Mad honey has been documented for over 2,400 years. Xenophon described Greek soldiers poisoned by it in 401 BCE. Roman general Pompey was ambushed by Heptakometes warriors who left combs as bait. In Nepal, Gurung honey hunters have maintained cliffside harvest traditions for centuries. The category's modern Western resurgence began in the 2010s.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Irvine Russell, M.D. Updated 2026-04-17