Mad Honey Documentary

24-01-2024
Roj Eli Zalla
Roj Eli Zalla
-
-
A+ A-

The Himalayan bees (Apis laboriosa), the largest in their species, live between 2500 to 3000 meters above sea level and are mainly found in the Himalayas. The Himalayan bees produce a unique honey when feeding on Rhododendron, a high altitude flower. The honey, widely known as Mad Honey, contains grayanotoxins and when ingested it can have an intoxicating effect on humans. Honey hunters in Nepal often risk their safety to collect the honey in two seasons. They climb down steep cliffs, using ropes and baskets made from bamboo and other local flora. The honey not only has recreational uses, but is also administered to treat colds, flu, stomach issues and other health concerns. This participatory documentary explores the culture and tradition of honey harvesting in Nepal's Lamjung region, exploring its various uses and examining its intoxicating effects on humans.

 

 

Comments

Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.

To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.

We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.

Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.

Post a comment

Required
Required