High in the Nepalese mountains where the Himalayas touch the sky, the Gurung people practice an ancient tradition of harvesting mad honey from the death defying cliffs. The honey is made by the giant HImalayan honey bee known scientifically as Apis laboriosa. But this honey is not ordinary, it is unlike any other commercial honey because of its unique properties which have intrigued the interest of locals and foreigners. Mad Honey hunting is not just a symbol of Gurung, but an integral commodity to their lifestyle. Also, honey hunting is the most courageous economic activity of the gurungs giving them a means to support themselves in these remote, mountain areas.
But collecting mad honey is no routine chore as it is not evergreen product. The process of harvesting mad honey is a seasonal exciting pastime and demands both skill and courage. With nothing but a rope and bamboo ladders, the Gurungs climb up to 300 metres tall cliffs to gather this liquid gold. The honey, made by bees that feast on rhododendron flowers, has grayanotoxin a neurotoxic chemicals that render it hallucinogenic. Even in tiny amounts, ingesting it induces severe dizziness, euphoria and in the wildest cases hallucinations. The rarity and limited availability is what gives this honey a higher value in the market.
Bounty of Mad Honey and risk of Hunters life
To Gurungs, honey collection is not only a way to earn, but also a tradition passed on for centuries. Year after year, they go up dangerous cliffs using traditional tools made of bamboo and grass like bamboo ropes and ladders, bamboo baskets, hooks and comb cutters. Also they use a traditional way to lift the smoke up the high cliff to stop the bees. The spots where the hives are placed are tall and unsafe. Because bee hives are found high up, getting to them requires physical strength, good balance and bravery. One small mistake can cost the lives of the hunters, but reward a few liters of Mad Honey.
Honey harvesting is a skill that has been passed down from their elders. Older people guide the young in climbing, dealing with smoke and getting the honey without harm. These Gurungs have been worshipping these wild bees as their god, so harvesting this honey from high cliffs is a part of cultural and traditional practice that has been passed down the new generations. Although it may seem like they are doing all of these just for the sake of money, this is a cultural practice and has been continued along the generation of the Gurungs. The cultural paradox is the greatest factor for these people to risk their lives for the sake of Honey. But it’s not just the ordinary honey that you can find in the local store but it’s the honey from the cliff that performs magic.
The Magic of Mad Honey
Mad honey, well known for the psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects, has been used in traditional medicine for a long time by the Gurungs. They have been using Mad Honey with a belief that it has aided them in a range of health issues, from high blood pressure to digestive problems, and even as an aphrodisiac. Because of its hallucinogenic properties delivered by grayanotoxins found in the nectar of the rhododendron, have made it an exotic and sought after product. Many people chase it because of its therapeutic value while others seek it for its psychoactive properties.
The response to mad honey can vary with the quantity intake. In small quantities, it can induce a gentle euphoria, a light-headed feeling and a sense of calm for hours. But for those who neglect dosage guidelines of mad honey, the experience can be negative. These experiences have been both mysterious and beneficial keeping the product Mad Honey in the line between the mystical and the medicinal.
As with most mind-altering drugs, mad honey does have some traditional healing uses. Some think it even helps as a natural cure for respiratory problems, arthritis, and, yes, even sexual dysfunction. Although eating it carries a potential risk, the honey has a special place in the health traditions of the Gurung people.
Mad Honey and economic lifestyle
Not only is mad honey harvesting a tradition for the Gurungs, it is also their side hustle as a passive source of income. It is tough to farm and indulge in agriculture in the mountain regions as these regions are less arable. With lesser crop production, animal husbandry and food production are not possible. With less economic activities the people in these regions either seek alternatives or migrate to those regions with higher economic activities. The harvested mad honey has been traded in the past with other goods as a way to maintain lifestyle.
How much mad honey costs relies on how potent the honey is and how much people want to buy it. The honey is also sold for a high price globally, with an average of $200 for every kilogram. Since people treasure this product, the Gurungs strongly rely on it for food and other basic needs. Although most plants are farmed, getting mad honey is the most profitable, since it is uncommon and gives back good value. This has also helped them sustain for a year as the honey hunting activities are carried twice a year.
More people around the globe want natural goods and Gurung honey is drawing attention. People from many places try to buy it, both to feel its psychedelic effects and to improve their health. People from this Gurung Community, using their ancestral skills, have created a path to make money and support their loved ones.
Sustainability Issues
Mad honey harvesting has always been in favor of the Gurungs. Either it be health benefits or for the purpose of economic trade but the challenges are growing with time. With time it has been a global sensation to the wellness and recreational community and the demand for honey is going up. To meet the growing demand the practice of honey hunting is becoming more and more unsustainable with premature harvesting and overharvesting practices growing. Overharvesting, shifting environmental conditions, deforestation, human developments and natural calamities are reducing the bees population as well as nectar found in the flowers of rhododendron plants.
“In my opinion, geographical restrictions, along with climate change, deforestation and agriculture taking up the land, could all threaten mad honey in the future.” When the honey makers and the plants whose nectar and pollen they need are no longer in synch, the bees may not be able to make the honey at all. There are several cases that might happen like these bees getting extinct, honey production reduced and many more. If this condition is not managed sooner the Gurungs may lose their ability to extract mad honey and it may largely affect their socio-economic status.
In response to this issues, some communities have started to adopt counter measures to prevent this issue. They have started to not overexploit the rhododendron forest and have gone for reforestation practices to restore the habitat of the bees. Sustainable land management and seasonal harvesting have been practiced in the gurung culture. Also, they are being awarded with the effort of the natural conservationist and local bodies for the protection and advantages of the wild bees.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Harvesting mad honey is not just about the money for the Gurungs rather it is a tradition deeply rooted in their culture. It is a way of life that gurungs believed was a guide from their ancestors. They believe practicing this culture was a way to connect with the ancestors and nature while being sustained for life.
But with the modern generations in action the culture is declining and the practice is being less followed. The modern generation is showing little to no interest in the field of honey hunting. While some are staying true to their traditions and cultural practices some are leaving and seeking better opportunities as they see no future in it. There are several ones who are protecting and sharing this valuable knowledge, lifestyle and traditions that set their culture apart in the first place.
What’s Next for Mad Honey Hunting?
Mad Honey of Nepal: Witching Honey Mad honey of Nepal is a shining example of human perseverance, ingenuity and ancient connection to the natural world. A practice that began to survive and maintain tradition is, today, an essential economic activity that supports families and communities inhabitants of isolated mountainous regions.
Demand for mad honey is increasing and the Gurung are seeking ways to make the practice more sustainable. The fate of mad honey harvesting is the fate of the Gurung people, and with a mix of tradition and innovation, this old tradition will last for generations to come. The honey hunting may depend on the nature but the gurungs will always be skilled hunters of the himalayas.
