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The Hidden Risk in Honey - Grayanotoxins
06 Jan 2026
Introduction
Honey is more than just a sweet ingredient. It’s comfort food, a natural remedy, or a souvenir we give from our travels. But what if the jar of honey sitting on your kitchen shelf could make you sick?
Unknown to most, honey might contain naturally occurring poisons known as grayanotoxins.
When “Natural” Isn’t Always Safe
Grayanotoxins are plant-derived toxins that are primarily produced by species of the Rhododendron genus.1 Bees may collect nectar from rhododendron flowers in some regions of the world - especially parts of Turkey, the Black Sea coast, Nepal, and the Caucasus .2 The resulting honey, often called “mad honey”, can contain significant levels of grayanotoxins.
Image by Freepik
