Honey as a Weapon Used Over 2000 Years Ago
Honey has many health benefits and has been used as a natural sweetener long before sugar became widely avaliable in 16th century.
However it can be much more than that. Also called Mad honey was used as the first chemical weapon in times of Romans. Mithridates the Great was a king of an ancient empire of Pontus, located in today's Turkey. Many kings before him were poisoned. That's why he was obsessed to poison himself deliberately in regular small doses to boost his immune system to act as an antidote. He is also know by his use of mad honey as a weapon to deter roman attackers from conquering his lands.
Mad honey is collected by the bees from specific rhododendron flower which contains grayanotoxin. Even in small quantities can cause serious poisoning, hallucinations, vomiting and death in some cases. Some natives use it as a immune system booster, however its not recommended to eat more than a teaspoon at once.
In 18th century it was traded around Europe as a kick to be mixed with drinks. It gave drinks greater high then alcohol could deliver. With much cheaper alcohol in 19th century mad honey was forgotten.
King Mithridates was faced with Roman attackers in 67 B.C. at Black Sea region under command of general Pompey. Mithridates secretly planted chunks of mad honeycomb on their way. Roman soldiers unknowingly ate toxic honey and became an easy target for defending forces.
As written in history books, overwhelmed by enemies, Mithridates wanted poison himself but was unable to find effective one due to his strong immune system. So he ordered his soldiers to kill him with a sword. His research in immunology is still used today.
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fascinating stuff. Honey! Great or not so great - all depends how it is used. I suppose it's greatness is diverse!
Thank you for reading :)
Very interesting. I never knew this. I love honey, but the happy kind.
Yes, me too :)
I thought i did not know this, and i did not know the fact about the special use of toxic honey in past times. But it is so logical because, you can always use the honey, made on flowers with its benefits. Lavender honey will make you calmer before going to sleep, eucalyptus honey will unblock your nose and give you more freedom to breath. Manuka is from the teatree tree. And teatree is fighter number one against al kind of fungus, the essential oil is used pure to fight nail fungus. Manuka honey is the natural way to bring it in your body... And so on for all kind of honeys.
You're right. Honey has many uses, you just have to choose the right one to fit your needs.
This is fascinating! I had no idea there was a toxic honey, I have only heard of it used for medicinal purposes around the world! Upvoted & following, thanks for posting.
Thank you.
great post^^, followed u and upvoted some of your posts can u do that to for me pls :)
Thank you. Will take a look.
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