A friend of mine used to judge a health food store by its selection of natural honey products. Sure, it is strange to association the two, but it seems to be true – a good health food store would always have a wide variety of natural honey.

Natural honey is trendy. Its popularity is evident when you realize that it can even be found in such products as shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Ancient Egyptians held natural honey in high regard for its alleged medicinal properties.

Today, natural medicine practitioners still use natural honey to treat certain conditions, and some people seem to believe that quality natural honey has many health benefits.

I am not sure I believe in honey as a medicine, but I enjoy it occasionally, and I like to try rare, natural honey varieties. However, when I cannot find rare honey, I have been known to scream, “Honey, I am going mad!” No, that is not true.

But this phrase could take a whole new meaning, if Mad Honey disease spreads. I never heard of Mad Honey disease, but according to The Independent, its cases are on the increase.

Although it is a rare condition, Mad Honey could cause some serious adverse health effects, and even death, if left untreated.

Mad Honey has a very bitter taste. Next time you are “hunting” for some natural honey, take some precaution – if it is bitter, it could be “mad”.