As radiation concerns mount worldwide about Japan’s nuclear crisis, iodine tablets and foodstuffs known to block radiation have been selling like hotcakes.

A North Korean special remedy for radiation has received great attention Tuesday as broadcast media specializing in North Korean news reported anti-radiation honey is being provided to North Korean workers.

Radio Free Asia reported that anti-radiation honey is categorized as one of the special offers for workers and is made by a local pharmaceutical company. Honey itself is known to be invaluable in North Korean as apiculture in the country has collapsed due to reckless logging.

The anti-radiation honey targets workers who have been exposed to radiation or current workers at nuclear power plants. The description on the honey bottle says the honey contains ginseng and medicinal herbs and recommends taking 20 grams three times a day.

The North Korean state broadcasting agency reported in 2008 that the health and life science institute developed special health products including the anti-radiation honey. The honey is also said to relieve physical fatigue and stress in healthy people.

“Honey has equal values with alcoholic beverages and meats in North Korea and is provided to workers under poor working conditions,” a defector was quoted as saying in the report.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)
Edited by Rob York