History of Ancient Drugs - Full Documentary
- 5 years ago
Archaeological evidence shows that humans were taking opium and ‘magic’ mushrooms as far back as 10,000 years ago. Some scholars even believe that a few notable Greeks, like Pythagoras, couldn’t have come up with their genius theories and philosophies without some form of drug use. Texts from ancient history suggest there may be truth in these claims. This article focuses on the various drugs used in ancient culture, as well as highlighting the importance of modern day drug rehabilitation, from state funded rehab centers to luxury rehab centers .
Harmal
Harmal was commonly used by West Indian , Iranian and Andean cultures. Interestingly, it was recently discovered in the hair of an adult male mummy and a mummified one-year-old baby in Northern Chile. The older male was buried with snuffing trays and pipes which may have been used to consume the drug. The remains are believed to be from 800 to 1200 AD.
Harmal is a flowering plant that can be converted to the chemical Harmine through a distillation process. The chemical works as a strong antidepressant and has the ability to magnify the effects of other anti-depressants.
Cannabis
The wider world is certainly no stranger to this drug, with thousands of cannabis legalization debates taking place across the globe. However, it has been in use for thousands of years and is believed to have been used in ancient Central and South Asia. A 2,7000-year-old grave in western china exhibits the most recent evidence of the drug being used as a psychoactive substance in ancient times; around 789 grams, or 1.7 pounds of the substance was found in the shaman’s grave.
Cannabis was cultivated in the past for its hemp fiber but it has also been used as a meditation aid and painkiller by Sikhs for generations. Although cannabis is still illegal in the majority of places, there are instances of medical legalization due to its use as treatment of glaucoma and increasing the body’s appetite.
Coca Leaf
Coca leaf was chewed and brewed into tea for consumption by the Mayans due to its powerful stimulating effects. This was long before the idea of distilling the plant into a strong cup of coffee had been conceived. The drug is very potent: a mere 100 grams of coca plant leaves contain the daily recommended intake for vitamins, iron, phosphorous, calcium and iron. Coca leaf can be found in Medellin and other parts of Southern America.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin was used by Ancient people in the Saharan Desert as well as throughout Central and South American cultures. Also known as ‘magic mushrooms’, they have been found in North African murals dated anywhere from 9000 to 7000 BC. Eating magic mushrooms is known to cause nausea and hallucinations, which were warmly embraced by ancient users as they believed it offered them access to higher levels of intelligence.
Harmal
Harmal was commonly used by West Indian , Iranian and Andean cultures. Interestingly, it was recently discovered in the hair of an adult male mummy and a mummified one-year-old baby in Northern Chile. The older male was buried with snuffing trays and pipes which may have been used to consume the drug. The remains are believed to be from 800 to 1200 AD.
Harmal is a flowering plant that can be converted to the chemical Harmine through a distillation process. The chemical works as a strong antidepressant and has the ability to magnify the effects of other anti-depressants.
Cannabis
The wider world is certainly no stranger to this drug, with thousands of cannabis legalization debates taking place across the globe. However, it has been in use for thousands of years and is believed to have been used in ancient Central and South Asia. A 2,7000-year-old grave in western china exhibits the most recent evidence of the drug being used as a psychoactive substance in ancient times; around 789 grams, or 1.7 pounds of the substance was found in the shaman’s grave.
Cannabis was cultivated in the past for its hemp fiber but it has also been used as a meditation aid and painkiller by Sikhs for generations. Although cannabis is still illegal in the majority of places, there are instances of medical legalization due to its use as treatment of glaucoma and increasing the body’s appetite.
Coca Leaf
Coca leaf was chewed and brewed into tea for consumption by the Mayans due to its powerful stimulating effects. This was long before the idea of distilling the plant into a strong cup of coffee had been conceived. The drug is very potent: a mere 100 grams of coca plant leaves contain the daily recommended intake for vitamins, iron, phosphorous, calcium and iron. Coca leaf can be found in Medellin and other parts of Southern America.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin was used by Ancient people in the Saharan Desert as well as throughout Central and South American cultures. Also known as ‘magic mushrooms’, they have been found in North African murals dated anywhere from 9000 to 7000 BC. Eating magic mushrooms is known to cause nausea and hallucinations, which were warmly embraced by ancient users as they believed it offered them access to higher levels of intelligence.