Why it matters: Scientists have found evidence that Ancient Egyptians used a mixture of plants and ingredients with psychotropic and medicinal properties to get high during religious ceremonies. The discovery was made after the analysis of Ptolemaic-era vases from the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida.
What they are saying: Researchers identified traces of Peganum harmala, Nimphaea nouchali var. caerulea and a plant from the Cleome genus in the vessels. The study also hinted at the use of cow DNA, while royal jelly, known for its hallucinogenic and sexuality-increasing effects, was also detected.
The big picture: In addition to the blue or Egyptian lotus, the most popular psychoactive plants among the Ancient Egyptians were opium, tobacco, and coca. Experts speculate the vases may have contained a fermented milk or some other cow product.
What to watch: Expanding the sampling chemical study to other examples of similar times would provide more information about the religion specifics.
My take: The study highlights the complexity of ancient cultures and their interactions with psychoactive, medicinal, and nutraceutical substances, also providing insight into ancient belief systems, cultural practices, and the utilization of natural resources.
