The study found psychoactive substances on the strands of hair.
According to a recent study by researchers studying ancient human civilizations, ancient humans were using hallucinogenic chemicals during cave ceremonies over 3,000 years ago.
The discovery by experts of hair from a burial site in Menorca, Spain, suggests that medicines derived from plants and shrubs were used by prehistoric human civilizations.
according to a report by BBCFindings published in the journal scientific report, showed signs of human activity in the Es Carritx cave on Menorca’s southwestern edge. The cave contains over 200 human graves and is believed to have served as a ritual and burial site for about 600 years, until 800 BC.
The study’s authors point out that “as early as the Paleolithic, humans were exposed to the non-edible properties of certain plants.” The results presented here indicate that a number of alkaloid-bearing plants were consumed by the Bronze Age people of Menorca (although Solanaceae and Ephedra were not the only ones consumed).
“Interestingly, the psychoactive substances detected in this study are not suitable for alleviating pain involved in severe paleopathological conditions, such as periapical abscesses, severe caries and arthropathies, in the cave-buried population of Es Carritx.”
“Considering the potential toxicity of the alkaloids found in hair, their handling, use, and application represent highly specialized knowledge. This knowledge was typically possessed by shamans, who could access plant medicines through an ecstasy.” Were able to control side effects. Diagnosis or speculation is possible.”