Kyphi (or Cyphi)
An incense used in Ancient Egypt for both religious and medical purposes (as a potion/unguent) [102]. Described by Plutarch as a similar mixture to Megalium, but with some additions such as honey and raisins [102].
An incense used in Ancient Egypt for both religious and medical purposes (as a potion/unguent) [102]. Described by Plutarch as a similar mixture to Megalium, but with some additions such as honey and raisins [102].
South American shamanic traditions: Hallucinogenic [105].
South American shamanic traditions: Hallucinogenic [105].
Originating in Eurasia in around 4000BCE, Shamanic traditions soon spread widely to areas such as the Americas, the Pacific and India [105].
Shamanism is often characterised by the use of hallucinogenic plants as part of ritual, a means of accessing "other worlds", or simply as a social activity [105].
Typically, hallucinogenic plants would allow a shaman to contact spirits, both good and bad, in order to question, communicate or negotiate [105].
Sometimes spirits would even be asked to help diagnose an affliction or advise on suitable remedies [105].
Excavations of the Shanidar Cave in the Zagros Mountains of Kurdistan, Iraq revealed 9 skeletons of which 1 showed evidence of having been ritually buried with flowers [100, 105].
Clumps of pollen grains were found suggesting whole heads of flowers had been placed in the grave
The following species, all with some medicinal significance, were found:
Achillea-type
Althaea-type
Centaurea solstitialis
Ephedra altissima
Muscari-type