Crossword on old drugs and narcotics – Cannabis News, Lifestyle

The ancient world was riddled with drugs and drug use and today that hasn’t really changed. However, the medicines back then differed from the care we have today. Every drug came from the environment and most of them had a severe hit. Test your knowledge of drug use from back then; Learn all about old drugs and narcotics in this week’s crossword puzzle.

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Blue lotus flower

The blue lotus flower has psychoactive properties and is known to have a relaxing effect. In higher doses, it can induce euphoria and hallucinations. Usually, its petals are made into tea, but it can also be smoked. In ancient Egypt, the blue lotus flower was considered sacred and is often depicted in many hieroglyphs.

henbane

Known as the “witch plant,” henbane is a member of the nightshade family and is poisonous in large doses. In ancient times it was commonly used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. In the Papyrus Ebers (1500 BC) henbane is described as a sleeping and painkiller.

ergot

Ergot is a fungus commonly found in rye. It causes delirium and hallucinations and is often fatal. Because it was so dangerous, ergot was rarely taken voluntarily.

crazy honey

Mad Honey is made with rhododendron pollen. It contains a neurotoxin that causes drowsiness, euphoria, and hallucinations. It is most commonly made in Nepal and Turkey and was a favorite in ancient Anatolia.

opium

Thanks to ancient records and preserved art, we know that opium is the oldest narcotic still in use today. Its use and abuse have been recorded throughout history.

• Marcus Aurelias was a well-known opium addict. He used it as a sleep aid and to ease the pain of his military campaigns. In Roman times it was prepared as a tea and commonly referred to as “Cretan wine”.
• The Sumerian clay tablet (ca. 2100 BC) is considered to be the world’s oldest documented register of medical prescriptions; Some scholars believe opium is mentioned on the tablet.

dream fish

A dreamfish is a sea bream known to cause hallucinations. Eating them was very popular in ancient Rome. Typically found in the Mediterranean Sea and along the coast of West Africa, Dreamfish occasionally swim in UK waters.

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footnote(s)

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-history/ancient-drug-use-history-how-what-for-opium-hemp/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17152761/
https://academic.oup.com/milmed/advance-article/doi/10.1093/milmed/usab328/6338457
https://historyofyesterday.com/recreational-drugs-of-mighty-romans-ee9857fa73f3
https://www.europeana.eu/en/exhibitions/magical-mystical-and-medicinal/henbane