Ancient Humans Regularly Ingested Psychoactive Substances for Ritual Purposes, Study Reveals

Hair samples from Bronze Age burial sites in Spain show evidence of ongoing consumption of mind-altering drugs over a period of years.
The drugs likely came from local plants and were administered under the guidance of a shaman.
The substances included ephedrine, atropine, and scopolamine, which can produce altered states of consciousness.
Researchers believe the ritual use of these drugs was an integral part of the culture and spirituality of these prehistoric people.
The findings provide a glimpse into the role that psychoactive substances played in humanity's early history.