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For thousands of years people have used plants for various reasons; their nourishment value, healing properties, flavor enhancing, scenting, etc. Another, less agreeable use is for mind alteration purposes. Some of these were used for religious ceremonies while other were used for recreation. These seven addictive plants are still in common use today, despite the fact that information about them is widely available. |
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1. Areca Nuts |
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Arcea nuts are often used in a similar manner as chewing tobacco, and likewise, they can lead to oral cancer. They are most commonly used in India and Pakistan as part of a substance called Paan. |
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2. Coca Leaves |
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The leaves of the Coca plant are commonly used in South America, and particularly in Bolivia (The average Bolivian consumes about 2oz. of Coca leaves a day). The leaves are particularly helpful in combating altitude sickness and are sold on the street by vendors. The Coca leaves’ extract is known as the drug cocaine, but another use for the leaves is in the production of Coca-Cola. |
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3. Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric) |
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Amanita muscaria, also known as Fly Agaric is wild mushroom that can be used to alter the mood. Amanita intoxication can be described as depressant, sedative-hypnotic, dissociative, and deliriant; paradoxical effects may occur. Perceptual phenomena such as macropsia and micropsia may also occur. (source) Direct consumption, however, is poisonous and can be deadly. |
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4. Kava |
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Kava’s most prominent use is as a drink, made from the plant’s root. The drink is used as a sedative and helps the user by calming him or her down, without the loss of mental clarity. Use is considered to be psychologically addictive, but toxicity cases are very rare, so the plant is still legal in most countries in the world. |
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5. Khat |
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40% of Yemen’s irrigation is used for growing khat, thanks to the euphoric feeling chewing it provides, which is similar to those of amphetamines. Chewing the leaves is common practice in Yemen and Somalia, as well as other countries in that region. The problems with khat are that it creates a long-term psychological addiction, as well as liver failure, oral cancer, and ulcers. |
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6. Yerba Mate |
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Yerba Mate is a species of holly and is known to cause several types of cancer. It is an appetite-suppressant, as well as able to help in maintaining mental focus, leading to widespread consumption across South America and is even found in health stores. |
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7. Salvia Divinorum (Seer's Sage) |
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Salvia divinorum, also known as Seer’s Sage or Diviner’s Sage, contains psychoactive chemicals that lead to hallucinatory experiences, as well as “visions”. The plant originated in the jungles of Mexico, where shamans used it in religious ceremonies and spiritual healings. Salvia is known for its low-toxicity levels, so it is not illegal in most countries in the world, but inhaling the smoke from burning the leaves can trigger very quick hallucinatory reactions in people. Oddly enough, in recent research, it was discovered that salvia may not be addictive and can even help treat certain types of drug addictions. This, however, remains to be seen. |
| H/T: viralnova.com |
