ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a discussion of evidence for the use of botanical stimulants in ancient Inner Asia. Ethnographic accounts document the use of plants with psychoactive properties by Siberian shamans, particularly the white-spotted, red-capped mushroom Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria). Historical records, combined with archaeological data, demonstrate the practice of inhaling cannabis (Cannabis sativa) smoke as part of a ritual activity by Iron Age nomadic peoples. A variety of plants have been proposed as possible candidates for the Vedic sacred drink soma/haoma, one of which is Ephedra spp.(ephedra). Identification of the plants used for soma/haoma is still subject to active debate, but the prehistoric use of ephedra in other contexts is well documented.
