In a recent study, researchers have analyzed the ashes on pottery found at desert oasis of Qurayyah in north-western Saudi Arabia. The ashes have been found to be of peganum harmala, also known as Syrian rue. The plant is known for its psychoactive and antibacterial properties.
The plant may have been burned for alleviation of pain, air purification, disinfection or pest control. The results suggest that the people living in the region 2700 years ago were aware of the properties of Syrian rue. It also indicates the historical roots of traditional healing practices in Arabian Peninsula.
The report was published in Bone & Bronze.
Further Reading:
Earliest use of psychoactive and medicinal plant ‘Harmal’ identified in Iron Age Arabia
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