Ancient teeth show people were getting high off betel nuts 4,000 years ago

Archaeological discoveries often unveil fascinating glimpses into ancient customs, revealing practices that have shaped cultures over millennia. Recent findings suggest that the use of betel nuts, a psychoactive substance, dates back 4,000 years. These reddish nuts, derived from the areca palm, have been traditionally chewed in various Southeast Asian cultures for their stimulating effects, enhancing alertness and promoting relaxation. The unique practice of chewing betel nuts typically involves wrapping them in betel leaves along with lime paste, the composition of which can vary by region. A recent excavation led by archaeologist Piyawit Moonkham from Chiang Mai University uncovered Bronze Age skeletons at the Nong Ratchawat burial site. Initially, the absence of the characteristic red staining on the teeth suggested that these individuals might not have participated in this cultural practice. However, a detailed examination of the dental plaque revealed an unexpected twist. Moonkham discovered that several teeth from one of the skeletons contained trace compounds linked to betel nuts. This finding raises intriguing questions about oral hygiene practices that may have removed visible stains or alternative consumption methods that left no marks. "Our research has shown that mineralized plaque can preserve a variety of microscopic and biomolecular evidence," Moonkham noted in a study published in *Frontiers*. The implications of this study extend beyond betel nuts, hinting at the potential for detecting other psychoactive plant compounds in ancient remains. Betel nut chewing has a long history in Thailand, with practices traced back at least 9,000 years. During the Lanna Kingdom, which flourished from the 13th century, stained teeth from betel nut use were seen as a beauty standard. Although this tradition is waning, it continues to play a role in certain religious rituals, traditional medicine, and social gatherings, particularly among specific ethnic groups and rural communities.