Peganum of the Caltrop Family
Aka Peganum harmala
Location: Asia, Especially Northern India, Mongolia and Manchuria
Peganum grows plentifully throughout Northern Asia and prefers desert-like conditions. It is a shrub and is extremely dense with branches, though the leaves are narrow and thin. There are globose, lobed fruits which harbor high quantities of flat seeds a piece. These fruits are easy to spot, being about the size of a large marble and scattered all throughout the branches. The plant itself only reaches about 3 feet in height. The psychoactive principles have been reduced to harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine and some other bases too.
Syrian Rue has been long known as a hallucinogen by the Indians and Natives of the areas. It is very probable that Syrian Rue contributed to the drink of Soma (aka Huoma) in ancient times. This drink was enjoyed by the early people of Persia and India alike. There are many accounts of P. harmala being used in religious ceremonies in the areas, as well as by shaman. It has also been used in witches brews and for “magic” purposes throughout folklore. Syrian Rue even has its place in folk medicine.
