Alcohol, Opium and other intoxicating plant products in Hittite Anatolia

Alcohol, herbs and substances derived from plants are often mentioned in the Hittite ritual and festival texts. The Hittites extracted plant-based substances in various ways: by combustion in braziers, by maceration, by dissolving them in hot or cold water — sometimes even in alcohol — or by boiling. The herbs were used for their specific properties and often they were also consumed with alcoholic beverages. The Hittites used them for either their relaxing, stimulating, narcotic or even hallucinogenic qualities, and it was especially for this reason that they were used during rituals. The ritualist either ingested or inhaled the substances, and they contributed to the alteration of their consciousness.