Papaver somniferum, also called as Opium Poppy, has a history of cultivation in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Opium Poppy has also been called by other names, for example the Sacred Anchor Of Life, the Hand Of God, Milk Of Paradise, and Destroyer Of Grief. In the 8th century the plant was widely cultivated and consumed in India and China, and all over mid-Asia.

Opium poppy flower are beautiful and used to grace gardens world-wide. They are often used in dried flower arrangements. Poppy seeds are used in cooking for example bagels, bialys, muffins and cakes.

As the name says, Opium Poppy pods contain opium. The opium is lacerating the immature opium poppy seed pods. Opium contains up to twelve percent of morphine which can be refined for example to create very addicting drug heroin.

In the United States opium poppy is listed as a schedule Schedule 2 controlled substance.

Betel nuts are the fruits of Areca catechu - areca nut palm - an evergreen palm tree growing in the tropical Pacific, Asia, and east Africa. Areca palm can grow up to a height of 90 feet which is about 30 meters.

The fruits have been used in ritualistic settings. They are used widely in the areas where the tree grows native. Chewing them can cause mild stimulation and a feeling of well-being. The fruits of Areca catechu may be one of the most used stimulants in the World.

The nuts can be brewed like coffee or smoked like tobacco. In Malaysia betel nuts are even used to make special sweeties. When chewed it is done slowly - the chewing of betel nuts can last over several hours.

Brugmansia is also known as Tree Datura, Angels Trumpets, and Maikoa. It is very similar to the Datura but attains heights up to 25 feet that produces long trumpet like flowers. That’s why it is called tree Datura. Traditionally it is used as a medicine and narcotic.

Maikoa has been used since the dawn of time by the aborignial people of the western Amazon area. The plant is considered a source of ritualistic medicines of great healing power. Generally plants containing atropine and scopolamine have been used in other parts of the world over centuries.

This plant is common in cultivation and is very ornamental. One is able to purchase Brugmansia arborea flowers and seeds in quite a many online stores.

Over 25 alkaloids have been isolated from Kratom; the principle one being mitragynine, an indole alkaloid superficially resembling yohimbine (Found in Yohimbe bark).

All Kratom leaves appear to contain mitragynine, speciogynine, paynanthine, and small quantities of speciociliatine. Oxindole alkaloids usually occur only in small or trace amounts.

In addition to being used as a narcotic in its own right, it is often used to moderate and beat addiction to Opium. Some use Kratom to prolong sexual intercourse.