Pliny

Two thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder described a man named Pomponius who could not belch.

Writings by Pliny the Elder and others testify to the medicinal use of black henbane seeds and leaves, but warn that an overindulgence will result in mind-altering effects.

For instance, Pliny the Elder, the ancient Roman author and philosopher, developed 27 different medical remedies using onions, ranging from curing bad vision and insomnia, to healing dysentery, mouth sores and toothaches.

The Middle Ages scientific authority Pliny the Elder wrote 2,000 years ago that hailstorms, whirlwinds and lightning could be “scared away” by a woman “uncovering her body while her monthly courses are upon her.”

Ancient scholars also warned against taking too much because of the potential for hallucinogenic effects; Pliny counseled physicians to avoid it entirely.