How betel nut chewing in China became a habit for millions, from emperors to commoners

The history of the betel nut, also known as the areca nut, stretches further back than previously thought. New research suggests that people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi were enjoying its mind-altering effects as long as 25,000 years ago. The discovery began with two ancient skeletons whose teeth bore curiou…

Opens the original publisher in a new tab. Full articles belong to their publishers; a subscription may be required.