Botanical Ecstasies: Matthew Clark proposes an ayahuasca-like plant complex as the identity of ancient soma and haoma

Matthew Clark examines the contested identities of soma and haoma, ancient plants associated with religious ecstasy in the Vedas and the Zoroastrian Avesta. The book reviews proposed candidates including Amanita muscaria, Psilocybe cubensis, sacred lotus and ergot, arguing that none reliably fits the available evidence. Clark instead proposes that soma and haoma may have referred to an ayahuasca-like plant complex composed of multiple species. He discusses candidate plants that grow in relevant regions and could, in combination, produce effects resembling those of classic psychedelics. The book further suggests that these early ecstatic experiences helped shape emerging concepts and ritual techniques of mysticism. The supplied description identifies the work as an 80-page publication from 2021 and gives Clark's research affiliation and editorial role.