Khat chewing in Yemen, its nature and history.
So what exactly is khat?
Khat (qat) is a shrub/tree that often grows in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa (Somalia), in the wild they can be quite tall trees, however in plantations (in Yemen especially) they grow into a dense bush for more leaves.
What are the leaves used for?
Its leaves have two natural alkaloids that drive the irritation (for chemistry nerds, natural compounds with at least one nitrogen atom with a generally basic chemical property, often have a bitter taste):
Cathinone: with effects very similar to amphetamines (known as the mean drugs of American black hood playing). especially stimulates the brain.
Minor: A very mild alkaloid that remains in the leaves even after they dry, works specifically on the peripheral nervous system, causing things like heart palpitations.
Its leaves, after use, cause the brain to flood the user with dopamine and norepinephrine (alertness, tension, "flight or flight" response).
And the effects on the user are very similar to mild amphetamine:.
In the initial stage, there is a very strong wave of euphoria, the users also feel very safe and hypervigilant (without feeling tired).
After (the crash) anxiety and very strong melancholy may come. In addition, an inability to sleep can appear, as the chemicals keep the body physically active.
The drug is especially perfect for combat, as it makes fighters alert, lose some common sense and won't care about an artillery shell falling a few meters from their position.
How do I identify a Khat user?
It's pretty simple, they chew leaves on one side of their mouth for hours to release the juices from the leaves, creating a visible bump on one cheek, lifelong users have asymmetrical faces because of it.
Fun facts:
Khat plantations account for 40% of all groundwater use in Yemen, third world average management.