Rigveda 8.48 appears to be the standard type of evidence that rigvedic soma had "intoxicating" properties, in the widest sense of soma research. Practically always verse 3 of this hymn is cited, and researchers are of the view that it is the only one documenting really exhilarating or intoxicating properties. I think that in the first verse of this hymn there is clearly said what this "intoxicating" soma was: honey, madhu.

My question: why is this first verse of the hymn permanently ignored? Inspite of the fact that it at least appears to be a clear indication as to the true nature of the original soma of the rigveda, or even proof for its long-sought identity.

Juergen Lehmann