Many of the most expensive herbs and spices are psychoactive. From saffron (gabaergic with adrenergic & kappa activity) to myrrh (delta) to oudh (mu), we naturally value active compounds. Even vanilla has an antidepressant effect!

I remember making some especially strong cinnamon toast when i was a child and having a very pleasant experience. When i tried to recreate it, i used less cinnamon & failed. But now I know i was seeking the euphoria one gets from MAO-B and Enkephalinase inhibition

When i was in highschool, i would chew an entire pack of spearmint gum most days. I would start my day reserved & in control, but would finish quite disinhibited. What i didn't know at the time, was that carvone acts as an ion channel (calcium, sodium) blocker, and so has a noticeable and quite pleasant sedating effect. The gum also had a fair amount of phenylalanine, contributing to the mild euphoria i would feel. Unfortunately, carvone has some additional effects I'd rather have avoided