The Scythians take some of this hemp-seed, and throw it upon the red-hot stones; immediately it smokes, and gives out such a vapour as no Grecian vapour-bath can exceed; the Scythians, delighted, shout for joy, and this vapour serves them instead of a water-bath
these are 2.4 ka old, and were described by herodotus
Gregor J. Rothfuss 