Salvia Divinorum 101
Written by: SAVANNAH BLAKE
Salvia, or Salvia divinorum, is an herbal mint plant that doubles as a naturally occurring hallucinogen.
Native to the Oaxaca region of Mexico, Salvia is a member of the Sage family. It is used as a recreational and spiritually healing drug. The psychoactive effects of Salvia are activated when its leaves or extracts are administered by smoking, chewing, or drinking. In fact, Salvia tea is a great way to indulge in the power of the drug in a calmer, more gradual way, the onset of symptoms is slow, resulting in a longer high.
Inspired in part by the Mazatec Indians, many people use Salvia tea for spiritual divination, shamanism, and medical practices. The Mazatec refer to Salvia as "the herb of Mary." Believing that the plant is an incarnation of the Virgin Mary. Using the plant as a preferred healing tool, the Mazatec also roll fresh Salvia leaves into a cigar-like shape. Sucking or chewing the leaves without swallowing is necessary to absorb the drug into the bloodstream. Notably, when a person swallows it, the gastrointestinal system will deactivate Salvinorin A.
If an extended trip is not in your interest, rather than drinking tea, you can also smoke Salvia. The effects will quickly launch you into a mystical realm where time has collapsed in on itself and all dimensions have collided. Although some may report having a more spiritual experience, whether you’ve smoked it or had a cup of tea, not everyone enjoys the high.
The effect of Salvia on the mind can be mild. They can be extreme. And depending on the dose someone has taken, the trip may be all together disconcerting. Before giving it a try, it is important to understand the possibilities.
Common short-term effects include:
* hallucinations and changes in visual perception
* visual distortions of bright lights, vivid colors, and unusual shapes and patterns
* cartoon imagery
* out-of-body experiences
* contact with entities or other dimensions
* distortion of time and space
* nausea
* uncontrolled laughter
* mood and emotional swings
* anxiety
* difficulty concentrating
* a feeling of disconnection from oneself and reality
* lack of coordination
* slurred speech
* dizziness
* an overall sense of uneasiness
Additionally, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological side effects may occur with its use. The US government does not recognize salvia as a controlled substance, leaving its legality up to each individual state. Although it is legal here in Utah, it is considered safe only when taken in small doses, and the long-term effects have yet to be studied at length.
Whether you’re using it recreationally or setting a specific intention for a special ceremony, salvia is not something to be taken lightly. Disruption of space and time can be a frightening experience and can lead to serious psychotic disturbances in vulnerable people. Beware. Be open. Before taking it, engage in a grounding activity of your choice. Maybe you do yoga, meditate, or journal beforehand. Maybe you set an intention with a trusted friend or offered a prayer to the universe.
No matter your preferred methods, be sure to conduct your trip in a space where you feel comfortable and safe. Clear yourself from obligations for the next few hours, maybe the whole day. Stay open, stay hydrated, and remember: Salvia is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/309735
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/drugs-salvia.html
https://www.zamnesia.com/blog-make-salvia-divinorum-tea-n1867
