What Is Salvia Divinorum?
The ancient shrub with a big secret…
Salvia Divinorum is a small shrub from the same family as sage and mint. It is a green low lying creeper plant that is native to the cloud forests of Oaxaca in Mexico. It grows in a very small area, almost entirely limited to one forest but despite this it has an international reputation. Shamans in this area of Mexico use this herb as a way of inducing visions that they believe help people to explore their spiritual side and to cleanse their soul. They also use it themselves to give them visions that they say let them know what ailments people are suffering from and which tell them how to go about curing them. <br/><br/> What's the big secret? <br/><br/> The big secret is that is not really that secret anymore is that the visions are caused by the effects the Salvinorin A, contained within the Salvia which is released when it is heated to around 240°C, has on those that consume it. The chemistry in this plant is such that it is one of the strongest naturally occurring psychedelic hallucinogens known to man. It is no wonder then that the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca still hold it in such high esteem. <br/><br/> Why does it now have an international reputation? <br/><br/> The internet is the main reason why Salvia Divinorum has experience such a surge in popularity in recent history. People looking to explore their interest in new chemical experiences similar to those experienced through 'magic mushrooms' and cannabis, have turned to those reportedly available through Salvia consumption. This interest has led to more and more people buying, selling and consuming salvia. <br/><br/> What happens to those who consume Salvia? <br/><br/> Salvia is a very, very potent hallucinogenic substance which can be consumed by smoking dried leaves or by chewing on raw leaf of salvia plants. The effect is supposed to come on quite suddenly and from the outside, causes the subject to appear immediately unresponsive or very nervous and lost within their head. They may just sit still or they might, depending on how strong and how much Salvia they consume, get up and feel the need to escape or move about. <br/><br/> Internally, people who consume Salvia may experience a temporary hallucinogenic experience causing laughter, sensations of movement or a loss of time. Others who take a stronger dose can experience powerful visions or reoccurrences of past memories that might be quite terrifying. Some people will rush to try Salvia again while others may immediately swear never to even look at it, depending on the kind of experience they have had. <br/><br/> <br/><br/>
About the Author
Sam Qam is a fan of Salvia Divinorum. He has a big collection of Salvia plants and enjoys giving lectures on its chemical properties to his students.
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