Effects Of Salvia Divinorum: A Complete Guide
A native Mexican plant that is a member of the sage family is the only one enjoyed recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties. The plant, Salvia divinorum, or salvia, is the subject of research as a treatment for drug addiction, mental disorders, and even more serious diseases like AIDS. Salvia offers a hallucinogenic oasis within its leaves. Salvia is typically non-addicting and the effects of its use can be beneficial.
What is Salvia?
Intrinsic to rural Oaxaca in Mexico, salvia contains a potent hallucinogenic
agent identified as salvinorin A within its leaves. Salvinorin A acts as a a
KOR or κ-opioid agonist, a protein-based receptor that binds opium-like
compounds in the brain to induce a deleriant effect. These compounds are linked
to endorphins and chemicals that induce sensations akin to getting high.
However, salvinorin A is not a psychedelic.
Chewing or smoking salvia leaves determines the onset, duration and potency of
salvinorin A. The effects also vary from user to user. Smoking the leaves
induces more immediate, more intense but shorter-lasting effects that begin to
subside after ten minutes. Chewing the leaves yields the opposite result: a
longer on-ramp, a longer tapering-off, and a lower intensity natural high.
Salvinorin A is active in quantities as small as 200mcg, hence the potency even
with prolonged chewing sessions.
Salvia's Properties
The effects of salvia use include but are not limited to euphoria, auditory and
visual hallucinations, and the senses-jumbling sensation called synaesthesia.
Synaesthesia entails the association of colors with taste and smells with sound
— results of brain receptor confusion. Further perception-altering effects
include short-term memory loss, geographic distortions and extended temporal
lapses for what are minutes to an unaffected user. While automobiles and
machinery should not be operated under the influence of saliva, it is a much
safer, organic alternative to alcohol and tobacco, though smoking salvia mayo
result in coughing and sore throat if used excessively.
Salvia juice extracts and sublingual tinctures are essentially more of the
same, in concentrated, more potent doses. Shamans and experienced salvia users
generally take advantage of its properties in this form. The effects will
certainly include a quicker and more intense displacement of the indulgent that
borders on a visionary experience. When the salvia user comes down, a mild
anxiety or temporary panic may be felt, so a sober friend or observer should be
present. Antidepressive feelings may also occur. These feelings pass rather
quickly. Other physiological side effects may include increased body heat and
sweating, mild vertigo and in rare cases, a temporary numbness of the face and
other parts of the body.
The Sage of the Seer
Salvia is called the diviner's sage or seer's sage for good reason. Beneficial side effects of salvia use reportedly include improved concentration, mood, heightened perceptiveness, increased self-confidence, and boosted creativity. Salvia possesses active components that have shown a positive effect on human physiology and mental processes. Salvia is the subject of studies to treat drug addiction and it may enjoy a renaissance as a wholly natural herb with which to treat a number of maladies.
