![]() There’s no doubt that more clinical and pharmacologic research is needed to determine the potential benefits and health risks of using salvia. But reports indicate that the effects of salvia, however short-lived, can be intense and even frightening. After smoking or ingesting salvia, the effects are usually felt within two minutes and last for 20 minutes or less. It’s the short duration of the herb’s effects that may be what makes it more attractive to users than other hallucinogens, like LSD. Research suggests that doses as small as 4.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight as well as relatively large doses of 8 milligrams both result in hallucinogenic experiences. The hallucinatory effects of salvia are said to be highly dose dependent, with larger doses causing significant hallucinations. Extractions of salvinorin A can also be produced and are sold on the internet as a tincture that can be taken orally or as an enhanced dried leaf product. The effects of salvia when used this way depend on the absorption of salvinorin A through the oral mucosa, or mouth lining, before the herb is swallowed or inhaled. The dried leaves can also be inhaled through water pipes or by using a vaporizer. The salvia plant is consumed by chewing the fresh leaves, drinking the juices of the freshly crushed leaves or smoking the dried leaves. Today, salvia is popular mainly among adolescents and young adults, who use it for the “short-lived relatively pleasant experiences many consider a ‘legal high’ and its ready availability through internet purchases,” according to researchers at the National University Hospital in Singapore. ![]() Drugs like morphine and other opioids increase dopamine levels, creating euphoric and analgesic effects, but salvia reduces dopamine levels, causing what’s been described as a state of dysphoria instead. Recently, salvinorin A has been researched for its potential beneficial effects for a variety of central nervous system illnesses, but reports suggest that its this ingredient that makes the salvia experience so unique, and usually uncomfortable or even terrifying. ![]() The active ingredient in salvia is called salvinorin A - a dopamine-reducing kappa-opioid receptor that’s responsible for the hallucinogenic effect of the salvia plant. So are there any health benefits to ingesting or smoking salvia leaves, or is it just another dangerous drug that should be banned in the U.S.? Studies do suggest that the sage species can be considered for drug development because of their therapeutic and pharmacology activities in many countries of Asia and the Middle East, especially China and India, but there’s varying opinions about whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to using salvia divinorum. For centuries, salvia has been used in religious rituals in South America for its psycho-mimetic effects, but today it’s often used by young adults who are looking to experience a short-term trip. Street names for salvia include Magic Mint, Sally D, Diviners Sage, Seer’s Sage, Shepherdess’s Herb and Purple Sticky™, which is a popular brand name that’s sold in smoke shops. Salvia is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant that belongs to the sage family. Although the herb’s use as a recreational and medicinal drug is becoming more popular, the scientific literature documenting the benefits and negative consequences of salvia is scarce. The long-term impact of using salvia is still unclear, and there are concerns that it may effect your mental health. And reports by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens indicate that 1.5 percent of 12th graders have recently used salvia. Researchers found that 4.4 percent of just over 1,500 students reported using salvia at least once within the past 12 months. and invited to participate in an online survey. For the study, a sample of college students were randomly drawn from a large public university in the southwestern U.S. Research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence in 2008 indicates that salvia is becoming a significant member of the list of drugs that are used by college students. In recent years, especially after a video of teen pop star Miley Cyrus using the drug surfaced in 2010, the rising popularity of recreational salvia in the U.S. Historically, salvia was used by the Mazatecs for divination and shamanism, and it’s been suggested that the herb’s use may even date back to the Aztecs. Although adolescents and college students are just beginning to experiment with this powerful herb, it’s no newbie to the list of psychedelics. ![]() Salvia divinorum has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug for its hallucinogenic effects. ![]()
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