Salvia is a psychoactive herb which can induce strong dissociative effects. It is a member of the sage genus and the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Salvia divinorum has a long and continuing tradition of use as an entheogen by indigenous Mazatec shamans, who use it to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions. The plant is found in isolated, shaded, and moist plots in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Common Names: Maria Pastora, Safe of the Seers, Diviner’s Sage

Appearance: A small leafy green plant found primarily in the Mazateca region of Mexico. It can also be found as a black grainy powder. The plant is usually chewed or smoked.

Effects: The active ingredient, Salvinorin-A produces psychedelic effects in the body ranging from mild to extreme usually the effects of salvia include experiences ranging from uncontrollable laughter to much more intense and profoundly altered states where people hallucinate and hear things that are not really there. The hallucinogenic effects of smoked salvia typically last for only a few minutes but other effects can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on the method of use and dosage amount. The most commonly reported after-effects include an increased feeling of insight, an improved mood, a sense of calmness, and an increased sense of connection with nature—though, it may also cause dysphoria (unpleasant or uncomfortable mood). The higher the dose the stronger its effects losing consciousness is a possibility at higher dosage levels.