Salvia Divinorum

Also known as: Salvia, Diviner’s Sage, Maria Pastora, Seer's Sage, yerba de la pastora, Magic Mint, Purple Sticky, Diviner’s Sage, Sally-D
Category: Dissociative hallucinogen (Salvinorin A)

Salvia divinorum is a perennial sage native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Unlike classic psychedelics that act on serotonin receptors, salvia’s effects are mediated by salvinorin A, a potent and selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist—making it neurochemically and experientially distinct from LSD, psilocybin, or DMT.

It is a species of plant in the sage genus Salvia, known for its transient psychoactive properties when its leaves, or extracts made from the leaves, are administered by smoking, chewing, or drinking (as a tea). Users also drop a small amount of salvia-containing tincture under the tongue. 

History & Culture

• Native to the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where it has been used for generations by Mazatec shamans in healing and divination ceremonies.

• Traditionally, only fresh leaves were used—chewed or prepared as a tea. Smoking, now common, is a modern adaptation not practiced in indigenous rituals.

• First documented by Jean Basset Johnson in 1939, who was studying Mazatec shamanism and noted its ceremonial role.

• In 1962, ethnobotanists Albert Hofmann and R. Gordon Wasson attended Salvia-based ceremonies in Oaxaca and collected flowering specimens, enabling scientific classification.

• The plant was formally described as Salvia divinorum by Epling & Játiva in 1962.

• Mexican researchers Ortega et al. isolated the psychoactive compound salvinorin A in 1982.

• Researcher Daniel Siebert confirmed salvinorin A’s psychoactivity in 1994, identifying it as a powerful kappa-opioid receptor agonist, unlike classic psychedelics.

• In the early 2000s, salvia gained notoriety through viral internet videos, often highlighting bizarre or disorienting effects.

• This led to widespread legal restrictions in many countries and U.S. states, although it remains legal in some regions.

• Today, Salvia is respected in indigenous spiritual traditions, studied in neuroscience, and cautiously explored in underground psychedelic circles.

Effects

• Disconnection from physical body, cartoon-like imagery, geometry, time loops, merging with objects, strong gravity distortion, slurred speech, laughing uncontrollably and rolling sensations. Often described as surreal or destabilizing.

Risks & Side Effects

• Not considered physically addictive, but habitual use for dissociation or escapism may develop in some users, especially in unstructured environments.

• A 2011 study found that combining salvia with alcohol or other drugs increased the likelihood of neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal side effects.

• Animal research suggests potential impacts on learning and long-term memory. A 2011 rat study showed impaired memory retention following salvinorin A exposure, though human studies are lacking.

• May trigger acute anxiety, fear, or paranoia, especially in sensitive individuals or unfamiliar settings. Panic attacks and lasting discomfort are possible with high doses or poor support.

• Can cause disorientation, depersonalization, or emotional numbness—users often report a lingering “strangeness” or difficulty grounding post-experience.

• Physical reactions may include slurred speech, loss of coordination, chills, sweating, or involuntary movements during the peak.

• There is risk of physical injury due to disconnection from surroundings—falling, thrashing, or walking into danger during a trip has been reported.

• Long-term effects are poorly understood, and no large-scale clinical studies have confirmed its neurological safety.

• Not recommended for individuals with a history of psychosis, panic disorder, or severe anxiety, as the experience can be deeply destabilizing.

• A 2015 study on The subjective experience of acute, experimentally-induced Salvia divinorum inebriation ​​has shown a low potential for abuse.

Duration & Onset

• Smoked Onset: 20–60 seconds

• Peak: 1–5 minutes

• Total duration: 10–30 minutes

• Oral (chewed or tincture): slower onset, longer, more gentle experience

Dosage

• Smoked: 200–1000 mcg of salvinorin A (very small quantity)

• Chewed leaves: higher amounts required; effects are less intense but longer-lasting

• Tincture: emerging form in some spiritual circles, better for controlled dosing

Interactions

Poorly studied, but should not be combined with alcohol, cannabis, or sedatives. The kappa-opioid system does not overlap with serotonin psychedelics—effects are not enhanced by typical psychedelic stacks. Should be done in controlled settings with a sitter present.

Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of Salvia divinorum across diverse populations. Isolated case reports have documented instances of prolonged psychosis following its use, though causal links remain unclear.

Therapeutic & Cultural Resonance

Salvinorin A has therapeutic potential as a treatment for pain, mood and personality disorders, and substance abuse. However, while limited scientific research exists compared to other psychedelics, salvia remains deeply respected in traditional Mazatec culture as a powerful diagnostic and healing ally. Some contemporary users explore it for:

• Somatic release or emotional clearing

• Confronting ego structures or subconscious material

• Engaging with non-linear, symbolic dream logic

Its spiritual use is more akin to shamanic trance than therapeutic catharsis. Modern attempts at therapeutic use are still largely experimental.

Integration Tips

Because Salvia divinorum often induces non-linear, dissociative, and symbolically rich experiences, integration should not be treated casually. We strongly recommend professional, guided integration—especially for those who experience confusion, emotional disconnection, or lingering psychological effects. Trained therapists, somatic practitioners, or experienced facilitators can help unpack insights, ground the body, and prevent spiritual bypassing or unresolved fragmentation.