Salvia divinorum

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Salvia divinorum

Salvia divinorum (pronunciation: /ˈsælviə dɪvɪˈnɔːrəm/), also known as sage of the diviners, seer's sage, yerba de la pastora and just salvia, is a plant species in the mint family and a powerful psychoactive plant which is used in traditional spiritual practices by the Mazatec people of Mexico.

Etymology

The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin salvare, meaning "to heal" or "to save", referring to the medicinal properties of some species. The specific epithet divinorum means "of the diviners" in Latin, reflecting its use in divination and spiritual healing.

Description

Salvia divinorum is a perennial herbaceous plant with hollow square stems, opposite leaves, and white flowers with purple calyces. The plant is native to the Sierra Mazateca in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it is still used by the Mazatec, primarily to facilitate shamanic visions in the context of curing or divination.

Psychoactive properties

The psychoactive compound in Salvia divinorum is Salvinorin A, a potent κ-opioid receptor agonist. It is structurally different from other naturally occurring hallucinogens.

Legal status

The legal status of Salvia divinorum varies by country and is often regulated by state or municipal laws in the United States. It is currently legal in some countries and illegal in others.

Related terms

  • Psychoactive drug - A chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.
  • Hallucinogen - A psychoactive agent which can cause hallucinations, perceptual anomalies, and other substantial subjective changes in thoughts, emotion, and consciousness.
  • Mazatec people - An indigenous people of Mexico, inhabiting the Sierra Mazateca in the state of Oaxaca.

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