Salvia Divinorum for Medical Use
Salvia Divinorum, colloquially known as “seer sage,” is an herb indigenous to Mexico, which has traditionally been used to reach a higher level of consciousness; it is currently being heavily researched as a valuable medicinal substance. According to Dr. Matthew Johnson of Johns Hopkins University, promising research is currently being done, which suggests that Salvia Divinorum has very strong implications in the treatment of “chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cocaine dependence.” This perception –altering substance has been proven to be non-habit forming, and does not pose any significant health risks when used as directed.
When it is used appropriately, medicinal application of salvia has been shown to effectively treat depression, and enhance psychotherapy. Administration results in a heightened state of consciousness, increasing the effectiveness of meditation, contemplation, and self-awareness exercises. According to the Mazatec Indians, who first discovered the medical value of the herb, it is also effective in treating intestinal upset, and stopping diarrhea. Finally, they routinely use the Salvia Divinorum, both as a pain relieving agent, and to alleviate anemia.
You can buy salvia in several forms, including, but not limited to fresh cuttings, dried leaves, and liquid extract. In most cases, doses of Salvia Divinorum are administered orally either by chewing or smoking the leaves, depending on the herbal form in which it is purchased. Smoked forms reach the blood stream immediately, and so, take and lose effect faster. In contrast, chewed/absorbed administrations take effect slower, but last longer. Salvia Divinorum typically takes effect between 5 and 15 minutes after consumption, and continues for any where for 30 minutes to an hour after consumption. Individual suseptability to the herbs medicinal benefits depend on multiple factors including personal metabolism and drug sinsitivity.
Before using this or any other herbal substance, make sure you know the legal implications of use in your home state; possession, distribution, and use restrictions very heavily between locations. As a safety precaution, do not operate heavy machinery while taking this, or any other herbal supplement. Users should always begin by using a lower dosage of Salvia Divinorum, in its raw form, before using extracts, or larger doses. If symptoms of serious allergic reaction occur, discontinue medical use, and contact a health care professional immediately.
