Salvia Divinorum Side Effects
Salvia Divinorum is a perennial herb found in the Mexico’s Sierra Mazatec region. It’s active ingredient, Salvinorin A is quite strong, and you’ve doubtless seen internet videos of teens acting ridiculous while engaged in the midst of a salvia trip. Many people consider its effects unpleasant, but it is highly unlikely that these people use the drug in the proper (minimal) way to minimize these effects. A salvia trip can be relaxing, entertaining, and most importantly, a valuable, deeply personal intrinsic learning experience not likely to be found through many other venues or drugs.
When ingested via smoking, the effects of salvia have a rather short duration, which is usually seen as a good thing, due to the strong intensity thereof. Basic physiological responses include increased perspiration and lack of muscular control during usage. This latter usually manifests as a barely noticed dissociation between the mind and physical body, and can lead to feelings of fear, but it is important to note that these feelings are generally well-avoided by using salvia in small doses, especially for those inexperienced with the drug.
An important factor to note with relation to the side-effects of salvia usage is that in the natural tribal settings where salvia usage practices were first developed for religious reasons, salvia was never smoked or burned. Instead, the plant material was held inside the cheek to allow absorption through the soft oral mucous (or buccal) membrane tissue. The amount of time taken for delivery of the active component to the tissue being lengthened, the effects are not only less intensified, but occur over a long time period.
Long-term side negative effects of salvia are rarely reported and there is no proven scientific knowledge to state that any exist. On the contrary, long-term salvia use has been reported to help combat depression.
Most negative opinion concerning this great plant comes from usage covered by media outlets that focus on the abuse of the drug by youths. This is made more apparent due to many outlets persistence in drawing comparisons between salvia divinorum and its side effects with that of LSD, a synthetic drug only similar in terms of potency. Beyond the fact that both of these drugs can produce strong effects at low amounts, they are completely unlike each other.
As with any other drug or psychoactive substance, it is generally best to start off with a small dosage. Take it easy, relax, and you will enjoy a visual and mental widening of perspective unlike any other. Salvia is a potent plant and when respected, she can become a potent ally.
