Salvia Leaves
	Native to the Mexican area of Oaxaca, this celebrated “healer plant” is most commonly used by the indigenous Mazatec Indians in spiritual ceremonies. The effects of salvia on users can vary between mild and strong hallucinogenic, yet conscious, experiences lasting anywhere from five minutes to over three hours. Not to be confused with recreational drugs, salvia is a powerful tool, which used in the right setting may lead to spiritual awakenings and feelings of connectivity to the universe. While the Mazatec people typically ingest salvia either by chewing fresh leaves or consuming water-based salvia drink, most modern users find smoking dried salvia leaves to be the preferred method, providing a short-lasting, but potentially intense experience. With no addictive properties and no proven health risks outside of those typical of any smoke inhalation, most users have little or no negative after-effects. Used by informed adults, in a meditative setting, and shown due respect, salvia can be a rewarding means to enhance one’s introspective journeys and worldly contemplations.
S110 Salvia Leaves 1oz $16.94  S111 Salvia Leaves 4oz $54.45  S076 Salvia Leaves 8oz $102.85  S108 Salvia Leaves 1kg $290.40

The Mazatec People of Oaxaca, Mexico & The History of Salvia Divinorum

Named by early Spanish explorers of the region for their proximity to the town of Mazatlan, the Mazatec are closely related to the Native American tribes of Mixtec and Otomi, and inhabit the Sierra Mazateca mountain range in Oaxaca, Mexico. Despite the existence of many Christian principles in their religion, the Mazatec people are known for their use and cultivation of many indigenous plants for both spiritual and alternative healing properties, such as the increasingly popular salvia divinorum.

Salvia divinorum is one of approximately 500 species of the salvia genus in existence, but the only one known to contain the psychoactive salvinorin A. Salvia naturally occurs in the wild only in moist and humid areas high in the mountains and valleys of northeastern Oaxaca.

Mazatec shamans have used salvia divinorum, otherwise known as “ska Maria Pastora” or “Diviner's sage,” for centuries in spiritual and religious ceremonies. The name “Maria” is taken from the Christian Virgin Mary, whom the Mazatec people believe to be incarnated in the salvia plant, and thus take great care to handle the plant without incurring damage.

Traditionally, the salvia plant's leaves are chewed and swallowed two at a time, though occasionally the leaves are crushed, the extracted juices mixed with water, and the potion imbibed. Alternatively, and more commonly performed by people outside of the Mazatec clan, the salvia leaves can be dried and smoked. It has been said that smoking of dried salvia produces little to mild effect, if any at all, though this varies from person to person.

Historically used as a tool to enhance visions in meditation or to explore spiritual enlightenment, salvia is often misrepresented as a legal alternative to the recreational use of marijuana, although on occasion similar affects can be achieved. The Mazatec people also use salvia as an alternative medicine, as they believe the plant can regulate eliminatory functions, relieve headaches and rheumatism, and alleviate some symptoms of the ailments of the elderly.

It is believe that the first introduction of salvia divinorum to outsiders was made in the late 50's by an anthropologist from New York by the name of Richard Gordon Wasson, who came upon it while researching hallucinogenic mushrooms in the region. Wasson collected specimens of the plant back to the United States, where he cultivated and studied, which led to its classification as a new species.

While still legal in the United States to own salvia plants, increasing public awareness has prompted government efforts to ban the sale of the plant if sold for human consumption, despite no evidence of addictive properties or health risks to users. Currently, Louisiana and Missouri are the only states to have legally prohibited the use of salvia. Salvia is also illegal in Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Belgium, and South Korea. Some countries have restricted the use of salvia without a doctor's prescription including Estonia, Finland, and Norway.