Related Terms

• Diviner's mint, diviner's sage, hardwickiic acid, hierba Maria (Spanish), hojas de la pastora (Spanish), hojas de Maria pastora (Spanish), la hembra (Spanish), la Maria (Spanish), Lamiaceae (family), loliolide, magic mint, María pastora, Mexican mint, mint plant, neoclerodane diterpene, neoclerodane diterpenoids, presqualene alcohol, sage of the seers, Sally-D, salvia, salvinorinyl-2-heptanoate, shepherdess's herb, ska Maria pastora (Mazatec), ska pastora (Mazatec), the female, yerba de Maria (Spanish), yerba Maria (Spanish).

Background

• Salvia (Salvia divinorum) is a hallucinogenic plant that is traditionally used by the Mazatec culture in central Mexico. It is grown in California and other parts of the United States where it is used as a legal hallucinogen and is becoming popular with teenagers and young adults. Laws in Finland, Denmark, and Australia prohibit cultivating, consuming, or dealing with salvia.

• Most studies have investigated salvia's active constituent, salvinorin A. Currently, there are no high-quality trials investigating salvia's therapeutic uses. Animal studies of salvia have not shown any toxicity even at high doses, but use of salvia can cause central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric effects due to its hallucinogenic properties. Some researchers believe that salvinorin A may show promise as a psychotherapeutic compound for diseases manifested by perceptual distortions (e.g. schizophrenia, dementia, and bipolar disorders).

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, diarrhea, drug abuse (stimulant), gastrointestinal motility, hallucinogenic, pain, pruritus (severe itching), schizophrenia.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for salvia in adults.

Children (under 18 years old):

• There is no proven safe or recommended dose for salvia in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to salvia.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Salvia may cause decreased heart rate, increased perspiration, changes in body temperature, chills, inability to control muscles, inability to maintain balance, loss of coordination, and short-term effects on motor-control. The effects of salvia are typically short-lived.

• Salvia may induce hallucinations and psychedelic-like changes in visual perception and mood. Visual hallucinations may include perception of bright lights and vivid colors and shapes, as well as body movements and body or object distortions.

• Dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, awkward sentence patterns, and general change in consciousness have been reported.

• Use cautiously in patients with psychiatric disorders, including depression, due to salvia's ability to induce hallucinations and other mood changes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Salvia is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Salvia may have hallucinogenic effects. Salvia may also have additive effects with other opioid drugs and caution is advised when taking certain pain-relieving agents. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking salvia with opioids.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Salvia may have hallucinogenic effects. Salvia may also have additive effects with other opioids and caution is advised when taking certain pain relieving agents. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking salvia with opioids.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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