Usage

Salvia Divinorum: Methods of Use

Disclaimer:

None of the descriptions given on this site have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The methods of use for Salvia Divinorum and Salvorin A discussed on this site are not meant to diagnose, heal, cure, relieve or prevent any illnesses. All information on this site are the views of the individual writers who do not declare to be medical experts giving pharmaceutical advice. This site is strictly with the mission of providing views of the author.

The last decade has brought about a wealth of alternatives for obtaining a “legal high” for individuals seeking a safer alternative to illicit drugs. If you are researching Salvia divinorum, then you may be one of those individuals. Salvia divinorum is an herb closely related to the mint family which is widely known for its hallucinogenic qualities. In fact, salvia divinorum is said to be the most potent of all hallucinogens on the planet. “Salvia is considered one of the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogens. It produces effects that may include altered perceptions, distorted reality, visual and auditory hallucinations, a loss of control over body movements, and anxiety and fear from a “bad trip” Newsweek reports.1

This article is a means of educating users on the different methods of consuming salvia divinorum, and the dosage required for each method. Salvia can be smoked or chewed, bought in tinctures or brewed in teas, and purchased in various forms. We will examine each method, the indications, and appropriate dosage for each. It is important to remember potency will vary from vendor to vendor, and effects will also vary from individuals based on health, body weight and state of mind.

Smoking Salvia

Salvia divinorum is most commonly consumed by smoking.  To smoke salvia, you need either a tobacco pipe, bong, steamroller, etc. If you wish to purchase a smoking utensil at a head shop, please make sure you refer to it as a “tobacco pipe” or “water pipe” if you don’t want to be asked to leave. The purpose of these utensils is to use them for tobacco, of course they are aware it is for something else! A water bong, as pictured below, is ideal for smoking due to the cooling effect the water has on the smoke, allowing for easier inhalation with less coughing and discomfort.2 Before smoking salvia divinorum, make sure you prepare yourself fully for the experience to be a positive one. It is best to have a babysitter, so to speak. Especially if it will be your first time. Users have reported feelings similar to an out of body experience, and loss of coordination. It is critical to understand the potency of salvia divinorum before attempting to drive or operate machinery. It is notably best to consume salvia when your mind is clear and free of worry and stress. To trip on salvia while your mind is preoccupied or otherwise worried would only increase the chances of experiencing a “bad trip”, much like on LSD. The following guidelines are for informational purposes only meant to serve as a guide for beginners on dosage of smoking salvia divinorum.

 

Water Bong  Torch

 

Smoked/Vaporized Salvia Divinorum Average Potency Leaves

 

Light:                                                           0.25grams

Common:                                                      0.50grams

Strong:                                                          0.75grams

ONSET:                                                      30 to 180 seconds

DURATION:                                                5 to 30 minutes

NORMAL AFTER EFFECTS:                 30 to 60 minutes

 

Smoked/Vaporized Dosage 5x Extract

 

Light:                                                      0.05grams to 0.10grams

Common:                                               0.08grams to 0.15grams

Strong:                                                   0.10grams to 0.25grams

ONSET:                                                        30 to 180 seconds

Duration:                                                       5 to 30 minutes

NORMAL AFTER EFFECTS:                 30 to 60 minutes

 

• To smoke salvia, first begin by putting the recommended dosage into your smoking utensil.
• Next use a butane lighter due to the intense amount of heat required to burn the Salvia divinorum
• Exhale deeply before you put your mouth on the utensil so your lungs are completely empty
• While lighting the salvia divinorum inhale slow and deep.
• Try to hold the smoke in your lungs for as long as possible then exhale very slowly.
• Repeat if desired
• Lay down, relax and enjoy the ride.

 

Chewing/Quid

Quids are small amounts of compressed salvia divinorum shaved and rolled into small balls or cylinders. To begin count out around 8 – 28 large hole leaves which make around 2 to 8grams of salvia quid, respectively. If you do not have a way of measuring with a scale, then counting out the appropriate amount of leaves is your best bet. Next soak the leaves in a bowl of cool water for about 5 minutes then remove. Squeeze until no water drips out and then roll into a ball or cylinder. What you have now is a quid which will be easy to place into your mouth and allowing the active chemicals in Salvia to be absorbed through your gums. Onset is around 10 to 15 minutes after your first chew, which is slower than smoking. Even though the onset is greater, quids last much longer than inhaling salvia. The peak will occur around the same time you spit it out and plateau there for at least an hour before tapering off. It is important to hold your saliva in your mouth the entire time, if possible, to ensure the most chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream for a much greater experience.3 It is best to prepare yourself for this experience by brushing your teeth your tongue, along with your gums, to remove any dead cells normally present. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.4

Salvia Tincture

Salvia tincture is a liquid form of salvia which should only be produced and manufactured in a professional laboratory. Laboratories possess the ability to use high proof ethanol extraction processes, which extract the chemicals needed for a much cleaner and safer experience. While using the tincture you want to deposit approximately 10 mL under your tongue and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can. Effects can be felt within 10 to 15 minutes and you’ll hit a peak that last 20 to 40 minutes. Effects should begin to wear off within 30 to 60 minutes afterwards. It is important to read all directions from the manufacturer before consuming, since strength varies by vendor.

Traditional Mazatec Method

The most traditional and safest method is that which was used for religious rituals by the Mazatec Indians. This method is a salvia divinorum water-based drink made from fresh ground leaves. It is also known as “salvia tea”. The effects of this method are both the strongest and safest, and last much longer than any other method out there. However, it is noted that it takes large amounts of salvia divinorum to make this drink. You will need the following:

• one small brewing pot
• 12 Oz of water
• one ounce of dried Salvia Leaf
• optional honey
• optional milk
• optional sugar

Begin by bringing your 12 Oz of water to a boil, then place your one ounce of salvia divinorum leaf into the boiling water and allow it to boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Next let it steep for 10 minutes. The longer it steeps the higher the level of chemicals that will be expressed. Strain, then add honey, milk, sugar or anything else you wish to enhance the flavor considering the bitterness of the tea.