Salvia divinorum

Salvia divinorum is most famously used by the Mazatec of Oaxaca, Mexico, who traditionally chew the fresh leaves or brew them into a tea to induce a short‑lived visionary experience. The same practice is recorded among the Mixtec of Oaxaca (Bennett et al., 2021) and the Zapotec of Oaxaca (Bennett et al., 2021), where the leaves are either macerated in water or steeped as a decoction before consumption. In all three cultures the infusion is prepared from the fresh or dried leaves, the part of the plant that contains the psychoactive compounds, and is consumed orally in small doses, typically one or two cups per session.

A simple, safe preparation for a mild tea is as follows: take 5 g of dried Salvia divinorum leaves and place them in a pot with 250 ml of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for 5 minutes, then strain the liquid into a cup. Drink one cup at a time, waiting at least 30 minutes between doses. Because the plant’s active constituents are potent, it is advisable to avoid use during pregnancy, in children, or by individuals with a history of psychiatric illness. A single cup per day is generally considered the upper limit for recreational use.

The pharmacological activity of Salvia divinorum is largely attributed to the diterpene salvinorin A, which is present in the leaves at concentrations up to 0.5 % of dry weight. Salvinorin B, a closely related compound, is also found in smaller amounts and may contribute to the overall effect profile. These compounds are unique in that they act as selective kappa‑opioid receptor agonists, a mechanism that underlies the plant’s hallucinogenic properties. Other minor diterpenes have been identified, but salvinorin A remains the primary active constituent responsible for the traditional psychoactive use.

Today, Salvia divinorum continues to be studied for its unusual kappa‑opioid activity, with research exploring potential therapeutic applications and the risks of abuse. The plant is regulated in many countries, and in the United States it is a Schedule I controlled substance, although it remains available in some online markets as dried leaves or tinctures for research purposes. Its continued use by indigenous communities and interest from the scientific community underscore its enduring relevance.

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