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Aztec sage

Aztec sage (Salvia divinorum) is a plant that belongs to the labiate family. It was used for centuries in religious ceremonies by the Mazatec Indians in Mexico. The Mazatec believed that this plant was a reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. Today, Aztec sage is most commonly used as a party drug. Aztec sage causes hallucinations when inhaled, when the leaves are chewed or when extracts are placed under the tongue. Aztec sage is available online in concentrated form. It is used in cigarettes and incense. Aztec sage is used orally as a medicine for diarrhea, headaches, rheumatic joint pain and a bloated feeling in the digestive tract, as well as a tonic. Aztec sage is also used to regulate urination and bowel movements.

How does Aztec sage work?

Aztecsage contains chemicals that can cause hallucinations. However, these chemicals are destroyed by the digestive juices. There is not much information on how Aztec sage might work as a medicine.

How effective is Aztec sage?

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of Aztec sage for treating diarrhea, headaches, rheumatism and a bloated feeling, when used as a hallucinogen, to regulate bladder emptying and bowel movements, and when used as a tonic. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Aztec sage in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Aztecsage may not be safe and harmless. It may cause serious side effects including nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of Aztec Sage during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Aztec sage.

Interactions

At present, there is no information on interactions between Aztec Sage and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of Aztec sage depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Aztec sage. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Gonzalez D, Riba J, Bouso JC, et al. Pattern of use and subjective effects of Salvia divinorum among recreational users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2006;85:157-62.
  2. Halpern JH. Hallucinogens and dissociative agents naturally growing in the United States. Pharmacol Ther 2004;102:131-8.
  3. Siebert DJ. Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A: new pharmacologic findings. J Ethnopharmacol 1994;43:53-6.
  4. Singh S. Adolescent salvia substance abuse. Addiction 2007;102:823-4.
  5. US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency, Diversion Control Program. Drugs and Chemicals of Concern: Salvia Divinorum, ska Maria Pastora, Salvia (Salvinorin A, Divinorin A). 2002. Available at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/salvia_d/summary.htm
  6. Valdes LJ 3rd, Diaz JL, Paul AG. Ethnopharmacology of ska Maria Pastora (Salvia divinorum, Epling and Jativa-M.). J Ethnopharmacol 1983;7:287-312.
  7. Valdes LJ 3rd. Salvia divinorum and the unique diterpene hallucinogen, Salvinorin (divinorin) A. J Psychoactive Drugs 1994;26:277-83.