Definition

Noun: 1. A psychoactive plant: A herb, specifically Salvia divinorum, native to the Oaxaca region of Mexico, known for its potent, short-acting hallucinogenic properties when its leaves are chewed or smoked. Its primary active compound is salvinorin A.

Usage and Examples

• As a subject: " is not related to common culinary mint."
• As an object: "Some traditional healers in Oaxaca use in rituals."
• With modifiers: "The powerful effects of are well-documented."

Advanced Usage

• In ethnobotanical context: The term is used specifically to refer to in discussions about traditional Mazatec shamanic practices and modern psychoactive substance research. It is a vernacular name, not a formal botanical one.
• Legal and regulatory context: Often appears in legal texts or discussions concerning controlled substances, as its legal status varies by country and region.

Variants and Related Words

• Salvia divinorum: The formal botanical Latin name for the plant.
• Diviner's sage: Another common English name for the same plant, emphasizing its traditional use in divination.
• Ska María Pastora: A traditional name used in Oaxaca, meaning "Leaves of Mary the Shepherdess."

Synonyms

• Salvia (in common, but imprecise, usage, as it refers to a large genus of plants).
• Hallucinogenic sage.

Notes on Meaning

• Important Distinction: Despite the name "mint," it is not a true mint (genus ) and is not used for culinary purposes. The name likely originates from the mint-like appearance of its leaves. Its defining characteristic is its psychoactive potency.

Noun

1. an herb from Oaxaca that has a powerful hallucinogenic effect; the active ingredient is salvinorin