Definition

Noun: 1. A psychoactive plant: Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the cloud forests of the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is known for its potent, short-acting hallucinogenic properties when its leaves are chewed, smoked, or consumed as an extract. 2. A source of a potent psychoactive compound: The plant is defined by its production of salvinorin A, a diterpenoid which is the primary active compound responsible for its powerful dissociative and visionary effects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Salvia divinorum has been used traditionally by Mazatec shamans for spiritual and healing purposes.
  • The legal status of salvia divinorum varies significantly from country to country.
  • Researchers are studying salvia divinorum to understand the mechanisms of its active compound on the brain.

Advanced Usage

• "Diviner's sage" or "Seer's sage": These are common English names for , reflecting its traditional use in divination and spiritual practices.
  • The diviner's sage is not typically used recreationally in its indigenous context.

Variants and Related Words

• Salvinorin A (noun): The primary active psychoactive compound found in .
  • Salvinorin A is a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist.
• Salvia (noun): The broader genus name encompassing hundreds of species, including common garden sage (). Note: In casual contexts, "salvia" may be used to refer specifically to , but this is ambiguous.
  • Not all salvia species have psychoactive properties.

Synonyms

• Diviner's sage (noun)
• Seer's sage (noun)
• Ska María Pastora (noun - traditional name)

Notes on Meaning

• Botanical vs. Psychoactive Context: The term primarily denotes the specific plant species. Its modern notoriety is heavily associated with its psychoactive use, distinguishing it from non-psychoactive members of the genus.
• Legal and Regulatory Context: In many jurisdictions, is discussed specifically in legal, medical, and policy frameworks concerning controlled or psychoactive substances.

Noun

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