Herb of the gods (Salvia divinorum)

Humanity and psychedelic plants have always been very close, and since we began our evolution we have wanted to know why things happen, what is their origin, and what we do here. First, surely we began to use them as a timid experiment, but soon there would be shamans, who would become spiritual guides ... until they ended, again, in each one of us.

Today we have evidence of many species of herbs with psychedelic properties. But if there is one to whom there is great respect, without a doubt it is the salvia divinorum. Depending on the dose, they can make you see your world in a very different way, so much so that it would not be surprising if you felt real terror during that 'trip'.

Origin and characteristics of salvia divinorum

It is a perennial herb Originally from Mexico, specifically from Oaxaca, popularly known as the herb of the gods, sage of the diviners, ska pastora, ska María, or María grass. Grows to a height of 1 meter, with thin, hollow and square stems that can be easily broken. The leaves are green, oval, and often serrated, with a size of 10 to 30 centimeters.

The flowers grow in a spiral, grouped in inflorescences. They are white, with a purple calyx. They sprout very rarely, from late summer to spring.

What are the effects of salvia divinorum?

It is an herb with sharp and intense psychoactive effects. In fact, the sense of reality and the ability to speak may be lost (momentarily). Also, blood pressure drops, and you may experience a headache the next day.

The duration of these effects is a few minutes, depending on the dose. They generally do not last more than 3 minutes.

Is it legal?

La salvia divinorum It is a plant considered a drug, due to its psychedelic effects. However, its main asset, salvinorin-A, has been isolated relatively recently, so as of this writing (November 2019) in Spain its sale and possession as an ornamental plant is allowed, but not for medicinal uses.

In countries such as Germany, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Italy, as well as in some parts of the United States (Missouri, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Delaware) It is forbidden. In Chile, its cultivation, harvest, sowing or planting is not legal, although personal use is allowed.

What care do you need?

If a friend gives you a cutting or living plant, you will need to know how it is cared for so that you can keep it for many years:

Location

The herb of the gods is a plant that, whenever possible, must be abroad, in a place protected from direct sun, but with good light. It should not be placed in the shade, as it would not grow well.

Earth

• Flower pot: It is highly recommended to mix black peat with perlite and worm castings in equal parts.
• Garden: it will grow in soils rich in organic matter, with good drainage.

Irrigation

Moderate to low. It is a plant that does not tolerate waterlogging, but neither does droughtSo, taking all this into account, it is best to check the humidity of the soil or substrate.

Also, if you grow it in a pot you should avoid putting a plate under it, as stagnant water will rot the roots.

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During all the warm months of the year it is very important to pay it with a compost such as guano for example, which is of organic origin and rich in nutrients. Of course, you have to follow the instructions specified on the packaging to avoid problems.

Multiplication

La salvia divinorum multiplies by cuttings in spring. To do this, you simply have to cut a stem, impregnate its base with homemade rooting agents and plant it in a pot with substrate, such as vermiculite.

To promote rooting, it is interesting to cover the pot with transparent plastic, in which some holes will be made so that the air can be renewed. Thus, the humidity inside the plastic is high, thus preventing the plant from drying out.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring You can plant it in the garden, or transplant it if you have it in a pot and you see roots coming out of the drainage holes.

Plagues and diseases

It is generally quite resistant, but you have to be especially careful with cottony mealybugs and, above all, with the snails which eat its leaves and stems.

Being a relatively small species, you can remove pests with a brush or by hand; although it is advisable to treat it from time to time (once every 15-20 days during spring and summer) with diatomaceous earth.

Rusticity

The herb of the gods is a plant sensitive to frost. It can only live outside all year long if the temperature does not drop below 10ºC. In the event that your area is colder, you should protect it in a greenhouse or indoors.

What did you think of salvia divinorum? Have you heard of her?