Recent studies of the American drug culture have revealed a movement that leads away from traditional narcotics such as Marijuana and Opiates and towards safer, more natural substances. Foremost among these right now is an herb from Mexico called “Salvia Divinorum” or the “Diviner’s Sage” used by ancient Native Americans to induce an out of body experience on the astral plane. Currently it is legal to buy Salvia in all fifty states.
Salvia Divinorum contains no nicotine and is not addictive. It is also not classified as a hallucinogenic but rather as a natural substance that produces a euphoric effect in its users and brings about a state of calm and peace that is described as “out of body”. Already popular among those seeking alternative spiritual paths, Salvia is now making its way into mainstream society. With increased regulations and the legal issues that come with the use of narcotics it is seen as a safe and healthy alternative to many who have used other more dangerous substances in the past. With the increase in teen overdoses from heroin and LSD in recent years most are relieved that there is now a natural alternative that teens and others are turning to for relief.
Dr. Bryan Roth, a biochemist and neuroscientist at Case Western Reserve University and Director of the National Institute of Mental Health's Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, claims that Salvia may offer some answers to unanswered questions about addiction and possibly Alzheimer’s. The chemical inside Salvia, Salvinorin A, affects a single receptor site in the brain, the same site which is affected by morphine and opiates. The target specific nature of Salvia makes it an excellent subject for researchers, particularly since it is currently a legal substance with no controls or regulations placed on it.
Thomas Prisinzano, a University of Iowa professor in the division of medicinal and natural products chemistry, claims that research of Salvia may lead to a cure for addiction and substance abuse. "There's been some evidence that by modulating opioid receptors, you can potentially treat stimulant abuse," Dr. Prisinzano states. These study results have been compiled after extensive testing on rodents and voluntary clinical trials on humans have not been initiated yet.
The escalation of violence and the cost of legal enforcement of drug laws have given any type of mood or mind altering substance a bad name right out of the gate. Complicating the issue further is the number of tragic stories attached to narcotics use and abuse. Distributors of Salvia, like www.salviadragon.com would like to emphasize that Salvia is not an illegal narcotic and has to date not been connected with any of these tragic occurrences or violence of any kind. On the contrary, Salvia is a natural herb that creates a feeling of euphoria and well being. According to most medical professionals it is not an addictive substance and users have reported no lasting side effects of any kind.
