Research and Experience Reports

Most studies on Salvia were done on mice, but in 2019, Johns Hopkins performed one of the first studies on humans. These brave humans had their brains scanned in an MRI machine while on a high dose of pure Salvinorin-A. The link to the results can be found here. Their main finding was that Salvia effects the Default Mode Network more than any of the other psychedelics.

One of the coolest experience reports we've read was an account written by a pioneer in the Salvia world, Christopher Solomon, about the time he smoked Salvia in the MRI machine for Johns Hopkins. His incredible experience report can be read here.

Another pioneer in the world of Salvia, Daniel Siebert, shared his experience report of his breakthrough experience back in 1993. The link to his experience report is here.

A prolific and poetic writer about his Salvia experiences, D.M Turner, can be read here

Notable figures in the Salvia World

Epling & Játiva: The Botanists Who Named Salvia Divinorum

Carl Epling and Carlos D. Játiva are pivotal figures in the history of Salvia Divinorum, as they were the first to formally describe and name the plant in the scientific literature. In 1962, Epling, a renowned botanist, and Játiva, his collaborator, published their findings in the journal Botanical Museum Leaflets of Harvard University. Their work introduced Salvia Divinorum to the scientific community, providing the first detailed botanical description of the plant.

Epling and Játiva collected specimens of the plant during their fieldwork in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it had been used for centuries by the Mazatec people in traditional healing and spiritual practices. They named the plant Salvia Divinorum, which translates to "Sage of the Diviners," reflecting its sacred role in Mazatec shamanism. The name honors its use by healers and shamans (often referred to as curanderos) who employed the plant for divination, healing, and spiritual journeys.

While Epling and Játiva were instrumental in documenting the plant, they were unable to identify its psychoactive compound. This discovery would come decades later, thanks to the work of researchers like Daniel Siebert.

Epling and Játiva's contribution laid the foundation for all subsequent research on Salvia Divinorum. By formally classifying the plant and bringing it to the attention of the scientific world, they opened the door for further exploration into its unique properties, cultural significance, and potential applications. Their work remains a cornerstone in the study of this enigmatic plant, bridging the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern science.

Christopher Solomon: Pioneering a Therapeutic Approach to Salvia Divinorum

Christopher Solomon stands out as one of the first individuals to integrate a therapeutic, psychological, and somatic approach to working with Salvia Divinorum. As a long-time advocate and educator, Solomon has dedicated himself to exploring the therapeutic potential of this powerful plant.

Unlike traditional high-dose experiences often associated with Salvia, Solomon focuses on low-dose journeys, creating a safe and intentional space for individuals to explore its effects.

His unique style of therapy emphasizes mindfulness, somatic awareness, and psychological integration, helping participants process their experiences in a meaningful way. By combining his deep understanding of Salvia's effects with a compassionate, therapeutic framework, Solomon has opened new doors for those seeking healing, insight, and personal growth through this enigmatic plant.

Through his work, Christopher Solomon continues to challenge misconceptions about Salvia Divinorum, advocating for its responsible use and highlighting its potential as a tool for transformation and self-discovery.

More information about having an online guided therapy session with Christopher can be found here

Daniel J. Siebert: Salvia Divinorum Research

Daniel J. Siebert was a renowned ethnobotanist, pharmacognosist, and author based in Southern California. With a career spanning several decades, Siebert became one of the most influential figures in the study of Salvia Divinorum.

His groundbreaking work not only advanced scientific understanding of the plant but also bridged the gap between traditional indigenous use and modern pharmacological research.

Siebert dedicated over twenty years to studying Salvia Divinorum, and his most significant contribution came in 1993 when he unequivocally identified Salvinorin-A as the primary psychoactive compound in the plant. This discovery was made through meticulous human bioassays, where Siebert isolated and tested the compound to confirm its effects.

Salvinorin-A is unique among psychoactive substances because it is a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist, unlike other hallucinogens that primarily affect serotonin receptors. This finding revolutionized the understanding of Salvia Divinorum's mechanism of action and cemented its place in the study of psychoactive plants. He used to run a website that is no longer operational, due to his passing away, but an archived version of it can be found here.