SALVIA DIVINORUM (Hallucinogenic) sage, Salvia divinorum, salvia, the matrix Salvia is derived from the American plant Salvia divinorum, a member of the mint family. It is used by the Mazatecs and others in Meso America. It is marketed in the UK under many guises. In head and sex shops it is often sold as herbal ecstasy, using names such as Eclipse. It is also sold as a dried natural high, intended for smoking (in variable amounts) or as a herbal remedy under its botanical name, or as the matrix or 'hallucinogenic sage'. "Salvinorin A" the active component of Salvia Divinorum, is most effective when vaporized and inhaled, but the most common way to take it is by swallowing or smoking. Its effects are more hallucinatory than other legal highs - though high doses of the raw plant are usually needed to achieve these effects.   A dose of 200-500 mcg produces profound hallucinations that last from 30 minutes to an hour or two, while doses over 2mg are effective for much longer. According to the literature, doses greater than 500 mcg can cause the user to become completely unaware of their surroundings and enter a state of uncontrollable delerium during which they must be watched carefully. [1]   [1] Salvia Divinorum and the Unique Diterpene Hallucinogen Salvinorin (Divinorin) A., Valdes, L.J., From: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol.26 (3), 1994. p.277-283. Updated October 2003