The Salvia divinorum Research and Information Center - Shroomery

The Salvia divinorum FAQ
Drying is very fast and thorough. Dry until the entire leaves including the leaf stem are
crispy. Your fingers can tell you when they are ready. Advantages: speed, thorough
drying. and convenience. Disadvantages cost of buying a dehydrator.
Method 4). "Oven Method"
Place on an oven proof dish. Oven dry in an oven set at no more than 150 degrees F.
Similar to method 3) although a little less convenient; however, more people have
ovens than food dehydrators.
Method 5). "Calcium chloride Drying"
List-member "cystonic" recommends: Get Damp-rid (Calcium Chloride) refills and
place sufficient amount in the bottom of a Tupperware container. Place a piece of
aluminum foil atop the CaCl2, and place leaves to be dried on top of foil. Curling edges
is recommended as to avoid contact with the CaCl2. Seal container, and leaves will be
dry in approx. 2 days Advantage very thorough drying. Disadvantages less convenient
than other methods. Slow.
Q. How should I store dried leaves and how long will they last?
A. Place them in a sealed jar away from light. A clean glass canning jar works very well
(1 quart Mason jar). Storing the jar inside a kitchen cabinet or medicine chest will keep
it away from light. Stored this way leaves will keep their potency for many months or
even years. Storing dry leaves in a sealed jar in a freezer may give even longer shelf life.
Q. I’ve heard talk of Salvia extracts and I’m confused. The term seems to be used in
various ways.
A. It is confusing because the term is often used to refer to various preparations derived
from Salvia. Technically, in pharmacy and medicine the dictionary definition of an
extract is: a solid preparation obtained by evaporating a solution of a drug. There is
also such a thing as a fluid extract (or tincture), which is a concentrated liquid
preparation containing a definite proportion of the active principles of a medicinal
substance. The solvent usually used is ethyl alcohol or a mixture of ethyl alcohol and
water. However various Salvia preparations are often referred to (loosely) as extracts.
Q. What are the advantages of using extracts?.
A. Extracts allow one to explore deeper levels than are available using plain leaf. This is
particularly important for people who find that they are not very sensitive to S.
divinorum. Another advantage to these products is that they are far easier to consume,
since less material needs to be ingested or smoked.
Q. How safe are extracts?.
A. They are safe if prepared properly and used wisely. It is highly recomended that you
have a sitter present when experimenting with any enhanced or concentrated form of
Salvia divinorum. Poorly manufactured extracts, or fortified leaves may contain traces
of toxic solvents or other residues. Unless standardized, the strength of these
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