Salvia is a genus belonging to the mint family. And with approximately 700 to 900 species, this is the largest genus of the family. A recent comprehensive study revealed that the number of species could be reduced to less than 700. There are very close similarities among the different species and each species has many varieties. The species Salvia officinalis, more popularly known as common sage or kitchen sage, is a culinary herb and is used in herbal medicine Evidence shows that officinalis has antibiotic and antifungal properties. The herb is native to the Mediterranean region and has a slightly peppery flavor. It is used in British and Italian cooking. It is also used in the Balkans and the Middle East as a kitchen herb.
Another important species is Salvia Divinorum, also known as diviner’s sage or seer’s sage. The herb is native to state of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. It is a psychoactive plant which induces hallucinatory effects. Traditionally the leaves were crushed to extract the juice and then it is mix with water to create an infusion, also called “tea” which Mazatec shamans of Mexico drink to induce vision in religious healing rituals. Only fresh leaves are used in these ceremonies.