What nuggetgirl said is true....if you relax when tripping most of the time things will go alot smoother....dont try and fight the trip either...once you take the hit there is no going back, so just ride it out....it's not real lol

Butane lighters are pretty imprtant if you want to feel the full effects, as salvia is most active at very high temperatures, so it would be good if you could get one.....you could use one of those little kitchen blowtorches if you have one....just get the salvia burning white hot the whole time you are smoking.

so yeah...I wouldn't do it on my own personally because I know what it can be like...and it can be very overwhelming (especially if this is your first time)....at the end of the day you never really know what is going to happen when you are tripping so I would personally get a sitter.

Edit- And I don't think the plant becomes more potent over time....it may do....but I doubt it.