Twenty-four images of Chia Seed, Salvia hispanica, Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Mint Family. Chia is a common name for several species of Salvia from Mexico and the western United States. Seeds a well-known native food of the Southwest, still used today. American Indian groups mixed seeds with water to make a refreshing drink and as sustenance to stave off hunger. Seeds become mucilaginous in water acting as a thickener. Moist seeds poulticed for infections; historically to treat gunshot wounds.