Calea Zacatechichi – the “Dream Herb”
Perhaps the most well-known of the oneirogenic plants, Calea zacatechichi – colloquially known as the “dream herb” – originates from Oaxaca, Mexico. This unassuming shrub is sacred to the Chontal people. Traditionally, it was used by shamans for the purpose of divination. The dried leaves would either be brewed into a tea or smoked prior to sleep; the resulting dreams were believed to provide answers to problems or provide insight into future events.
Unlike the profound perceptual alterations caused by the psilocybin mushrooms from the same region, Psilocybe oaxacana, the effects of Calea zacatechechi are reported to be subtle. While conscious, a user may perceive nothing but a bitter taste and mild relaxation, but its true effects are reserved for sleep. It promotes dream clarity, vividness and recall – all aspects which can dramatically increase the chances of achieving unconscious lucidity. The scientific backing of these effects is limited, but there does seem to be some chemical changes in the brain associated with sleep. However, it is there may be some potential issues with the toxicity of the plant, so users should tread cautiously.
Silene Undulata – the “African Dream Root”
On the opposite side of the Atlantic, in South Africa, the Xhosa people have used Silene undulata to promote dreams for many years. Its use, as with all of these plants, is rooted (pardon the pun) in spiritual practice. Shamans known as Xhosa Diviners, employ Silene undulata as “cleansing” medicinal roots. The root is prepared by grinding it into a powder and mixing it with water until it creates a foam, which is then ingested. It is purported to promote vivid, prophetic dreams, allowing the diviner direct access to the spirit realm during sleep. This gives them the means to communicate with tribal ancestors to gain valuable insight.
The effects of the root are not immediate and may have no effect whatsoever initially. Their impact is described as cumulative, building in intensity over several days of use. Once again, the effect of Silene undulata on conscious experience is minimal. Though clinical studies into the substance are sorely lacking, its history of use and importance to the Xhosa suggest it has the potential to be applied in the context of lucid dreaming.
Entada Rheedii – the “African Dream Bean”
Widespread across Africa and parts of Asia, Entada rheedii is a climbing vine that produces large seed pods. These seeds are broken open, and the insides are harvested, dried, and either smoked or consumed orally. As with other traditional oneirogens, its waking effects are reportedly pretty much nil, but the dream state is markedly enhanced. Users report both particularly vivid dreams and increased recall on waking. The botanical properties of the plant are well studied, but once again, scientific data on its oneirogenic effects are non-existent. All knowledge we have on this purportedly powerful substance is confined to anecdotal accounts of current and historical usage.
Artemisia Vulgaris – Common Mugwort
Unlike the more niche, unknown plants discussed thus far, Artemisia vulgaris is a common herb throughout Europe, Asia and North America, which holds a prominent place in Western folklore. Colloquially known as Mugwort, it has a wide variety of uses as an adjunct to traditional medicine, but is most well known for its association with dreaming. For centuries, Mugwort has been the key ingredient in “dream pillows”. These consist of dried mugwort herb mixed with others (usually lavender, mints, or other aromatics) in a small pillow or sachet. This is kept near the pillow so it is inhaled as you lie down to sleep. It is also used similarly as an incense. The effects are considered to be milder than Calea zacatechichi or Silene undulata. Once again, though, its usage is well documented throughout folklore, over the generations. While its mechanism of action is unsurprisingly also not well understood, with little to no scientific grounding, widespread usage suggests there are some repeatable effects.
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