#oneirogenics

[drugusersbible]

Used by the Aztecs and Native Americans, Mexican Tarragon is usually reported to be a sedative, but with others claiming the opposite (stimulation). I found the effects to be mild, at best, perhaps edging to the former if anything. However, as with a number of botanicals in this class I did subsequently experience a degree of vivid and lucid dreaming, with later research revealing that this is indeed viewed as an oneirogenic in some quarters.

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[drugusersbible]

A native of Brazil, erythrina mulungu is a traditional sedative. It certainly worked as such on my experiments, relaxing and calming. However, its biggest kick came when I slept: this was a definite oneirogenic, producing lucid and vivid dreams.

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[the-lucid-movement]

Plants and Herbs for Lucid Dreaming, Pt.2 - Oneirogenics

In the first part of “Plants and Herbs for Lucid Dreaming” I talked about natural sedatives that help to fall into deep relaxation, which can be useful for the Wake Induced Lucid Dream Technique (WILD). Today I want to look more deeply into the other side, namely plants that are useful for the Dream Induced Lucid Dream Technique (DILD). Oneirogenic (dream-inducing) plants have been used for thousands of years to create REM-sleep, hypnagogic states of consciousness or even out of body experiences. While using oneirogenics alone doesn’t necessarily create lucid dreams, mixing them with a day full of reality checks and dream work usually does.

The Dream Herb (Calea zacatechichi)

The Dream Herb is a very well-known oneirogenic, since it has already been used by the Aztec and is still being used by the Chontal Indians in Mexico, who call it “the leaves of God” for its dream-inducing properties. While awake, this plant has little noticeable effects and is being used to treat fever and diarrhea. However, during sleep the plant’s power to create divinatory dreams is conspicuous. Not only does it induce extremely vivid dreams, but it also helps to improve dream memory. Compounds: sesquiterpene lactones (zacatechinoloid, germacrene, caleochromenes), flavones, alkaloids Usage: To create desired effects a huge amount of the dream herb is needed. The minimum amount is said to be 25g of dried leaves, while an appropriate dosage is said to be 1gram/kilogram. The dried leaves can be smoked, eaten or be used to brew tea. In addition to the huge amount that is needed, the plant is extremely bitter. Therefore extracts of the plant are more popular. Use it 2-3 hours before sleep.

African Dream Root (Silene capensis)

Sacred to the Xhosa people in South Africa, the African Dream Root is used by shamans to induce prophetic lucid dreams and to contact their ancestors during sleep. While most people don’t feel anything during waking state, some mention a better organization of their thoughts and a stronger sense for scents and colors. In general, the effects of the plant don’t start right away, but it takes up to one week before dreams become more clear, vivid and divinatory. The African dream herb is believed to be one of the most powerful oneirogenic plant. Compounds: The chemistry of S. capensis is currently unknown, and there is little research into its active ingredients. It is believed that triterpenoid saponins cause the oneirogenic effects. Usage: Traditionally the African dream root is consumed every day as the drink Ubulawu (250mg of the root mixed with water). 250mg can also easily be put into a capsule and swallowed. While it takes a few days for the effects to start, it is said that they last a few weeks after the last intake of the root. Higher doses are used as an emetic and do not lead to faster or stronger effects in the dream world.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Native to Europe and Asia, Mugwort was a famous herb in the Middle Ages of Europe to induce divinatory states and to keep away evil spirits. It is a very well-known herb to lucid dreamers, since it makes dreams more vivid, colors more saturated and improves dream recall. However, it is said that it can also cause restless dreams or even nightmares. Its medical use includes epilepsy and rheumatism, as well as causing abortions, which is why pregnant women should not take Mugwort. In general, Mugwort should not be taken regularly or in higher doses, since its ingredient Thujone is toxic and can cause convulsions. Compounds: essential oils (camphor, thujone), sesquiterpene lactones (vulgarine, pilostachyin, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), polyynes, triterpene, carotenoid Usage: Brew a tea with 2-3 gram of dried herbage right before sleep. The herb can also be smoked. Do not use if pregnant, and do not use regularly or in high doses.

Unfortunately many potent herbs that could be of great use to induce strong closed eye visuals and vivid dreams are controlled substances, such as salvia divinorum, ibogaine, datura and amanita muscaria. But there is no need to break the law, since there are many more legal plants to strengthen our dream states:

Harmal (Peganum harmala) African Dream Herb (Entada rheedii) Sweet Gale (Myrica gale)