Most Popular Dream Herbs - From Shamanic Traditions to Modern Dreamworld Travelers

I've always had very vivid dreams, that often also feel meaningful after waking up. Yes, I'm that person who pays a lot of attention to dream recall  - that's the first thing on morning after opening eyes. I get creative ideas in my dreams. Well, maybe not that unique as Doctor Otto Loewi who in 1936 won Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering chemical transmission of nerve impulses. He had the idea, but didn’t have the way to sort it out and prove it. The problem was solved taking notes of ideas that accrued in his dreams. And maybe not that bright as the inventor of sewing machine Elias Howe who had the idea of sewing machine, and understood how to make if work after seeing the solution in metaphor in his dream. I still have long way to go! 

I already talked about sedative herbal teas that help to relax, calm down and have a restful sleep. You can read it here: Sedative Herbal Teas for Restful Sleep. I've learnt about human sleep, sleep cycles and brainwave activity during sleep, and learning about herbs my attention was caught also by so called dream herbs - natures gifts that induce colorful, vivid and lucid dreams. Herbs that have been used for millenniums and their usage is based in shamanic traditions. Yes, I'm talking about those herbs shamans have used many centuries ago to induce dreams in which they would receive messages from gods and guidance from their own spiritual self.  Well, they used also plants that are nowadays known as controversial and even poisonous for human consumption. We are talking now about 100% natural, legal and non-poisonous plants you can brew into tea and put into dream pillows. So, after some research and a few experiments I've got this list of dream herbs from many corners of the world (I haven't tried all of them):

Calea Zacatechichi a.k.a. Dream Herb

This probably is the queen of them all. At least it looks like that when you do some basic internet research. Mexican Indians knew the power of this herb and they have successfully passed their knowledge to people who live in this world nowadays. In Mexico this herb is also a popular folk remedy to treat, for example, constipation and fever. Besides that, it has psychoactive properties that turn dreams into adventures and brightens imagery. In most countries around the world this herb is legal and allowed for human consumption free of any regulations, although (as the internet says) some states in US, like Louisiana, have included this herb in the list of plants that is allowed to grow for decorative purposes only and is illegal for human consumption. Take in account that its’ psychoactive powers are strong enough that you shouldn’t mess around with this herb. Calea Zacatechichi users report better dream recall, notably more dreaming, vivid, meaningful dreams and lucid dreaming. Haven't tried this one as I don't have a chance to harvest it. 

Mugwort (Latin name – Artemisia Vulgaris)

Mugwort

One of the most famous dream herbs that grows in sunny places with nitrogenous soil and is pretty often found in nature in Northern hemisphere. That's the one that grows on every corner where I live, so, of course, I've tried it! Firstly, I discovered that I have very vivid, colorful dreams after taking soft mugwort whisks into steam-bath. I had no idea back then that something like dream herbs actually exist. Later, I have tried mugwort tea before bedtime, and, yes, those dreams were spectacular and for me it was easy to control my dreams. 

This one long time ago actually was used for smoking by shamans and… sailors! It’s not a wonder that this herb has also got a name “Mermaid Weed”. My guess is that sailors smoked it and saw mermaids in their dreams. Ok, it’s probably just a guess, but this herb truly induces vivid dreams. It makes to recall dreams for those who usually don’t remember what they’ve seen while dreaming, it makes dreams more interesting and for those, who already have bright, vivid dreams, this herb helps to develop lucid dreaming. Besides that, this herb also is pain-reliever, helps to ease menstrual pain for women, and it eases hysteria and epilepsy, but is a huge “NO” for pregnant women, as it might cause contractions. Brew mugwort tea and drink it before bedtime to enjoy truly amazing dreams that make you to question the border between reality and dreams. It often causes people to wake up from a dream and start their day, and then wake up again and again actually still being asleep. There is a Hollywood movie “Inception” in which the characters get into dream world into deep levels, so while being asleep they actually wake up several times in their dreams continuing the same dream, but in another level. No worries, if you drink mugwort tea, you will clearly know that you are awake when you really are, but you might catch this feeling also several times while you are actually sleeping.

Dried wormwood

Wormwood (Latin name- Artemisia Absinthum)

It’s a sister of mugwort that grows naturally around Northern hemisphere and has got a famous name around Europe, but comparing to enjoyable taste of mugwort’s tea, wormwood tastes incredibly bad. It’s a well know folk remedy in many cultures, and it also have been used in producing alcoholic drink absinthe. This is another sacred plant that took place in many ancient rituals dedicated to their gods and goddesses. Some users nowadays report very beautiful and vivid dreams, while others claim that wormwood causes nightmares. Probably, it all depends on your state of mind, so this herb might be the one to bring out what’s actually going on in the deepest levels of your mind. I just really don't like how it tastes, although wormwood tincture is pretty useful for stomach. (Find some info about wormwood tincture here: Making and Using Herbal Tinctures: DIY // Wormwood, Lemongrass, Catnip and Common Yarrow

Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Latin name – Cympobogon densiflorus)

While Western world appreciates the aroma of lemongrass and flavors their foods with it, African tribes have totally another kind of relationship with this herb. African shamans already long time ago used this herb to elevate their spirits for communication with gods. Dreamers advise to drink lemongrass tea or add dried lemongrass to smoking blends. The result might be meaningful and lucid dreams. I've tried to grow lemongrass on a windowsill and I truly love lemongrass tea. Did it have any effect on my dreams? No, I don't think so.

Damiana (Latin name – Turnera Difusa)

This is another plant from Mexico that has psychoactive properties and ability to calm down human mind giving restful sleep and also vivid dreams. Damiana is also a well-known aphrodisiac that stimulates sex drive, so don’t be surprised if this herb gives an erotic touch to your dreams. Haven't used it. 

Catnip

Other herbs often mentioned as dream hers: Verbena, African Dream Root, Patchouli, Helichrysum, Catnip, Passion flower and Valerian root. From these I've tried just catnip and Valerian root teas. Catnip (grown on a windowsill) has very mild, pleasant effect on sleep if you brew a very strong tea'(probably, because it has calming effects), but Valerian root (harvested in wild)... Well, some people use Valerian root preparations to calm down nerves and have restful sleep, others say it causes  crazy, vivid dreams and even nightmares, some other people report deep, meaningful dreams, me - I just don't get a good nights sleep after using Valerian root tea. If I remember dreams after using Valerian root tea, they are always strange, dark and seems kind of unpleasant. For some people these herbs really induce vivid dreams, but I guess they all don't work the same way on everyone, also it might depend on what you set your mind on before bedtime.

Take in account: 

• Drinking the same tea every evening for inducing dreams, calming down your mind or any other purpose will lose its’ power as your body will get used to it. Dream inducing herbal teas are advised once a month, and not more often than every two weeks.

• If you choose to try any of herbs mentioned here, check the properties, warnings etc. They have different effects on human heath and can bring great health benefits like any other healing herb, but you have to check if they are suitable for you. 

By the way, some people report having vivid and strange dreams after eating cheese before bedtime.  It might be true, but you know that stuffing your stomach before bedtime probably is not the best idea.  Travels in dream world can be truly creative and might help you to discover and understand yourself better, but remember that you also need a deep, restful sleep, and regular dream inducing might put an additional dose of tension into your wakeful life if you haven't slept peacefully.

Feel free to share your thoughts and discoveries in comments! I would love to hear your experiences.

Herbal Tinctures II: Pine Needles and Valerian Root

Seeing that you've been interested in my previous post about making herbal tinctures, I thought I'll share with you the properties of two new tinctures that have been made on a shelf in my kitchen: pine needle and Valerian root.

About two weeks after pouring alcohol over pine needles the smell wasn't very pleasant - it was kinda like fish and my impatience scared me that it will stay like that, but a few weeks later it got a truly pleasant aroma. Patience. Nature always needs patience and that's what we should also remember when treating health issues with natural remedies - patience and persistence brings great results. 

About the previously prepared tinctures I can just say that I'm pretty much in love with them. Wormwood tincture (that tastes terrible ingested undiluted, but is pretty nice adding a few drops to a cup of herbal tea) has been a great help for stomach and helpful relieving menstrual pain, but lemongrass has helped our immunity - while everyone walks around with running noses and one by one around us catches cold (that season has arrived!), we seem to be unbreakable. I guess not just because of drinking different herbal teas every day, but also because lemongrass tincture regularly finds a place in our hot drinks. By the way, ingesting a few drops to 1 teaspoon of undiluted lemongrass tincture doesn't taste that bad at all. So, my "YES" to herbal tinctures stays strong.

Of course, I'm still a fan of herbal teas and other kinds of herbal infusions, but alcohol extracts a lot more of valuable compounds, than water or oil does. The fact that tinctures are made with alcohol, doesn't make you an alcoholic as normally they are used up to 3 teaspoons of tincture daily - not even a shot, so they aren't dangerous. If you want to know how to make tinctures, here is my first article covering the topic: Making and Using Herbal Tinctures: DIY // Wormwood, Lemongrass, Catnip and Common Yarrow You will find there also a few lines about dosage and daily intake.

Ok, so today we've got one nervous stimulant and one sedative - one for the beginning of a day and the other one for the end :)

Pine Needle tincture

+  Natural  nervous stimulant and tonic

(a few drops can make a great addition to a morning drink)

+ Anti-fungal and anti-infectious properties

+ Great help in cold season as it provides Vitamin C

+ Treats colds and congestions

+ Has potential to treat varicose veins

+Strengthens eye health and nerves in eyes

Valerian Root tincture

+ Natural sedative, central nervous system relaxant

+ Treats anxiety, nervousness and alleviates emotional stress

+ Insomnia treatment that improves sleep quality

+ Alleviates health issues that are caused by nervousness

+ Muscle relaxant, can be applied externally as well

+ Supports and improves heart health

+ Pain reliever

- Not advised for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children

-Should be avoided by people with liver issues

- Should never be used with other medications

The dosage matters when it comes to very strong herbs, such as Valerian root, so if you are in doubt consult a doctor! 

Any advises, experiences and observations about using these tinctures? 

Sedative Herbal Teas for Restful Sleep

Did you sleep well the last night? Have you ever thought how important sleep is? Do you know what happens to your brain and body when you sleep? Are you mesmerized by all that magic around dreaming? Since childhood I've been experimenting with my own sleep. Of course, firstly I cared about dreams - explaining them, understanding them, learning to master them - that's all because I had some dream interpretation dictionaries and vivid dreams. Basically, I was literally a sleeping psychonaut without really knowing what I'm doing. Later I got into dream periods that started to disturb me and didn't allow me to get restful sleep, so I had to find the way to master my sleep and understand  what happens to my brain and body when I'm asleep and how I could improve my sleep quality.  Sure, I had the answer in my hands even before I turned 20 - sedative, sleep inducing herbs! Herbal tea became my passion. Now I know that there is a lot more to do to improve my sleep quality and herbal tea is just a little piece of the entire puzzle, although a truly helpful and important piece. Sleep truly is a puzzle even when you ask about it to a scientist. 

When it comes to the science of sleep it's clear that sleep has a cyclic form that is related to brainwave activity and your entire body goes through different stages of relaxation. We also know that it's important to get quality sleep to let our brain and body grow, develop, rest and charge for functioning properly and working productively. Basically, that's all what the science actually tells us. Honestly, going through researches and studies conducted by people who are professionally educated in this field I've just found that sleep still is a pretty big mystery - a really charming mystery.

This time - sedative herbs that will help you to sleep better! Nope, that's not about herbs that induce dreams (and remembering them) - we will talk about it some other time. Right now - let's get to peaceful sleep with a cup of herbal tea!

• Meadowsweet - the smell of Meadowsweets alone can take you into relaxed state of mind - it's really sweet and calming, especially if you get into the meadow full of these precious flowers. Meadowsweet tea is a natural  painkiller that soothes your mind as well, helps to calm down, alleviate stress and fall asleep easier. Here is a short, informative article about Meadowsweet I've previously shared on this blog:  Calming and Sweet Scented Meadowsweet

• Chamomile - this little flower is the silent queen and probably the most popular  sedative tea that can be used by each and every one, including very sensitive people and children. It also has pain reliving properties, for example strong chamomile infusion will definitely help women to ease menstrual pain. Muscle spasms, rheumatic pain,  inflammation and insomnia can be treated by help of chamomile. I have never heard of anyone overdosing chamomile or getting sick of it. It really is mild and gentle, and helpful as well. It can be easily combined with other herbs to prepare tasty sedative herbal tea blends.

• Catnip - yes, the same herb that makes our little fellows cats to "get high". It doesn't get people "high" although some people who have tried to smoke it report pretty interesting effects of catnip on their mind. Now we are talking about tea made of catnip - tasty, sedative herb that alleviates headache and migraines, helps to fight cold and flu, reduces stress, anxiety and helps to beat insomnia. You can drink catnip tea or make tasty herbal blend combining catnip with chamomile. Little warning here: catnip also can have diuretic effects on your body. It means - if you are sensitive to diuretic herbs it might disturb your sleeping time as it will make you to wake up to go to the bathroom, but catnip definitely is not on the list of strongest diuretic herbs. It's definitely on the list of best sedative teas. 

• Hops - the same magic ingredient that's used to make beer, but it doesn't mean that beer would help you to get better night's sleep. Alcohol can make you to fall asleep faster, but it doesn't help your body to rest fully and peacefully while you are sleeping, not even that famous glass of wine right before bedtime. Beer won't help, while hops will do! Muscle spasms and cramps, anxiety and insomnia - hops tea can deal with them all. 

• St. John's Wort - effective (and scientifically recognized) natural anti-depressant that helps to fight appetite loss, tiredness, migraines, mood swings, muscle and nerve pains. This is interesting how one herb can be sedative and uplifting at the same time, but nature knows what it does. St. John's wort is balancing herb, but lack of  inner balance is the biggest trouble nowadays that cause insomnia and other sleeping disorders for people around the world. 

• Lemon Balm/Melissa - another calming, anxiety reducing and sleep quality improving herb. You can also combine lemon balm with other sleep improving herbs mentioned here. Besides helping you to sleep better, lemon balm improves digestion, decreases anxiety and, accordingly to scientific studies, helps to treat Alzheimer's disease.

• Valerian root - very strong natural sedative. So strong that it's not advised to use it too often. Stress, anxiety, insomnia - they really should get taken away by help of Valerian root tea as it works on your central nervous system. Basically if you are looking for sleep aid because you can't calm down your mind, stop worrying about past or future or have gone through very strong emotional experiences during the day etc. - reach our for Valerian root. I just wouldn't advice to make it a part of your daily before-sleep ritual - for that you have other herbs that are sedative, but not that strong that this one. If you are very sensitive  to different natural remedies, try it using a really small dose. Valerian root provides deep and restful sleep, although many users also report pretty crazy, vivid dreams after using it before bedtime. 

Any other tea? 

If you have some other natural, herbal tea at home and you are not sure if that wouldn't disturb your night's sleep there are some questions to ask (ask your tea and if it doesn't answer - probably Google search might help): 

1) Is it diuretic? If yes, don't drink before bedtime or you will have to wake up to run to the toilet. For example, dandelion and stinging nettle are well know diuretic herbs.

2) Does it contain caffeine? For example, green tea contains it. Caffeine is stimulant that can increase blood pressure and heart rate - such stimulants are good for your mornings, but definitely not an option for bedtime - they make it hard to fall asleep, not to mention that they might make you to wake up during the night.

That's my catnip and lemon balm growing indoors :)

Sleep is important. Take care of quality of your sleep, and your sleep will take care of reduced stress levels, increased energy, better health and productive brain! 

If you want to share your stories about these or some other herbal teas that you have tried for improving sleep, feel free to comment below the article!