What if you could consciously dream? That is, be entirely aware that you’re dreaming and have complete control over what is happening? What if you could even choose to ask any question you wanted of any dream character at night?
As a person who has dabbled a lot with shamanic plants, I’m sometimes asked to recommend substances that get you “high” (which is slang for entering non-ordinary states of consciousness) legally.
While I encourage people to carefully and mindfully explore the recesses of their minds, unfortunately, there are many websites out there that advocate the use of “legal psychedelics” such as nutmeg, datura, and morning glory seeds which all have dangerous side effects and even deadly consequences.
It’s this type of misguidance that has led to so many bad experiences, accidents and such a negative outlook on psychedelic drugs in society, as though all mind-altering substances are one-and-the-same. We’ve come to group paint thinner in the same basket as Ayahuasca – but just because something can alter your consciousness doesn’t mean it shares the same spiritual value.
However, there is a group of entheogens known as “Oneirogens” (from the Greek oneiros meaning “dream” and gen meaning “creating”), which produce and also enhance dream-like states of consciousness. These herbs and roots have been used for thousands of years for prophetic divination through dreams, out-of-body experiences, and to consciously awaken you during dream states (Read this to learn how to lucid dream naturally).
Oneirogens represent only one specific class of entheogens that can be exclusively used for lucid dreaming, but there are many other types and classes of entheogens that can be used for other specific life purposes. I will expand on these other substances in future articles.
The following legal psychedelics can be safely consumed having minimal effect on waking consciousness, and will only exhibit their effects when you fall into a natural state of sleep.
1. Calea Zacatechichi (Mexican Dream Herb) ~ Clearer Dreams
Calea is perhaps the best known of all Dream herbs. The Chontal Indians of Mexico used this shrub traditionally for lucid dreaming. I personally prefer growing mine as the fresher the herb is, the better. Calea can be consumed in tea (the flavor is pungent and bitter) or by smoking the dried leaves. A combination of smoking and drinking an infusion of the herb before bed, setting intention and focusing on one’s heartbeat creates the ideal conditions for dream-time spiritual journeying.
Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, you may find yourself feeling a sense of well-being, light-headedness and clarity the day after.
Use: Taking at least five grams of this herb is required to be really effective for most people. Drink the herb before bed, keep an intent in mind before falling asleep (e.g. “I want to meet my Spirit Guide“) and repeat for several nights until lucid dreaming occurs.
Buy: You can buy dried leaves to try from here.
2. Artemisa Vulgaris (Mugwort) ~ Astral Work
Mugwort has long been used by many cultures for prophetic dreaming and astral traveling (its Paiute name translates literally to “Dream Plant”). Smoking the herb directly into the lungs, or burning it as incense in the afternoon, assists with lucid dreaming. Drinking the calming, liver cleansing tea before sleep may also keep you longer in a conscious dream state (REM sleep). This herb often helps one heal while dreaming. Some users report having darker dreams that reveal hidden insights and core wounds, helping them to find closure.
Caution: Avoid this herb if you are pregnant. Mugwort relaxes the uterus in women and should never be drunk, smoked or even touched by expectant mothers. Mugwort is also potentially allergenic to people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family.
Effects: Apart from the intensification of prophetic visual imagery during sleep, this herb magnifies the brilliance of your dreams and overall duration of your sleep. It is also popular among herbalists to aid in relieving menstrual pains, joint pains and headaches.
Use: 1 teaspoon per cup. Pour boiling water over the herb, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink or smoke before going to bed (Mugwort has a floral taste when smoked).
Buy: You can buy the organic bleach-free Mugwort teabags here.
3. Heimia Salicifolia (Sun Opener) ~ Memory Travelling
This plant was called Sinicuichi (or Sun Opener) by the Aztecs and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance divination catalyst. This herb is regarded as sacred in that it enables vivid recollection of past distant events. Some users I have worked with have even reported the remembrance of pre-birth events!
Effects: Apart from the intensification of prophetic visual imagery during sleep, Sun Opener causes a yellowing of the vision and altered acoustic perception.
Use: Traditionally, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are then put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the “elixir of the sun” (hence the name).
Buy: You can buy Sun Opener here in Raw Dried Herb form.
4. Celastrus Paniculatus (Intellect Tree) ~ Sharper Thoughts
Celastrus paniculatus is a shrub used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Celastrus seeds and oil have long been regarded in India as beneficial to the intellect and memory which makes it a wonderful supplement in dream recollection. Apart from its effectiveness as a dream enhancer, Celastrus is a great mental stimulant, or nootropic, that increases your mental “sharpness.”
Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, Celastrus is an effective brain tonic.
Use: Take 5-10 seeds one hour before bedtime for 3 to 5 days until vivid dreaming occurs.
5. Silene Capensis (Xhosa Dream Root) ~ Prophetic Dreams
Silene is regarded by the Xhosa people of Africa as a sacred plant. Its roots are traditionally used by shamans to promote lucid dream states in healers and other shamans during initiation ceremonies. It is noted as a “teaching plant” that is considered highly sacred.
Effects: Intensification of visual imagery during sleep.
Use: Mix this herb in small amounts in water and consume prior to sleeping. Silene also makes an interesting tasting tea but it can be bitter, so the extracted “shot” form is recommended.
Buy: You can buy Silene Capensis here in Raw Dried Root form.
6. Nymphaea Caerulea (Blue Lotus) ~ Deeper Sleep
Although it is nicknamed the Blue Egyptian Lotus, the Nymphaea Caerulea herb is actually a Water Lilly that shares no connection to the actual lotus flower. Nymphaea was used as a sacrament in ancient Egypt as a mild sedative. Today, the herb is used by herbalists to treat insomnia, but it has also been reported to induce lucid dreaming.
Effects: Improves quality of sleep and may intensify visual imagery.
Use: This herb is typically consumed in teas, elixir extracts, or by smoking it. If you have trouble dreaming or if you find yourself frequently waking up during dreams, blue lotus is a great supplement to use alongside one of the other substances mentioned in this article.
Buy: I’ve heard good results from using roots which you can purchase here.
7. Asparagus Racemosus (Tian Men Dong) ~ Spirit Alignment
Tian Men Dong is one of the world’s top adaptogens and is also know as the “Wild Asparagus Root” in English, and “Shatawari” in Ayurvedic medicine. The Chinese word for wild asparagus root is Tian Men Dong, or “heavenly spirit herb,” as it was cherished by shamans, monks, and yogis for its heart-opening effects. Chinese Taoist monks placed much value on dream work, nicknaming Wild Aspagarus as “The Flying Herb”; they found it effective to help one fly through the universe at night, achieving magnificent dreams and moving in alignment with the spirit.
Effects: Improves quality of sleep, induces relaxation and stress relief, serves as a good anti-depressant and stimulates “flying dreams.”
Use: 1 to 3 grams per day in a concentrated form.
Buy: Asparagus Racemosus is also known as “Shatavari”, you can get organic Shatavari Powder here.
8. Entada Rheedii (African Dream Bean) ~ Spirit Communications
Traditionally used in African medicine to induce vivid dreams and enable communication with the spirit world, Entada facilitates entry into the dream world, and promotes increased REM awareness. This makes it easier for the sleeper to realize that they are dreaming and thus gives them an edge in achieving lucidity. Entada contains several active compounds, essential oils and alkaloids.
Effects: Improves sleeping states by increasing depth, length and awareness.
Use: The inner meat of the seed is consumed directly, or the meat is chopped, dried, mixed with other herbs and smoked just before sleep to induce the desired dreams.
Inner Child Journal:
Go on a journey through the mountains and caves of your heart. Befriend, heal, and nurture the broken child within. Go to the root of your pain and transform old patterns. This is intense and powerful work!
Buy: Good quality Entada Rheedii seeds aren’t easy to find, a good source I’ve come across is the ones from Bouncing Bear Botanicals.
Recommendations About Taking Legal Psychedelics
If you plan on smoking any of the plants listed in this article, I would highly encourage you to use a vaporizer for your own health. The right herb grinder can also do wonders in making the process easier.
I always recommend that you research very well any substance that you plan to consume and preferably grow them yourself. Keep in mind that the type, quality, age, storage and care of these herbs are all factors that will influence your experience with them.
Not only that, but the set, substance, setting and right dosage, along with creating a strong enough intention are all essential elements that must be carefully considered before exploring the depths of your mind. I plan to explore this topic more in future articles.
Have you ever tried any of the legal psychedelics above, and if so, what has been your experience with them? Let me know in the comments below.
How come synaptolepis kirkii isnt listed? I rarely see writers add that to there list of dream herbs. Synaptolepis kirkii is an old traditional herb used in Africa for thousands of years, they been using it as far back as they go. It’s also one of the rarest herbs and hard to find the actual plant.
I smoked Mugwort once and my dreams were phenomenal. I was dreaming in black and white and color at the same time. I was outside and there were many people around. I would look to the right and it was modern-day and everything and everyone was in color. I would look to the left and it was the 50’s because everything was in black & white and Frank Sinatra and other celebrities of the 50’s were there and I remember Frank Sinatra was hovering above a car dancing. It was wild. That was about 4 years ago and the only time I tried it but I just got my order of it in the mail and can’t wait to use it again.
Do not seek fame
Do not make plans
Do not think that you know
Be all that heaven gave you
But act as though you have received nothing
Be empty, that is all
The mind of the perfected soul is like a mirror…
It asks for nothing
It expects nothing
It reflects and does not hold
Therefore, the perfected soul can act without effort
I have sleeping problems and problems to remenber my dreams. I used to remember my dreams well and always knew what they meant, if there was a meaning behind, which isn’t always the case. However it all got lost a few years ago with a wrong homeopathic remedy. Now I can’t remember them at all. Workink with a dream diary has helped a bit, but not much. I can remember the very last bit of a dream at best. It annoyed me very much, it was such a loss because I got so much from my dreams.
Anyway, I read this and thought I might give it a try as mugwort grows in my garden. Picked it last night, brewed a nice cup of tea and – it worked!!! Not only can I recall my dreams, they were also much clearer and there were noises! Usuallymy dreams are silent apart from what I or the people in my dreams say. My two dreams last night were really loud. I liked that! I sure will go on using mugwort, it helps a lot and doesn’t cost a penny!
Wonderful! Thank you! However you don’t mention how much of the Sun Opener to use in the all day tea process. I’ve looked into it, and somewhere it said that 10 grams is a good starting place. Does that sound right? For each use?
What about Khat?
I’ve been taking Shatavari for 3 days now but no noticable affects yet. I will however continue to take it due to the many other health benefits.
Great info, thank you! I look forward to exploring further. I’ve tried to work with mugwort before but being a naturally vivid dreamer with quite intense dream and nightmare states, Ive found it’s often too much for me, really brutal nightmares, even on small doses.. And I wake feeling like I’ve just been so active all night so I’m physically exhausted and with a heavy brainfog. Found a similar occurrence with kava but the dreams were less violent and I was able to recollect more. Also felt more rested.
I do love to investigate these things though
Nothing yet, i really need help for the astral projection.