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; we’ve explored elsewhere the problems with unintegrated psychedelic experiences.
It’s this type of misguidance that has led to so many unpleasant 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.
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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 Mugwort 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 or try this one if you prefer an extract.
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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.
Buy: You can buy Calastrus Paniculatus in seed form from this shop.
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 extract form, or as a raw dried root.
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 blue lotus extract, but you can also try it in dried flower form.
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.
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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.
Buy: Good quality Entada Rheedii seeds aren’t easy to find, a good source I’ve come across is the ones from this shop. You can also get a more potent extract resin.
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.
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I tried mugwort again yesterday. Just as i was dozing off i saw a black box with blue and green lights like knobs or buttons in front of me in the darkness. After a moment i realized it wasn’t real, even though it seemed very real. Immediately it vanished and i felt like i was being pulled into something as i woke up.
You can avoid the smoke when you burn herbs: make a small tray out of aluminum foil and laying it on a stove burner (electric), with the herbs on the tray turn the burner on and adjust the heat untill you can smell the herbs but there is no smoke. It also preserves the original scent of the herbs better.
Most appreciative of this information. I am interested in exploring this aspect of my spiritual experience. At 69 I have noticed a decline in dreaming or feeling life excitement. I would start gentle though. Any recommendations for which herb? Thank you. I look forward to learning more
This is great stuff. I applaud everyone that has contributed to this website and coming from a stoner I might say ” auf wiedersehen” to bud and try ALL OF THESE!! I was looking up new psychedelic/hallucinogenic substances that I haven’t tried and I LOVE this man. Radical research and awesome to know I can get a lil’ trip for this Hip and it be legal for the first time. Big thanks to all of you <3 Peace
I have been an advid dreamer as long as I can remember, I learned to control my dreams at a very young age. This in my opinion is not a lucid dream as some many think. I control all of my dreams now but not all are lucid. A lucid dream is being in a dream and having a dream realization, and then waking up within the dream itself. You will know when you experience this because it’s no different than here now in the waking world, you become fully conscious in a dream state, or in the Astral realm which in itself is many many places. To have this happen is very special. And is very similar to Astral travel except with Astral travel you experience it in a different way. You experience it starting from here in a the waking world in a deep meditative or trance like state and but are still in your body and still very aware of it. But you can reach this sweet spot where you can begin to move around in the black void (the place where you go with your eyes closed) from here you can freely move like you have… Read more »
Im a narcoleptic and have always had heavy lucud dreams which i have learnt to control. However as i get older my condition is dissapearing and so are the lucid dreams which i love! I am keen to try all of these to get them back regularly, they are awesome. Cheers!
Hi all. I smoked a pipe of tobacco after sun fell, then came in and drank orange juice. I went to sleep soon thereafter and had an out of body experience. I “fell out” of my body. It was like falling down a waterfall rollercoaster of light, twists and turns. It was scary until I remember a John Lennon quote: “turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream”. So I did and found myself at the foot of my bed. I looked and saw my body and turned away, too weird. I lived alone but there was now a girl in the shower, it turned me on but I went past the open door, it felt like a test in resisting a temptation. It might have been the spirit of the shadow (a spider) that I let live in the shower at the time. I walked out the front door to a bright day, pounded the ground to make sure it was real. I continued down the path and there was my mom greeting me, making cinnamon rolls for her grandchildren at home. Peace. The clue is full relaxation and pure light. I woke up the next morning, texted my… Read more »
Calea Z mugwort and wild dagga. I’ve had dteams before hand. Not everynight but some were already lucid. After the third day of trying this blend of 3 I’ve experienced random dreams. One in particular was me leading of as a drum major. I watch alot of drum major videos particularly JSU Sonic Boom. Didnt understand it. I’m in no shape for the moves they make. Other dreams were reflecting a desire. I believe a transaction was going down on a home. Cand remember the others. They were so random. For me I believe a door way of my mind has been opened. Maybe more than one at the same time. Three nights in a row since I started. I can vouch that there is some truth to the dream claims. I want to try mixing in the african dream bean but i read from someone that caution must be used with the dosage. Now if your goal is to get high. They can give you a buzz but not get you high as the sky. In fact. I actually have been feeling one with peace. Smoking this blend is a slow downer. It dosnt put me to sleep but… Read more »
Can any of these herbs interfere with drugs for depression or painkillers?
Very interesting. I’d love to try this under the guidance of someone who knows how to use it. I am a Reiki practitioner and would find this very interesting.