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Lucid dreaming is a fantastic skill that can allow you to dream whatever you want!
Sometimes, learning how to be aware and in control of your dreams can be a bit hard.
But this is where lucid dream herbs come in handy.
Dream herbs have the potential to improve your sleep, dreams, and awareness inside the dream world.
Let’s go through the top 15 lucid dream herbs which will help you to sleep better and to dream more.
Best of all, some of the dream herbs are natural lucid dream enhancers.
A list with the 15 BEST lucid dream herbs:
- 5-HTP – promotes relaxation and sleep
- Calea Zacatechichi – ”dream herb”- increases dream clarity and vividness
- The African Dream Herb – ability to induce unusual dream states
- The Blue Lotus – a relaxing and calming effect
- Huperzine-A – clinically verified lucid dream pill, enhancing dreaming capabilities
- The Devils Claw – inducing dreaming, as well as treating inflammation and pain
- Ginkgo Biloba – memory enhancer *improves dream recall* and brain boost
- Guayusa – sharpens our senses during day and night
- The Wild Asparagus Root – spirit herb – ignite the subconscious during sleep, calming aid for meditation
- Clary Sage – aids to create multiple dreams in deep sleep
- Passionflower – improves sleep quality, effective insomnia treatment
- Lemon Balm – sedative, calming effect, improve the length and quality of sleep
- Chamomile – helps for a better, deeper and more restful sleep, associated with treating insomnia
- Peppermint – muscle relaxant, aids for peaceful sleep and supports dream vividness
- Burdock – effective in reducing nightmares, enhances positive dreams
Disclaimer: Lucid Dream Society is not a health platform, so it is recommended to consult your doctor (especially if you are on medications) or to do further research before trying any of these herbs. It is better to stay on the safe side – don’t risk if you want to avoid unpleasant side effects/experiences. Lastly, if you experiment with any of these herbs – do it at your own risk.
THE TOP 15 LUCID DREAM HERBS:
1. 5-hydroxytryptophan
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally produced chemical in our bodies.
It can be also collected from plants, such as the African Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP includes amino acid tryptophan that is used in increasing the serotonin levels in the brain.
The produced serotonin is converted into melatonin (sleep-regulating hormone).
A study has shown that supplementing with 5-HTP is effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including insomnia.
Effects:
Supplementing with 5-HTP will promote sleep by increasing the production of melatonin in your body.
As a result, you will feel relaxed and in a sleepy mode. It is ideal for a good night’s sleep, while it comes with some positive “side effect” on your dreams.
Dosage:
100–300 mg, 30–45 minutes before bed
Pros
- Promotes weight loss
- Helps with depression
- May help in reducing migraine frequency
- Increases the sleep duration and sleep quality
Cons
- May cause chemical imbalances in the brain when used alongside other drugs that chemical balance such as anti-depressants
- Too much 5-HTP in your body can cause anxiety
2. Calea Zacatechichi
Researchers still don’t know everything about amazing dream herb.
However, it was proven that it increases dream clarity and vividness.
Also known as “Calea Z” or the leaf of God, this plant is ideal for lucid dreaming since has an impact on our dreams and significantly increases the chances of experiencing a lucid dream.
Calea Zacatechichi can increase the clarity and realism of your dream world.
The most common characteristic associated with this dream herb is improved dream recall and an overall increase of dreaming.
Effects:
Commonly, Calea Z will make you feel intense imagery as you go to sleep. For example, after smoking it, you may notice crazy colors and shapes blending as you fall asleep.
Pros
- No risk of sleep paralysis
- Intense imagery when falling
- Reliefs anxiety
- Overall mental enhancement
Cons
- Sometimes can cause headaches
WHERE TO BUY IT?
US: Find Calea Zacatechichi online on Phytoextractum.com.
EUROPE: Find Calea Zacatechichi online on Azarius.net.
UK: Find Calea Zacatechichi online on MagicGardenSeeds.co.uk or Etsy.com/uk/
If you are curious to find out more about Calea Z, read my full review here:
3. The African Dream Herb
The famous African dream herb comes from South Africa among the Xhosa tribe. This unusual dream herb is also called Silene Capensis and it has fragrant white flowers that open only at night. The fragrant they emit has a hypnotizing aroma.
The African Dream Herb classifies as a “oneirogen” – a plant traditionally used to modify the dream state.
This dream herb is also an ‘AChEI inhibitor’ – putting it in the same category as galantamine and huperzine-A, both of which are potent lucid dreaming aids in the last couple of years.
Effects:
The plant doesn’t generate dreams but instead makes them more vivid and memorable.
Additionally, African Dream Root will enhance your dream memory and awareness!
In this study, you can find out more about the African dream root’s ability to induce unusual dream states.
Dosage and usage:
The recommended dose is 1 full teaspoon of powdered root to 2 cups of water.
You should stir it until a thick layer of foam is created on top. Then you should drink the foam – in the morning and in the evening.
*Be sure you haven’t eaten anything before.*
You can also grind it into a powder and place it in capsules for direct consumption.
Repeat this every day for a few days or weeks until you notice the effects!
Pros
- It is cheap
- Known to be a viral inhibitor and an antioxidant
- Reduce cholesterol
Cons
- There is a possibility of vomiting
WHERE TO BUY IT?
Europe/the UK: Find African Dream Herb at Azarius.net
the US/Worldwide: Find African Dream Herb on Etsy
4. The Blue Lotus
The Blue Lotus originates from ancient Egypt.
For thousands of years, its powerful intoxicating scent was used by the native people as part of religious ceremonies. They would use it to reach higher levels of consciousness.
Effects:
It has soothing properties, and it is used not only for sleep aid, but also as a natural anti-anxiety remedy, and as a stress reliever.
Blue Lotus contains nuciferan along with aporphine, which will give you feelings of calming euphoria.
Pros
- Used as a nervine medicine
- Relaxing and calming
- No addiction or dependency hence safe to use
Cons
- It can be pricey and illegal in some countries
5. Huperzine-A
Huperzine-A is a substance purified from a plant called Chinese club moss.
Huperzine-A, Galantamine, and Choline are clinically verified lucid dream supplements.
They hold Acetylcholine Esterase inhibitors to limit the normal breakdown of the natural neurotransmitter – acetylcholine.
They work by enhancing our dreaming capabilities.
Effects:
It enhances the memory, learning, alertness, and energy.
When taken during the night it can lead to extremely vivid and memorable dreams with profound levels of detail!
Pros
- Boosts your dreaming abilities
- Natural brain stimulant
Cons
- Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, sweating, blurred vision, or loss of appetite
Read my full review on Huperzine-A here:
6. The Devil’s Claw
Despite its scary name, the devil’s claw is a useful soother dream herb. It is made from grinding Harpagophytum procumbens plant roots.
The plan originates from the Nambian desert of Southern Africa. The natives believe that they get a connection with ancestry wisdom through smoking its dry leaves.
Effects:
Some experience more profound and deep sleep. Others, however, may go through very vivid, lucid dreams that are extremely memorable.
Apart from inducing dreams, it has also been used to treat pain and inflammation.
Pros
- Relieves pain and inflammation
- Treats skin conditions
- Helps with weight loss
Cons
- Uncommon and rare side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches, loss of appetite
7. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a memory enhancer herb and brain booster. It originates from ancient Chinese medicine.
By facilitating blood flow to the brain, it boosts cognitive functions and as a result, improves brain speed and critical thinking.
Effects:
While it is not mostly known as a lucid herb, it improves dream recall and it can increase the vividness of your dreams.
Pros
- It improves tons of body and brain functions, such as memory disorders, anxiety, blood circulation, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbance
Cons
- Ginkgo might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, mango rind, or cashew shell oil
8. Guayusa
Guayusa is used in tea in the Caribbean. It originates from Ecuador, Peru, and Columbia.
It is popularly known as the watchman’s plant because it keeps one’s eyes open during the night. The Guayusa sharpens your senses during the day too.
Native Indians used to stay alert during the long hours of hunting in the woods. It is also used as a stimulant more powerful than coffee.
Effects:
It contains L-Theanine which is the amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps to reduce stress.
Also, Guayusa increase alertness, focus, self-awareness, and serenity.
Pros
- Energizing (throughout the day)
- Powerful antioxidant
- Aids digestion
- Mental clarity
Cons
- Rare side effects include such as jitters, rapid heartbeat and energy crashes
- You need to take it for a longer time to experience the effects significantly
9. The Wild Asparagus Root
The scientific name for the wild asparagus root is the asparagus racemous.
It is also known as a dream-inducing herb. It is linked to ancient Chinese medicine.
The original Chinese plant is Tian Men Dong translated for heavenly spirit herb because of its effect to ignite the subconscious during sleep.
The monks and yogis use the herb for mediation as it creates the flying effect.
Effects:
Improves overall quality of sleep, promotes relaxation and stress relief, serves as an excellent anti-depressant and stimulates flying dreams!
Pros
- Muscle relaxant
- A calming aid for meditation
- Balance in the internal functions of the body
- Provides energy and natural buoyancy
Cons
- Avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding
10. Clary Sage
The Clary Sage is famous for its anti-depressant properties. However, it is a potent dream enhancer too. It is mostly used in tea, but also as an essential oil.
Effects:
Clary sage helps to calm the body and provide a restful night’s sleep.
Apart from being a healing herb, the Clary sage gives your brain the power to create many dreams in a deep sleep.
Pros
- Heals trauma
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Improved digestion
- Antibacterial effects
- Stress relief
- Improves circulation
Cons
- It may cause skin irritation – if using Clay Sage essential oil, test a small area of skin to avoid any skin inflammations
11. Passionflower
This one is used as an effective treatment for insomnia. In general, passionflower is well known for improving our sleep quality.
There was a study where people were drinking passionflower tea or placebo tea every night for a week before going to sleep.
It was rated that sleep quality improved significantly for those drinking passionflower tea compared to those drinking placebo tea.
Effects:
Passionflower is a sedative and sleep aid. It has a calming and relieving effect.
It has been said that the plant helps to induce a powerful dreamy imagination!
Pros
- Sleep-inducing
- Used for anxiety, nervousness, seizures, asthma, pressure, and pain relief
- Good if you have troubles with sleeping (insomnia)
– If you are suffering from insomnia, combine passionflower with valerian, hops, and Jamaican dogwood for a very effective herbal insomnia treatment
Cons
- The use of this herb with prescription sedatives is not advised due to the cumulative effect
- Dizziness, Confusion
- Nausea
12. Lemon Balm
A research suggests that taking one 600 mg dose of lemon balm increases calmness and awareness in adults during a stress test.
Effects:
Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative, calming effect. Taking a lemon balm by itself can improve the length and quality of sleep.
Pros
- It is possibly effective for anxiety, cold sores, dementia, upset stomach, INSOMNIA, STRESS!
- Widely used as a sedative as well as an antibacterial agent
Cons
- Can cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- May cause dizziness
13. Chamomile
Chamomile benefits the neurohormones in this case by helping to maintain the sleep-wake cycle.
Effects:
Chamomile tea contains an antioxidant called apigenin.
Apigenin is the component in chamomile tea that provides its sedative-like quality. It can help you get to better sleep!
Chamomile’s calming effects can help our body relax and get a good quality sleep!
Dosage:
For the best results, try drinking between 2 – 4 cups of tea, a day. You should see a difference in the quality of your sleep — a deeper and more restful one.
Pros
- Regulates neurotransmitter transmission to the brain so it enhances the mood and relieves depression.
- Chamomile is often associated with treating anxiety and insomnia
Cons
- For those who are allergic to daisies, this flower is from the same family, so chamomile tea should be avoided
- It has a sedative effect, it should not be consumed alongside anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs
14. Peppermint
For a night of restful sleep, drink caffeine-free peppermint tea.
Peppermint also acts as a muscle relaxant and helps you sleep peacefully.
Effects:
Supports dream quality and it can make the scene more vivid and ‘alive’.
Pros
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- It helps soothe the stomach and relieve digestion process because of the menthol present
Cons
- Peppermint can cause heartburn, and allergic reactions including flushing, headache, and mouth sores
15. Burdock
Burdock seems to be great at helping you to escape from nightmares and transform them into POSITIVE dreams.
It is a great aid for calming the mind! Burdock effectively keeps the negativity, anger, and sadness in your dream state.
Effects:
Helps to calm your mind, so if you are getting scary dreams, this might be a great herb to use!
Burdock benefits extend over many different body systems including digestive, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, and glandular and immune systems.
No wonder it can help with stress relief!
Pros
- Powerful antioxidant
- Removes toxins from the blood
- Treat skin issues
Cons
- Not a lot of researches, but only experiences of other people
• May cause an allergic reaction (if you are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family)
But wait: There is more!
I wrote a whole article about 15 MORE supplements, and lucid dream pills, that are incredible lucid dream inhibitors! They are very powerful, because they are specially designed for lucid dreaming.
You can read the review right HERE:
Conclusion
Do not expect to achieve lucid dreams instantly from the first day of use.
There are other contributing factors that you NEED TO do in order to lucid dream, so do not rely ONLY on herbs/supplements.
They are not magical pills but enhancers.
A common mistake is that beginners rely too much on supplements.
But lucid dreaming is like any other skill – it requires practice and commitment.
Supplements and herbs CAN help, but they will not give you constant results on their own. Do not expect miracles after you try a herb.
For the optimal & full effect of these herbs you should:
be consistent in the use of the herbs
combine them with a lucid dream technique
don’t forget meditation!
do reality checks DAILY (find out why they are SO IMPORTANT and how to do them PROPERLY here)
and of course, write down your dreams in a dream journal
Frequently Asked Questions
What herb is traditionally used to treat insomnia?
Valerian root is often used for its sedative qualities.
What is the Chinese herb for sleep?
Da Zao, also commonly referred to as jujubae or the Chinese date, has the ability to induce calm in those who take it.
Does cinnamon help you sleep?
It can help with insomnia.
thank you