Calea Zacatechichi

Botanical Background

Calea Zacatechichi is a densely flowering, heavily branching shrub indigenous to the high altitudes of the Mexican Sierra mountains. Calea Zacatechichi is also commonly known as the dream herb and the leaf of God.

History

Throughout history, the Chontal indians of Oaxaca consumed Calea Zacatechichi tea for a variety of purposes. Medicinally, Calea was used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and cathartic anti-dysentery fevers. Spiritually, Calea served as the backbone for divination and dream induction. Chontal medicine men believed Calea Zacatechihi had the ability to “clarify the senses”. Individuals were instructed to drink the tea before going to bed and the answers to any lingering questions would be revealed in dreams.

The Effects

Calea increases the frequency of lucid dreams but not automatically. Instead, dreams usually become more realistic and memorable to the individual. A controlled sleep study showed that ingesting Calea tea before bedtime increased the number of dreams recalled. This phenomenon is the result of Calea activating the 'Memory Continuity Facilitator' in the brain which prevents the mental “jumping“ around from place and time in dreams. As a side effect, Calea can also produce feelings of well-being that can continue for one or more days. At lower doses, Calea produces a mild euphoric feeling that is similar to cannabis. At all dosage levels, mental clarity and time lagging is usually experienced. Currently there are no noted side effects from using Calea.

Preparation

Calea can be brewed into a tea or smoked. The Chontal Indians used a ritual that involved both methods. First, the Calea tea is drunk and afterwards a cigarette of dried Calea leaves and flowers is smoked. The right dosage results in feelings of tranquility, drowsiness and the ability to hear one’s own heartbeat.

SMOKING - Smoke one or two cigarettes of the leaves/flowers before going to bed.
TEA - To make the Calea tea, steep 3 grams of Calea leaves in 8 oz of hot water for about 15 minutes. The bitterness can be reduced by adding honey or sugar but do not add citrus.