What Is Calea Zacatechichi? A Guide to This Mexican Dream Herb

Calea zacatechichi, popularly known as the “Mexican dream herb,” is a fascinating plant with a deep-rooted history and unique effects. Historically, indigenous groups used it for spiritual purposes. Still, nowadays, it’s catching on with people all over the world who also want to connect to their dreams in a much deeper way. Here, we’ll talk about Calea zacatechichi and what you should know if you’re trying it yourself.

A wooden bowl, embraced by the purple and green dried leaves of Calea zacatechichi, rests elegantly on a dark surface. — Photo credit: Yay Images

What Is Calea Zacatechichi?

Calea zacatechichi belongs to the Asteraceae family and has many names, including “Calea ternifolia,” “bitter grass,” and “dream herb.” It’s a highly bitter-tasting perennial shrub native to Mexico and Central America, where people use it as a folk remedy. Presently, this plant is also cultivated outside of these areas for use by herbalists and those who want to benefit from or explore its effects.

It’s worth noting that, for centuries, Mexican Indigenous groups such as the Chontal Maya have also used this herb for spiritual rituals. In particular, they use it for divination purposes or to get psychic dreams, which could potentially reveal answers to their health problems or personal questions. They do this by drinking tea made from the leaves or smoking the dried plant before sleeping, prepping their minds to receive spiritual insights as they sleep.

Nowadays, people take this herb because it can induce hallucinations and increase mental clarity. It’s also gaining notoriety among people who want to experience having more vivid dreams.

Why People Use Calea Zacatechichi (And What It Might Help With)

1. Induce Lucid Dreaming

Perhaps one of the most famous uses for this dream herb is its alleged ability to cause lucid dreaming, or becoming aware that you’re dreaming while still asleep, hence being able to control the events in the dream.

Some users claim that after drinking tea or smoking the leaves of this plant, they have vivid dreams that feel more real, are longer, and are easier to recall or understand the next day. Others claim to experience hallucinations (such as seeing shapes or hearing sounds) right before going to sleep.

These results may be caused by the herb’s effects on the central nervous system, which affects sleep. These are all anecdotal, though some studies support the claim that this herb can give users vivid dreams.

2. Anxiety and Stress Relief

Another reported benefit of this dream herb is its ability to promote mental relaxation and reduce stress in people seeking peace of mind.

A study found that certain doses produce anti-anxiety effects in rats, but more research is needed to verify this effect, particularly on humans.

A pile of Calea zacatechichi leaves lies scattered on a textured black surface, their dried green hue creating a striking contrast. — Photo credit: Yay Images

3. Boost Mental Clarity

Aside from dream enhancement, some users also claim that the herb helps them achieve increased mental clarity and boosts their attention and focus.

This may be due to the fact that Calea zacatechichi contains chlorogenic acid, which has positive effects on cognition, but this needs further study.

4. Blood Sugar Support

Using this herb may lower blood sugar levels, which could be promising for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

However, more research on this needs to be done since taking the herb along with diabetes medication may cause blood sugar levels to go too low, resulting in hypoglycemia.

5. Traditional Healing/Herbal Remedy

Historically, people use this herb for all sorts of healing purposes, including:

As an appetite stimulant
To treat fever and headache
Alleviates diarrhea and stomach aches
Helps with digestion and respiratory disorders (like asthma)

Potential Side Effects of Calea Zacatechichi

Using this herb comes with its own risks. Among the side effects users experience when consuming this herb are:

Nausea
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Disturbing or overly intense dreams
Liver or kidney toxicity

Three piles of dried leaves on a dark textured surface: a purple and yellow flower on the left, a small purple cluster in the center, and vibrant green leaves of Calea zacatechichi on the right. — Photo credit: Yay Images

Safety Precautions and Considerations Before Using

Thinking of using this bitter herb? For your safety, always keep the following in mind:

Always check with a healthcare professional before using Calea zacatechichi, particularly if you’re using psychiatric or other types of medications.
If you have allergies or are allergic to plants like chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, and other members of the Asteraceae family, then getting in contact with this herb might also cause an allergic reaction.
Don’t use the herb if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as there’s not enough data out there to know if it’s safe.
Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts to the herb.
Since there is insufficient research to validate its safety, you may want to use the herb occasionally at best and never daily.
Note that this herb is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it’s classified as an uncontrolled substance. You can use it legally in the US, except in Louisiana (where it’s banned).

Have you used Calea Zacatechichi before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below!