Introduction to Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb)
Calea zacatechichi is a plant used by the Chontal Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico
to obtain divinatory messages during dreaming. It has been scientifically
demonstrated to increase the frequency of lucid dreams. It is also employed by
the Chontal Indians against gastrointestinal disorders, and is used as an
appetizer, cathartic anti-dysentery remedy, and an agent for reducing fever.
Calea produces a feeling of well-being that continues for one or more
days.
Crushed dried leaves are steeped in hot water, and the resulting tea is
imbibed slowly, after which the native lies down in a quiet place and smokes a
cigarette of the dried leaves of the same plant. The Indian knows that he has
taken a large enough dose when a sense of tranquility and drowsiness is
experienced and when he hears his own heart and pulse beats. There are no
reports of hangover or other undesirable side effects. The human dose for
divinatory purposes reported by the Chontal Indians is a handful of the dried
plant.
The Chontal medicine men, who assert that this plant is capable of
"clarifying the senses", call it thlepelakano, or "Leaf of
God". Whenever it is desired to know the cause of an illness, or the
location of a distant or lost person, dry leaves of the plant are smoked, drunk
and put under the pillow before going to sleep. Reportedly, the answer to the
question comes in a dream.
Calea zacatechichi is 100% legal in the United States. It is all-natural and
does not contain any controlled substances. Do not drive or operate machinery
under the influence of Calea zacatechichi.
Tips on Using Calea: It can be smoked to achieve good effects - roll it into
a cigarette. Calea is an extremely bitter herb, most people prefer to smoke it
rather than making it into a tea.
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Mazatec Garden describes the common
uses of many herbs. This is for informational purposes only, as we are not
advising or prescribing herbs for any specific medical condition or for any
specific use. Distribute this information freely. |