Sweet Dreams: 15 Plants to Enhance Your Dream State
“Common sense tells us that the things of the earth exist only a little, and that true reality is only in dreams.” – Charles Baudelaire
Every morning we awake from other worlds. Sometimes, those worlds seem to make sense. Other times, we can’t get past the talking alligator riding a skateboard on the 405. Of course, this is the dreamworld, where the nonsensical is actually serving a purpose to help our subconscious work through all the mysteries of the waking world. And we can be more fully engaged in the processes of our dreaming states. These 15 plants can help.
Internal Use
Valerian Root has been used to induce lucid dreaming for centuries. It can help create more vivid dreams–and intense ones, too. Best method: tea or tincture.
Calea Zachatechi is called the Dream Herb and is a plant that has been used in parts of Mexico for a very long time. It has been scientifically proven to increase reaction time and frequency of dreams as well as encourage vivid and lucid dreams. Best method: tea.
Ginko Biloba is known to increase our brain function and improve memory. In sleep it can make dreams more vivid and we can feel more alert. Best method: capsule or tincture
Peppermint can support lucid and vivid dreaming, and some users even report a “prophetic” quality to dreams when peppermint is involved. Best method: tea or tincture.
Passionflower is very relaxing and sedative, helping to bring about a calmer dream state. Best method: tea or tincture.
External Use (eye pillows, dried or fresh herbs/flowers near bed or in pillow case)
Datura is a powerful, fragrant flower that has a history of uses around the world. Place a flower or two in your pillowcase for lucid and very vivid dreams.
Mugwort has been known to enhance vivid, lucid and prophetic dreams.
Anise‘s licorice-like fragrance can keep nightmares away.
Sageleaves can be used to bring more peacefulness and healing to your dreams.
Burdock is effective at keeping negativity, anger and sadness from your dream state.
Mullein can help you to ward off nightmares and have pleasant dreams.
Jasmine flowers are known to enhance erotic and romantic dreams, especially useful for women processing issues related to sex.
Lemongrass can boost your boring dreams by adding color and exotic elements.
Rose Petals will add a loving sense and warmth to dreams. Also especially helpful to women.
Clary Sage‘s super fragrant scent can provide you with some vivid and strange dreams. Ideal for the nocturnal adventurer!
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
Image: -= Bruce Berrien =-
