Calea zacatechichi may induce vivid dreams and better sleep, along with other reported benefits to memory, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation. That said, more research in humans is needed to make definitive conclusions about its effects.

Calea zacatechichi, also known as Calea ternifolia, dream herb, and bitter grass, is a shrub that primarily grows in Mexico.

Historically, indigenous groups, including the Chontal Maya, have also used it for improved mental clarity and dream enhancement.

Today, it’s a popular herb among people looking to induce hallucinations or try lucid dreaming.

Here’s what the research says about the so-called dream herb.

Calea zacatechichi may have a range of effects on your sleep and the quality of your dreams.

Some reported effects on dreams include:

  • the ability to alter or control your dreams
  • more vivid, memorable, or longer dreams
  • an increase in the dreams you experience and remember
  • a sense of deeper knowledge and understanding of your dreams

That said, most of these effects are based on anecdotal reports. According to one 2022 literature review of research on the herb, a few studies did find that its effects can include vivid dreams.

Calea zacatechichi may also help with sleep, which may be related to its other reported therapeutic effects, such as helping with relaxation and improving mood.

Because the results of older studies on humans and animals examining this have been mixed, a 2021 study examined whether the herb could reduce anxiety in rats. The researchers found that there was an anti-anxiety effect at doses ranging from 0.5 to 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

However, older researchTrusted Source hasn’t seen the same effect, so more study is needed to confirm this.

That said, while it’s logical to assume that lower anxiety might contribute to better sleep, the study didn’t examine the herb’s effect on sleep directly.

In addition, in the earlier-mentioned 2022 review, the researchers found that people who consumed or smoked the herb also experienced superficial sleep stages and frequent awakenings, so it’s unclear whether the herb can actually improve or worsen sleep. More research is necessary on humans to verify these findings.

Does it cause hallucinations?

There are anecdotal reports of intense, dream-like images shortly before falling asleep after taking this herb.

That said, research has found that Calea zacatechichi doesn’t produce the same chemical effect on the brain as hallucinogenic drugs like acid (LSD).

Calea zacatechichi containsTrusted Source chlorogenic acid, a type of phenolic acid and antioxidant that mayTrusted Source help with attention, executive function, and memory in human subjectsTrusted Source, including in older adults.

This may be why some anecdotal reports suggest that taking the herb before bed may help increase mental clarity and boost cognitive abilities, such as focus and improved reaction time.

That said, these studies involved an animal study, a chemical analysis of the herb, and just one human study involving only eight participants. This isn’t sufficient evidence to conclude that chlorogenic acid does indeed have these effects.

Other benefits associated with chlorogenic acid may include:

That said, more human research examining the herb’s direct effects in these areas is needed before any conclusion can be drawn.

Research from 2019Trusted Source, comprising both animal and test tube studies, suggests that Calea zacatechichi makidneys. Some older evidenceTrusted Source also suggests that high doses of it can cause nausea or vomiting.

While experts have found no evidence yet of specific interactions between Calea zacatechichi and prescription or over-the-counter medications, this doesn’t mean the herb is safe to use with every medication. It simply means experts have yet to find and document conclusive proof of any specific interactions.

As a general rule, it’s best to check with your healthcare professional before trying any new herb or supplement, especially if you have existing health concerns or take any kind of medication or supplement.

This is especially true if you take:

  • Medications to lower blood sugar: Older researchTrusted Source looking at its potential benefits for the treatment of diabetes does suggest this herb may lower blood sugar. If you take medications for this purpose, Calea zacatechichi could further lower your blood sugar to unsafe levels.
  • Blood pressure medications: The same goes for blood pressure medications, since using this herb can result in lowered blood pressure.
  • Certain anti-anxiety medications: If you take sedatives, tranquilizers, or any other medications intended to help produce a state of calm or relaxation, you may notice an increased effect when taking Calea zacatechichi.

What is the legal status of Calea zacatechichi?

Calea zacatechichi is federally classified as an uncontrolled substance in the United States. It’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can use it legally if you live in the United States, except in the state of Louisiana, where its banned.

If you’re going to use it, make sure you find a reputable supplier to avoid purchasing a contaminated product. Reach out to suppliers to ask about how they source their herbs and test them for purity. If they can’t give you a clear answer, it’s best to avoid them.

If you do decide to purchase it online, make sure to check the ingredients and product description, as many products contain other herbs as well.

Also, if you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s especially important to talk with your healthcare professional before trying this herb. You may also want to use caution when combining this herb with alcohol or other substances, including cannabis.

In addition, an allergic reaction is also possible. Calea zacatechichi belongs to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) plant family, so you could have an allergic reaction to this herb if you have allergies to:

  • ragweed
  • daisies
  • chrysanthemums
  • other plants in this family

If you’re interested in lucid dreaming — or just having more vivid dreams that you can remember — you’re not alone. Plenty of people want to experience more interesting or insightful dreams.

Some people swear by using Calea zacatechichi for this purpose, but it’s important to remember that there’s not much research on this herb. Plus, it’s not regulated by the FDA, so finding a quality product can be tricky.

If you’re interested in trying it, be aware of its potential adverse effects and toxicity, especially if you have a chronic health condition or take medication. Always ask your doctor before trying any herbal remedy.