5 COMMON HERBS THAT INDUCE VIVID DREAMS

“When you can’t find the answer in your waking life, take a stroll in the dream world” -Michael Bassey Johnson.

“Your dream is a portal to your reality”

-Michael Bassey Johnson.

Vivid dreams

Vivid dream, also known as a lucid dream, is a type of dream in which the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming. In this kind of dream, the person may gain some control over the characters or environment of the dream. However, this control is not necessary to deem a dream as lucid or vivid.

Improved quality of sleep, mnemonic inductions, keeping a dream journal and taking reality tests are some ways to increase the chances of having a vivid dream.

Approximately half of all people have vivid dreams at least once in their lifetime. Studies have shown that around 23% of people have vivid dream once a month.

Would you like to dream more or be well aware during your dream? In this article I will tell you how to make this possible.

There are certain herbs used commonly to induce or increase the chances of having a vivid dream. This article will tell you about five common herbs that cause vivid dreams to occur.

 5 common herbs that induce vivid dreams

 There are a lot of common herbs or flowers used to induce vivid dreams. Some are very commonly known world wide. These dream inducing herbs are as follows:

 

• Valerian roots

Introduction

Valerian roots (Valeriana officinalis) are most commonly and widely used as  herbs that induce vivid dreams.

It is an herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has a long history of also being used as a sedative. It can grow up to 6 feet and has a strong smell. It acts as a sedative to the brain and nervous system. It is also said to have roots in ancient Greece.

It has been used to reduce anxiety and stress and promotes deep and restful sleep for thousands of years. It was used by Hippocrates and Greeks. There are approximately 250 different varieties of Valerian.

Uses

• Sleeping disorders; Especially insomnia
• Anxiety and stress
• To induce vivid dreams
• Mania
• Hysteria

Use of Valerian roots for vivid dreams

Apart from being used for curing physical and psychological ailments, it is an excellent herb that induces vivid dreams.  

It is used as a dream herb as it can enhance dream memory as well as making dreams more vivid.

As soon as you get the ability to remember your dreams daily, you get closer to becoming even more conscious while in the dream state.

While valerian is great in helping in dream recall and improving dream content, it is taken with other powerful herbs to make it work more efficiently.

Side effects

Valerian is likely safe if taken for shorter period of time. Some common side effects include

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Headaches
• Indigestion

There are no known results of the long-term usage of valerian roots.

• Peppermint

Introduction

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between spearmint and watermint. This herb originated from Europe and the middle East, but is now cultivated in many regions of the world.

It is also used to add flavour or fragrance to the food. It is also available in the form of enteric-coated capsules. It is also a herb that induces vivid dreams.

Uses

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sinus infection and cold
• Headaches
• To cause vivid or lucid dreams

 It is also used as peppermint oil for smelling as part of aromatherapy.

 Use of peppermint for vivid dreams

It has been scientifically proven to increase frequency of dreams as well as induce vivid or lucid dreams. It can support vivid dreams and is used mostly in the form of peppermint tea for this purpose.

This benefit is a result of the menthol content found in this herb. It brings about muscle relaxation for more restful dreams and also a state of consciousness in sleep; lucid or vivid dreams.

It makes it easier to instantly relax and aids in falling asleep quickly. Another way to use peppermint is to soak in a bath with a few drops of peppermint oil infused in water before bed.

Side effects

Peppermint can cause certain side effects. These side effects include

• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting

The leaves may cause irritation of the skin or eyes. In rare cases, this reaction can be severe, resulting in a medical emergency.

3) Wild Asparagus Root

Introduction

Wild Asparagus Root is yellow, soft and chewy. It has a sweet, bitter taste and cold properties. It is one of the most useful tonics in all of herbal medicine.

It is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, fiber and potassium. The spears are commonly eaten and the roots and seeds are used to make medicine. It is one of those commonly used herbs that induce vivid dreams.

Uses

• Airway inflammatory diseases
• Liver diseases
• For vivid dreams
• High blood pressure

Use of Wild Asparagus Root for vivid dreams

Ancient Chinese teachings emphasized the value of deep dream work, including lucid or vivid dreams.

It has a direct and positive effect on heart energy and dissolving physical incarnation qualities. This allows our consciousness to blossom during sleep.

Because of it’s qualities it is included in the list of herbs that induce vivid dreams.

Side effects 

Using wild asparagus root can cause the following side effects

• When it is taken by mouth it could cause the urine to smell pungent
• It can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

There isn’t enough reliable study to know if wild asparagus root is safe to use for longer periods of time.

4) Mugwort

Introduction

Mugwort is superior for treating stomach ailments and eliminating parasitic invaders. This herb often helps a person to heal while sleeping. It has a sweet and floral scent. It is excellent for use in essential oil, teas and for aromatic qualities for meditation practices.

One of the more traditional use of mugwort is that, this herb is used to induce vivid dreams. It is often used as one of the main ingredients in sleep pillows. It is mildly sedative and useful in calming frayed nerves and easing distress. It is included in the list of herbs that induce vivid dreams because of its sedating and dream-enhancing qualities.

Uses

Historically Mugwort has been used in traditional systems of medicine in different regions of the world. Today it is used for the following reasons.

• Digestive problems
• Irregular menstruation
• High blood pressure
• Inducing vivid or lucid dreams

Use of Mugwort for vivid dreams

This herb has a reputation of being the most well known herb for dreaming. Many people who use this herb report increased lucidity and prolonged dreams.

Mugwort can sometimes bring up darker or uncomfortable dreams. This herb eventually brings us to a balanced dreamscape, where we regain a strong foothold in our dreams.

It can used in tea as well as tincture.

Side effects

Use of mugwort can also cause a few side effects.

• It can cause allergic reactions
• Dermatitis
• Sinus related symptoms
• Rashes

However, it is sold as a dietary supplement and usually considered safe for most people.

5) Passionflower

Introduction

Passionflower (passiflora incarnata), is also known as Maypop. It is native to USA and has been used by native Americans for medicinal purposes. Its roots and leaves contain alkaloids that function as MAO inhibitors.

It is used as an antioxidant and increases the effect of mind-altering drugs. It is used as a soft sedative. It helps to induce a powerful imagination which is why it is included in the list of herbs that induce vivid dreams.  It is widely known as a herb that induces vivid dreams in different regions of the world.

Uses

Passionflower is promoted for the following uses.

• Dietary supplement for anxiety
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Heart rhythm problems
• Menopausal problems
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• As a herb that induces vivid dreams

Use of Passionflower for vivid dreams

Extracts from passion flower have been used to reduce anxiety and insomnia. It helps to feel more grounded and centered. It induces colorful and vivid dreams.

It is used as an herb that induces vivid dreams. It also makes dreams deeper than usual. It does this because it contains harmane, an MAO inhibitor. It is also available in capsules and tincture forms.

Side effects

Side effects have rarely been reported with the use of passion flower but may include

• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Rapid heartbeat

In general passion flower is considered safe and non toxic

Other commonly known herbs that induce vivid dreams

Apart from these above mentioned herbs,  there are many of other herbs that induce vivid or lucid dreams. These herbs include

• Burdock
• Mullein
• Silene Capensis
• Claridream
• Ginko biloba
• Datura
• Sage leaves
• Jasmine flowers
• Rose petals

There are many other herbs that are used as dream enhancers or herbs that induce vivid dreams.

Conclusion

If you want to achieve a sense of awareness during your dreams or want to gain some control over them you might want to try the appropriate amounts and combinations of the herbs mentioned in this article.

All of these herbs are commonly known and widely used all around the world. These are the herbs that induce vivid dreams that are also known as lucid dreams.

However, studies have shown that these were effective for the short term. There are no known studies to prove their effect while used for longer periods of time.