Ultrasonic Calea Zacatechichi Tincture (Aztec Dream Herb)

Calea Zacatechichi is a novel herb used by the indigenous Chontal in Central Mexico to receive divination with dreams and is used as one of their traditional medicines to support digestion / the respiratory system:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Anti-leishmanial (parasites)
• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Indigenous used in divination ceremonies
• Oneirogenic plant (promotes lucid dreaming)
• Sedative
• Used in Respiratory Disorders

Aromatic Scent (Pure Ultrasonic Extract): Nutty, Floral and Chocolate, surprising sweet and enjoyable!
Flavor Profile (Tincture): Rich green flavor, balanced bitter softened with honey hues ~ very palatable.

Dr. Nick Notes

Calea Zacatechichi was first introduced to me by dear friends who owned the Happy High Herb Store in Berkeley / San Francisco around 2012.  Calea Zacatechichi is a unique beautiful herb with a spunky sense of consciousness, I dove into the literature to learn a bit more about the “Aztec Dream Herb” / “Mexican Dream Herb”.  The Aztec Dream Herb has been used for centuries by the Mexican Chontal Indians to receive messages of divination during dream-time.

Calea Zacatechichi tea tastes chemically bitter & awful tasting to my palette, and ranks amongst the worst flavor-profile in herbs to-date.  The intense bitter quality to Aztec Dream Herb is likely caused by the primary compounds are germacranolides.  Over the years I’ve had a few concoctions, alchemical extracts (spagyrics) of Calea Z which were more palatable / even neutral in flavor!  I’m happy to share that our artisan Aztec Dream Herb is quite neutral, with shades of bitter balanced kindly by the Organic Honey Mead.

The literature suggests human doses of organic extracts of the plant produce EEG and behavioral signs of somnolence (ie. drowsiness) and has shown to induce light sleep in cats. Large doses may elicit salivation, ataxia, retching and occasional vomiting. Effects on the cingulum in the brain were tested and shown different than dissociative drugs (ie. ketamine or PCP). Another study demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory activity comparable to both drugs Dexamethasone / Indomethacine which are landmark anti-inflammatory agents used in pharmaceutical medicine.

When observed in a clinical setting, one controlled nap sleep study in volunteers showed that Calea extracts increased the superficial stages of sleep and the number of spontaneous awakenings. Subjective reports of dreams were significantly higher than both placebo and diazepam, indicating an increase in hypnagogic imagery occurring during superficial sleep stages.

One last important note I’ve discovered comes from a study suggesting some level of nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity).  Individuals who are at risk for kidney disease or have dysfunctional kidneys, should consider limiting or abstaining from use of Aztec Dream Herb.

Calea Zacatechichi is a rich oneirogenic dream herb that carries ties to ancient Aztec culture.  My experience with Calea is using during late waking hours which brings me into a semi-conscious state. This state feels similar to a feeling of general relaxation ready for bed, when lines of reality are softened.  When using this tincture, I find my sleep to typically be deep and sometimes extended ~ upon awaking, feeling restful when I rise.

My first evening I used our Ultrasonic Calea Zacatechichi Tincture lured me to a soothing restful hours before bed where I had an extended sleep period without any vivid dreams or recall of dreams.  Calea provides the user a nice hypnotic lull without euphoria (unlike Mugwort), easing the mind and body to a state of relaxation, calmness and rest.  At a dropperful before bed I experience a quiet transition to rest and subtle imagery throughout the evening.  To receive the benefits of vivid dreamery, I find using this tincture directly before bed to be most effective and typically between 1.5 - 3 dropperful.  We are actively searching to source more of this precious and uncommon material, we were only able to produce about 8 ounces of this precious tincture on our first round!

We hope you In-JOY ~

How to Use

We find for our Ultrasonic Extract Tinctures, sublingual (under the tongue) absorption held for 30-60 seconds, leads to better subjective absorption / effects.  Aztec Dream Herb is not suggested for daily use and is probably best a few days / week max.

Here’s How We In-Joy Ultrasonic Aztec Dream Herb Tincture (still exploring):

• ¼ dropper to 2 dropperful sublingual used in synergy before deep meditation, contemplation or ceremonial intentions.
• 1 - 3 dropperful sublingual for more vivid, interactive dream space.  Synergistic with Ultrasonic Mugwort Tincture (1-5 drops).
• Infuse ¼ - 1 dropperful into evening tea to give our evenings a level of deeper stillness.
• Typically we In-JOY a single use in the evening on an intentional occasion.
• May use nightly for intentional dreaming to explore the night-realms.

Precautions

Extremely bitter & grotesque flavor - our tincture is much better tasting than other teas and raw herb.  May cause nausea / vomiting in sensitive individuals.  Not much safety data confirmed in pregnancy: do avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  If you have frequent nightmares, use this tincture at your own risk. Do not use if you have a known allergy to Calea herb.  Not recommended for patients with kidney disease!

Safety Summary

Ultrasonic Aztec Dream Herb Tincture is not well-studied for short-term or long-term consumption.  If you consider usage with Aztec Dream Herb, consider experimental use with short bursts!  Avoid use in poor renal (kidney) function.

Avoid usage in pregnancy or breast-feeding ~ This is an experimental product without much safety data in this population.  One study suggests potential nephrotoxicity, consider avoiding in elderly population or individuals with kidney disease.

Synergizes Well With: Ultrasonic Blue Lotus Tincture, Ultrasonic Kanna Tincture, Ultrasonic Mugwort Tincture, Ultrasonic Salvia Tincture, Ultrasonic Skullcap Tincture, Ultrasonic Wild Dagga Tincture.

Cultivation: Cultivated Free of Pesticides
Country of Origin: Mexico
Extraction Method: Ultrasonic Water Extraction
Parts of Plant Used: Leaves

Calea Zacatechichi Active Constituents:  Includes sesquiterpene lactone zexbrevin and a new analog, several analogs of neurolenin B including calein A, two analogs of budlein A and the flavones acacetin and O-methylacacetin.

References

• Herz, W., & Kumar, N. (1980). Sesquiterpene lactones of Calea zacatechichi and C. urticifolia. Phytochemistry, 19(4), 593-597.
• Mayagoitia, L., Díaz, J. L., & Contreras, C. M. (1986). Psychopharmacologic analysis of an alleged oneirogenic plant: Calea zacatechichi. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 18(3), 229-243.
• Argueta VA, Cano AL & Rodarte ME: Atlas de las plantas de la Medicina Tradicional Mexicana. Instituto Nacional Indigenista, Vol III (1994) pág 1407.
• Venegas-Flores, H., Segura-Cobos, D., & Vázquez-Cruz, B. (2002). Antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Calea zacatechichi. In Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society (Vol. 45, pp. 110-111). Seattle, Wash.: The Society.
• Mossoba, M. E., Flynn, T. J., Vohra, S., Wiesenfeld, P., & Sprando, R. L. (2016). Evaluation of “Dream Herb,” Calea zacatechichi, for Nephrotoxicity Using Human Kidney Proximal Tubule Cells. Journal of toxicology, 2016.*
  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. *