Examining Calea Zacatechichi: The Aztec Dream Grass

Calea zacatechichi belongs to the Compositae family or the sunflower family. Its genus is calea, and it is known as the species zacatechichi. Some of the common names for this plant are Aztec Dream Grass, Bitter Grass, Dream Herb, and Madre. It grows between three feet and four feet eleven inches in height. It was originally found in central Mexico growing in the mountains above 5000 feet. Below are pictures of the plant showing its leaves, its flowers, and the last picture is of the leaves being dried. The chemical analysis of Calea zacatechichi or Aztec Dream Grass has as the primary psychoactive compound, germacranolides. This is the reason for the sharp bitter taste of the herb. The herb naturally produces the following chemicals: “1B-acetoxy-zacatechinolide,

These dreams will occur several times during the night. They reported that their minds were clearer, that they could hear their own heart beat and that they were very aware of their body as they moved from being awake to the hypnotic state and then on to the beginning of their sleep. It is reported that when the herb is smoked it produces a mild high as if someone has smoked marijuana. They will also place fresh leaves under the table to help in stimulating dreaming (Ratsch 1998, 117-118). The herb is found in a lot of Chontal folk remedies. They use it for numerous stomach issues. It reduces fevers and is used to cleanse wounds and burns and to treat rashes and headaches. The Aztecs also used ith “cold stomach” (Mayagoita et al. 1986). This herb is found in the Oaxaca and Tabasco states that are located in the southeastern section of Mexico. The plant or herb will grow in the areas from Mexico to Costa Rico in the dry savannas and canyons. They grow corn, squash, beans and other vegetables. They also have fruit trees that include the avocado and guava. Some of the other items they produce are sugar, pepper, and