Dream herb (Calea zacatechichi)

Calea zacatechichi is a medicinal plant

Image - brainwavepowermusic.com

There are many plants that, due to intensive and uncontrolled use, have had, have or could begin to have a very bad reputation among society. One of them is the calea zacatechichi, which is a kind of very ornamental shrub, which could well be used to decorate gardens and terraces.

The leaves are used as a sedative, which would be great for people who suffer from insomnia or who, like me, sometimes have trouble sleeping right off the bat. But if misused, it is very dangerous.

Origin and characteristics

Calea flowers are yellowish

It is an evergreen shrub native to Mexico and Central America whose scientific name is calea zacatechichi. It is popularly known as bitter grass, dog grass, mother leaf, dream grass, or zacatechichi. It grows to a height between 1 and 1,5 meters, and its branches are quite divided. 

The leaves are opposite, oval, with a serrated margin and pubescent, and are 3-4cm long by 2-3cm wide. The flowers, which sprout at the end of winter, are cymose, white, and measure about 4mm.

Uses

Apart from being used as an ornamental, as we said at the beginning it is used as a sedative. With the leaves an infusion is prepared.

The appropriate dose is believed to be 1 gram per kilo of weight, but before starting any treatment you should consult your doctor since there is a risk of overdose and, therefore, in the case of this plant, also of death.

What are their cares?

Calea can be grown in a pot

Image - www.worldseedsupply.com

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it in the following way:

  • Location: outside, in semi-shade.
  • Earth:
    • Pot: growing medium for acidic plants mixed with 30% perlite.
    • Garden: grows in acidic, fertile soils with good drainage.
  • Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year. Use rainwater or lime-free.
  • Subscriber: in spring and summer with ecological fertilizers, every 15 or 20 days.
  • Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
  • Rusticity: it does not resist frost.

Did you know the calea zacatechichi?


4 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Edgar said

    In my region there is that plant, but the flowers instead of being yellow, are they purple, is it the same or is it a different plant?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Edgar.
      It could be the same species but a different variety. Anyway, to confirm it, you can send photos to our P.
      Greetings.

  2.   Miguel said

    Could you tell me where to get the seeds to grow the plant?

    1.    gisela said

      I found seeds in Amazon France and I am waiting to receive them to germinate and plant. I want for infusion since I know it is good for lucid dreaming.