Calea Zacatechichi - Leaf of God - Dream Herb
Calea (Calea zacatechichi) Benefits, Traditional Uses and Botanical Guide
Calea, traditionally known as Calea zacatechichi and also classified as Calea ternifolia, is one of the most fascinating plants associated with traditional dream practices in Mexico.
Often called Dream Herb, Mexican Dream Herb, or Bitter Grass, this aromatic plant has a long history in Mexican ethnobotany. It is particularly associated with Chontal communities of Oaxaca, where traditional use has been documented in connection with dreams, divination and spiritual practices.
Calea is not only a dream plant. Traditional Mexican plant knowledge also associates it with digestive complaints, fever, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and other traditional medicinal applications. Different communities have used the plant in different ways, illustrating the diversity of Mexican herbal traditions.
Today Calea is available as dried leaves, powder, tea and tincture. Modern scientific interest has focused on its unusual bitter compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids and possible effects on sleep, dreaming, inflammation, the nervous system and metabolism.
However, Calea is not a well established modern medicine. Much of its reputation comes from traditional use, historical accounts and a relatively small body of scientific research.
This guide explores Calea from a botanical, historical, cultural and scientific perspective.
What Is Calea?
Calea is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family, Asteraceae.
The species is commonly known as Calea zacatechichi, although Calea ternifolia is the accepted name used in more recent botanical literature. Both names continue to appear in books, research papers, herbal products and online searches.
The plant is native to Mexico and Central America and grows in warm environments including dry forests, savannahs and other seasonal habitats.
Calea is a shrub like plant with aromatic leaves and small flowers. Its intensely bitter taste is one of its most recognizable characteristics. The bitterness is reflected in its traditional names. The name zacatechichi comes from Nahuatl and is generally interpreted as meaning bitter grass or bitter herb.
Botanical Name
Calea ternifolia Kunth
Common Synonym
Calea zacatechichi Schltdl.
Family
Asteraceae
Common Names
Calea
Dream Herb
Mexican Dream Herb
Bitter Grass
Bitter Herb
Calea zacatechichi
Calea ternifolia
Native Region
Mexico and Central America
Traditional Plant Material
Leaves
Stems
Roots in some traditional preparations
Traditional Preparations
Tea
Infusion
Decoction
Dried plant material
Dream related preparations
The Botanical Character of Calea
Calea belongs to the enormous Asteraceae family, the same botanical family that includes chamomile, calendula, sunflower and many other familiar plants.
Unlike many ornamental members of the daisy family, Calea is primarily valued for its traditional and medicinal history. The plant can develop into a small shrub with green leaves and small flowers. Its leaves contain aromatic and bitter compounds that contribute strongly to its sensory character. The plant thrives in regions of Mexico and Central America where seasonal dryness is common. This ecological background is important because Calea is part of a much larger group of plants adapted to the diverse landscapes of Mesoamerica.
Where Does Calea Come From?
Calea is native to Mexico and parts of Central America.
Its traditional history is especially associated with southern Mexico, including Oaxaca.
The region is one of the world's great centres of botanical and cultural diversity.
For thousands of years, Indigenous communities throughout Mesoamerica have developed detailed knowledge of local plants. Calea is one example of this extensive botanical tradition. Modern scientific reviews describe the plant as occurring from Mexico to Costa Rica and document medicinal and ritual applications across its native range.
Calea and Mexican Herbal Traditions
Calea has a long history within Mexican traditional medicine.
Different communities have used the plant for different purposes.
Traditional applications reported in ethnobotanical literature include digestive complaints, fever, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and other conditions. The plant has also been used in ritual contexts. This diversity is important. There is no single universal “traditional use of Calea.” Different communities developed their own relationships with the plant, including different names, preparations and beliefs.
This is particularly important when discussing Indigenous plant knowledge because modern internet descriptions sometimes combine traditions from different communities into one simplified story.
Calea and the Chontal Communities of Oaxaca
The most famous cultural association of Calea is with Chontal communities of Oaxaca.
Ethnobotanical research has documented the use of Calea in relation to dreams and divination.
The plant became particularly famous because traditional practitioners were reported to use it in connection with dreams that could be interpreted for guidance or insight.
This is where the modern name Dream Herb comes from.
The traditional purpose was not simply entertainment.
Dreams could have cultural, spiritual and diagnostic significance.
The plant was therefore part of a broader system of traditional knowledge rather than an isolated recreational botanical.
Calea and Dream Divination
Dream divination is one of the most fascinating aspects of Calea's history.
The Chontal tradition described in ethnobotanical literature connects Calea with intentional dreaming and the interpretation of dreams.
The plant has consequently become known as an oneirogenic herb.
Oneirogenic means associated with the generation, enhancement or alteration of dreaming.
The term does not necessarily mean hallucination.
Calea's traditional reputation is specifically connected with the dream state and the possibility of gaining information or insight through dreams.
Modern scientific research has attempted to investigate whether the traditional reputation has measurable effects on sleep and dreaming.
The Traditional Dream Herb
The dream tradition surrounding Calea is what makes this plant particularly unusual.
Many herbs have traditional associations with sleep.
Far fewer have such a specific cultural history involving dreams as a source of information.
Historical accounts describe Calea preparations being used before sleep, with the intention of encouraging significant or memorable dreams.
Some ethnobotanical accounts also describe placing plant material near the sleeping area.
These practices should be understood within their original cultural context rather than separated from the wider traditions of the communities that used them.
Calea and Traditional Medicine
The dream tradition is only one part of Calea's history.
A scientific review of Calea literature found traditional uses associated with a variety of health conditions, including stomach problems, diarrhea, fever, digestive complaints, diabetes and skin conditions.
Different communities have used different plant parts and preparations.
In one ethnobotanical study from Oaxaca, Calea ternifolia was documented in traditional preparations associated with childbirth and postpartum practices. The same study described medicinal plants commonly being prepared as infusions or teas.
These applications belong to traditional medicine and should not be interpreted as proof of modern clinical effectiveness.
Calea as a Bitter Herb
Calea is famous for its bitterness.
The taste is so characteristic that it has influenced some of the plant's traditional names.
The bitterness comes from naturally occurring plant constituents including sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds.
For many people, the taste is one of the defining features of Calea tea.
This also explains why traditional preparations were often used in relatively small amounts or combined with other practices.
The sensory experience of a plant can be just as important to its cultural identity as its chemical composition.
Calea Tea
Calea tea is one of the best known modern ways of preparing the plant.
Traditional sources describe Calea as an infusion or tea, particularly in connection with dream practices.
Modern herbal products may use dried leaves, chopped plant material or powdered Calea.
Because the chemical composition of dried plant material can vary, there is no universal strength that applies to every Calea tea.
This is especially important when comparing traditional tea with concentrated extracts.
Preparing Calea as a Tea
For a simple botanical infusion, dried Calea leaves can be steeped in hot water and strained.
The tea is characteristically bitter.
Some people combine bitter herbs with milder aromatic herbs, although this can change both the flavour and the overall botanical preparation.
Because research on Calea safety remains limited, it is preferable not to present a universal medicinal dose as though it were established for everyone.
When using a commercial product, follow the manufacturer's instructions and pay attention to the concentration and plant material specified.
Calea Tincture
Calea can also be prepared as a tincture.
A tincture is a concentrated liquid botanical extract, traditionally made using alcohol or another suitable extraction medium.
Tincturing changes the chemical profile and concentration of the plant compared with an ordinary tea.
This means that a Calea tincture should not be treated as equivalent to a cup of Calea tea.
The concentration of plant constituents can vary substantially depending on the plant material, extraction method, solvent, ratio and length of extraction.
For this reason, commercially prepared tinctures should clearly state the botanical identity and extraction information whenever possible.
Calea Powder
Dried Calea leaves can also be ground into powder.
Calea powder is convenient for storage and can be incorporated into different herbal preparations.
However, powdered plant material can vary considerably in strength.
Factors including growing conditions, harvesting, drying, storage and plant part can influence the chemical composition.
Powder is therefore best understood as a whole plant botanical preparation rather than a standardized pharmaceutical ingredient.
Calea Extract
Modern botanical products may also contain concentrated Calea extracts.
Extracts can contain higher concentrations of certain plant constituents than ordinary dried leaves.
This is one reason concentrated Calea products deserve greater caution than traditional low concentration preparations. An extract designed around specific plant constituents should not automatically be considered equivalent to the traditional herb used in Mexican ethnobotanical practices.
Calea and Dreaming
Dreaming is the subject that has made Calea famous around the world.
Traditional use associates the plant with vivid, meaningful or divinatory dreams.
Modern research has investigated this reputation in a small number of experimental studies.
A 1986 study examined the effects of Calea extracts on sleep and behaviour in humans and animals. In the human part of the research, the researchers observed changes in reaction time and sleep patterns, while the animal experiments showed effects on sleep related behaviour.
This research is historically important, but it is not enough to establish Calea as a scientifically proven dream enhancer.
More research would be needed to understand exactly how the plant influences dreaming and whether effects are consistent across individuals.
Calea and Lucid Dreams
Calea is frequently marketed online as a lucid dreaming herb.
Lucid dreaming means becoming aware that you are dreaming while the dream is still occurring. Traditional Calea use is more accurately described as dream related or divinatory rather than simply “lucid dreaming.”
The modern concept of lucid dreaming is not identical to traditional Mesoamerican dream practices. Some modern users report vivid dreams or greater dream recall, but individual experiences vary considerably. Scientific evidence remains limited.
Calea and Dream Recall
Dream recall is another reason people are interested in Calea.
Remembering dreams depends on many factors including sleep patterns, awakenings, attention, stress and individual differences. The 1986 experimental study reported changes in sleep architecture and spontaneous awakenings following Calea extracts.
These findings are interesting because increased awakenings could potentially influence the ability to remember dreams. However, this does not establish that Calea reliably improves dream recall in the general population.
Calea and Sleep
Traditional use connects Calea with sleep and dreams. Modern research has also examined its effects on sleep related processes. The available evidence is small and should be considered preliminary. Calea should therefore not be presented as an established treatment for insomnia or other sleep disorders. Its traditional identity is better described as a dream associated botanical.
Calea and the Nervous System
The nervous system is one of the areas of modern research into Calea.
Scientists have investigated extracts and individual plant compounds to understand their effects on neurological and behavioural processes.
Research has reported pharmacological activity in laboratory models, including effects related to the central nervous system.
However, laboratory activity does not automatically translate into a clinically useful effect in humans. This distinction is particularly important for plants with a long history of traditional psychoactive or dream related use.
Calea and Traditional Digestive Use
Calea has a much broader traditional medicinal history than its modern reputation as a dream herb suggests.
Traditional Mexican plant knowledge has associated Calea with digestive complaints, stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
Different Indigenous communities have their own traditional names and preparations for the plant.These applications have been documented in ethnobotanical research.
Traditional digestive use should be distinguished from modern clinical evidence.
There is not enough human research to describe Calea as an established treatment for digestive disease.
Calea and Traditional Fever Use
Historical and ethnobotanical sources also describe Calea in relation to fever.
Traditional medicine in Mexico contains extensive knowledge of plants used during fever and infectious illness. Calea is one of the plants appearing in this broader botanical tradition.
Modern pharmacological research has investigated anti inflammatory and other biological activities, but these findings should not be interpreted as proof that Calea can safely treat fever or infection.
Calea and Modern Scientific Research
Modern research into Calea ternifolia has focused on several areas.
These include:
Dream related effects
Sleep
Neurological activity
Plant chemistry
Sesquiterpene lactones
Flavonoids
Anti inflammatory activity
Antioxidant activity
Metabolic research
Traditional medicinal applications
Toxicology
Quality control
A comprehensive review published in Botany examined traditional uses, botanical characteristics, chemical constituents, pharmacological studies and toxicological research relating to Calea.
The review highlights both the traditional importance of the plant and the need for additional research.
Important Compounds in Calea
Calea contains several groups of naturally occurring plant compounds.
The most important groups discussed in scientific literature include:
Sesquiterpene lactones
Germacranolides
Flavonoids
Other aromatic and secondary plant metabolites
These compounds are partly responsible for the scientific interest in Calea.
Researchers have investigated whether some of these compounds contribute to the plant's traditional and pharmacological properties.
However, the activity of a whole plant cannot necessarily be predicted from one isolated compound.
Sesquiterpene Lactones in Calea
Sesquiterpene lactones are a large class of naturally occurring plant compounds found throughout the Asteraceae family. They are particularly interesting because many plants containing these compounds have strong biological activity. Calea contains germacranolide type sesquiterpene lactones.
Researchers have investigated these compounds in relation to inflammation, pain and other biological pathways. This is an active research area rather than established clinical evidence.
Calea and Flavonoids
Calea also contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are widespread plant compounds found in herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers. They are often studied for antioxidant and other biological activities.The presence of flavonoids contributes to the broader phytochemical profile of Calea. Again, laboratory activity of isolated flavonoids should not automatically be interpreted as a health benefit from drinking Calea tea.
Calea and Modern Pharmacology
Laboratory studies have investigated Calea for a range of pharmacological properties.
A comprehensive review describes research involving spasmolytic, anti inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidepressant and metabolic effects.
These findings are scientifically interesting.
However, many of the available studies involve laboratory models or isolated compounds.
Human clinical research remains limited.
This means that Calea is best described as a traditional botanical with promising areas of scientific investigation rather than a clinically established medicinal treatment.
Calea and Traditional Pain Use
Traditional Mexican plant knowledge includes Calea among plants used for pain related complaints.
Modern research has also investigated antinociceptive activity in experimental models.
Antinociceptive refers to an effect that reduces the perception or transmission of painful stimuli.
This research may help explain some traditional applications, but it does not establish Calea as a proven pain treatment in humans.
Calea and Metabolic Research
Calea has also attracted scientific interest because of traditional uses related to metabolic health.
Some research has investigated effects related to blood glucose and metabolism.
This has led to modern marketing claims about Calea and blood sugar.
Such claims should be treated carefully.
Laboratory findings do not establish that Calea is a safe or effective treatment for diabetes.
People using medication that affects blood sugar should be especially cautious with botanicals that may influence glucose metabolism.
Calea and Traditional Spiritual Practice
The spiritual history of Calea is particularly fascinating.
For Chontal communities of Oaxaca, dreams could have cultural and diagnostic significance.
Calea was traditionally connected with this dream world.
The plant was therefore not simply consumed for an effect.
Its use was part of a larger cultural framework involving dreams, interpretation, traditional knowledge and spiritual practice.
This context is important.
Removing Calea from its cultural background and presenting it only as a modern “lucid dreaming supplement” gives an incomplete picture of the plant.
Calea and Mexican Ethnobotany
Mexico is one of the world's most important centres of plant diversity and ethnobotanical knowledge.
Thousands of plants have traditional uses across the country's many Indigenous and local communities.
Calea represents one small part of this enormous botanical heritage.
Its history illustrates how a plant can have several identities at once.
It can be:
A traditional medicine
A dream plant
A bitter herb
A ritual botanical
A subject of modern chemistry
A commercial herbal product
A conservation concern
These different identities exist alongside one another.
Calea Folklore
Calea is sometimes surrounded by dramatic modern stories about prophecy, visions and supernatural dreams.
Some of these stories have roots in genuine ethnobotanical traditions.
Others have been expanded or simplified through modern psychedelic and herbal literature.
The most reliable approach is therefore to focus on documented traditions.
The connection between Calea and Chontal dream divination is particularly well documented in ethnobotanical literature and scientific reviews.
The Meaning of Zacatechichi
The name zacatechichi comes from Nahuatl.
It is generally interpreted as relating to bitter grass or bitter herb.
The name is a reminder that traditional plant names often describe sensory characteristics.
In the case of Calea, bitterness is one of its most obvious characteristics.
The old scientific name Calea zacatechichi remains extremely common in books, commercial products and online searches, even though modern botanical literature also uses Calea ternifolia.
Calea Ternifolia or Calea Zacatechichi?
Both names are important when researching the plant.
Calea zacatechichi is the name under which the plant became famous in modern herbal and ethnobotanical literature.
Calea ternifolia is the botanical name used in more recent taxonomic literature.
Scientific reviews list Calea zacatechichi as a synonym of Calea ternifolia.
Calea Through the Five Senses
Calea has a distinctive sensory identity.
Appearance
A small shrub with green leaves and delicate flowers.
Aroma
The dried plant has a characteristic herbal and aromatic smell.
Taste
The taste is intensely bitter.
Texture
Dried leaves can be somewhat coarse and fibrous before being crushed or powdered.
Botanical Character
Calea has the appearance of a hardy Mexican shrub adapted to seasonal environments.
Calea Tea or Tincture?
Both preparations represent different ways of working with the plant.
Form | Description |
Calea tea | Infusion made from dried plant material |
Calea tincture | Concentrated liquid botanical extract |
Calea powder | Dried plant material ground into powder |
Dried Calea | Whole or cut dried plant material |
Calea extract | Concentrated botanical preparation |
Tea is closer to the traditional infusion format described in ethnobotanical sources.
Tincture is more concentrated and can extract a different profile of plant constituents depending on the extraction method.
Neither preparation should automatically be assumed to have the same effects or safety profile.
Calea Safety and Considerations
Calea deserves particular caution.
Although it has a long history of traditional use, modern safety research is limited.
The plant contains biologically active compounds and should not be treated as an ordinary food herb.
Possible unwanted effects reported in historical and modern literature include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Digestive discomfort
Dizziness
Changes in alertness
Allergic reactions
A 1986 pharmacological study reported nausea related effects and other behavioural changes at higher experimental exposures.
More recent laboratory research has also raised concerns about possible kidney toxicity and concluded that the safety of Calea supplements deserves further investigation.
These findings do not establish that ordinary traditional use causes kidney damage in
humans, but they do mean that strong claims about safety are not justified.
Calea and Medication
Because Calea may have biological effects on the nervous system and metabolism, caution is appropriate when combining it with medication.
People taking medication for:
Blood sugar
Blood pressure
Sleep
Anxiety
Depression
Neurological conditions
Other chronic conditions
should discuss Calea with a qualified healthcare professional before using concentrated preparations.
Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid medicinal use unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Is Calea Safe for Everyone?
No botanical should be assumed to be suitable for everyone.
Calea is particularly unsuitable for casual experimentation when the plant's chemistry, preparation and concentration are unknown.
Extra caution is appropriate with concentrated extracts and tinctures.
Traditional use provides valuable information about cultural history, but it does not establish modern clinical safety for every person, dose or preparation.
Calea and Children
Calea should not be presented as a children's herb.
Historical medicinal use in a particular community does not establish that a plant is safe for children according to modern medical standards.
Because modern safety data are limited, medicinal use by children should be avoided unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Calea and Pregnancy
There is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of Calea during pregnancy.
For this reason, medicinal use during pregnancy should be avoided unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically recommends it.
Calea and Alcohol
Combining Calea with alcohol may make effects less predictable.
Because Calea can influence alertness and the nervous system, combining it with other substances that affect consciousness or coordination is not advisable.
Calea and Modern Wellness Culture
Calea has travelled a long way from its traditional roots in Mexico.
It is now sold internationally as:
Dream Herb
Mexican Dream Herb
Calea powder
Calea tea
Calea tincture
Calea extract
Modern interest often focuses almost entirely on dreaming.
The traditional story is much richer.
Calea is also part of Mexican medicinal plant knowledge, Indigenous ethnobotany, botanical chemistry and cultural history.
Understanding this broader context makes the plant much more interesting than the simple label “dream herb” suggests.
Calea and the Science of Dreams
One of the most interesting questions surrounding Calea is whether its traditional dream reputation has a measurable biological basis.
The 1986 study remains one of the best known experimental investigations.
Researchers observed changes in sleep patterns and behaviour and reported effects on spontaneous awakenings in human volunteers.
However, the evidence base remains small.
There is no large body of modern clinical research demonstrating that Calea reliably produces lucid dreams or improves dream recall.
This makes the plant an intriguing subject for further research rather than a scientifically established dream supplement.
Calea and Oneirogenic Plants
Calea belongs to a small group of plants described as oneirogenic.
Oneirogenic plants are traditionally associated with dreams or altered dreaming.
Other plants sometimes appear in discussions of dream traditions, but Calea is particularly interesting because its dream related use has been documented ethnobotanically and subsequently investigated experimentally.
Its story therefore connects Indigenous knowledge with modern sleep research.
Traditional Herbal Summary
Calea, Calea ternifolia, also widely known as Calea zacatechichi, is one of Mexico's most fascinating traditional botanicals.
Its best known identity is the Mexican Dream Herb, a reputation connected with traditional dream divination among Chontal communities of Oaxaca.
But Calea is much more than a dream plant.
Traditional Mexican herbal knowledge also associates the plant with digestive complaints, fever, pain and other medicinal applications.
Modern science has investigated its sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids and other compounds, as well as possible neurological, anti inflammatory, metabolic and other biological activities.
The evidence remains preliminary in many areas.
Calea tea and tincture represent two modern ways of preparing the plant, but they are not chemically identical and should not be treated as interchangeable.
The plant's intense bitterness, unusual chemistry and fascinating cultural history make it an especially interesting subject for anyone studying herbalism, ethnobotany or traditional Mexican plant knowledge.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of Calea's story is the relationship between plant and dream.
For generations, traditional practitioners used this bitter Mexican herb within a cultural framework in which dreams could carry meaning.
Modern science has only begun to explore whether there is a biological explanation for this ancient relationship.
Calea Quick Facts
Botanical name: Calea ternifolia
Common synonym: Calea zacatechichi
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Mexico and Central America
Common names: Calea, Dream Herb, Mexican Dream Herb, Bitter Grass, Bitter Herb
Traditional region: Mexico, particularly Oaxaca
Traditional communities: Chontal and other Indigenous and local communities
Traditional preparations: Tea, infusion, decoction, dried plant material
Modern preparations: Powder, tea, tincture, extract
Important plant compounds: Sesquiterpene lactones, germacranolides and flavonoids
Traditional associations: Dreams, divination, digestion, fever and traditional medicine
Modern research: Sleep, dreaming, nervous system activity, inflammation, metabolism and plant chemistry
Taste: Extremely bitter
Important consideration: Human clinical evidence remains limited and safety requires caution
Frequently Asked Questions About Calea
What is Calea?
Calea is a Mexican and Central American plant traditionally known as Calea zacatechichi and more recently classified as Calea ternifolia. It is commonly called Dream Herb or Mexican Dream Herb.
What is Calea traditionally used for?
Traditional uses vary between communities and include dream related practices, divination, digestive complaints, fever and other medicinal applications.
Why is Calea called Dream Herb?
Calea became known as Dream Herb because of its traditional association with dreams and dream divination, particularly among Chontal communities in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Is Calea the same as Calea zacatechichi?
Calea zacatechichi is a widely used synonym for Calea ternifolia. Both names continue to appear in scientific literature and herbal products.
Can Calea be used as tea?
Yes. Calea has a traditional history of use as an infusion or tea. The taste is notably bitter.
Can Calea be used as a tincture?
Yes. Calea can be prepared as a liquid botanical extract. A tincture is more concentrated than a simple tea and should not be assumed to have the same strength or effects.
What does Calea taste like?
Calea is intensely bitter. Its bitterness is one of the plant's most distinctive characteristics and is reflected in some of its traditional names.
Does Calea cause vivid dreams?
Some traditional accounts and modern users associate Calea with vivid or memorable dreams. A small amount of scientific research has investigated sleep and dreaming, but there is not enough evidence to establish a consistent effect in everyone.
Does Calea cause lucid dreams?
Calea is often marketed as a lucid dreaming herb, but the traditional use is more accurately described as dream related and divinatory. Scientific evidence for reliable lucid dreaming effects remains limited.
Is Calea a psychedelic?
Calea is sometimes grouped with psychoactive or oneirogenic plants, but its traditional and pharmacological profile is different from classic psychedelic substances. Research has not established it as a conventional psychedelic.
What compounds are found in Calea?
Calea contains sesquiterpene lactones, germacranolides, flavonoids and other plant constituents.
Is Calea safe?
Calea is an active botanical and should not be assumed to be completely safe. Research into toxicity remains limited, and laboratory studies have raised concerns that warrant further investigation.
Can Calea be used during pregnancy?
Because safety during pregnancy has not been adequately established, medicinal use should be avoided unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Can children use Calea?
Calea should not be presented as a children's herb. Modern safety evidence for children is insufficient.
Is Calea legal?
The legal status of Calea can vary between countries and may change over time. Always check the current laws in your own country before purchasing, importing or selling the plant.
References and Further Reading
Mata, R., Contreras Rosales, A. J., Gutiérrez González, J. A., Villaseñor, J. L. and Pérez Vásquez, A. Calea ternifolia Kunth, the Mexican dream herb, a concise review. Botany, 2022.
Mayagoitia, L., Díaz, J. L. and Contreras, C. M. Psychopharmacologic analysis of an alleged oneirogenic plant: Calea zacatechichi. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1986.
Ethnobotanical research on traditional plant use in Oaxaca and Mexican Indigenous communities.
Research examining the potential nephrotoxicity of Calea zacatechichi using human kidney cell models.
