Calea zacatechichi is a shrub used by native peoples of Mexico to increase dreams and for its hallucinogenic effects. It might also increase appetite.
It's unclear how Calea zacatechichi works. It seems to have an effect on sleep that might lengthen shallow sleep patterns, increase dream memory, and increase sleep awakenings throughout the night.
People use Calea zacatechichi for anxiety, insomnia, memory and thinking skills, diabetes, and headache, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Calea zacatechichi is legal in supplements in the U.S., except in Louisiana.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using Calea zacatechichi for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Calea zacatechichi is possibly unsafe. Its safety hasn't been studied, but there have been reports of hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting.
When inhaled: Calea zacatechichi is possibly unsafe. Its safety hasn't been studied, but there have been reports of hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Calea zacatechichi is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergies to ragweed or related plants: Calea zacatechichi might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
Psychiatric disorders: Avoid Calea zacatechichi if you have psychiatric disorders or are taking psychiatric medications. It might cause vivid dreams, disorienting effects, and hallucinations.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Calea zacatechichi might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Calea zacatechichi along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Calea zacatechichi might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking Calea zacatechichi with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Calea zacatechichi might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Calea zacatechichi might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Calea zacatechichi might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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