Brazilian scientists led by Abel Oldoni and featuring Sérgio Mota-Rolim, a regular researcher on the topic of lucid dreams, have compiled a review of foods, herbs, and medications that might induce lucidity. The authors did not conduct their own experiments—instead, they gathered all the published articles on this topic.
1. Let’s start with the safest point: food. The scientists recommend fish (likely because omega-3 fatty acids improve cognitive abilities) and chili peppers. Generally, the vitamin B group (especially B6), as well as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, are needed for successful practice.
2. Herbs for dreams and shamanic practices are popular in many cultures, particularly in India, Mexico, and Africa. Examples of such herbs include green tea, mugwort, Calea zacatechichi (dream herb), passionflower, opium poppy, Celastrus paniculatus, African dream herb (Silene capensis), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ginkgo biloba, and Centella asiatica.
3. The authors also list medications that are primarily used for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other cognitive disorders: galantamine, donepezil, rivastigmine, huperzine A, and 2-dimethylaminoethanol. For example, donepezil resulted in lucid dreaming for eight out of ten participants. But there are side effects—for example, users can expect to feel nauseous.
The authors add that these foods and substances enhance memory and attention, which is important for lucid dreaming. But it’s better to combine such methods with cognitive training, such as reality checks and intention setting.
Have you tried any of the above-mentioned items?
The article was published in April 2024 in Brain Sciences.
Drugs and plants may have side effects and should only be used in consultation with a doctor. This article does not call for independent experiments.
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