Zacatechichi

Calea ternifolia (syn. Calea zacatechichi)

A shrub of the daisy family with very bitter leaves. Contains caleicine and other sesquiterpene lactones, among others. Said to make sleep light and dreams clear and vivid; in a small study an extract caused a slight change of perception, drowsiness and a short sleep with vivid dreams.

Safety notes

Often causes nausea and vomiting because of the bitter taste, and sometimes allergic reactions. Little researched; not in pregnancy. The plant is not on the lists of the Dutch Opium Act. This information describes traditional use and is no encouragement or advice. Use is at your own risk; the makers of this site are not responsible for the consequences. Never alone, never together with alcohol, other drugs or medicines, not in pregnancy, with heart disease or mental illness (also in the family), and do not drive. In an emergency call 112.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: Often causes nausea and vomiting. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.

Preparation

Among the Chontal of Oaxaca the dried leaves are drunk as a tea, sometimes also smoked, after which one lies down; sometimes the leaves are put under the pillow. In the night that follows the dreams are said to bring messages or answers. The tea is very bitter.

Use in traditions

The name comes from the Nahuatl zacatl chichic, 'bitter grass'. The Chontal call the plant thle-pela-kano and use it to receive predictions in dreams. In Mexico it is mainly used as a bitter remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, stomach ache and fever; the Zoque-Popoluca also use it for asthma.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Healing traditions of the Americas

Attributed effects

For clear, prophetic dreams, and as a bitter for diarrhoea, stomach ache and fever.

Preparation and amount

Dried leaves as a bitter tea before sleep, sometimes smoked or put under the pillow.

Caution: Often causes nausea and vomiting. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)

Sources

All herbs from Central America and the Caribbean →