Artemisia (except for mugwort) should be avoided, as many kinds of artemisia can cause frightening dreams and, after waking, headaches.
Bay, which sometimes causes headaches upon waking, can also add a gray-brown color and violent quality to dreams.
Fixatives are not recommended for use in dream blends. These include
cellulose (processed corncobs) and orrisroot. Since they contain some
fragrance they may change the texture of the dream blend, making the results
unpredictable. Orrisroot can also cause headaches upon waking.
Oils of any kind are not recommended. Oils are highly concentrated and can
overpower other herbs.
Russian tarragon can cause frightening nightmares.
Sage can create a haunting feeling in dreams. However, garden sage and
clary sage blossoms can be used in small amounts in dream blends.
Tansy, which can cause violent and terrifying nightmares, can also produce
headaches upon waking.
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Plants in the Herbal Dream Garden
Many types of plants can be used in herbal dream pillows, but here are some
of the most common and versatile.
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) -- Curtin's Healing Herbs of the Rio Grande
suggest that in folklore the fragrance of anised keeps men from dreaming.
It's useful in relaxing blends.
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) -- Fir needles are a pleasant addition to
relaxing blends, good in combination with lavender, hops, and roses. They
impart an outdoors feeling to dreams.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) -- In folklore it is said that combining
sage and calendula blossoms will make dreams come true. Calendula, in small amounts, can add restfulness to a blend, and moderate more spicy
ingredients.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) -- This herb has been used for centuries to ease
babies' troubled sleep. Today, we use it in adult blends to induce
relaxation and sleep.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- Chamomile is used for relaxation and
pleasant dreams. People who are allergic to ragweed should probably avoid
using this herb in their blends, as it sometimes causes similar reactions.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) -- Cinnamon has recently been proved by fragrance researchers to be one of the most erotic aromas for men. Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. Use it sparingly in dream blends for an exotic, romantic texture.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) -- Cloves add a hint of spiciness, especially
when used with roses in romantic mixtures, but use them sparingly. Just 3
or 4 cloves in a blend is plentiful.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) -- This herb is actually the flower from a perennial
vine and there are several varieties, including some considered "bitter" and
others "sweet". Sweet hop flowers are the ones for dreaming; they induce
relaxation and peacefulness.
Jasmine (Jasmine officinale or J. odoratissimum) -- The delicious fragrance
of jasmine will almost encourage dreaming when you're awake! The dried
flowers lend an exotic and romantic feeling to dreams, especially for women.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) -- Lavender aids in easing headaches when you are awake, and is useful in relaxing blends alone or in combination with roses and mugwort. Combined with jasmine and roses, lavender adds warmth and familiarity to romantic mixes.
Leather -- While it seems an unlikely ingredient, leather is tanned with a
product that comes from oak bark. The scent of fresh leather trimming adds
excitement and energy to dream blends.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) -- In aromatherapy, lemon balm is used to
relieve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension. This herb
combines well with roses, lavender, thyme, hops and mint. A mix of lemon
balm and lavender, in equal parts, is useful in relieving headache and
stress.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) -- A native herb of tropical regions,
lemongrass adds a bit of color and a soothingly safe, mildly exotic feeling
to blends.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) -- Native to Chile and Argentina, this
shrub produces delightfully aromatic leaves that can add a bit of lightness,
even feelings of flying, to the dream blend when used in small amounts.
Lilac (Syringa Chinensis) -- Use lilac for sweet, safe, and peaceful dream
mixes, in small amounts. It's also good in mixes for the sickroom, and for
travelers' blends. In larger amounts, lilac adds sensuality.
Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana) -- Sweet marjoram is often used in
blends to ease nervousness and restlessness during sleep. I find that this
herb adds a dimension of warmth, safety and comfort to dreams.
Mimosa Flowers (Acacia dealbata) -- Somewhat like jasmine, only milder,
mimosa can add an exotic, more complex feeling to dreams. Mimosa and lemon
balm are a good combination for peaceful but slightly colorful dreams.
Mint (Mentha spp). -- Just a small amount of mint works like a tuning knob
on a television. It adds clarity, vividness, and color to dreams.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) -- In folklore it is said that this herb causes
the dreamer to remember his or her dreams. It does seem to increase
clarity, while also encouraging relaxation.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) -- Used as a mild sedative in herbal
medicines, passionflower adds a quieting effect to the dream pillow.
Flowers and leaves are both used, but flowers are preferred.
Rose (Rosa spp) -- Rose petals create a feeling of loving thoughts and
warmth. Used with more exotic herbs in romantic or adventurous mixes, roses keep the feeling of the dream grounded in safety and peacefulness.
Rosemary (Rosmarinum officialis) -- In folklore, rosemary was used to ensure
sleep and keep away bad dreams. Rosemary works well with a bit of lavender, roses, mugwort, and hops for a relaxing night's sleep without notable dreaming.
Thyme (Thymus spp.) -- Herb lore of old claims that sleeping on a pillow of
thyme allows the dreamer to see faeries. I generally combine thyme with
roses, hops, lavender, and rosemary for a peaceful, quiet dream.
