Reaching an altered state of consciousness (ASOC) is necessary for hedge riding and other forms of astral travel as it allows your spirit to transcend our reality. Reaching an ASOC is often difficult for those with overactive minds, especially in today's society which suggests relaxing means you are lazy. Winding down enough to quiet the mind and focus on shifting your consciousness takes work, but it can be aided through breathwork, drumming, chanting, dancing, and even plants.
Entheogens are a psychoactive group of plants that help induce an ASOC, often in a religious or shamanic context. The term entheogen comes from the Greek entheos meaning "god within" and genesthe meaning "to generate." This roughly translates to "to generate god within" or creating the divine within one's self, referring to the transcendence of one's spirit while under the effects of an entheogen. In other words, entheogens produce visions and induce an ASOC.
Entheogens have been used across cultures in a variety of religious activities, especially among shamans, medicine men, diviners, oracles, seidhr, and witches, among others. Many entheogens that have been used historically, such as fly agaric, peyote, ayahuasca, opiates, datura, and belladonna are currently illegal in many parts of the world or dangerous if not used under the guidance of a licensed professional. There are, however, several other entheogens and non-entheogens that are legal and generally considered safe, even for novice herbalists, that you can use in your practice.
In today's post, I offer 13 plants and herbs you can use to reach an ASOC and aid you in your hedge riding journey. As with all plant use, use at your own risk. Some of these plants do not mix well with certain medications, can induce anxiety or panic, cause cancer if used long-term, or are not legal in all areas.
1. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Mugwort is by far my favorite herb for just about everything, especially when it comes to hedge riding and spirit work. Sometimes referred to as the Witch Herb, mugwort is known for its ability to enhance psychic abilities and intuition, assist in lucid dreaming, and heighten awareness and focus. It is one of many plants commonly found in flying ointments, hallucinogenic salves/oils used to aid in hedge riding and other forms of astral travel.
Use
You can use dried leaves, stems, roots, or flowers of mugwort in a couple of different ways to induce an ASOC, but the best way is through smoking or inhaling incense smoke. It pairs well with tobacco in both instances. Mugwort can also be drunk as a tea. To make an infusion combine 1 teaspoon of dried mugwort with 1 cup of boiling water or try my Hedge Riding tea recipe. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes before drinking. Mugwort can also be used topically as an oil or ointment. Generally speaking, using mugwort topically is slower to induce an ASOC and can sometimes leave individuals feeling hung over. I have not experienced this with mugwort, but others have reported general fatigue, headache, and tiredness after use.
Do not use mugwort if you are:
- Allergic to ragweed, birch, celery, wild carrots, fennel, honey, hazelnuts, pine nuts, tobacco, or grass.
- Pregnant (causes uterine contractions)
- Living in Lousiana (currently banned)
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
While lavender is not an entheogen, it is relaxing, helping to calm the mind and shift your awareness away from the mundane. Historically, lavender has been used to enhance sleep and induce prophetic dreams as it helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls bodily processes like breathing, heart rate, and hormone secretion. This is not the most potent of herbs on this list, but it is among the safest and also part of my Hedge Riding tea.
Use
The use of lavender is very diverse. The flowers can be drunk as an infusion, burned as incense, or used as an essential oil on pulse points, similar to how you would apply a flying ointment. To create an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon of dried lavender with 1 cup of warm (not quite boiling) water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use lavender if you are:
- Allergic to tea tree oil. Some individuals who are allergic to tea tree oil are also allergic to lavender oil.
3. Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)
While you are probably most familiar with sage for its cleansing and protective qualities, garden sage can also be used to reach an ASOC. When burned, garden sage has been found to induce relaxation, enhance memory, and heighten awareness. Some report feeling lighter and having an elevated awareness when using garden sage. Like lavender, garden sage is not an entheogen and therefore not a potent as some other herbs on this list. That doesn't make it less effective though.
Use
The best way to use garden sage is to smoke it or inhale incense smoke. It pairs well with tobacco and mugwort. It can also be drunk as an infusion although the effects are lessened significantly when used this way. To make an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon of dried leaves with 1 cup boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use garden sage if you are:
- Allergic to peppermint, oregano, or pollen
- Have seizures (contains thujone which can trigger seizures)
- Taking medication to manage diabetes (can interact with diabetes medication)
4. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Tobacco has long been used to aid in spirit communication and has been seen as the connection between humans and spirits. As such, it is commonly found on ancestral altars, smoked during certain ceremonial rituals, or used to summon spirits. Nicotine is mildly hallucinogenic allowing you to reach an ASOC when smoked or chewed. Nicotine, however, is also very addicting, and therefore tobacco should be used sparingly and with caution. It pairs well with mugwort and garden sage.
Use
Tobacco is most effective when smoked or chewed. It can also be used as an incense and the smoke inhaled.
Do not use tobacco if you are:
- Have asthma
- Pregnant (can cause birth defects)
5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
This one might be surprising to some, but I promise you it's here for a reason. Lemongrass is often used in rituals to cleanse and purify, but that's not its only use. It's also used to calm the spirit and mind, enhance psychic abilities and focus, dissolve obstacles, and promote openness, allowing you to slip into the astral plane more easily. Furthermore, lemongrass has been used to aid in shapeshifting, making it of particular use to those engaged in astral travel.
Use
Dried lemongrass can be burned as an incense or drank as an infusion to induce an ASOC. If burning as an incense, lemon grass pairs well with mugwort and lavender. To create an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass with 1 cup of hot water (not boiling). Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use lemongrass if you are:
- Allergic to wheat, rye, oats, or rice (in the same family but does not contain gluten)
- Pregnant (causes uterine contractions)
6. Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
While damiana is most often used in sex magic, it can also be used to increase psychic awareness, induce prophetic dreams, and promote clairvoyance by aiding in relaxation. In the 1950s, damiana was often used in lue of marijuana as it induces a slight "high." It helps quiet the mind, allowing you to enter an ASOC more easily, while simultaneously heightening your perception. This makes it a great herb for hedge riding, trancework, and other forms of astral travel.
Use
Dried leaves of damiana can be smoked, burned as incense, or drank as an infusion, while the essential oil can be applied to pulse points to induce an ASOC. If smoking, damiana pairs well with marijuana (they have a similar flavor) or tobacco. To create an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon of dried damiana with 1 cup boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use damiana if you are:
- Hypoglycemic or taking medication to regulate diabetes (can lower blood sugar)
- Living in Lousiana (currently banned)
7. Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)
Blue lotus is an entheogen that contains three alkaloids, apomorphine, aporphine, and nuciferine, that have psychotropic effects similar to cannabis. It induces an opioid-like state, making you feel lightly euphoric, and helping to induce a trance-like state. As such it is often used to induce lucid dreaming and to enhance visionary experiences. Because it goes through periods of "waking" and "sleeping," the Egyptians associated it with life and death, thus providing a spiritual connection with the afterlife. Its magical correspondences in conjunction with its psychotropic effects make it a wonderful herb to use during hedge riding. In the US, blue lotus is not approved for human consumption, making it difficult to find, but it is legal in every state except Louisiana.
Use
Blue lotus can be used in a variety of ways, most commonly through drinking tea, taking an extract, or smoking the dried flower petals. It pairs well with tobacco and cannabis if smoking. To make an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon dried blue lotus flower with 1 cup hot water (not boiling) and allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use blue lotus if you are:
- Allergic to water lilies and other related plants
- In the US military (use of blue lotus is prohibited for all service members)
- Living in Lousiana (currently banned)
8. Wild Asparagus Root (Asparagus racemosus)
Also known as Tian Men Dong meaning "heavenly spirit herb," wild asparagus root has long been used by spiritual practitioners for its "heart-opening" effects. Taoist monks often used wild asparagus root to strengthen one's spirit and induce dreams, nicknaming it "the flying herb" because it would help the user fly through the universe during lucid dreaming. Wild asparagus root is listed as endangered in its natural habitat, so if you plan on using this root in your practice, be sure you purchase it from a reputable dealer who practices sustainable harvesting practices.
Use
Wild asparagus root is usually drank as a tea. To make an infusion, simmer 1 teaspoon of dried wild asparagus root with 1-1.5 cups of water for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour depending on how strong you want your infusion.
Do not use wild asparagus root if you are:
- Allergic to onions, leeks, garlic, or chives
9. African Dream Root (Silene capensis)
African dream root has been used by the Xhosa and Zulu people of South Africa to induce lucid dreaming and promote vivid dreams. African dream root contains triterpene saponins, which are known to stimulate vivid dreams and lucid dreaming to those sensitive to its effects. Furthermore, the alkaloids and diterpenoids in the root give it a mild psychoactive effect, making it perfect for reaching an ASOC. However, if you choose to work with African dream root, be mindful of the cultural heritage associated with it. Respecting and honoring the traditions, practices, and cultures surrounding African dream root is essential. When in doubt, don't work with it if you aren't going to respect the culture it originates from.
Use
African dream root is traditionally consumed as a foam. 1/8 of a teaspoon or 200 milligrams of dried root powder is combined with water in a container and shaken until foam forms. The foam is then consumed and the container is shaken again. This is repeated until you feel full or feel you have had enough. Dosing is extremely important here. While African dream root is not toxic, too much can cause you to vomit.
Do not use African dream root if you are:
- Suffering from stomach issues, such as ulcers (saponins may irritate the lining of the stomach and digestive tract)
- Not going to honor its cultural heritage
10. African Dream Bean (Entada rheedii)
Despite its name, the African dream bean is also native to Asia, Australia, and Madagascar, growing in tropical areas as a climbing vine. In South Africa, the bean's tender flesh was consumed or smoked to connect with the spirit world and ancestors and induce lucid dreaming, similar to that of the African dream root. While the psychoactive effects of the African dream bean are not fully understood, it's suspected that the saponins and alkaloids found in the seeds contribute to its dream-inducing properties. Like the African dream root, be mindful of the cultural heritage associated with it. Respecting and honoring the traditions, practices, and cultures surrounding the African dream bean is essential. When in doubt, don't work with it if you aren't going to respect the culture it originates from.
Use
Traditionally the inner meat is eaten directly or the meat is dried and smoked.
Do not use African dream bean if you are:
- Suffering from stomach issues, such as ulcers (saponins may irritate the lining of the stomach and digestive tract)
- Not going to honor its cultural heritage
11. Shrubby Yellowcrest/Sun Opener (Heimia salicifolia)
Also known as Sinicuichi by the Aztecs, shrubby yellowcrest was and is commonly used to induce trances as it contains mildly hallucinogenic alkaloids such as vertine and lythrine, although its psychoactive properties have not been medically confirmed. Either way, it is said to not only induce a trance-like state but also alter auditory perception and yellowing of the vision when consumed in large quantities, giving rise to its name "Sun Opener." Shurbby yellowcrest is still used among certain groups in Central America and South America, so be respectful of its cultural heritage if you choose to work with this plant.
Use
Traditionally shrubby yellowcrest is used as an elixir that takes at least 24 hours to create. Fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt before being crushed and placed in a jar with cold water and placed in the sun. The mixture is left to ferment for at least 24 hours before being consumed. If you do not have access to fresh leaves, dried leaves can be used to create a non-traditional infusion by combining 1 teaspoon of dried leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 15 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use shrubby yellowcrest if you are:
- Hypoglycemic or taking medication to regulate diabetes (may lower blood sugar)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Living in Lousiana (currently banned)
- Not going to honor its cultural heritage
12. Mexican Dream Herb (Calea zacatechichi)
Mexican dream herb or bitter grass is one of the most well-known dream herbs, historically being used by the Chontal Maya to induce lucid dreaming and improve mental clarity and focus. Users commonly report this herb helping journeys, trances, and dreams to follow a more coherent narrative instead of abruptly shifting or ending before you want them to. While most individuals use it to improve dream recognition, it can produce a mild hallucinogenic effect while awake, lower blood pressure, even breathing, and relax the body, allowing the user to slip into an ASOC and detach from our realm.
Use
Mexican dream herb is commonly smoked or drunk as tea. To create an infusion, combine 3-5 grams of dried leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
Do not use Mexican dream herb if you are:
- Allergic to ragwed, daises, or chrysanthemums
- Hypoglycemic or taking medication to regulate diabetes (may lower blood sugar)
- Living in Lousiana (currently banned)
- Not going to honor its cultural heritage
13. Cannabis
Cannabis, like many other plants on this list, is an entheogen and it should surprise no one that I included it. When smoked or consumed, it induces an ASOC, allowing the user to slip between realms easily. It has long been used across multiple cultures with ritual uses being recorded in almost every civilization. Early Chinese occultists used cannabis to see into the future, while ancient Egyptians used it to induce visions and communicate with the gods. In the 15th century, a coven of witches in Germany was accused of using cannabis, among other herbs, in flying ointments. According to Christian Ratsch, cannabis was associated with Freya and ritually used to connect with the divine feminine. The history is endless, but the uses are remarkably similar: induce an ASOC or trance and increase psychic abilities.
Use
Cannabis can be smoked or consumed through food in small doses. Moderation is key when using cannabis, especially if you have never used it before. Too much and you lose control of the high, ruining your chances of hedge riding successfully.
Do not use cannabis if you are:
- Allergic to almonds, apples, bananas, chestnuts, eggplant, grapefruit, peaches, or tomatoes
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Taking anticoagulants (decreases their effectiveness increasing the risk of bleeding)
- Taking SSRIs (interferes with effectiveness and can cause mania)
- Living in a state or country where it's currently illegal
This is by no means a complete list of plants you can use to induce an altered state of consciousness when wishing to engage in hedge riding, lucid dreaming, or other forms of astral travel. However, these are some of the most accessible and most often used for such purposes because they are generally safe and legal. As I mentioned earlier, always exercise caution when working with any plant. If you are new to trancework and hedge riding, have a friend watch over you while you experiment with dosing. Always start with less before working up to higher doses. The point is not to get high, but to relax enough to shift your consciousness. If in doubt, stick with mugwort, lavender, lemongrass, and garden sage.
Happy exploring!
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