Oneirogens: Herbs & Dreams

20 minutes  

Oneirogens (óneiros meaning “dream” and gen “to create”) are a class of ethnomedicines which are dream inducing. Oneirogens are rarely examined in great detail for, as Jonathan Ott observes, “phytochemical investigation of such oneirogenic plants is hampered by the fact that dreams occur naturally, spontaneously, and unpredictably.” In addition to discussing different kinds of oneirogenic botanical dimensions and experiences and the energetic and physiological mechanisms of action underlying them, this presentation will also consider depth-psychological methods and frameworks for understanding the purpose, function, and meaning of dreams in our lives. Dreams are not directly intelligible, the way in which ordinary language usually is. Dreams speak to us in a peculiar language, comprised of images and symbols. Is there a symbiotic intersection of the language of dreams and the language of plants? How and in what ways can oneirogenic plants affect the process of symbol formation that characterizes the activity of dreaming? 

learning objectives 

Explore the purpose and meaning of dreams in our lives from several perspectives (depth psychology, anthroposophy). Discuss the meaning of sleep disorders and how herbs can help. Examine the role of dreaming for individual and collective wellbeing.