The Next Oneironauticum is Saturday, May 31
For the May Oneironauticum, we’ll work with Valerian Root, Melatonin, and vitamin B-6. These three supplements, available at any well stocked health food store, all have different purposes individually. Combined together, they enhance dream recall and vividness.
The oneirogenic properties of B-6 are thought to arise because it aids in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, and thus increases serotonin levels. Some studies also suggest that B-6 improves memory. Accounts of medicinal use of Valerian, a perennial flowering plant, trace back as early as the 5th or 4th century BCE. Currently, people mainly use the herb as a remedy for insomnia. Melatonin is naturally produced in the human pineal gland (the sort sold in stores is grown on fungi), and helps regulate circadian rhythms by causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature. Studies have shown than melatonin increases REM sleep time and dream activity.
The B-6 sold in stores comes in capsules of different strength, usually either 100 or 200 mg per capsule (it’ll say on the front of the bottle). Valerian Root capsules are usually 450 or 530 mg, Melatonin 1 mg or 3 mg. I recommend that people who are unfamiliar with these supplements take the least strong of all three supplements. After all, the point is how they work together. If you know that you usually take higher strength capsules, or if you’re feeling adventurous, then try the higher strength. Simply take all three capsules right before getting into bed.
As always, we urge remote participation in the Oneironauticum. To participate remotely, simply take the supplements in combination on the night of May 31, a Saturday. All dream participants, those who attend the Oneironauticum and those who join remotely, are welcome to post to this blog. Contact us if you’re interested.
Sweet dreams!