Banana's Progress/Update thread

[Banana]

Current Projects "The Updated Herb/Drug Repository" Spoiler for -: Vitamin B5 B5 is an essential nutrient for life and is used for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fatty acids. The United Kingdoms RDA recommends 6 mg every day for both men and women. Effects on Dreaming B5 is used along with Choline to produce the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, which is the primary neurotransmitter used in REM sleep. This increases the vividness and the recall of dreams. Take With Protein Carbohydrates Choline Time to Take it Before Bed or WBTB, this vitamin acts fairly quickly, but also stays in the system for a long time. Sources of B5 Vitamin Supplements Royal Jelly Legumes Whole grains Meats Eggs Other Side Effects There are no known side effects for this drug. Cautions Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vitamin B6 B6 is a water soluble vitamin which is essential for amino acid (protein) metabolism. The United States RDA recommends a daily intake of 1.3 mg of Vitamin B6 every day for both healthy men and women, slightly higher for those who are over fifty or pregnant women. Effects on Dreaming B6 has a large role in converting tryptophan to serotonin, which helps produce more vivid dreams and makes them easier to recall. In order to maximize the effects of the B6 tryptophan must be in your system as well. Take With Tryptophan Time to Take it Before Bed or WBTB, this vitamin acts fairly quickly, but also stays in the system for a long time. Sources of B6 Vitamin Supplements Green and leafy vegetables Legumes Fruits Whole grains Meats Fish Poultry Shellfish Other Side Effects B6 has been shown to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. It has also been shown to alleviate the effects of alcoholic hangovers and morning sickness in pregnant women, most likely due to the fact that it is a mild diuretic. Cautions Even though this is a water soluble vitamin, it is possible to overdose on it. There have never been any cases of overdose from food, but the supplements must be taken with care. One should not exceed 100 mg per day. Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs Other Notes: Participants in a double-blind 2002 study demonstrated that taking 250 mg of B6 over a placebo caused a significant difference in dream content, as rated by the participants, in the following areas: dream vividness bizarreness emotionality color -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vitamin B12 B12 is a vitamin that is important for the creation of blood and synthesis of DNA. It is used in every cell in the body to assist in the production of energy. Effects on Dreaming B12 can produce Acetylcholine which are the neurotransmitters used during REM sleep. It does not do so, however, as aggressively as it's cousins B5 and Choline. Take With Protein Folic Acid (B9) Methionine Serine Time to Take it Before Bed or WBTB, this vitamin acts fairly quickly, but also stays in the system for a long time. Sources of B12 Vitamin Supplements Eggs Other Side Effects Rashes Gastrointestinal diarrhea Cautions If you have a sensitive allergy to cobalamin or cobalt, then you should not take B12. Interactions Should not be taken with alcohol Should not be taken with antibiotics May cause decreased effectiveness of birth control pills -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Choline Choline is an essential nutrient that is usually classed with the Vitamin B group. It is recommended that the average daily intake be between 425 and 550 mg for both men and women, however there is no RDA standard for it. Effects on Dreaming Choline is used along with B5 to produce the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, which is the primary neurotransmitter used in REM sleep. This increases the vividness and the recall of dreams. This claim is reputed by the medical community as a modern myth. Take With Protein Carbohydrates B5 B12 Galantamine Folic Acid (B9) Methionine Serine Time to Take it Before Bed or WBTB, this vitamin acts fairly quickly, but also stays in the system for a long time. Sources of Choline Dietary Supplement (lecithin) Egg yoke Soy Liver Legumes Peanut Butter Other Side Effects Increased Focus Prevents gallstones Cautions People suffering from Trimethylaminuria should not take Choline Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melatonin Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm of all living things. It is also a powerful antioxidant and plays a role in preserving DNA. Effects on Dreaming Melatonin puts you to sleep faster and into non-REM sleep (deep sleep,) however there is a rebound effect in the early morning where there is a dramatic increase in REM sleep and dreaming. Users usually dream more vividly and longer. Take With Vitamin B6 Calcium Time to Take it Before Bed, because it works by the means of REM rebound you need to take it before several hours of deep sleep. Sources of Melatonin Melatonin Supplements Everything has Melatonin Other Side Effects Melatonin has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches as well as focus ADHD sufferers. It also stimulates the immune system. Cautions Because it stimulates the immune system, it is ill advised that individuals with auto-immune diseases to take melatonin. Those with poor circulation or low blood pressure should also not take melatonin. Melatonin is illegal in Canada Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Niacin (B3) Niacin is a vitamin that assists in DNA repair and production of the steroid hormone. Effects on Dreaming Niacin helps the production of serotonin, which helps you sleep and adds more dreams. Take With Zinc Calcium Magnesium Time to Take it Before Bed or WBTB, this vitamin acts fairly quickly, but also stays in the system for a long time. Sources of Niacin Meat; especially heart, liver, and kidney Leafy vegetables Fruits Nuts Whole Grains Legumes Mushrooms Other Side Effects **See Cautions Cautions Even pharmacological doses of Niacin is toxic and can cause liver problems and birth defects, so pregnant women should never take niacin. Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tryptophan Tryptophan is one of the 20 standard amino acids as well as one of the essential amino acids for humans. Effects on Dreaming Tryptophan is metabolized into serotonin and niacin. Both increase dreaming. Take With B6 **Galantamine Time to Take it Before Bed, tryptophan has a side effect of REM rebound as well as being metabolized into serotonin so you should take it before several hours of deep sleep. Sources of Tryptophan Amino Acid Blends Turkey Cheese Meat Caviar Milk Egg Seeds Other Side Effects Possible side effects include fever, increased blood pressure, blurred vision, upset stomach, dizziness, and a mild rash. Cautions Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs Other Information It is a misconceptions that Tryptophan was responsible for 1500 cases of permanent disability including at least 37 deaths in 1989. This was due to an EMS contamination, not the Tryptophan itself. **When taken with galantamine the likelihood of having a lucid dream goes up, but it comes with an increased chance of waking up. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb) Calea is a plant native to Mexico that is used by the indigenous Chontal of the Mexican state of Oaxaca for communicating with the gods through dreams. It is also used to reduce fevers and gastronomic disorders. Effects on Dreaming This plant has been shown to increase the vividness and recollection of dreams. It has also been known to increase the frequency of dreams. Take With Time to Take it WBTB, this is a fast acting herb that reacts as soon as it hits the brain, so it should be taken right before expecting to dream. Sources of Calea This plant can be grown from seed** Calea is also found in teas Other Side Effects There are no known side effects for this drug. Cautions **This plant is illegal in the state of Louisiana, and there is legislature in Tennessee that is attempting to make it illegal. Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) Mugwort is a plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is also found in North American where it is an invasive weed. It has many myths or spiritual powers around it, which is why it is commonly used in witchcraft. Effects on Dreaming This plant has been shown to increase the vividness, recollection, and control of dreams. Take With Time to Take it WBTB, this herb acts fairly quickly, but not immediately so take it about thirty minutes to an hour before expecting to dream. Sources of Mugwort This plant can be grown from seed Green Rice Cakes Other Side Effects It increases energy Cautions It contains thujone, which is toxic. It is rarely used in cooking and only in very small amounts because of this. Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silene capensis (African Dream Root) Silene capensis is a root that is sacred to shamans of the verdant river valleys of the eastern cape province of South Africa. Effects on Dreaming Silene capensis is a root that contains the chemical triterpenoid saponins which promotes colourful, vivid dreams and aids in recall. Take With An empty stomach Time to Take it Because the alkaloids travels through the system very slowly one will not see the effects immediately and may take up to three days of daily use to have results. Sources of Silene capensis This is rarely found outside of Africa, however it can be grown from seed Other Side Effects Cautions In very large doses nausa and vomiting have been reported Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs Effects at dosages: Threshold Dosage (Minimum dosage required to feel any effects): 1/4 a teaspoon Many report more intense, more creative, or otherwise exceedingly interesting dreams. Baseline Dosage (Minimum dosage required to feel all effects): 1/2 a teaspoon The full effect of this plant produces amazingly clear lucid dreams. Lucid dreams occur when the dreamer is completely consciously aware of the fact that they are dreaming, yet still in the dream state. This is the state which tribal elders used to resolve disputes and gain visions into the otherwise obscured subtle realm. Recommended Initial Dosage: 1/2 a teaspoon (~3.5 grams) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Galantamine Galantamine is a drug developed in the 1950s as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It is synthesized from extracts from bulbs and flowers of Voronov’s snowdrop, Red Spider Lily, and Amaryllidaceae. Effects on Dreaming It is believed it works by enhancing cholinergic function by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain, which is the neurotransmitter used in REM sleep. Take With B5 Choline **Tryptophan Time to Take it WBTB, Galantamine is a fast acting drug so take it right before expecting to dream. Taking it before bed will do very little. Sources of Galantamine Tablets in 8mg, 16mg, and 24mg form Other Side Effects There are no known side effects for this drug. Cautions Galantamine can cause decrease in gastrointestinal functionality. Galantamine should not be use by patients of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs **When taken with tryptophan the likelihood of having a lucid dream goes up, but it comes with an increased chance of waking up. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nicotine Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants. Effects on Dreaming Nicotine mimics the chemical acetylcholine which is the main neurotransmitter used during REM sleep. This means that the body doesn't need to make as much acetylcholine to produce vivid dreams. Take With Galantamine Time to Take it WBTB, Nicotine is absorbed directly though the mouth so doesn't need to be digested so it works extremely rapidly. Expect to dream immediately after taking Nicotine. Sources of Nicotine Tobacco Coca Cigarettes Nicotine Patch Other Side Effects **See Cautions Cautions Nicotine is extremely addictive (both physically and psychologically) Cigarettes have over 100 chemicals known to cause cancer Cigarettes have over 200 chemicals that are toxic Nicotine in itself is toxic at more than 40 mg Nicotine raises blood pressure Nicotine has been linked to both Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dextromethorphan (DXM) DXM is most commonly used in cough suppressants, but has a side effect of being hallucinogenic. Effects on Dreaming DXM's hallucinogenic properties stimulate the centre of the brain that creates dreams. It is said to create very surrealistic dreams. Take With Time to Take it Before bed or WBTB, DXM works quickly, but stays active for a long time. Sources of DXM NyQuil Robitussin Vicks Other Side Effects Possible side effects include fever, increased blood pressure, blurred vision, upset stomach, dizziness, and a mild rash. Cautions Powered DXM is illegal in The United States and you usually have to be 18 to buy cough syrup with it. There is evidence that if used in excess it can be addictive. Interactions DXM should not be taken if you use: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antihistamines, or alcohol. *Taking properly mixed cough syrup that include DXM and antihistamines and / or alcohol is safe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) THC is a psychoactive chemical produced by the cannabis plant as a defense mechanism. It is a popular recreational drug. Effects on Dreaming THC's hallucinogenic properties stimulate the centre of the brain that creates dreams. It is said to create very surrealistic dreams, however it has an extremely detrimental effect on dream recall. Take With Time to Take it WBTB, THC works very rapidly and it's effects don't last so taking it before bed will do very little. Sources of THC Marijuana Other Side Effects THC has been shown to reduce nervous tics. Cautions Marijuana is illegal in almost every country. THC in large doses can cause psychosis. Contrary to popular belief, THC is physiologically addictive; in fact it's nearly as addictive as caffeine. Marijuana has been linked to heart disease in long term use Marijuana has 5 times as much ammonia (a poisonous and cancer causing agent) as cigarettes. Interactions There are no known interactions with other drugs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Omega 3 Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon–carbon double bond in the n−3 position; that is, the third bond from the methyl end of the fatty acid. Effects on Dreaming : Omega 3 has been reported by many DV members to greatly increase clarty, vividness, and awareness in dreams Take with: Time to take it: Before bed or WBTB Sources of Omega 3: Fish Fish oil pills Flax Nuts Other side effects: Some benefits have been reported in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias. Interactions: In theory, omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin; anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), such as warfarin (Coumadin&#174 or heparin; anti-platelet drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix® and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil&#174 or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve&#174. Waiting on Editing Finished "Placebos" Spoiler for Finished: [large]Placebos - [Edited by Shades][/large] A placebo is a sham medical intervention intended to lead the recipient to believe that it may improve his/her condition. In one common placebo procedure, a patient is given an inert sugar pill, told that it may improve his/her condition, but not told that it is in fact inert. Such an intervention may cause the patient to believe the treatment will change his/her condition; and this belief does indeed sometimes cause the patient's condition to improve. This phenomenon is known as the placebo effect. Placebo - Something that has no effect but still works because you believe it will. The Placebo Effect can also be used to effect dreaming. Placebos can have positive and negative effects Negative Placebo: Saying your name in a dream will make you wake up. Positive placebo: Going to sleep with one eye covered will make you have dreams about flying. Saying your name in a dream does not make you wake up. It will only do that if you believe it will. Going to sleep with one eye covered will do nothing unless you believe it will. That is the essence of placebos. If you believe it will happen, it will. To have a placebo work you need to expect and believe 100% that it will happen. If you have any doubt in your mind, it will not work. [large]History[/large] The word placebo, Latin for "I shall please", dates back to a Latin translation of the Bible by Jerome. It was first used in a medicinal context in the 18th century. In 1785 it was defined as a "commonplace method or medicine" and in 1811 it was defined as "any medicine adapted more to please than to benefit the patient", sometimes with a derogative implication but not with the implication of no effect. Placebos were widespread in medicine until the 20th century, and they were sometimes endorsed as necessary deceptions. In 1903 Richard Cabot said that he was brought up to use placebos, but he ultimately concluded by saying that "I have not yet found any case in which a lie does not do more harm than good". In 1961 Henry Beecher found that patients of surgeons he categorized as enthusiasts relieved their patients' chest pain and heart problems more than sceptic surgeons. In 1961 Walter Kennedy introduced the word nocebo. "The Dream World" Spoiler for Finished: [large]The Dream World[/large] The dream world can sometimes be very confusing and odd. Your voice can be different, mirrors are odd or frightening, The geography of the area or the architecture of a place can be significantly different than in the real world. If you can begin to improve your overall awareness of yourself and the environment around you, that will be a big step towards lucidity. The dream world can sometimes be frightening but there is no need to be afraid of anything in dreams. None of it is real and is all just your subconscious creating images for you to see. If you start to get frightened just think or say to yourself: "None of this is real. I am in control of everything." If you do that, nothing will be frightening anymore and you are free to do whatever you want.