There is a growing fascination in lucid dreaming, a dream where a person has full control over everything that's happening in the dream. There are some who are lucky to slip into lucid dreams frequently, but there are others who might need a little outside help.

But let's not bother with illegal and dangerous methods in inducing lucid dreams; there are natural - and legal - ways to achieve this state of consciousness.

Here's a breakdown of natural herbs that are said to be effective in inducing lucid dreaming.

1.     Xhosa Dream Root

The Xhosa Dream Root or Silene Capensis is associated with the Xhosa people in South Africa. They used to ingest the herb to induce vivid and prophetic dreams. According to The Mind Unleashed, Xhosa people use the herb during the initiation rites of shamans to communicate with the ancestors, who are believed to communicate in the dream state.

The root is ground into fine powder and is mixed with water, which will be ingested on an empty stomach in the morning. The effects of this herb usually kick in at nighttime.

2.     Mugwort

Mugwort has been widely used in Europe as a midwife's herb due to its ability to stimulate blood circulation. It is also known to stimulate lucid dreaming where it is effective in helping dreamers remember their dreams better.

Mugwort can be smoked, burned as incense or drunk like tea. Drinking mugwort keeps the dreamer in a conscious dream state longer.

3.     Ayahuasca

This South American vine is used in making psychoactive drinks. It is more popular in Peru, and is believed to generate intense spiritual generations and a deeper understanding of oneself and of the universe. However, according to the website, the vine can cause vomiting or diarrhea after ingesting, which shamans believe to be the purging of negative energies. Afterwards, users usually feel refreshed and reborn after a strong experience.

Portions of the vine are usually boiled and ingested like tea.

4.     Blue Lotus

Blue lotus was one of the most sacred plants in ancient Egypt. It was used to stimulate a person's sex drive and fertility, and was also believed to slow down aging. According to the website, the blue lotus user will experience warmth in the upper body and the head, combined with a calm and dream-like feeling. The plant also has a stimulant effect that induces a heightened state of awareness.

In one or two cups of boiled water, the blue lotus petals and bulb are added and steeped for 20 minutes. Effects will be felt in as quickly as 30 minutes after drinking.

5.     Celastrus Paniculatus

Otherwise known as the "Elixir of Life" or "Intellect Tree", the Celastrus Paniculatus can be found in the Indian subcontinent. According to Nootriment, this herb is known to effectively enhance one's mental focus and calm the nerves, and is also used as a memory supplement.

It can also induce vivid and lucid dreaming, and is said to produce a stimulating burst of mental energy a short while after ingestion.

Users ingest about 10 to 15 Celastrus Paniculatus seeds, and then more are added to enhance the effects.