What Is African Dream Root And How Do You Prepare It?

Silene Capensis, also known as African dream root, is a flower that has only recently fallen under the western eye. The S. capensis flower and its root are considered a holy teacher plant by the Xhosa people, a South African ethnic group. Its roots are used to induce vivid and prophetic dreams that can become lucid, although the latter effect is only reported by a selected few.

It should be noted that much of the findings and research conducted on this root come from traditional and personal experiences and are thus anecdotal. Apart from one recent study, not much interest has gone into this flower.

THE EFFECTS OF AFRICAN DREAM ROOT

The main reported effect of this root is an improved quality of sleep. Waking up refreshed and with a sense of preparation for the day is normal for the regular consumer. You won’t need more than 6 hours of sleep to actually feel rested.

Silene capensis has been noted to induce vivid and memorable dreams. Although not every user can report this, some will feel extremely lucid when dreaming - to a point where they can control the outcome of the dream. Straight after waking up, consumers will report vivid memory of what they dreamt. Although, if you want to remember them days later, a journal would be advised. This reminiscence might not even last you the day.

When under the effect of the root, dreams become more colourful than usual and these colours, extremely vivid. Traditional practices state that if you want a certain question answered, with the help of African dream root, you’ll get the solution in your dreams from the wisdom of your ancestors. Xhosa people believe that living people can communicate with their dead ancestors through the dream state. In their culture, “ancestors” are seen as only the ones on your paternal side. Concentrating on these figures will bring you wisdom from them, according to the traditions.

THE TRADITIONAL METHOD FOR PREPARING THE AFRICAN DREAM ROOT

There are several ways of ingesting the African dream root. Whether you prefer to chew on it or to ingest a tea, there is an option for everyone. Firstly, we’ll cover the traditional method used by the Xhosa people.

For this, around 200-250mg of the African dream root is pulverized. The dust is then dropped into a half cup of water and stirred until a thick foam is formed on the top. Stirring the mixture is fairly time-consuming, and so, nowadays, most people place the solution in a mason jar and shake it. After you obtain the thick white foam, use a spoon to scoop it out or a straw to suck it and ingest only this. Don’t drink the actual liquid. You can shake the jar again to obtain more foam. Keep ingesting until you feel bloated. This method is advised to be carried out first thing in the morning before breakfast. You may eat as normal once you feel hungry.

VIDEO: HOW TO USE AFRICAN DREAMROOT

WESTERNIZED METHODS OF CONSUMPTION

In western cultures, the ingestion of Silene capensis through capsules has gained popularity due to its easiness. For this method, you’ll need higher quantities of the root. Around 500mg-3g a day of the powder in the capsule is recommended. Effects won’t necessarily increase with higher dosages, so start small. It’s better to work your way up than catch yourself with a feeling you are uncomfortable with. When trying this method, do so right before sleep. Take the capsule 30 minutes before you intend to be sleeping. Don’t worry if you don’t fall asleep within this half-hour. The root is noted for its relaxation effects so don’t think too much about it and you’ll be fine.

The last popular method reported to be used is making the so-called “dream tea”. The tea includes a table spoon of 4 different ingredients. Cinnamon, ground ginger, honey (or sugar) and a 2cm piece of the root. To make the drink, grind the piece of African dream root thoroughly and mix it with the ginger and cinnamon. Proceed by placing the mixture in a cup of boiling water and stir. While stirring, add the honey or sugar and let the drink settle for about 2 minutes. You can add milk or cream to improve the taste, it won’t alter the effects.

CONCLUSION

There are a few factors that one should know before deciding to embark on this journey. Although not backed up by factual research, it is said that the effects become permanent if you ingest the root for 3 months straight. This is something to be really careful about. If after 2 months or so, you’re still not sure of its effects or how it's changing your dreams, make sure you take a break. Best to do it this way than end up with permanent lucidity during your sleep that you don’t want.

No side effects or fatalities have been reported from the consumption of Silene capensis. Not a lot of research has been conducted on this so take it at your own risk. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best you check with your doctor before making a decision. Although, the doctor won’t have much information on this either so you should probably not risk it.

Finally, the African dream root is not known to be illegal anywhere in the world but it is still your responsibility to check. With all this in mind, if you so wish to try this, we hope you enjoy your experience and that you obtain the desired results. Best of luck and sweet dreams!

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

With an AB Mass Media and Communications degree, Miguel Ordoñez is a veteran writer of 13 years and counting and has been covering cannabis-related content since 2017. Continuous, meticulous research along with personal experience has helped him build a deep well of knowledge on the subject.

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