Silene capensis



"Dreaming and Dreaming Medicines: (African Herbal Medicine)".

https://africamystics.wordpress.com/category/herbal-medicine/

"In Africa we have an interesting dream plant called “African Dream Root” (Silene Capensis). It is added to a mixture of foaming herbs we call “uBulawu” that is given to initiates to dream about their ancestors and be able to talk to them. The powdered root is said to be the ingredient that brings the dreams and visions. The African Dream Root is also said to aid “Lucid or awake” dreaming. The root is also used as a “lucky” medicine (muthi). The root can also be taken as a tea."



"African Dream Root (Silene capensis)".

https://www.dreamcatcherbotanicals.com/product/african-dream-root-silene-dream/

"African Dream Root Silene Capensis, also known as undlela ziimhlophe by the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, has been used for thousands of years by African shamans. The plant is highly regarded as a sacred teacher plant and has been traditionally used with respect, intention and devotion. The root of the plant is used to induce very vivid prophetic lucid dreams, for enhanced dream recollection, out of body experiences, lucid dreaming, dream divination, healing ceremonies and initiations."



"African Dream Root (Silene capensis/undulata)". https://dreammerchant.shop/african-dream-root/

"Most of the information available about the traditional use of the root comes from a couple of researchers, Jean-Francois Sobiecki and Manton Hirst. ...

Dreams occupy a central spot in Xhosa culture. They are viewed as a way for people to communicate with their predecessors. Shamans receive advice and solutions to various problems this way."

"The Xhosa use the root for various rituals. ...The result of such a Silene capensis binge is predictable: piles upon piles of vivid and colorful dreams, that are surprisingly easy to recall. ...

Shamans have reportedly used Silene capensis for healing various mental disorders and for alleviating memory problems."

"It is apparently an accepted truth that African Dream Root:

"Most users ... agree that in addition to enhancing dream quality and recall, the compound also generates massive and dynamic dream journeys. The quality of reported dream imagery is exceptionally clear and crisp. ... Some people ... discovered however was that the wild dreams come about with some delay (sometimes as much as a day)."



"Silene capensis – African Dream Root". http://entheology.com/plants/silene-capensis-african-dream-root/

"Silene capensis is a plant native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.  It is regarded by the Xhosa people as a sacred plant. It is an easily grown herb that requires a great deal of water and is very tolerant of extreme heat and some cold. The flowers are very fragrant and only open at night. They are said to smell like a blend of cloves, jasmine and bananas. The root, which is the portion of the plant that is used to induce dreams, may be harvested after the second year of growth (Wikipedia n.d.). ...

It is said that if one keeps a question in mind before gong to bed, one of the ancestors will appear in a dream and provide an answer.  As with many plant medicines, S. capensis may take a few days to build up in your system, so it may be more effective after several days of consumption (DreamHerbs 2011)."



"Silene Capensis : The African Dream Herb" https://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/silene-capensis.html

"Silene Capensis has been used for millennia by the Xhosa shaman of the river valleys in the eastern cape of South Africa, where it is known as Undela Ziimhlophe or 'white paths'. It's fragrant white flowers open only at night, when they emit a fragrant and almost hypnotising aroma."

"Much of what we know about Silene Capensis and the role it plays within the cultures of the African tribes that use it, comes from the research of Manton Hirst and Jean-Francois Sobieki. ... Dreams are seen as gifts or messages from the ancestors – who are characterised as drifting ‘white winds’ or ghosts. The ancestors – via dreams - may impart healing guidance or knowledge to their descendents."

"The effects of S. capensis usually manifest during sleep as prophetic lucid dream states that are rich with significance. Individuals do not usually encounter any effects when awake ... . The dream state is often compared to going under water by the Xhosa.

Your dreams will become exceptionally colourful, and you will remember them vividly on awakening. To sum up the shamanic advice: If you focus on a question you want answered first, the answer will come to you in your dreams – from the wisdom of the ancestors."




"A Closer Look At The Dream Enhancing Silene Capensis".

https://www.zamnesia.com/content/400-dream-enhancing-silene-capensis

"Silene capensis, commonly known in Europe as African Dream Root or Gunpowder Root, is a psychoactive plant originating from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a tender perennial that is very easy to grow and highly resilient to heat – although it does require vast amounts of water to thrive. The flowers of the plant have a very distinct fragrance, and are often described as being a blend of cloves, banana and jasmine. It is however the root of the plant that contains the psychoactive parts which induce vivid and sometimes lucid dreams.

The dream enhancing properties of the African dream root have been used in entheogenic practices for hundreds of years. The Xhosa people of South Africa use the root to communicate with their ancestors, asking for guidance and advice through dreams. The plant plays a significant role in the initiation ceremony of Xhosa shaman."