African Dream Root – 10 Seeds

African Dream Root (Silene Capensis / Silene undulata) is an African plant of the carnation family. The root is called “African Dream Root” and is traditionally used as a dream-promoting remedy.

Common names: dream root, gun powder plant, campion (Eng.); unozitholana, ubulawu, undlela zimhlophe (isiXhosa); kleinwildetabak (Afr.)

It is a sacred flowering perennial herb indigenous to the green river valleys of the eastern cape of South Africa. It has a lax growing habit and bears fragrant, white flowers that opens at night and closes in the day. Shamans use the plant to gain access to the spirit world through lucid dreams. For amaXhosa people dreams are considered to be a means of direct communication between the living and the ancestors, and dreams are closely integrated into traditional healing practices.

The foam-producing roots are crushed or grated, added to a billycan of cold water, and whisked rapidly using a forked stick that, according to custom is carved from a wild olive branch, until a head of frothy white foam is produced. Close attention is paid to the way the ubulawu foams. A lack of foam is interpreted as either incorrect timing for the ritual or the disapproval of the ancestors. This foam, called isilawu , is used as a face- and body-wash or ingested.

Growing African Dream Root

Indoor Sowing: Year Round.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• The plant prefers full sun but can be grown in partial shade and the soil must be fast-draining.
• Sow the seed directly in the garden in the spring or sow anytime in the greenhouse.
• Barely cover seed with soil, tamp firmly and keep evenly moist and warm until germination, which takes 1 to 2 weeks.
• When the young plants are about 5 cm tall they can be planted into position or thinned out.
• Compost should be added if the soil is very sandy.
• The root can be harvested after the second year.