African Dream Root (5 grams)

Silene Capensis: The African root for deep sleep and lucid dreams

Originating from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, silene capensis has long been used by the indigenous Xhosa tribe during spiritual, shamanistic rituals. It is also commonly known in the West as Gunpowder Plant, Wild Tobacco and African Dream Root.

Its morning-foam ritual could not differ more from the relaxed evening cup of Sinicuichi; our guide on preparing African dream root walks through the whipping technique, and Ashwagandha lays the calmer groundwork underneath.

Traditionally, the root is reputed to induce vivid and sometimes lucid dreams that are remembered upon waking. This is why it is considered a sacred herb by the Xhosa people, and is widely used by shamans to guide their people. However, inducing lucid dreaming is a secondary effect, and only a selected few are said to be given this experience.

Effects

The main effect that everyone taking silene capensis will receive is an improved quality of sleep. Those who take this regularly will find they wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. It can also have you waking up earlier, only needing 6 hours sleep to fully rejuvenate – 6 hours is seen as the healthiest amount of time to sleep by general scientific consensus.

Silene capensis can induce vivid and much more memorable dreams when used; but this is much rarer and will only effect some people. It can also induce a stimulating effect in some users, giving them even extra energy upon waking – but this is anecdotal.

Preparation and dosage

Traditionally, the dried root of silene capensis was pulverized into water to create a white foam. This foam was then ingested before sleeping. Because this has always historically been the way silene capensis has been consumed, most places across the internet will recommend you do the same. We have found that the best way to take it is to grind it into a powder and place it in capsules for direct consumption. This is a much more efficient way of administering and absorbing the dose.

When creating tablets, it‘s best to consume 500mg – 3g a day, during the course of a few days. It has been reported that it might take a few days for effects to be felt.
It is also worth noting that when taking silene capensis for the first time, you will want to start at 500mg, or possibly even less, until you have gotten used to it. Also, the effects don’t necessarily increase with higher dosages, for this reason, the most standard dose tends to be 1g of powder.

Chemical Compounds

The active ingredient of silene capensis is thought to be triterpenoid saponins. These not only effect the sleep, but are also known to be a viral inhibitor, an antioxidant and reduce cholesterol.

The exact chemical composition of silene capensis is still under investigation and very little research has done into its active ingredients.