A Closer Look At The Dream Enhancing Silene Capensis

Luke Sumpter

Cannabis Journalist & Health Science Researcher

Luke Sumpter

Last updated: 7 January 2021

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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 regard it as a sacred teacher plant, and use the root to communicate with their ancestors, traditionally those on the paternal side, asking for guidance and advice through dreams. The plant plays a significant role in the initiation ceremony of Xhosa shaman.

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It is assumed that the psychoactive qualities of African dream root are caused by the triterpenoid saponins found within the root. Although they have minimal effect of the waking self, their effects can be profoundly felt when asleep. Research on the plant is still thin on the ground; apart from one study into these saponins, most of what we know comes from traditional practice and personal reports.

Effects of Silene capensis

The main effect of African dream root is to induce vivid and lucid dreams, as well as enhancing the quality of sleep. Dreams become more intense and memorable, and with practice even fully lucid. Silene capensis enhances lucidity, but this state is easiest achieved by those who already have experience in navigating the dreamworld.

It is worth noting that the effects of African dream root are not always immediate, often the plant has to be taken for a few days to experience the vividness of dreams. However, once it has kicked in, you can expect to enter the bizarre world of dreams on a more conscious level. Users describe the colours in their dreams turning noticeably more intense, and some report enough lucidity to steer where a dream goes. In Xhosa tradition, this state serves a clear purpose: concentrate on a question before you sleep, and the answer is said to arrive in your dreams, sent by your ancestors.

The root also leaves you feeling refreshed upon wakening; even six hours of sleep can feel like a full night. That freshness has its limits, though. The memory of what you dreamt tends to fade within a day, so if you want to hold on to the details, keep a dream journal beside your bed and write everything down as soon as you wake.

In large singular quantities, African dream root can have a purging quality. Although no harmful effects have ever been recorded, it can cause vomiting – so it is advisable to stick to recommended doses.

Preparation

There are three common ways to prepare Silene capensis: the traditional foam method, capsules, and a simple dream tea. The root itself stays the same in each case; the choice is mostly one of ritual versus convenience.

The traditional foam method

This is how the Xhosa have prepared the root for generations. Pulverise around 200-250mg and drop it into half a cup of water, then whisk until a thick layer of white foam forms on top. Whisking by hand takes a while, which is why most people nowadays pour the mixture into a sealed jar and simply shake it. Scoop the foam off with a spoon, or pull it up through a straw, and swallow only the foam; the liquid underneath is not meant to be drunk. Shake again for a fresh layer and keep going until you feel comfortably full. Tradition calls for taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and eating as normal once hunger returns.

Capsules

The foam method is the classic, but since Silene capensis is best taken regularly for it to take effect, the easiest way is to consume it in capsule form. Grind the root into a powder and put it in gel caps. Generally speaking, you want to consume between 500mg and maximally 3g a day, over a period of a few days. It is best to start with a smaller dose to get used to the plant, and work your way up. A larger dose doesn't necessarily cause a greater effect; for this reason 1g tends to be the settled on standard daily dose. Take your capsule roughly half an hour before you intend to sleep, and don't worry if you're still awake once the half-hour has passed; the root is known for its relaxing quality, so let it do its thing. One practical note: powdered Silene capensis oxidizes very quickly, so it is important to only grind it into a powder when preparing for direct use.

Dream tea

Prefer to drink it? Grind a piece of root of about 2cm and mix it with a tablespoon each of cinnamon and ground ginger. Stir the mixture into a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey or sugar, and let it settle for a couple of minutes. A splash of milk or cream softens the taste without altering the effects. If you enjoy this sort of brew, there are plenty of other herbs worth steeping as well.

Before you start

A few things are worth knowing in advance. The research on this root is sparse and largely anecdotal, so treat every claim, including the ones above, with curiosity rather than certainty. No side effects or fatalities have ever been reported, but if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to leave it on the shelf. Some long-time users also claim the effects become permanent after roughly three months of daily use. True or not, it's sensible to build in a break every couple of months and see how your sleep behaves without it.

Legality is rarely an issue, as African dream root isn't known to be banned anywhere, though checking your local rules remains your own responsibility. Beyond that, there's nothing left to do but shake, swallow or sip, and see what your dreams have to say. If this sort of plant appeals to you, our dream herbs section holds a few more worth meeting. Sweet dreams!