This is Silene capensis, the familiar trade name for Silene undulata. It is ground root from a small southern African plant whose pale flowers grow fragrant after dark. The 50g jar can be whisked with water into a light foam or made as tea.
Size (grams)
African Dream Root ~ Silene Capensis
R 300,00
African Dream Root ~ Silene Capensis
R 300,00
Size (grams)
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Silene Dream Root
Silene undulata (syn. Silene capensis)
Night · Dreamwork
A night-flowering southern African herb whose ground root is traditionally whisked with water into a white froth.
Benefits, preparation, pairings, and how to use, all in one place.
A night-flowering southern African herb whose ground root is traditionally whisked with water into a white froth.
Sleep & Dreaming
Traditionally prepared before bed as a froth or tea.
Meditation & Spirit
Part of the cultural history of ubulawu and dream-divination practice.
Known in isiXhosa as undlela zimhlophe and used within the wider tradition of ubulawu preparations.
The root is still prepared before bed, with many people keeping a notebook nearby for the morning.
“The plant belongs to a living Xhosa dream and divination tradition; that context is not a promise of a particular dream.”
Safety information is limited. Children and adolescents, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid it.
Whisk half a teaspoon with water until a white froth forms, or prepare the same amount as tea.
Suggested use
Use half a teaspoon. For the traditional preparation, add water and whisk until a white froth forms, then consume the foam before bed. Alternatively, add half a teaspoon to a cup of hot water and drink it as tea.
The product, in detail
Xhosa Dream Root
The night-flowering root made into a froth
This is Silene capensis, the familiar trade name for Silene undulata. It is ground root from a small southern African plant whose pale flowers grow fragrant after dark. The 50g jar can be whisked with water into a light foam or made as tea.
The plant
A flower that waits for dusk
The plant behind the powder is small enough to disappear into damp grassland. It grows to around 60cm, with a low rosette of broad leaves, narrower leaves up the stem and delicate white or pinkish flowers held above them.
Those flowers come into their own late in the day. Their scent strengthens towards evening and their long, narrow shape suits the moths that visit after dark. Silene capensis is the name still used on the jar; botanically, the accepted name is Silene undulata.
The tradition
Undlela zimhlophe and the dreaming hours
In isiXhosa the plant is known as undlela zimhlophe, or “white paths”, and it belongs to the wider world of ubulawu preparations used in dream and divination practice. That history is why this root is sought out long after its night flowers have closed.
Prepare the root before bed and keep a notebook nearby for the morning. Traditional dreamwork is the reason many people seek out the plant, though individual experiences vary.
The preparation
Two ways to prepare the root
For the froth method, place half a teaspoon of powder in water and whisk or agitate it until a layer of white foam forms. Consume the foam before bed.
For tea, add half a teaspoon to a cup of hot water and drink it before bed. Both methods use the same ground root, so choose the preparation that suits your evening routine.
50g jar
Approximately 50g · ground root
For making the traditional froth or a straightforward evening tea.
Before you start
A note on informed use
Botanicals and concentrated extracts are not suitable for everyone. Read the product-specific cautions and check first if any of the points below apply to you.
Talk to someone first if:
- You take prescription medication of any kind
- You or your family have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- You have a heart condition or blood pressure that isn't well controlled
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You simply aren't sure whether this is for you
Medication and interactions
If you take prescription medication, especially antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting medicines, ask a qualified healthcare professional before using a botanical or extract.
Not sure whether a product is right for you? Email support@cosmicbazaar.com before you order.
Our guarantee
If it isn't right, we make it right
We can replace it, refund it or talk it through with you. Email support@cosmicbazaar.com and a person will answer.
About the brand
Cosmic Bazaar
Cosmic Bazaar is our own house apothecary, a curated shelf of adaptogenic herbs, tonic powders, capsules, and ceremonial botanicals. From shilajit and ashwagandha to sacred lotus, these are the plant allies we reach for most.
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