African Dream Root vs Hypericum empetrifolium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

African Dream Root

Silene capensis

Nervine

Nervine

African Dream Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Hypericum empetrifolium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A sacred Xhosa plant from South Africa used by Sangoma healers to produce vivid, prophetic dreams and initiate healers into divination practice.

Low shrubby St Johns Wort of the Eastern Mediterranean with tiny heather-like leaves.

Active Compounds

Triterpenoid saponins, Phytolaccagenic acid, Steroid saponins

hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, naphthodianthrones

Traditional Uses

Dream enhancement for shamanic divination, Initiation into traditional healing, Respiratory support

Traditional Greek and Eastern Mediterranean folk medicine for wounds, Used in Turkish folk medicine for nervous conditions and infections

Modern Uses

Oneirogenic plant medicine, Anxiolytic and mood support, Cultural and spiritual practice

Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Antidepressant potential, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

250-500mg root powder in water at bedtime

Tincture: 2-4ml 3x/day

Contraindications

Avoid with psychiatric medications, No long-term safety data

Pregnancy, Photosensitivity, Drug interactions

Side Effects

Vivid dreams, Mild nausea

Photosensitivity, Drug interactions

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E