African dream root in Supernatural and reality
Supernatural Season 3 brought us the world of Freddy Krueger in a way. Through African dream root, Jeremy was able to control dreams. Here’s a look at the show’s and real lore around the dream root.
African dream root played an important part in Supernatural Season 3, Episode 10. It was the reason for Jeremy being able to dream, but also allowed him the chance to delve into other people’s dreams. As Sam put it, he became Freddy Krueger.
Did you know that African dream root is used today? You can buy it to make teas and it’s still used for lucid dreaming and other effects during sleep. Here’s a look at the Supernatural lore surrounding African dream root and where that lore came from in the real world.
African dream root in the show
More from Supernatural
- Jensen Ackles and The Winchesters cast kick off #SaveTheWinchesters campaign
- Will The Winchesters be saved? (Can Supernatural fans save the prequel?)
- Did The Winchesters get renewed? (Is The Winchesters season 2 happening?)
- Is a new episode of The Winchesters on tonight? (March 14, 2023)
- The Winchesters Season1 finale explained: Did it connect to Supernatural?
Supernatural used it as a way to step into other people’s dreams. Sam and Dean needed a way into Bobby’s dreams to get him out before he died. Sam shares that when someone drinks a tea made with the root on a regular basis, they gain more control over their dreams. By mixing someone’s DNA into the tea, it’s possible to delve into their dreams.
What the show didn’t go into is all the lore surrounding African dream root, which is where this article comes into play. There is far more than going into other people’s dreams.
The real lore about the root
Also known as African dream herb and Ubulawu, the root comes from the plant called silene capensis. It’s been used for centuries in African culture, where dreams are viewed as a gift or have messages for the dreamer. I couldn’t possibly do the research justice in one article, so I highly encourage reading a piece from the World of Lucid Dreaming. There are all types of studies to look into what the root does.
African dream root is used for lucid dreaming. Many people who have taken it explain how their dreams are more colorful and profound. They remember the dreams better and there’s a very real feeling to them.
It's like a buffet lol Imagine walking into a motel room and finding this? #Winchesters #SPNFamily #AfricanDreamRoot pic.twitter.com/ElBcw9cdhD
— Harvey's Puppy (@bounds4823) February 16, 2015
Dreams also tend to last much longer than usual, which can mean better sleep. Some people share how they feel like they’ve gone on a journey while in their dreams.
There isn’t any lore that supports the idea of going into other people’s dreams. However, Supernatural has always been able to adapt lore for its show. It starts with something and then adds another layer and the Freddy Krueger-style dream control looks to be that part.
Next. Supernatural lore vs. real lore about witches. dark
What do you know about African dream root? What did you think of the use of it in Supernatural? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Like SPN Hunters on Facebook for more lore to get through Hellatus.