Ubhubhubhu - Helinus integrifolius
Helinus integrifolius is a shrubby climbing plant from the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), native to South Africa, where it grows from the Eastern Cape and Free State through Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West and the Western Cape. It is mainly found in wooded bushveld and rocky terrain. Its common names hint at the effect: the English name Soap Bush and the Afrikaans name Seepbos both refer to the saponins in the herb, a group of plant compounds that foams readily in contact with water.
Among the Xhosa people the herb is known as Ubhubhubhu or Ubulawu. The name Ubulawu comes from ukulawula, meaning roughly "to interpret dreams", and refers to the use of the herb within the ubulawu tradition: a group of South African dream herbs taken to produce vivid, memorable dreams. Within this tradition, Ubhubhubhu is used among others by izangoma, traditional healers and diviners, as part of their dreamwork training and in rituals aimed at communicating with ancestors. The second name, Ubhubhubhu, translates roughly as "quick" or "in a short time", a reference to how briefly the preparation takes.
Use
The classic ubulawu preparation is simple: a small amount of the dried, finely cut herb is whisked vigorously in cold water in a bowl or cup, preferably by hand or with a wooden spoon, until a thick layer of foam forms. That foam is eaten or drunk, usually in the evening right before sleep. Start with a small amount of herb to get used to the taste and effect. The dream-supporting effect attributed to Ubhubhubhu is traditional use within South African herbal practice and not a scientifically established effect.
Storage
Store the dried herb airtight, dry and dark, preferably in a sealed jar, to preserve its quality. Kept dry, Ubhubhubhu stays good for a considerable time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ubhubhubhu and Dreamnuts?
Both are dream herbs in the Dutch-Smart range, but with a different origin and preparation. Dreamnuts (Catunaregam spinosa) comes from South and Southeast Asia and is burned as incense near the bed, while Ubhubhubhu comes from South Africa and is whisked into foam in cold water. Both herbs are traditionally used around bedtime, but through a completely different method.
Can I combine Ubhubhubhu with other dream herbs?
There is no established guideline for combining different ubulawu or dream herbs, and the effects of such a combination have not been studied. Anyone wanting to experiment is better off starting with one herb at a time to learn their own response first.
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