Catunaregan spinosa - Dreamnuts

Dreamnuts - Catunaregam Spinosa

Catunaregam spinosa is a thorny shrub from the Rubiaceae family, native to India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. In Ayurvedic tradition the plant is used for a wide range of purposes, but within the smart shop world its dried fruits are best known under the name Maidal or Dreamnuts. These woody nuts have been burned near the head of the bed for generations, in the belief that the scent supports a calm night and keeps unpleasant dreams at bay.

The fruits themselves are not eaten or smoked, but smouldered like incense. Heating them releases an earthy, faintly resinous, subtly sweet fragrance that spreads slowly through the room. Each Dreamnut is an unprocessed natural product, so colour, shape and size vary from piece to piece.

Usage

Place the nut on a heat-resistant surface, such as a charcoal disc on an incense burner or a metal dish with sand, and warm it gently until it starts to smoulder. Position the burner some distance from the bed, never directly on or next to it, and never leave the smoke unattended. One nut is enough for an entire bedroom; ventilate the room well afterwards.

Storage

Store Dreamnuts dry and dark, preferably in a sealed jar or their original bag, to preserve the aroma. Kept dry, the nuts stay usable for years.

Dreamnuts pair well with other dream and sleep herbs in our range, such as valerian and hops. At Dutch-smart we keep our dream herbs category deliberately varied, so you can pick what suits your evening ritual.