Although there are hundreds of herbs known to the Yorubas, space wouldn’t allow us enumerate all of these herbs. However, we’ve decided to highlight the most common ones in this post. These include their names in English as well as some of their benefits.
- Yoruba herbs, their English names, and their uses
Girdlepod (Irawo ile)
The botanical name of the herb is Mitracarpus scaber. It is a common perennial herb with a height of 30 cm.
Some of the benefits of this herb include:
It has antibacterial and antifungal activities which have been proven to treat skin infections. As a result of these properties, this herb can be used to treat skin infections like ringworms and scabies.
Girdlepod can be used to treat aches and pains such as headaches, toothaches and arthritis pain
It can also be used to treat amenorrhea, hepatitis as well as sexually transmitted diseases
Aloe vera (Eti erin)
Aloe vera is popular for its health benefits. The Yorubas call it Eti erin The herb is usually about 80 to 100 cm tall. The botanical name is Aloe barbadensis. Some of its uses have been highlighted below:
It has anti-inflammatory properties hence it can be used for skin allergies. It is also an important ingredient used in skincare products
Aloe vera can also be used to speed up the healing of wounds and burns.
It can also be used as detoxifier and boost your liver function
The liquid from Aloe vera can be used to treat sunburns
The juice from Aloe vera can be used to increase the water content in your intestine hence can be used to treat constipation.
Senna (Ewe asunwun)
The botanical name is senna is Cassia senna and the Yorubas call it ewe asunwun. Every part of the plant has been found to be extremely beneficial. These include the leaves, stem, roots and flowers.
Senna has been known for its antimicrobial properties; as a result it can be used to treat STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis and staph. It can also be used to treat scabies also known as crawcraw
Senna can also be used to alleviate pain as a result of its analgesic action. This explains why the herb has been used in arthritis pain.
This herb also has antifungal properties which can be used to treat Athlete’s foot and eczema.
Dracaena (Peregun)
Dracaena arborea is specie of Dracaena popularly known as dragon tree. This perennial herb has ornamental uses and usually grows up to 20m tall with its deep green thick leaves.
Some of its health benefits include:
Treats diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.
The root has been linked with alleviating abdominal pains.
Moringa (Ewe ile)
Moringa is one of the fastest growing herbs in the tropics. The botanical name is Moringa oleifera. The herb has diverse medicinal effects. It can be used as an energy and immune booster and some of its other medicinal effects have been highlighted below:
It has antibiotic properties and can be used in treating common infections
It has an analgesic action and has been proven to cure pain, headaches and migraines
Moringa has been linked with the treatment of inflammatory conditions like asthma and arthritis
Also, the herb has also been associated with the reduction of reducing tumour growth.
It is a detoxifier
Research has shown that moringa can protect against neurodegenerative diseases related to Alzheimer’s diseas
It also protects the kidney from toxins and prevents formation of kidney stones.
Hibiscus (Sobo)
The botanical name of this herb is Hibiscus sabdariffa. It is popularly called Zobo and it is usually prepared as a local drink.
Some of the health benefits include:
Lowering of blood pressure
Reduces blood cholesterol
Research has linked it with preventing prostate cancer. The leaf extract has been discovered to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cell.
The hibiscus leaves have also been linked with inhibiting the growth of skin cancer cells due to the polyphenols it contains.
African basil (Efirin)
African basil has numerous benefits. The botanical name of the plant is Ocimum gratissimum. It can be used as a digestive aid in those experiencing bloating and indigestion.
Other benefits include:
Treatment of oral infections
Treatment of skin diseases. One of such is ringworm, the leaves can be squeezed and the extract applied to the infected skin.
Excellent food preservative
Treatment of urinary and sexual transmitted infections like vaginitis and gonorrhea.
Mint leaf (Ewe minti)
The leaves of Mint are tender can be used in several ways. The Yorubas call it Ewe minti. The botanical name is Mentha piperita.
The oil from Mint leaves is a component of most herbal toothpaste. The leaves have antioxidant and antiinflammatory components which can help in relieving seasonal allergies.
Mint leaves that have been dried can also be mixed with baking soda and can be used as airfreshener for your room. It can also b used as a form of aromatherapy due to its soothing effects.
The leaves can also be used as an environment friendly insecticide to kill insects like cockroaches, wasps and ants.
Water leaf (Gbure)
The botanical name of water leaf is Talinum triangulare. The leaf has several health benefits. These include
Prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease
Water leaf is able to reduce the risk of heart disease and one of such way by lowering the level of bad cholesterol
Improves cognition
Water leaf has a positive effect on the brain and helps to boost memory and concentration
Weight loss
Due to its high fibre content, preparing water leaf can reduce your calorie intake
Laxative
Water leaf can serve as a laxative to treat constipation or indigestion.
Bitter leaf (Ewuro)
Bitter leaf has numerous benefits especially the juice. The botanical name is Venonia amygdalina. These have been highlighted below:
Improves appetite
Treats skin infections such as Ringworm.
Increases milk production in lactating mothers.
Treats skin allergies such as itching and allergies
Treats cough and respiratory tract infections
Bitter leaf can also help lower blood sugar in diabetics
All these benefits come from extract the juice of bitter leaves and using it where applicable.
Forest burr (Emo-agbo)
Popularly called Forest burr or creeping cock’s comb, the botanical name of this herb is Pupalia lappacea.
It is a perennial herb with a typical height between 60 and 90 cm. The forest burr has flowered spikes at the end of the stem and branches. Also, the herb has flowered clusters that come together to form a burr hence the name forest burr. This herb is also known to produce fluffy fruits that are balled and can be used to filter milk.
Tiger nut (Ofio omu)
Ofio omu is also known as omu. The English name is Tiger nut while the botanical name is Cyperus esculentus. Tiger nut has several benefits which have been highlighted below.
Tiger nuts have a high level vitamin E which when consumed helps to reduce the cholesterol level in the blood. Tiger nuts have also been linked with prevention of heart disease.
Additionally, vitamin E which is a potent antioxidant found in tiger nuts can protect your cells against damage.
Tiger nut can also be used to help keep your blood sugar under control. It works by causing improvements in insulin resistance.
If you’re trying to lose weight, including tiger nut in your diet can help reduce the number of calories in your diet while helping you fill full for long periods.
Tiger nut is also used as digestive tonic and can help to treat indigestion.
Eggplant (Igba)
Eggplant can be eaten raw or used to preparing local delicacies.
It has a special anti-ageing component, nasunin, which is responsible for the vegetable’s deep purple colour. This component can help prevent cancer cells from spreading. It does this by inhibiting their multiplication by reducing the blood supply to them.
Also, nasunin has been linked with improved cognitive function and can reduce the risk of developing neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Cinnamon (Oloorun)
Cinnamon is quite popular in Yorubaland and has a wide range of uses. It is obtained from the stem of Cinnamomum tree. The dry form of cinnamon usually curls into rolls called cinnamon sticks
It is one of the most delicious spices. Some of its benefits include:
Lowering of blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin in diabetics
Protects the body from oxidative damage
It has anti-inflammatory properties that helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage
Protects against cancer by reducing growth of cancer cells
Prevents tooth decay and reduces bad breath
Wild lettuce (Efo Yarin)
Wild lettuce is one of those herbs with a lot of health benefits. Some of which are highlighted below:
Treats whooping cough and asthma
Treats urinary tract problems
Cure insomnia and restlessness
Alleviates painful menstrual periods,
Controls excessive sex drive in women
Alleviates muscular or joint pains
The seed oil is beneficial in treating atherosclerosis. The latex of wild lettuce can also be added directly to the skin to kill germs.
Overall, wild lettuce has a calming effect which has been found useful in conditions like insomnia, restlessness and pain.
Lagos spinach (Shokoyokoto)
Lagos spinach is a perennial herb with a slightly bitter taste. It can be used to cook delicious soup by adding ground melon and some condiments to it.
The herb has several herb benefits. For instance, it can be used to treat symptoms of pile, diarrhea and dysentary. Soko is also high in calcium and can be used to maintain healthy bones.
Bitterleaf (Ewuro)
Bitterleaf has numerous benefits especially the juice. These have been highlighted below:
Improves appetite
Increases milk production in lactating mothers.
Treats cough and respiratory tract infections
Treats skin allergies such as itching and allergies
Treats skin infections such as Ringworm.
All these benefits come from the leaf extract which is usually squeezed and used as applicable.
Common Nigerian Trees and Their Botanical Names
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of trees commonly found in different parts of Nigeria along with their botanical names and uses.
Mountain fig
Botanical name
Ficus glumosa (Moraceae)
Uses
One of the beneficial parts of this tree is the root. The juice from this root can be used to treat cough and conditions like difficulty in breathing.
The bark can also be boiled and used to treat diarrhea.
Bush fig
Botanical name
Ficus sur (Moraceae)
Uses
The leaves are used as fodder for livestock
The roots can also be boiled with potash and used to treat intestinal worms
Sycamore
Botanical name
Ficus sycamorus (Moraceae)
Uses
The leaves can be used to make traditional soups. They can also be used to treat jaundice
The fruits are also edible
The latex can be used in treating cough
The root can be used as a purgative
Gmelina tree
It is most common exotic tree in the country.
Botanical name
Gmelina arborea (Verbenaceae)
Uses
The leaves can be used as fodder to livestock
Gmelina can be used as a source of timber
The trees can also serve as windbreaks in windy areas
It can also be used for a wide variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, dysentery, food poisoning, menstrual pain, chicken pox and small pox.
Jan yaro (Fulafulfulde)
Hymenocardia acida (Hymenocardiaceae)
Uses
The root can be boiled and used as aphrodisiacs in men. It can also be used to give mental strength
The fresh bark can be used as poultice on abscesses and tumours
The ripe fruit has been known to cure deafness
Mahogany
Botanical name
Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae)
Uses
The bark can be soaked in water and ingested to clear intestinal worms in both humans and animals
The pounded bark can also be used to treat bile disease in cattles
The oil from the seed can be used to treat arthritis and skin rashes.
Also, the decoction from the bark can be used to treat certain heart diseases
The latex from the bark can also be used to cure ear pain
Bakin faru
Botanical name (Family)
Lannea acida (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
The boiled bark can be used as a treatment for pile. Also the infusion from the bark can be used to treat stomach troubles
The root bark can be used to treat skin infection
The kernel of this tree can be used as purgative
The leaves can be used as an astringent and remedy for tooth ache
Mango
Botanical name (Family)
Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
The fruit juice can be taken to treat jaundice
The boiled bark and leaves can be used to treat fever
The decoction from the fresh leaves can be used to treat diarrhoea
Moringa (Zogale)
Botanical name (Family)
Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae)
Uses
The root is used in the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions
The seeds can also be used for water purification
The barks and leaves have antimicrobial properties
The leaf juice can be applied to the eyes to treat eye problems
African peach
Botanical name (Family)
Nauclea latifolia (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
The root can be boiled in potash to treat gonorrhea. It can also be used to treat stomach upset.
The boiled leaves can also be used as a purgative.
Cashew
Botanical name (Family)
Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae)
Uses
The cashew nuts are edible
Weeds grow everywhere. However, there are some that are well known in this part of the world because of their ability to grow in tropical regions.
In this post, we’ve highlighted some of these common Nigerian weeds, their botanical names as well as their uses.
But before we do that, let’s take a look at some of the things weeds can be used for.
Weeds can be used to bring nutrients and water from deep within the soil to become available to microbes and plants
Weeds can also be used to break up hardpans and compaction, and control erosion
Weeds also increase the organic matter content of the soil as they grow and die
Weeds can serve as a way telling farmers about the nutritional balance of the soil through their presence or growth habit.
Weed also provide food for grazing animals
Common Nigerian Weeds & their Botanical Names
Now let’s take a look at the common Nigerian weeds.
#1 Bahama grass (Cynodan dactylon)
Although this trailing grass is native to Europe, it also grows in parts of Africa like Nigeria. It has diverse applications. For instance, the grass has been linked to the treatment of diabetes and can also be used for constipation.
In case you‘re wondering how to use it for these ailments, below are te simple steps you need to take:
Wash it and cut into small pieces
Grind it in a mixer or pound with enough water
Extract the juice and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and then you can have your breakfast after two hours
Also, the grass contains fiber, crude proteins, calcium, potash, and phosphorus which is quite useful for grazing animals.
#2 Wild sunflower (Aspilia africana)
The Wild Sun Flower is a kind of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. The botanical name of the plant is Aspilia africana. It orginates from Latin America and can also be found in West Africa.
The plant has been use for numerous benefits over the years
It can be used as an abortifacient
It can also stop bleeding from fresh wounds by inhibiting microbial elements that are known to cause injury and accelerate wound healing
It has also been used in the treatment of rheumatic pains, bee and scorpion stings
#3 Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
The botanical name of Elephant grass is Pennisetum purpureum. It is also known as Napier grass or Uganda grass.
The species has low nutrient and water requirements as a result as been adapted to tropical environment.
The botanical name for Carpet grass is Axonopus compressus. It is the best plant for erosion control and it can flourish in low fertility soils.
It is a perennial pasture grass. Interestingly, the thick sod of this grass can help crowd out other weeds. It can be used to beautify low maintenance areas like airports, roadside or parks.
#5 African Club Moss
The botanical name of African Club Moss is Selaginella kraussiana. It is also known as Selaginella.
The plant is native to Southern and tropical Africa. It is a small carpet forming plant with long fine roots and irregularly branched stem.
This weed can grow in a wide range of conditions; it can also tolerate hot, cold or deep shade conditions. The grass doesn’t need moist ground to thrive and it has the ability to shade out small seedlings. Also, it is commonly found on wet ground and it has an attractive appearance.
#6 African Feather Grass
The botanical name of African feather grass is Cenchrus macrourus. It is also known as bedding grass or veld grass.
It is a perennial grass with deep fibrous roots and rhizomes. Also, it has tough, strongly ribbed leaves that are light green on top and darker green underneath.
The grass has round erect stems with many fine hairs that break off when touched and cause skin irritations. The weed is tolerant of many soil types and thrives well in hot or cold, drought, wind, salt, damage as well as grazing conditions.
#7 African Olive
The botanical name of African Olive is Olea europeaea of the family Oleaceae or the Olive family. This olive weed was originally from Europe but has adapted to the tropics like Africa
It is a dense bushy shrub or small tree with scaly young stems and bark that roughen as it matures.
The grass forms a dense canopy and produces many long-lived, well dispersed seeds. It can tolerate conditions like heat, cold, drought, wind, salt, damage, and moderate shade.
The grass grows predominantly in shrubland as well as bare land especially in coastal areas, and inshore islands.
#8 Buffalo grass
The botanical name is Stenotaphrum secundatum. It is from the Gramineae or grass family.
This weed originates from Tropical America and Africa. It is a dense, mat-forming, coarse perennial grass with long, stout, usually reddish stolons. Some grass species that are similar to buffalo grass include Axonopus affinis, Paspalum distichum, and Pennisetum clandestinum are all similar.
The grass tolerates both damp and drought conditions. It can also grow in hot, salty or windy condition. Grazing doesn’t significantly affect it however it is intolerant to shade. It is also often seen to crowd most plants and other weeds.
Buffalo grass can be found in disturbed shrubland, herbfield, bare land and coastal fringes, especially in warmer areas.
This grass produces uniform attractive turf and can be used in pasture or on ranches.
Popular Yoruba Herbs: English Name & Uses
Before the coming of the orthodox medicine
Before the coming of the orthodox medicine which we know as the English medicine, each and every tribe had their own herbs which they use in treating diseases.
Some of these popular herbs are used across ethnic groups while some are more common in some places.
While some of these Yoruba herbs that are common in some places, they are known with different names depending on area they are located.
This means you might know a particular herb in Igbo and someone will be talking about that same herb and it will seem to you as if that person is wasting his or her precious time.
This article will let you know the English names of common herbs in Yoruba land alongside their uses.
Mint Leaf (Ewe Minti)
Mint leaf is known as Ewe Minti in Yoruba. It is a very common and popular herb. Mint is a popular herb that can be used fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions.
Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy, and beauty products. Some of the health benefits of mint includes relieving someone of allergies and pains, it helps prevent against gastric ulcer. It is good for oral health as well as skin among other benefits.
Spinach (Efo Tete)
Efo Tete is the English name for Spinach. This green plant is used among various cultures and had come along way as a herbal plant. To some, they don’t even know of it health benefits.
They only know it is edible and it appeals to their taste bud. If you are one of those persons, just know that spinach possible health benefit includes cancer and asthma protection, reduction of blood pressure, diabetes management and promotion of healthy skin, hair and bone.
Parsley (Effirin)
The English name of Effirin, a common herb in Yoruba is Parsley.
Parsley benefits the body in many ways and is considered a naturally effective treatment for a wide range of symptoms and diseases.
Derived from the petroselinum plant, parsley and parsley essential oil have been used as a natural detox remedy, diuretic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for centuries in folk medicine.
Today, fortunately, many studies back up health claims about parsley that traditional populations have believed for many years.
Cayenne Pepper (Ata Gun Gun)
Cayenne pepper popularly known as Ata gun gun in Yoruba language is a popular herb not only among the Yorubas but other cultures in Nigeria and the world at large.
Cayenne pepper benefits are numerous and effective; it’s used to help digestion, including heal upset stomach, slow intestinal gas, stop stomach pain, stop diarrhea and as a natural remedy for cramps.
It’s also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels – including to improve poor circulation, reverse excessive blood clotting, lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
Cinnamon (Oloorun)
The popular cinnamon herb is known as Oloorun in Yoruba. It health benefits includes; high source of Antioxidants, contains Anti-inflammatory properties, promotion of heart health and help fight diabetes and lower the risk of cancer among others.
Turmeric (Atale Pupa)
Atale Pupa is the Yoruba name for Turmeric. This herb increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, lower risk of brain damage and heart disease.
It can help prevent cancer and could delay aging and fight age-related diseases among others.
Basil (Basil)
The Basil herb is also known as Basil among the Yorubas. Basil of course, is used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, but what may surprise you is the many benefits of basil that make it well-known for its immunity-enhancing properties.
Basil extract, or basil essential oil, is proven to help prevent a wide range of health conditions, which makes it one of the most important medical herbs known today.
Its health benefits includes, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it fight against cancer, and it is a pain and fever reliever, it prevent diabetes, help boost the immune system, protects the liver and also used as an anti-stress solution.
Bay Leaf (Bay Bunkum)
The English name of the Bay leaf is Bay Bunkum. Bay leaf is packed with nutrients.
It eases joint pain from arthritis, provide immune support, help in sugar level balance, aids in digestion, reduce congestion and help in improving scalp health.
Marjoram (Efo Ewuro)
Marjoram, known as Efo Ewuro in Yoruba, can be taken orally in a more concentrated medicinal form or used topically and in aromatherapy as an essential oil.
The inhalation of marjoram essential oil actually has been shown to calm the nervous system and, in turn, positively impact your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
It’s been used to treat coughs, runny noses, gallbladder issues, digestive problems, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain and paralysis as well.
Celery (Seleri)
The Yorubas call the celery herb seleri. This is also a popular Yoruba herb that helps in lowering inflammation, reducing blood pressure, reducing risk of cancer and help in preventing age-related vision loss.
Marjoram (Efo Ewuro)
Marjoram, known as Efo Ewuro in Yoruba, can be taken orally in a more concentrated medicinal form or used topically and in aromatherapy as an essential oil.
The inhalation of marjoram essential oil actually has been shown to calm the nervous system and, in turn, positively impact your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
It’s been used to treat coughs, runny noses, gallbladder issues, digestive problems, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain and paralysis as well.
Celery (Seleri)
The Yorubas call the celery herb seleri. This is also a popular Yoruba herb that helps in lowering inflammation, reducing blood pressure, reducing risk of cancer and help
in preventing age-related vision loss.
Marjoram (Efo Ewuro)
Marjoram, known as Efo Ewuro in Yoruba, can be taken orally in a more concentrated medicinal form or used topically and in aromatherapy as an essential oil.
The inhalation of marjoram essential oil actually has been shown to calm the nervous system and, in turn, positively impact your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
It’s been used to treat coughs, runny noses, gallbladder issues, digestive problems, depression, dizziness, migraines, nervous headaches, nerve pain and paralysis as well.
Celery (Seleri)
The Yorubas call the celery herb seleri. This is also a popular Yoruba herb that helps in lowering inflammation, reducing blood pressure, reducing risk of cancer and help in preventing age-related vision loss.
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