Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems
In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.
The traditional medicine of the Yoruba is a system of health practiced by the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. Yoruba medicinal practices, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Yoruba, integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It is not just a means of addressing illness but an approach to maintaining balance and harmony in one’s life. Yoruba Traditional Medicine encompasses a wide array of practices, including herbal remedies, divination, and rituals, which are all aimed at promoting health and well-being.
The techniques used in the traditional medicine of the Yoruba are varied and encompass a blend of herbalism, spiritual healing, and physical therapies. Herbal medicines may be recommended or employed by different types of traditional healers, known as Babalawo, Onisegun, and Adahunse. They may prepare infusions, decoctions, and poultices from different parts of plants to treat various ailments. Spiritual healing is another aspect, often involving divination through Ifá, a Yoruba religious system. Through Ifá divination, a Babalawo may diagnose the spiritual causes of illness and prescribe rituals to appease deities and restore health. Additionally, physical therapies such as massage and the use of natural oils and ointments are employed to treat bodily ailments and injuries.
Many local plants are used in the traditional medicine of the Yoruba. One example is the Ewe Akoko (Newbouldia laevis), whose leaves and bark are used to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, infections, and digestive issues. Another plant is Ewe Aje (Vernonia amygdalina), also known as bitter leaf, which is used to treat fever, malaria, and diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. The Agbo Jedi-Jedi (a combination of several plants, including Alstonia boonei and Morinda lucida) is a popular herbal mixture used for digestive disorders and general malaise.
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The Traditional Medicine of the Yoruba
