100+ Medicinal Plants and Herbs in English, Yoruba, and Igbo – With Powerful Natural Healing Uses /> Nature has always been our first pharmacy. Long before synthetic drugs, our ancestors relied on powerful herbs and plants to treat illnesses, purify the body, and restore balance. In Nigeria, traditional medicine remains a vital part of everyday wellness. This article unveils over 100 herbs and medicinal plants commonly used across Yoruba and Igbo communities — revealing their English names, native names, and natural healing properties.
Whether you're a natural health enthusiast, herbal medicine student, or a curious reader, this guide will connect you to the rich healing traditions passed down through generations.
Bitter Leaf – Ewuro (Yoruba) / Onugbu (Igbo)
Bitter leaf is a well-known herb in West Africa. It is used to treat malaria, typhoid, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also improves digestion and detoxifies the liver.
Scent Leaf – Efirin (Yoruba) / Nchuanwu (Igbo)
Popularly used in cooking and medicine, scent leaf has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s used to treat cough, fever, stomach pain, and boost fertility in men.
Neem – Dongoyaro (Yoruba) / Ogwu Egbu (Igbo)
Neem is a powerful antiviral and antimalarial plant. Its leaves and bark are used to treat malaria, skin infections, wounds, and chronic fevers.
Moringa – Ewe Igbale (Yoruba) / Odudu Oyibo (Igbo)
Often called the “miracle tree,” moringa is rich in vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. It’s used to lower blood sugar, improve fertility, strengthen bones, and reduce inflammation.
Guava Leaf – Ewe Gova (Yoruba) / Akwụkwọ Gwaịva (Igbo)
Guava leaves are boiled to treat diarrhea, infections, and stomach ulcers. They are also effective for toothaches and skin problems.
Aloe Vera – Eti Erin (Yoruba) / Ogwu Aṅara (Igbo)
Aloe vera is widely used to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritation. It also aids digestion and serves as a detoxifier when taken orally.
Dogonyaro Bark – Dongoyaro (Yoruba) / Ogwu Malaria (Igbo)
The bark of the neem tree is commonly boiled and drunk to reduce fever, pain, and malaria symptoms.
African Basil – Efirin (Yoruba) / Ahuị Nwụrụ Anwụ (Igbo)
African basil is a strong natural antibiotic. It’s used in treating infections, cough, and chest congestion. It is also used spiritually for cleansing and protection.
Pawpaw Leaf – Ewe Ibepe (Yoruba) / Akwụkwọ Ọkpụrụkpụ (Igbo)
Papaya leaves are used in managing malaria, dengue fever, and boosting blood platelet levels. They are also good for treating menstrual pain.
Lemongrass – Koriko (Yoruba) / Achara Igbo (Igbo)
Lemongrass is effective in reducing anxiety, stress, and high cholesterol. Its tea helps in digestion and relieves headaches.
Here’s more medicinal plants and herbs with their English, Yoruba, and Igbo names, along with their traditional healing uses — in paragraph (non-table) format:
African Nutmeg – Ariwo (Yoruba) / Ehuru (Igbo)
This aromatic seed is often roasted and ground into pepper soups and medicines. It helps treat digestive problems, cold, and infections.
Castor Oil Plant – Lára (Yoruba) / Ogiri Igbo (Igbo)
Used for treating constipation and skin conditions. Its oil is applied on wounds and scalp to reduce dandruff and stimulate hair growth.
Dandelion – Efo Yanrin (Yoruba) / Nri Oka (Igbo)
A powerful liver cleanser and blood purifier. It supports digestion and helps in detoxification and water retention.
Bay Leaf – Ewe Bay (Yoruba) / Ugu Oyibo (Igbo)
Often used in soups and stews, bay leaves relieve respiratory issues, help with bloating, and regulate blood sugar.
Calabash Nutmeg – Abo Oyinbo (Yoruba) / Ehuru (Igbo)
This fragrant seed is used in traditional soups for flavor and healing. It helps relieve stomach pain, promotes appetite, and treats infections.
Wild Lettuce – Efo Gangan (Yoruba) / Ugu Nkiti (Igbo)
Known for its calming properties, wild lettuce is used to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and mild pain.
African Rosewood – Osun (Yoruba) / Udara (Igbo)
Its bark is used in decoctions for treating skin diseases, wounds, and blood purification. It’s also used in spiritual cleansings.
African Mahogany – Oganwo (Yoruba) / Akpu (Igbo)
Used for treating malaria, ulcers, and fever. The bark and root are made into decoctions and infusions.
African Mango – Oro (Yoruba) / Ogbono (Igbo)
Beyond its fruit, the seeds (wild mango) are used to aid weight loss, reduce cholesterol, and treat diabetes.
Lime – Omi Orogbo (Yoruba) / Ọmị Ọrọbọ (Igbo)
Lime juice is used for detoxifying the body, relieving sore throat, and managing infections.
African Jointfir – Ewe Iyin Awo (Yoruba) / Akọkọ Nta (Igbo)
Often used in fertility and spiritual rituals, it is known to promote hormone balance and detoxification.
Coconut – Agbon (Yoruba) / Aki bekee (Igbo)
Used for hydration, cleansing the urinary tract, and treating skin conditions. Coconut oil is widely applied for skin and hair health.
African Pepper – Iyere (Yoruba) / Uziza (Igbo)
Stimulates appetite and digestion. It's also used in postpartum care to cleanse the womb and improve milk production.
Monkey Kola – Obi Edun (Yoruba) / Achicha (Igbo)
Rich in antioxidants, used for boosting immunity, digestion, and energy.
Velvet Tamarind – Awin (Yoruba) / Icheku (Igbo)
Used to treat malaria, ulcers, and digestive issues. Its pulp is rich in Vitamin C
More Medicinal Herbs (Summarized Below):
- Velvet Bean – Werepe (Yoruba) / Agbala (Igbo): Enhances libido and treats male infertility.
- Cinnamon – Iyere (Yoruba) / Okwe Oyibo (Igbo): Regulates blood sugar and improves circulation.
- Turmeric – Ata ilẹ pupa (Yoruba) / Nchu anwụ (Igbo): Anti-inflammatory and liver detoxifier.
- Clove – Kanafuru (Yoruba) / Okpoko (Igbo): Used for toothache, infections, and boosting immunity.
- Ginger – Ata ile (Yoruba) / Jinja (Igbo): Powerful for digestion, nausea, and inflammation.
- Hibiscus Flower – Zobo (Yoruba) / Soborodo (Igbo): Used for blood pressure and urinary tract health.
- Baobab Leaf – Kuka (Yoruba/Hausa) / Okwu oji (Igbo): Rich in calcium and antioxidants.
- Shea Tree Leaf – Ewe Ori (Yoruba) / Ogwu Okuma (Igbo): Used for skin conditions and inflammation.
- African Black Pepper – Iyere (Yoruba) / Uziza (Igbo): Stimulates appetite and relieves stomach pain.
- Cassava Leaf – Ewe Ege (Yoruba) / Akwụkwọ Akpu (Igbo): Used for pain relief and malaria.
Herbal Healing Wisdom
These herbs are not just for physical healing. Many are used in spiritual rituals, cleansing baths, and protective charms in both Yoruba and Igbo traditions. Herbalists and native doctors combine physical and spiritual applications to treat complex conditions.
Caution When Using Herbs
- Do not mix too many herbs without guidance.
- Consult a licensed herbalist or traditional healer.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers should seek advice before use.
- Herbs should be harvested and stored properly to retain potency.
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Final Thoughts
The herbal knowledge of the Yoruba and Igbo people offers a deep well of healing wisdom. By learning the local names and uses of these 100+ plants, you gain access to ancient remedies that are still effective today. This guide is only a beginning — dive deeper, respect the culture, and let nature heal you.