Yoruba Names of Plants (Herbs Used in Ifá & Traditional Medicine)
Herbal medicine plays a vital role in Yoruba culture, Ifá practice, and traditional healing systems. These sacred plants, known as Ewé, are used for spiritual work, healing, fertility, protection, and culinary purposes.
Understanding the Yoruba names of plants is essential, especially for practitioners in the diaspora where herbs are often identified by different names.
Why Yoruba Plant Names Matter
- Helps identify the correct herbs for Ifá rituals and Òrìṣà worship
- Preserves ancestral knowledge and tradition
- Prevents confusion when sourcing herbs abroad
- Strengthens spiritual connection and ritual accuracy
List of Plants and Their Yoruba Names
| Plant Name (English/Spanish) | Yoruba Name |
|---|---|
| Acacia | Ewé Ìgbá, Ewé Òwón |
| Adormidera | Ewé Asùnfúnrún |
| Aguinaldo blanco | Ewé Oníjóko |
| Aguinaldo morado | Ewé Beberí, Ewé Ọba jóko |
| Alacrancillo | Ewé Agógó igún, Ewé Mókogún |
| Álamo | Ewé Ọdán |
| Albahaca (Basil) | Ewé Efinrin oṣó |
| Algarrobo | Ewé Bána |
| Algodón (Cotton) | Ewé Agbédè, Òwú |
| Almendra | Ewé Agusi |
| Amor seco | Ewé Aberodofe, Ewé Emó eiye |
| Cedro (Cedar) | Ewé Òpepe |
| Árbol rojo de Angola | Ewé Osùn |
| Azucena | Ewé Òdodó |
| Ceiba | Ewé Araba |
| Coco | Agbón |
| Maíz (Corn) | Ewé Àgbado |
| Mango | Ewé Òrò |
| Plátano | Ewé Ògẹdẹ |
| Palma | Ewé Màrìwò, Ewé Òpè |
| Pimienta de guinea | Ewé Ataare |
| Tamarindo | Ewé Ajagbọn |
| Salvia | Ewé Asana |
| Verbena | Ewé Ogángán |
| Verdolaga | Ewé Pàpásan |
| Yerba buena (Mint) | Ewé Dára |
| Yuca | Ewé Ègé |
| Zarza | Ewé Èşùşú |
Important Yoruba Herbs in Ifá Practice
- Ewé Pèrègún – Used for protection and spiritual work
- Ewé Òdúndún – Known for healing and cooling energy
- Ewé Akòko – Sacred for initiation and rituals
- Ewé Efinrin – Used for cleansing and purification
- Ewé Araba – Connected to ancestral energy
- Ewé Òsùn – Used in consecration and ritual preparations
Herbal Medicine in Yoruba Tradition
Before modern medicine, Yoruba people relied on herbal remedies for healing, spiritual cleansing, protection, fertility, and overall well-being. These traditions are still widely practiced today across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Herbs are valued for their aromatic and medicinal properties. The leaves, stems, roots, and seeds are all used for various purposes in both spiritual and physical healing.
Important Note
Herbs used in Ifá and traditional practices should be handled with knowledge and respect. Proper guidance from experienced practitioners is recommended when using these plants for spiritual or medicinal purposes.
