Hog plum is a species of tree and flowering plant of the Anacardiaceae family. It is cultivated in many parts of Africa. In Nigeria, the fruit is called Iyeye in the Yoruba language, ngulungwu in Igbo language, Isada in Hausa language, and Ughighen in the Urhobo language. The scientific name of hog plum is Spondias mombin. The plant experiencing a surge in popularity in…
Osu fruit is a round yellow fruit about 5 cm wide. It contains 12 or more disc-shaped seeds enclosed in its jelly-like pulp and has various nutritional values. The scientific name of osu fruit is Hunteria umbellata, and it belongs to the Apocynaceae family. The fruit is also known as ‘nkpokiri’ in Igbo language, ‘Erin’ or ‘Abere’…
The Yorubas call fermented corn water “omi ogi” or “omidun.” It is a medicinal liquid substance that is believed to prevent and treat a number of diseases in the western part of Nigeria. In addition, herbal medicine specialists in Nigeria advise making your herbs with fermented corn water. This fermented drink is produced by soaking…
Cinnamon has been used for millennia, both as a spice and also as a form of natural treatment, especially by the Ancient Egyptians and Chinese. Cinnamon once had so much that it was traded as currency, with more worth than gold. These days, it is commonly used as a spice. It is used in cooking…
The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree native to northern Brazil, Vietnam, India, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Cashew leaves are leaves of the cashew tree; they are oval with noticeable veins and midribs. A leaf is usually about 10 to 20 centimeters long, and 7 to 12 centimeters wide. They…
Ukpo seed, scientifically known as Mucuna Sloanei, or Mucuna flagellipes is popular in Nigeria. However, it’s commonly known as hamburger beans. This seed belongs to the family of Fabaceae (legume plants), and it’s mainly cultivated in tropical regions. Ukpo seed is majorly used as a soup thickener; however, its benefits aren’t just limited to its thickening abilities. Ukpo…
Neem is a plant that is popularly known in Nigeria as “dogoyaro” or “dogonyaro”. This plant is known to have numerous health benefits. Aside from its health benefits, dogoyaro has been used for various beauty regimes for thousands of years. The scientific name of dogoyaro is Azadirachta indica. The plant’s fruit, seeds, leaves, stems, and bark have…
Justicia carnea is a plant known for its powerful medicinal properties. This plant is called Ewe eje or Ewe aleri in Yoruba language, and Ogwu obara in Igbo language. It is referred to as a blood booster since it helps build up the blood in humans. This special leaf naturally increases the blood level when you…
Bitter yam Dioscorea dumetorum is a specie of yam that is native to Africa. It contains a fleshy, potato-like root that can be used for food or medicinal purposes. This article discusses the nutritional composition and health benefits of bitter yam. Bitter yam is known as cluster yam, or three-leaved yam. In parts of West…
People are encouraged to eat healthily, stay clean and take care of their bodies. This includes following the proper diet, avoiding things that can harm your health, and doing your workout. Nonetheless, some of the foods nature has blessed us with include none but your very own garlic. Dieticians advise that eating garlic raw has…
