Mahogany is not a plant or tree that people assume has any health benefits. This is because it is majorly used in furniture making. Mahogany wood can be very strong, which makes it good for constructing durable furniture and also used for carving. But mahogany offers more uses than for constructing furniture. The tree has health…
Prekese is a flowering plant found in many parts of West Africa. The scientific name of prekese is Tetrapleura tetraptera. The plant has tons of benefits that are often overlooked. The plant is also known as oshosho, osakirisa, or Aidan fruit. It is also called Uhio (Uhiokrihio) in the Igbo language. It is mainly used as a cooking spice…
The African Mistletoe (Tapinanthus dodoneifolius) is a plant that bears semblance to the mistletoe found in parts of Europe and Asia. It is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it grows on parts of other plants or trees, known as the host. Some common hosts of the plant include the shea tree, neem tree, orange tree, cocoa…
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is quite a popular spice native to Indians, and is said to be very common in most Indian kitchens. The clove slice is renowned for decades due to it’s numerous health benefits. A lot of people take it majorly to replenish their body immunities, and as a cure to relieve toothache and…
Editan leaf is a vegetable plant used in the preparation of Editan soup. The soup is believed to have originated from the Efik people of Cross River State of Nigeria; however, it is also used by the Ibibios and many other parts of Nigeria. The medicinal plant is obtained from the leaf of Lasianthera africana plant….
Ofor seeds are seed gotten from the detarium microcarpum plant. The stems bark, roots, and leaves are used for various medicinal purposes. However, in many parts of West Africa, ofor seeds are commonly used as a soup thickener. It is very popular in Nigeria, and is commonly called ‘ofor‘ by the Igbos, while the Yorubas…
When people think of the mango tree, their minds often go to the fruit, as that is the part that matters to them the most. The mango fruit is very sweet and refreshing and is a favourite for many people. Although people like the mango fruit for its sweet taste, it is also very healthy…
The use of traditional herbs in treating ailments, especially in rural and poor areas, is becoming increasingly popular due to their efficacy in managing health conditions. Today, we take a look at the medicinal uses and health benefits of okpete (Costus afer). One of the most common and popular herbs used by people to treat…
Oruwo leaves are a medicinal herb common in many parts of Africa. It is known as Brimstone tree in the English language, Oruwo in Yoruba Language, and Eze-ogu in the Igbo language, while its botanical name is Morinda Lucida. The roots have bitter taste, and are used as flavoring for food and alcoholic beverages. In…
Jatropha tanjorensis, also known as ‘hospital too far’ is a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. It is usually grown in rainfall forest zones in parts of West Africa. Jatropha (hospital too far) is known for its medicinal purposes. The plant is very similar to Tree Spinach, and is called ‘Efo Iyana-Ipaja’ in Yorubas and ‘Ugu Oyibo’…
