3 Powerful Aspects of Yoruba Traditional Medicine and Healing Practices

Herbs used in Yoruba traditional medicine

Eku isimi o. Today, we come to you with another vital facet of the Yoruba way of life in the days of old. Have you ever wondered how we treated our sick, took care of the weak and catered for the health of our young and old? We’re sure you may have heard stories of Yoruba traditional medicine and healing techniques.

Yoruba traditional medicine, known as Ifa medicine, is deeply rooted in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and surrounding regions. It revolves around a holistic approach, combining herbal remedies, rituals, and spiritual beliefs to promote healing.

Healing in Yoruba culture often involves the use of various herbs and natural substances that possess medicinal properties. These remedies are prepared in specific ways, sometimes combined with rituals or incantations, to address physical, mental, and spiritual ailments.

Practitioners in Yoruba traditional medicine include herbalists, known as “Onisegun,” who specialize in the knowledge and application of medicinal plants, as well as diviners, referred to as “Babalawos” or “Babalorishas,” who use divination methods to diagnose illnesses and prescribe appropriate treatments based on spiritual insights.

Their expertise and knowledge have been passed down through generations, often through apprenticeships and oral traditions, contributing to the preservation and practice of Yoruba traditional medicine.

Overview of Yoruba traditional medicine (Ifa medicine)

Ifa medicine has a rich history that spans centuries. The practice is closely tied to Ifa, the religious and philosophical system that Yorubas practiced.

The roots of Yoruba traditional medicine can be traced back to ancient times, where knowledge of medicinal plants, rituals, and spiritual healing was passed down orally through generations. This was built on the belief in the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health, and Ifa medicine embodies this holistic approach to healing.

Herbalists, also known as Onisegun or Babalawos, play a significant role in Ifa medicine. They possess deep knowledge of medicinal plants and their properties, often combining them in specific ways to create remedies for various ailments.

Over time, the practice of Yoruba traditional medicine has faced challenges due to colonialism, religious changes, and modernization. However, it continues to endure as a crucial aspect of Yoruba culture and remains relevant, with efforts made to preserve its traditions and knowledge, even in the face of evolving healthcare systems.

Healing herbs, remedies, and rituals in Yoruba culture

In Yoruba culture, healing herbs, remedies, and rituals are fundamental components of traditional medicine aimed at addressing various physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. They were the essential form of healthcare and they effectively took care of numerous diseases of the people for centuries.

Herbs and Remedies:

Yoruba traditional medicine relies heavily on plants and herbs, known as “Ewé”. These herbs were believed to possess medicinal properties and a lot of them have been scientifically proven to be highly effective. They include plants like:

Eekana ekun – ‘nail of the leopard’ (Uncinaria tomentosa): This is a plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been used to treat intestinal problems and a great deal of other problems including arthritis, ulcers, and more.
Imi-esu – ‘faeces of the locust’ (Ageratum conyzoides): This plant was given this name due to its offensive odor but it happens to be a very potent medicinal herb that has been used in several parts of the world, not just by the Yorubas. Its leaves are very effective against skin diseases, boils and even inflammation of the eye. It is said to also be effective in treating wounds, digestive problems, fever, and a long list of other diseases.
Ewe eti erin: This plant goes without any introduction. It is Aloe vera, and everyone can attest to it’s health benefits. It was used to hasten healing of burns and wounds, among other applications.
Eyin olobe (Phyllantus amarus schum): There’s a saying that “Eyin olobe n sowo”, which translates to the back of Olobe is growing money. This is because the leaves of this plant contain small substances which symbolically means money. The whole plant was used for medicine as every part of it, including the seeds and roots, contains nutrients with healing properties. It has been used to treat genital and urinary diseases, fever and asthma, among others.

Other plants used are Ewe oju, ila, Oju ologbo and so many others that can be found in this scholarly research and the other resources we provided in this article. These herbs are often prepared in various ways, including decoctions, infusions, poultices, or powders. Their application might involve ingestion, topical use, or inhaling their vapours for healing purposes.

Rituals and Divinations

In Ifa medicine, divination rituals play a pivotal role in diagnosing ailments, providing guidance, and prescribing appropriate treatments based on spiritual insights. These rituals are conducted by skilled practitioners called Babalawos, who are highly trained in the art of divination.

Here are key elements and practices involved in divination rituals within Ifa medicine:

Divination Tools: Babalawos use specific divination tools such as the divination chain (Opele) or divination tray (Opon Ifa). The Opele consists of a chain with eight half-nuts or seeds, while the Opon Ifa is a divination tray marked with symbols representing the Orishas (deities) and their messages.
Consultation: The individual seeking guidance presents their concerns or issues to the Babalawo. This could involve health problems, personal challenges, decision-making, or spiritual matters.
Invocation of Orishas: Before divination, prayers and invocations are made to the Orishas to seek their guidance and blessings. The Babalawo calls upon specific deities to assist in the divination process.
Divination Process: The Babalawo employs the divination tools, Opele or Opon Ifa, in a series of rituals that involve casting or arranging the items in a specific manner. They interpret the patterns, symbols, and positions of the divination tools to receive messages from the Orishas regarding the individual’s concerns.
Interpretation: Based on the arrangements of the divination tools, the Babalawo interprets the messages conveyed by the Orishas. This interpretation guides them in understanding the root causes of the individual’s problems, identifying remedies, and providing advice or directives for healing or resolution.
Prescriptions and Recommendations: After interpreting the divination results, the Babalawo prescribes specific remedies, rituals, herbal treatments, sacrifices, or behavioural changes necessary to address the issues identified during the divination process. These recommendations aim to restore balance, harmony, and spiritual alignment.

Divination in Ifa medicine is a sacred and intricate process that combines spiritual wisdom, traditional knowledge, and guidance from the Orishas to assist individuals in their quest for healing, understanding, and overall well-being. It’s deeply respected as a means to gain insight into life’s challenges and find solutions rooted in spiritual beliefs and cultural practices.

Offering and sacrifice

Another vital aspect in Yoruba traditional medicine is bringing your heartfelt gifts to the Orishas (deities) to receive their good favors. Offerings and sacrifices hold significant importance; therefore, they are never underestimated in our healing practices and culture.

They are ritualistic acts performed to honor the Orishas, seek their blessings, and establish a connection between the spiritual realm and the physical world. These rituals are believed to ensure harmony, protection, and support for individuals and communities.

Here are key aspects regarding offerings and sacrifices in Yoruba culture:

Purpose: Offerings and sacrifices are made to show reverence, gratitude, and seek favour from the Orishas for various purposes. These include seeking guidance, healing, protection, fertility, success, or resolving specific issues such as illness, conflicts, or challenges.
Types of Offerings: Offerings can range from simple items like fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, flowers, or food items to more elaborate ceremonies involving animal sacrifices. Each Orisha may have specific preferences for offerings based on their characteristics and associated symbols as well.
Animal Sacrifices: Animal sacrifices, such as chickens, goats, or other animals, are performed during specific rituals to offer the Orishas the life force and blood, symbolizing a deeper spiritual connection. The sacrifice is considered an exchange between humans and the divine, establishing a sacred bond and invoking the Orishas’ blessings.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Offerings and sacrifices are conducted within rituals or ceremonies led by priests or practitioners knowledgeable about the proper procedures and protocols. These rituals often involve prayers, invocations, chants, dances, and symbolic gestures to honor the Orishas.
Altars and Sacred Spaces: Offerings are typically presented on altars or designated sacred spaces dedicated to specific Orishas. These spaces are adorned with symbols, sacred objects, and offerings as a focal point for communication and reverence.
Community Participation: Offerings and sacrifices may be performed individually or as communal ceremonies involving the participation of family, community members, or devotees seeking the blessings or assistance of the Orishas.

Offerings and sacrifices in Yoruba culture represent a profound spiritual connection between humans and the divine, and it encourages a sense of unity, gratitude, and reciprocity. They are integral aspects of traditional healing rituals within Ifa medicine, aligning individuals with the spiritual forces believed to influence health, well-being, and harmony in life.

Traditional Yoruba Healing Practitioners

Traditional Yoruba healing practitioners play essential roles in the healthcare system of the Yoruba people, employing a holistic approach that combines spiritual, herbal, and cultural elements to promote healing and well-being of the people. These practitioners include:

Babalawos: Babalawos are highly respected diviners and spiritual leaders in Yoruba traditional medicine. They specialize in the practice of Ifa divination, using divination tools such as the divination chain (Opele) or divination tray (Opon Ifa) to diagnose illnesses and provide guidance. They have extensive knowledge of Ifa philosophy, rituals, and the use of herbs for healing.
Herbalists (Onisegun): Herbalists are experts in medicinal plants and their applications for healing. They possess deep knowledge of various herbs, roots, barks, and leaves, knowing their properties, preparations, and usage for treating different ailments. They prepare herbal remedies and administer them to patients for healing purposes.
Iyalorishas and Babalorishas: These are priestesses and priests, respectively, devoted to specific Orishas within the Yoruba religion. Their primary focus is not specific to healing but they often have knowledge of certain rituals, spiritual practices, and herbal remedies associated with their Orisha, which can be used for healing purposes.
Osanyin Priests (Oloogun or Olorisa Osanyin): Osanyin priests specialize in the worship and knowledge of Osanyin, the Yoruba deity of healing and herbal medicine. They have expertise in identifying medicinal plants, preparing herbal concoctions, and performing rituals related to healing.
Local Bone Setters and Traditional Birth Attendants: In addition to the specialized practitioners mentioned above, there are local bone setters skilled in setting fractures and sprains using traditional methods. Traditional birth attendants assist women during childbirth, employing age-old techniques and practices passed down through generations.

These traditional healers often undergo apprenticeships, learning through oral traditions and practical experiences rather than formal education. They play crucial roles in their communities, providing healthcare, spiritual guidance, and cultural preservation within the context of Yoruba traditional medicine.

Historical References

If you are interested in learning more about the general approaches to healing and traditional medicine used in the days of old in Yorubaland, there are historical references and scholarly works that provide deep insights into Yoruba traditional healing practices. Here are a few sources that can offer invaluable insights:

“Yoruba Medicine” by Oluwole Komolafe: This book explores various aspects of Yoruba traditional medicine, discussing herbal remedies, spiritual healing, divination practices, and the role of healers within the Yoruba community.
“Yoruba Ritual: Performers, Play, Agency” by Margaret Thompson Drewal and Henry John Drewal: While this book focuses on Yoruba ritual performances, it also touches upon healing rituals and the interplay between spirituality and healing within Yoruba culture.
“The Yoruba Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Perception and Management of Mental Illness” by Abiodun Adewuya: This research paper discusses the perceptions and approaches of Yoruba traditional healers in managing mental health issues, offering insights into their practices and beliefs.
“Yoruba Beliefs and Sacrificial Rites” by Peter Clarke: Although not solely focused on medicine, this book provides a broader understanding of Yoruba beliefs, rituals, and sacrifices, which are intertwined with healing practices.
“Yoruba Religious Texts” by John Olumide Lucas: This work delves into the religious and spiritual aspects of Yoruba culture, including texts, beliefs, and rituals that inform traditional healing practices.

These sources offer historical, cultural, and scholarly perspectives on Yoruba traditional healing practices, shedding light on the holistic approach, spiritual elements, herbal remedies, rituals, and the role of healers within the Yoruba community. They provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Yoruba traditional medicine and its significance within the cultural context.

Conclusion

Yoruba traditional medicine had centuries of development and growth. We were able to effectively handle a great number of health issues and diseases without the help of Western medicine, by using the herbs and plants nature blessed us with.

Today, it is common that more people are going back to traditional medicine and natural remedies to treat diseases, and this is for good reason! It has become clear to us that relying on chemicals, though effective in the short term, doesn’t come close to how helpful natural remedies are effective in the long run.

Admittedly, there are other issues that have to be addressed with traditional medicine and the use of herbs, like allergies, specificity and dose-related concerns, but with better research, we believe this problem can be managed.

More holistic wellness brands preach the importance of plants on our health, and more institutes are being founded yearly to further enhance our knowledge of herbs to better determine doses and mixtures that can provide the health benefits we seek.

What do you think about incorporating traditional medicine and herbal remedies to our daily lives and treatment of diseases? Are you of the opinion that this is a very important aspect that should be implemented to our healthcare system as a whole? Do you think that we should focus more of our efforts on improving natural health remedies, and less on our current pharmaceutical systems? Do you agree that this decision alone could improve the quality of our lives and our current life-expectancy? Or are you of the opinion that things are better as they are?

We’d love to get your opinions on this, so please leave a comment below.

Also, if you have a story of your experience with traditional healing or herbal remedies, we’ll love to find out your experience, so please leave a comment as well.

As always, thank you for your time. We’ll see you in our next article!