Adesola Olateju
International Council for Ifa Religion







Yoruba Use of Herb

The Yoruba people of Western Nigeria believe in efficacy use of herbs becuase naturally It was approved by Olodumare (Almighty God) to be consumed for energy, curing and healing of human race. Spiritually, herbs have vibrations which can be attracted for deliverance, consultation and divination. The use of herbs is not just a thing of scientific alone rathter of religion obligation. This was proof to us in one of the Odu Ifa Corpus (Irosu-sa) Osanyin was servant to Orunmila, he was asked to clear every trees and weeds in Orunmila's house. He declined and informed Orunmila that he didn't see any tree or weeds to clear . The reason for this is because all trees and weeds are highly medicinal which can be used for healing and deliverance. Herbs according to Yoruba culture are spiritually empower by Olodumare ,for instant, the folowing trees are sacred herbs in yoruba land. Iroko, Igi Osun, Ogede, Ibepe ,Obi (Colanut), Cocoa, Oro, Orange etc. possessed spiritual being living in them.(i.e words Oro)

This is found in Owonrin meji Odu corpus. Spiritual power could be derived from all this herbs. In addition to this, it is belief that each herb hold allegience to one Irunmole just as palm tree is peculiar with Orunmila, However the belief in efficacy of herbs is neither superstition nor spiritually imbib in abstract things. The usefulness of herbs in yoruba could be scientifically, culturally and spiritually proof. The black are the pioneere of the science, medicine and architecture through the use of herbs. Conclusively, the efficacy of yoruba proof of herb could be put under the following categories: * The cultural and spiritual use of herbs; * The medicinal use of herbs; * The natural use of herbs; * The Scientific use of herbs. This belief is not peculiar with yoruba alone. In the new Heaven and the new Earth to come according to the Bible, God still deem it fit to plant a tree in the city which is for the healing of nations. Rev 22:2 Hence herbs in yoruba are highly important for healings and deliverance.