ISSN: 2474-9214
Authors: Aderemi SA*, Sonibare MA, Gbadamosi IT, Olaleye SK, Odeku O, Adegoke AO and Adejumo AG
Ifa scriptural verses contain a number of herbs for healing different ailments among the Yoru ba of south-western Nigeria. Thus, Ifa is one of the epistemologies of Yoru ba herbal healing system. Due to religious sentiments and secrecy arising from patenting, hermeneutic analysis and validation of Ifa-based herbs (Ewefa ) is yet to be scientifically engaged. This paper therefore analyses some Ifa verses and identifies the herbs mentioned in them for validation, focussing reproductive health problems (RHPs). Thirty medicinal plants mentioned in six selected Ifa verses (E jiogbe, O gu nda bede, Oyeku-Mejì, Ogbe- Turupon, Iworì- Ofun, and Otura-Mejì) for the treatment and management of RHPs were identified. Ethnographic and ethno-botanical surveys of those herbs were conducted in Bode central herbs market in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Key informants interviews, observation, and semi-structured ethno-botanical questionnaire were used. Interviews focused on sources of Ewefa and mode of treatment in RHPs, botanical information on Ewefa, knowledge value of identified Ewefa, and uses and validation of Ewefa in the treatment of RHPs. Nineteen respondents, mainly the herb sellers (78.9%) and some traditional medical practitioners (TMPs, 21.1%) were involved in the survey. All the respondents were female, aged 41-60 years (52.6%) and 78.9% of them were Muslims. Herbal preparations are infusion, decoction, tincture, charring, squeezing, concoction, herbal soap and powder. Herb administrations are oral, topical and as baths. Oral therapies are administered mostly three times daily. Most of the herbs are sourced from the tropical rainforest region of south-western Nigeria. Ifa-based herbs are valuable as blood tonic, anti-infection, fertility herbs,
Keywords: Ethno Botanical Survey; Reproductive Health; Traditional Knowledge; Ewefa, Herbal Remedies; South Western Nigeria
