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Ewe Ọgẹgẹ is different from Ewe Ogede, Ogege leaf is known in English as Coral Plant and botanically as Jatropha multifida, is a well-known medicinal plant in Yoruba traditional healing. The name “Ọgẹgẹ” describes its delicate, finger-like leaves, which are valued for their powerful healing properties.
The sap (milky latex) from this plant is especially famous for its ability to treat cough, chest congestion, and wounds, while spiritually, it is used for protection, cleansing, and reversing negative energy.
Key Facts
Category: Leaf
Botanical Name: Jatropha Multifida
Common Name: Coral Plant
Yoruba name: Ewe Ọgẹgẹ
Igbo Name: Nil
Hausa Name: Nil
Health Benefits
1. Treats Cough and Chest Congestion
The fresh sap from Ewe Ọgẹgẹ is traditionally taken in small controlled doses to relieve persistent cough and clear mucus in the chest.
2. Heals Wounds and Skin Infections
The latex is applied to fresh cuts, boils, and skin infections to speed healing and prevent infection.
3. Relieves Toothache
A drop of the sap is sometimes applied to affected teeth to relieve tooth pain (under expert guidance).
4. Reduces Fever and Body Heat
Herbal baths or mild decoctions from the leaf are used to cool excessive body heat and fever.
5. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief
Poultices made from the leaf are applied to swollen joints and rheumatic pains.
6. Improves Digestive Health (when properly prepared)
In some herbal practices, controlled dosages are used to relieve stomach discomfort and stimulate appetite.
(Note: The plant must be used under the supervision of experienced herbalists due to its potent nature.)
Spiritual Use
1. Protection Against Witchcraft and Evil Spirits
Ewe Ọgẹgẹ is used in spiritual baths and charms to ward off witchcraft and spiritual arrows.
2. Cleansing Bad Luck and Negative Energy
Herbal baths with this leaf help remove bad luck, envy, and spiritual blockages.
3. Breaking Curses and Reversing Evil Attacks
It is combined with other sacred leaves in rituals to reverse curses and send evil back to its sender.
4. Sacrifices and Orisa Worship
The leaf is used in sacrificial offerings to certain Yoruba deities for healing and blessings.
5. Attracting Peace and Blessings in Homes
Sprinkling Ewe Ọgẹgẹ-infused water in living spaces is believed to promote peace, love, and family harmony.
Characteristics
⦁ Physical Appearance –
Ewe Ọgẹgẹ has deeply lobed, finger-like green leaves, with a striking coral-red flower, making it easily recognizable.
⦁ Taste and Smell –
The sap has a bitter taste and distinct herbal smell.
⦁ Growth Pattern –
Grows in home gardens, farmlands, and wild bushes, thriving in tropical climates.
Functions
⦁ Traditional Medicine –
Cough relief, wound healing, fever reduction, and pain relief.
⦁ Spiritual Protection –
Cleansing, curse reversal, and witchcraft defense.
⦁ Sacrificial and Cultural Importance –
Used in Yoruba rituals and offerings.
Conclusion
Ewe Ọgẹgẹ, the Yoruba Coral Plant (Jatropha multifida), is a highly medicinal and spiritually significant plant. Its sap is especially effective for cough relief, wound healing, and pain management.
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