Neubouldia Laevis (Ogilisi)

Herbs, Spices, and Roots: Divine Gifts to Humanity
When you understand their benefits, you will value and appreciate them even more.

Today, we present to you one of nature’s most sacred plants:

Newbouldia laevis

Known as:

Ogirisi/Egbo in Igbo

Akoko in Yoruba

Aduruku in Hausa

---

Cultural and Traditional Significance

Newbouldia laevis holds deep cultural significance in many African communities. Among the Igbo people of Nigeria, it is considered a sacred tree. It is traditionally planted at sacred corners of family compounds, along fences for protection from malevolent forces, or as boundary markers to safeguard community lands.

The Ibibio and Efik people regard the tree as symbolic of their deities and plant it in sacred spaces. Similarly, some communities in Ivory Coast and Gabon plant Newbouldia laevis near tombs as a protective talisman for the departed.

This tree is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is highly valued across Africa due to its numerous applications and profound benefits. In many Nigerian communities, it is often referred to as the “Tree of Fertility” or “Tree of Life.”

The wood is pale brown, durable, and has a fine, even texture. Remarkably, it can stay alive for extended periods even after being cut, making it ideal for:

Posts and poles

Yam stakes and farming tools

House structures

Bridges

Firewood

---

Health Benefits of Newbouldia laevis

The leaves are typically taken as a decoction or infusion. Some known health benefits include:

1. Fertility Support:
The leaves are boiled and taken as a natural tea by women experiencing fertility issues.

2. High Fever & Body Pain:
Drinking a decoction of the leaves and bathing with boiled bark water provides relief.

3. Arthritis & Rheumatism:
The bark and leaves serve as a natural painkiller for joint-related issues.

4. Laxative:
Acts as a natural laxative when taken appropriately.

5. Gastrointestinal Relief:
Effective for treating diarrhea and dysentery.

6. Antibacterial Properties:
Phytochemical studies (Akerele et al., 2011) revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, confirming its antibacterial potential.

7. Oedema Treatment:
Helps reduce swellings and oedema, especially those arising from dietary deficiencies.

8. Anticancerous Properties:
Contains compounds with potential anti-tumor and anticancer effects.

9. Eye and Ear Care:
The leaf extract is traditionally used for treating eye and ear infections.

10. Antidote for Bites/Stings:
Acts as a remedy for venomous stings and bites.

11. Culinary Use:
Used as firewood for cooking.

12. Epilepsy & Neurological Disorders:
In traditional medicine, a decoction of the bark, roots, and leaves is used to manage epilepsy, convulsions, paralysis, and spasms.

13. Dysmenorrhea Relief:
Helps in alleviating menstrual pain and uterine colic.

14. Constipation & Stomach Disorders:
Treats piles and promotes digestive health.

15. Analgesic Properties:
For headaches and sinusitis, the dried bark is ground with Piper guineense (Uziza) and palm salt, then applied or boiled for therapeutic use.

16. Chest Pain Relief:
Decoction with chili helps alleviate chest pain.

17. Toothache Relief:
Gargling with leaf or bark extract helps relieve toothaches.

18. Antimalarial:
Used in traditional remedies for malaria.

19. Cough Remedy:
Bark is boiled in palm wine or water and taken as a cough syrup.

20. Veterinary Use:
Fed to horses to improve appetite and vitality.

21. Skin Infections:
Has anti-fungal properties effective in dermatological treatments.

22. Heartburn:
Leaf ash mixed with salt serves as a heartburn remedy.

23. Uterine Stimulant:
Known as an oxytocic agent, it aids in inducing labor, facilitating delivery, and promoting postpartum milk supply. In Ghana, a palm-oil soup prepared with the plant is used during pregnancy for these purposes.

 
---

Spiritual Benefits of Newbouldia laevis

Whether one believes in spiritual warfare or not, many African traditions hold that protection from unseen forces is necessary. Newbouldia laevis is used in various ways for spiritual defense and cleansing:

1. Dream Clarity:
Place leaves under your pillow or inhale steam from boiled leaves and sip before sleep to enhance dream recall and clarity.

2. Protection from Evil Spirits:
Used in prayers and rituals to ward off spiritual attacks.

3. Spiritual Cleansing:
Bathing with boiled leaves or drinking the decoction can neutralize spiritual contamination, especially after exposure to negative energies or stepping on harmful charms.

4. Personal Protection:
Pray over Ogilisi leaves and combine with 7 alligator pepper seeds, then carry in a pocket or bag as a shield against malicious forces.

5. Purification Rituals:
Used to cleanse homes, vehicles, offices, and individuals—especially after attending burials or spiritual events.

6. Miscarriage Prevention:
Believed to prevent spiritually-induced miscarriages during pregnancy.

7. Incense Use:
Dried leaves can be burned or ground into powder to create a spiritually purifying incense that generates a positive atmosphere and repels negativity.

8. Post-Funeral Cleansing:
After touching or handling a corpse, washing with Ogilisi leaf decoction is said to prevent memory loss or lingering spiritual effects.

9. Mental & Emotional Distress:
Recommended when experiencing unexplained fear, anxiety, persistent goosebumps, nightmares, or mental unrest. The leaves can be used for bathing or drinking.

 
---

Conclusion

Newbouldia laevis is not just a plant—it is a symbol of healing, protection, and life. Its rich cultural, medicinal, and spiritual value underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and embracing the natural resources bestowed upon us by the Creator.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates