Prekese (Tetrapleura tetraplera)

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan Fruit): A Powerful spiritual and Medicinal Plant

Tetrapleura tetraptera, commonly known as Aidan fruit, is a tropical plant species belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). It is native to West Tropical Africa and is widely recognized for its aromatic fruit with insect-repellent properties and numerous medicinal benefits.

The fruit is known by various names across West Africa:

Prekese – Ghana

Aidan – Yoruba

Uyayak – Efik

Uhiokrihio – Igbo

Apakapakaba – Kalabari

 

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS 

Spiritual Significance and Uses of Prekese in West African Culture

Prekese, also known as Aidan fruit, holds significant spiritual value in West African culture. It is believed to possess various metaphysical benefits, including the ability to ward off evil spirits, cleanse spaces of negative energy, offer spiritual protection, and attract good luck and prosperity. The fruit is used in a variety of rituals, such as burning it to purify a room or placing pieces in the corners of a home for protection.

Spiritual Benefits and Practices

Protection from Evil:
Placing four pieces of the fruit in the four corners of a room is believed to protect the space from evil spirits and negative influences.

Cleansing and Removal of Burdens:
Prekese is used in ceremonies aimed at removing curses and resolving negative issues affecting a person's life.

Attracting Good Luck:
Burning Prekese is thought to attract good fortune and prevent harm to individuals and their surroundings.

Spiritual Power:
The strong, distinctive aroma of the fruit symbolizes spiritual power and traditional authority, often likened to the influence of a king. Burning Prekese is believed to dispel negative energies and reinforce spiritual strength.

Spiritual Cleansing:
For personal purification, the seeds can be soaked in water for seven days and used for bathing. This practice is thought to cleanse the body of negative spiritual influences.

Banishing Nightmares:
To ward off nightmares and disturbing dreams, it is customary to place Prekese along with seven alligator pepper seeds under a pillow.

Symbol of Blessings:
Many believe that Prekese possesses supernatural powers that promote blessings, good health, and safety.

Protection Against Witchcraft:
The fruit is used to purify the body, soul, and spirit, offering protection against witchcraft and malevolent energies. This is typically achieved by burning the dried fruit to produce cleansing smoke, or by soaking the fruit in water—often mixed with sea salt—for spiritual baths.

Methods of Use for Spiritual Protection

Burning as Incense:
Dried and broken pieces of Prekese are burned like incense. The resulting smoke is believed to purify the environment and provide protection from evil forces.

Spiritual Bathing:
Soaking the fruit in water, sometimes with added sea salt, and using the infused water for bathing is a common ritual for spiritual cleansing and protection against witchcraft.

Spiritual Symbolism

Purification:
Burning Prekese is seen as a spiritual act of purification, cleansing not only the physical space but also the body and soul.

Connection to Ancient Texts:
In some cultures, Prekese is believed to be referenced in ancient spiritual texts, further attributing its supernatural properties related to healing, protection, and divine blessings.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES 

Tetrapleura tetraptera is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Various parts of the plant, including the bark, leaves, and fruits, are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments.

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Health Benefits of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan Fruit)

1. Diabetes Management

The extract of the Aidan plant is used to manage diabetes and its complications, including oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. For optimal results, a combination of the leaves, bark, and roots is recommended.

 

2. Asthma Relief

Among the Eha-Amufu people of Enugu State, Aidan fruit is traditionally used to treat various forms of asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

 

3. Arthritis Treatment

Aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera possess anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties, making them effective for preventing and managing arthritis.

 

4. Fibroid Management

Aidan fruit is believed to be effective in preventing, shrinking, and treating uterine fibroids. Regular use in cooking may reduce the likelihood of fibroid development.

 

5. Epilepsy

Studies published in Phytotherapy Research suggest that Aidan fruit is beneficial in treating epilepsy, a neurological disorder marked by seizures and abnormal brain activity.

 

6. Convulsions

Scientific investigations have confirmed the anticonvulsant properties of Aidan fruit, supporting its traditional use in managing convulsive disorders.

 

7. Leprosy

In many indigenous communities, extracts from Tetrapleura tetraptera are used in the treatment of leprosy, an infectious disease affecting the skin and nerves.

 

8. Hypertension

Extracts from the fruits, leaves, bark, and roots of the Aidan plant are used to lower and regulate blood pressure.

 

9. Immune System Boost

Aidan fruit is rich in zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other essential nutrients that strengthen the immune system, promote blood cell regeneration, and support bone and muscle health.

 

10. Anti-Aging Properties

The fruit contains polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids—antioxidants that protect the body against free radical damage and slow down the aging process.

 

11. Postpartum Recovery

Aidan fruit plays a vital role in postpartum care. In many West African cultures, it is used to prepare soups for new mothers to prevent post-delivery contractions and promote recovery.

 

12. Schistosomiasis Treatment

Aidan fruit is effective against Schistosomiasis (snail fever), a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni.

 

13. Fertility Enhancement

Aidan fruit is known to cleanse the womb, regulate menstruation, and prepare the body for conception. It is beneficial for both male and female fertility.

 

 

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Fertility and Reproductive Health Remedies Using Aidan Fruit

1. Enhancing Fertility

How to Use: Boil Aidan fruit and take it before and during menstruation to flush and prepare the womb for conception.

2. Menstrual Cramp Relief

Method: Boil Aidan fruit and drink it hot to relieve menstrual cramps.

3. Blocked Fallopian Tubes / Hormonal Imbalance

Ingredients:

2 pods of Aidan fruit (Prekese)

10 pods of Uda (Negro pepper)

1 teaspoon of Uziza seeds

4 liters of water

A pinch of salt

Instructions: Boil all ingredients. Drink two shots, morning and night, until the preparation is finished. Always reheat before use.

4. Seized Menstruation

Preparation: Boil 3 pods of Prekese, 10 pods of Uda, and 1 teaspoon of Uziza seed in 4 liters of water. Add a pinch of salt.

Dosage: Drink 2 shots, twice daily (morning and night), until finished. Reheat before drinking. Some may experience cramps and a heavy sensation before menstruation resumes.

5. Recurrent Miscarriages

Option 1: Boil 2 pods of Prekese in 4 liters of water until it reduces to 2 liters. Allow to cool and drink cold.

Option 2: Soak 2 pods of Prekese with 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 liters of water. Drink 2 shots, morning and night.

6. Fibroid Treatment

Preparation: Boil 2 pods of Prekese, 10 pods of Uda, and 1 teaspoon of Uziza seed in 4 liters of water. Add a pinch of salt.

Dosage: Drink 2 shots, twice daily, until the mixture is finished. Reheat before drinking.

7. Low Sperm Count (Male Fertility)

Ingredients:

4 sticks of Prekese

20 pods of Uziza seed

2 pinches of potash

2 liters of water

Instructions: Boil for 20 minutes. Drink half a glass, twice daily (morning and night). Continue for at least 3 months, and perform a follow-up scan after 1 month to assess progress.

 

Conclusion

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan fruit) is a remarkable medicinal plant with widespread traditional and scientific support for its use in treating various health conditions—from chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension to reproductive health challenges including fibroids, infertility, and postpartum recovery.

When used properly and under guidance, it offers a natural and effective approach to holistic healing and wellness.