Working to preserve Yoruba Traditional Ecological Knowledge - A Work in Progress…
The Practitioner Sacred Plant Database will be a living repository of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) dedicated to the sacred plants of the Yoruba spiritual tradition. Created for and by practitioners, this resource serves as a bridge between ancestral wisdom and sustainable stewardship, ensuring that sacred plant knowledge is preserved, respected, and responsibly applied in ritual and healing practices.
This database will provide:
- Ethnobotanical Insights: Detailed information on the spiritual, medicinal, and ecological properties of sacred plants used in Yoruba traditions.
- Sustainable Harvesting Practices: Guidance on ethical and regenerative ways to source plants, protecting both biodiversity and cultural traditions.
- Traditional & Contemporary Uses: A record of how these plants have been used in rituals, offerings, divination, and healing, as well as their evolving role in modern practice.
- Community Knowledge Sharing: A collaborative space for practitioners to contribute wisdom, experiences, and sustainable approaches to working with sacred plants.
- Environmental & Cultural Protection: Resources on conservation efforts, habitat preservation, and advocacy for the protection of endangered sacred plants.
By using and contributing to the Practitioner Sacred Plant Database, we uphold our responsibility to honor and protect both the spiritual and ecological significance of these sacred plants. Together, we ensure that future generations of practitioners can continue to work in harmony with nature and the Orisha.
Join us in preserving sacred plant wisdom for the future!
ABAMODA Scientific Name: Kalanche Pinnata Spanish Name: Siempre Vida English Name: Life Plant, Miracle Leaf Yoruba or Lucumi Name: Ewe Dun Dun Orisha:Eshu, Ochosi, Obàtala, Odua Odu: Oyekun Kana, Odi Ogunda, Odi Sa, Okana Fun Uses:Omiero, Ebomisa, Inche Osain, itutu, Paridos
ABAMODA II
Avocado/Aguacate
Cherries hanging from branch with green leaves
Scientific Name: Euphatorium Maculatum Spanish Name: Abre Camino English Name: Joe Pye Weed, Florida Thouroughwort Yoruba or Lucumi Name: N?A Orisha: Elegua, Ochun, Asowano, Agayu Odu: Otura Bara, Otura Ka, Otura Orupon Uses: Inche Osain, one of many principal plants used in Omiero, Ebomisi, Obras. Medicinal: Infusions of this plant can be used to treat primary tract infection and to assist with urine flow. the plant can also be used as an astrigent.
COLEUS In Orisha traditions, Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides), known as "igba" or "igba Oya" in Yoruba, is associated with the Orisha Oya, the deity of winds, storms, and lightning, particularly in Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American religions like Santería, Candomblé,
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
JASMINE
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
MINT
🌿 Mullein - Herbal Profile Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus Spanish Name: Gordolobo (Also sometimes referred to as "Flor de Gran Rey" in folk traditions) English Name: Mullein Yoruba / Lucumí Name: While there is no direct one-to-one traditional Yoruba name for mullein (as it is native to Europe and Asia), it may be used in diasporic herbal practice and referred to descriptively or substituted with herbs of similar qualities. In Lucumí traditions, it might be called by its Spanish name or aligned based on function. Associated Orisha: Obatalá – due to its soft, silvery-white leaves and gentle, purifying energy. Obatalá governs the head, clarity, and purity, aligning with mullein’s respiratory and calming properties. Sometimes associated with Orisha Oko for its agricultural/herbal healing context. Odu Association (If applicable): Obara Meji (6-6) or Otura Meji (10-10) – these odu speak to air, breath, communication, and the head. Medicinal Uses: Respiratory Health: Expectorant and demulcent – clears mucus, soothes irritation. Anti-inflammatory: Useful for dry coughs, asthma, bronchitis. Ear Health: The flowers are used in mullein oil for earaches. Soothing & Spiritual: Burned as an herb for spiritual clearing and breathwork rituals. Magical/Spiritual Use: Smudging or smoke for protection and invocation of air spirits. Traditionally used to clear stagnant energy and open spiritual pathways.
Boton De Oro Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
Scientific Name: Centrum Nocturnum Spanish Name: Galan de Noche English Name: Night Blooming Jasmin Lucumi Name: N/A Orisha: Obatálá Odu: Osa Meji, Irete Fun Uses: Ebbomisi, Obras, Inche Osain Medicinal: Leaf decoction can be used to treat epilepsy, Olil from the plant can be used as mosquito repellant and as an antibacterial.
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
Scientific Name Spanish Name English Name Yoruba or Lucumi Name Orisha Odu Medicinal
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