Efinrin (Scent Leaf): Health Benefits, Types & Traditional Uses

In Nigeria, almost everyone knows Efinrin — or as some call it, Efirin. It’s the familiar scent leaf we add to soups, brew in teas, and use in countless home remedies.

But here’s the thing: Efinrin is not just one single plant. There are actually four main types — Efinrin wewe (the common kitchen type), Efinrin nla (or Efinrin igbo), Efinrin oso, and Efinrin obuniru. Each one looks a little different and is used in its own way for food, health, or both.

In this post, we’ll focus on Efinrin wewe — the everyday type most Nigerians know, cook with, and rely on for quick remedies. (Don’t worry — the other types each have their own dedicated posts so you won’t miss out.)

Before we go further, let’s clear up a common mistake. Many people now call mint leaf “Efinrin nla” or even call sweet basil “Efinrin wewe.” This is wrong.

Neither mint leaf nor sweet basil is part of Yoruba traditional medicine, and they are not among the four true types of Efirin. Of course, mint and basil have their own health benefits — but they are different plants entirely.

There’s a dedicated post where I explain the differences clearly — with photos.

So, if you’ve only known Efinrin as a “soup ingredient”…

You will now also learn:

And finally understand why people mention Ewe efinrin everywhere.

Let’s break it all down…

How to Recognize Ewe Efinrin (Scent Leaf) — with Photo and Video

Watch this short clip and listen to the pronunciation of ewe efinrin

Ewe Efinrin Picture (Aworan Ewe Efinrin)

Leaves: Broad, slightly pointed tips, hairy texture, dark green with visible veins.
Stems: Square-shaped (common in mint family), soft but fibrous, purple tint at nodes.
Smell: Strong spicy-camphor scent that fills the air instantly when crushed.
Growth Style: Grows easily in home gardens, waste grounds, and humid backyard corners. Thrives in well-drained soil.

Eka Efinrin - Scent Leaf Stem - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb — Eka igi efinrin – Scent leaf stem

Efinrin - Fresh Scent Leaf - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb — Fresh scent leaf

What is Efinrin in English (With Igbo & Hausa Names)

Category	Info
Local Names	Yoruba: Efirin Igbo: Nchuanwu Hausa: Daidoya
English Name	Scent Leaf
Scientific Name	Ocimum gratissimum
Family	Lamiaceae
Plant Type	Shrub
Season	Year-round in tropical climates. However, during heavy rains, if the soil stays too wet for too long, the roots can rot, and the plant starts drying from the top down (you may notice yellowing leaves, wilting, or stunted growth).

Types of Efinrin (Scent Leaf)

Most people think Efinrin is just one plant. The truth? Nigeria actually has four main types of Efinrin, and each one shows up differently in food, culture, and traditional herbal practice. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Efinrin wewe (Common Kitchen Scent Leaf)

This is the common type most widely recognized. The leaves are smaller and sharper in taste. In herbal use, it is valued for its cleansing properties and is often prepared in teas or infusions for everyday health support.

Fresh green leaves of Efinrin Wewe (common scent leaf) commonly used in Nigerian herbal practice — Efinrin Wẹwẹ

Efinrin nla or Efinrin igbo

Unlike Efinrin Wewe, Efinrin Nla which is also called Efinrin Igbo is the wild variety of scent leaf. It is not very popular outside the circle of herbal experts.

Large forest-like leaves of Efinrin identified as Efinrin Igbo, also called Efinrin Nla, a traditional Nigerian scent leaf variety recognized in herbal practice. — Efinrin Igbó / Efinrin Nlá

Read more on Efinrin Nla (Efinrin Igbo)

Efinrin oso

Rarely known outside herbal circles, Efinrin Oso is one of the less common types. It appears more in traditional healing than in everyday use.

Efinrin obuniru

Efinrin Obuniru is the least popular of scent leaf variety. Unlike Efinrin Wewe, Efinrin Obuniru is usually prescribed for targeted conditions rather than everyday use.

Where Scent Leaf Grows in Nigeria — And Where to Find It Fast

Region	Common Locations
Southwest	Ibadan, Abeokuta, Akure, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti – common in backyards
Southeast	Enugu, Owerri – grown in home gardens
South-South	Benin City, Warri – found in herbal stalls and home farms
North Central	Ilorin, Minna – grows in moist backyard areas
North West	Occasionally found in Zaria

Iwulo Ewe Efinrin: Traditional Use & Benefits of Efinrin Leaf (Quick Overview)

Part Used	Method	Use Case
Leaf	Boil lightly (5–8 minutes)	Drink for stomachache or menstrual pain
Leaf	Squeeze raw	Use juice for nosebleeds or wound wash
Leaf + Stem	Soak in warm water	Use for fertility or body cleanse
Leaf	Pound + mix with coconut oil (àdi àgbọn)	Apply for skin rashes
Whole Plant	Add to steaming water	Inhale for catarrh

How to Prepare and Use Ewe Efinrin (Step-by-Step)

This breaks down how to prepare and use Ewe Efinrin leaf as a traditional remedy for managing stomach discomfort, Menstrual discomfort, Piles, Cough & Catarrh, Malaria and Skin infections following methods used by elder Nigerians.

For Stomach Discomfort

1. Rinse the fresh leaves
2. Boil a small handful (about 8–10 leaves) in 1 cup of water for 5–10 minutes.
3. Allow it to cool slightly before drinking.
4. Take in small sips to soothe the stomach.

For Menstrual Discomfort

1. Wash a handful of fresh leaves thoroughly to remove dirt.
2. Boil the leaves in about 1–2 cups of clean water for 10 minutes.
3. Take the liquid into a cup, allowing it to cool slightly.
4. Sip slowly as a warm herbal tea, which is traditionally believed to ease cramps.

For Nosebleeds (Traditional Method)

1. Pluck 2–3 fresh leaves of Efinrin Wewe.
2. Wash them gently under clean running water.
3. Crush the leaves between clean fingers or in a small mortar until the juice comes out.
4. Take the crushed leaf and make a soft ball, or use cotton soaked with the juice.
5. Insert gently into the bleeding nostril and leave for a few minutes.

For Piles (Traditional Preparation)

1. Wash a handful of fresh leaves of Efinrin Wewe under clean water.
2. Boil 5–7 leaves in 1–2 cups of water for about 10 minutes.
3. Allow to cool slightly before drinking in small sips.

For Cough and Catarrh

1. Boil the leaves in 1–2 cups of water for about 10 minutes.
2. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Drink warm as a herbal tea, which is traditionally believed to clear the chest and ease congestion.
4. Optionally, inhale the steam from the boiling pot to help open nasal passages.
5. Use occasionally as a home preparation. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.

For Malaria Symptoms

1. Crush or squeeze the washed leaves in clean water until the juice is released.
2. Strain out the fiber and drink the extract in small sips

For Skin Infections

1. Pluck a few fresh Efinrin Wewe leaves and wash thoroughly.
2. Crush the leaves into a smooth paste using clean fingers, a mortar, or blender.
3. Add a small amount of coconut oil (àdí àgbọn) and mix into a smooth paste.
4. Apply the paste directly on the affected skin area.
5. Leave it on for a short period, then rinse gently with clean water.
6. Repeat occasionally as a traditional home practice.
7. If rashes persist or does not improve, seek medical attention.

When Ewe Efinrin (Scent Leaf) Works Best

Parts used: Leaves and sometimes stems
Harvest best in the early morning when the oil content is at its peak
Use when leaves are still fresh and soft — just plucked
Fresh leaves work best because drying makes them lose their smell and taste.

hat Efinrin Leaf Doesn’t Work Well

Don’t boil it for too long – it kills the volatile oils
Avoid drying under harsh sunlight – this removes the healing scent compounds
Never refrigerate for weeks – it turns black and loses strength

Efinrin - Scent Leaf Under sunlight - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb

😳 What Happened The First Time I Used Efinrin

There was a time I was coughing so hard it felt like a Yoruba talking drum (ilu gangan) was inside my chest.

I boiled a handful of Efinrin leaves with ginger, garlic, and honey. I sipped the hot tea slowly… it was like opening windows inside my lungs.

By the next morning, I could breathe better. By day two, the cough had softened. Day three? It was nearly gone.

Caution: When to Avoid Scent Leaf

Pregnant women should avoid using high doses — it may stimulate uterine contractions
Don’t mix with blood pressure medication without doctor’s advice — may cause hypotension
Children under 5 should take only in small amounts and with supervision
Excess consumption may cause low blood sugar or interfere with certain medications
Always wash thoroughly before use to remove dust, insects, and bacteria

Answers to Common Questions About Efirin

Can pregnant women use Efinrin?

Best to avoid it in large doses — it may stimulate contractions.

How soon should I expect results?

For minor stomach pain or nosebleed, relief can happen in 30–40 minutes.

Can I combine it with other herbs?

Yes — especially with bitter leaf (ewuro) for malaria, with ginger for cough or with the other types of efinrin (efinrin igbo, efinrin oso, efinrin obuniru) for typhoid.

Can kids take it?

Yes — but in moderation. Half-cup teas are fine for ages 5 and up.

How can I plant Efinrin (Scent Leaf) at home?

– Break a stem from an existing plant

– Stick it into moist soil (loamy preferred)

– Keep it under partial sun for 3–5 days

– Replant after roots appear (within 10 days)

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