efinrin-nla-efinrin-wewe

Difference Between Efinrin Nla and Efinrin Wewe (Photos)

by Abdullah Oyedele • Last updated June 3, 2025

  • Expert Verified by Fawzy

by Abdullah Oyedele • Last updated June 3, 2025

  • Expert Verified by Fawzy

Are There Really Types of Efinrin?

If you’ve ever used social media or google on searching for efinrin (scent leaf), chances are you’ve heard people argue about efinrin nla and efinrin wewe. Some say one is “stronger,” others say the small one is “for cooking” and the big one “for medicine.

Meanwhile some also wrongly take efinrin wewe as sweet basil. That is another level of confusion. Sweet basil is basically not indigenous to Nigeria especially the Yoruba region.

In short, most people are intentionally confused. They do not know which is which and end up in arguments.

So what’s the real truth? Let’s set the record straight…

There are types of efinrin beyond just efinrin nla and efinrin wewe. Besides those two, we also have efinrin oso and efinrin obuniru.

I will break down the differences between efinrin nla and efinrin wewe so your confusion will become clarity forever.

efinrin nla and efinrin wewe confusion

Quick Answer: Efinrin Nla vs Ewe Wewe

FeatureEwe Efinrin NlaEwe Efinrin Wewe
Leaf ShapeLeaves are thick, fleshy, and soft (succulent-like) and edges sometimes have a purple or reddish tintLeaves are also fleshy but thicker and tougher than efinrin nla
Common Yoruba UsesTraditionally used in treating typhoid feverIt’s the familiar scent leaf we add to soups, brew in teas, and use in countless home remedies
Growth HabitUpright succulent, can reach 1m+, grows easily from fallen leaves through tiny baby plants growing along the sidesBushy succulent, grows in clusters, prefers partial shade
Other NamesEfinrin IgbóEfinrin

Efinrin Nla and Ewe Wewe Pictures (Side by Side)

Why the Confusion Happens

With social media and internet mixing up plant names, the confusion between efinrin nla and efinrin wewe is growing, even creeping into a few academic references.

People can’t easily differentiate efinrin nla from efinrin wewe and are even now referring to a foreign plant (sweet basil) as efinrin wewe.

Meanwhile, confusing these two plants can:

  • Lead to ineffective herbal treatment
  • Disrupt traditional knowledge transfer
  • Undermine cultural identity and accuracy

Our Position at Tewe Tegbo

  • “Efinrin wewe” otherwise called efinrin refers specifically to the traditional scent leaf used in cooking. Efinrin wewe is not sweet basil.

    While one Nigerian academic source (ACEPRD, University of Jos) has referred to “efinrin wewe” as Sweet basil, this appears to be the only formal instance of such naming, and it does not reflect the broader Yoruba cultural or herbal consensus.
Fresh green leaves of Efinrin Wewe (common scent leaf) commonly used in Nigerian herbal practice
Efinrin Wẹwẹ
  • “Efinrin nla” otherwise called efinrin igbó is another type of efinrin used for medicinal herb.
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

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