Ewe Lapalapa (Jatropha): Uses of Ewe Lapalapa Funfun in Nigeria

Ewe Lapalapa Funfun (Jatropha Curcas) — also called Lapalapa leaf, Ewe Botuje Funfun, Ewe Iyalode Funfun.

It’s not pretty. It’s not rare. But for those who understand its traditional uses, this leaf is linked to relieving pain, skin irritations, toothaches, constipation, malaria symptoms, and internal bleeding.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot Lapalapa at a glance, prepare it the right way, and avoid the top 3 mistakes that can weaken its effectiveness.

But before you reach for the nearest leaf…

There are a few important things to keep in mind:

Let’s break it all down…

How to Instantly Recognize (and Say) Ewe Lapalapa Funfun

Watch this short clip and listen to the pronunciation of ewe lapalapa funfun:

The Visual Clues: How Ewe Lapalapa Funfun Looks in the Wild

Leaves: Large, soft, 3–5 lobes like papaya; smooth surface, bright green
Smell: Slightly bitter, earthy scent when leaf is crushed
Stems: Tender when young, woody as it ages; releases white sap when cut
Growth Style: Grows wild along roadsides, abandoned lands, and compound corners — loves sun and loose soil

What is Lapalapa Leaf in English (With Igbo & Hausa Names)

Category	Info
*Local Names*	Yoruba: Lapalapa Funfun Hausa: Bini da zugu Igbo: Okpokirinya
*English Name*	Physic nut / Purging nut
*Scientific Name*	Jatropha curcas
*Family*	Euphorbiaceae
*Plant Type*	Shrub / Small tree
Season	Grows year-round in Nigeria

Where Lapalapa Funfun Grows in Nigeria — And Where to Find It Fast

Region	Common Locations
*South West*	Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo – often seen near farmlands, roadside paths, and backyard gardens.
*South-South*	Part of Delta, Edo, Cross River – found near old compounds or farm outskirts.
*North West*	Present in the drier area of Kaduna and Katsina – usually planted intentionally by people.
*North Central*	Part of Kogi, Kwara and Niger – farmers sometimes use it as a boundary plant.

Iwulo Ewe Lapalapa Funfun: The Powerful Uses Nobody Talks About

This powerful herb is traditionally used to:

Toothache or Mouth Infection – Chewing the fresh leaf or applying the white sap helps numb pain and kill bacteria
After-Birth Bleeding (Postpartum Hemorrhage) – Crushed or juiced leaves given in warm water to reduce heavy bleeding. The mother sits on the juiced water.
Constipation or Purging Need – The seed oil is used (in micro-doses) as a powerful laxative
Skin Infections and Itches – Leaf paste applied on fungal infections, rashes
Malaria & Fever – Decoction (boil) of leaf used to flush out fever and cleanse body heat

Bonus: Also believed to have spiritual cleansing power in some Yoruba traditions.

The Healing Moment: When Lapalapa Works Like Magic

Parts used: Leaf, white sap (Oje), seeds, bark
→ Harvest in the morning, when leaves are full of sap
→ Use when freshly plucked, and sap still drips on tear

Oje Eka Lapalapa Funfun - Jatropha Curcsas Stem's Sap - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb

Oje Eso Lapalapa Funfun - Jatropha Curcsas Seed's Sap - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb

Epo Igi Lapalapa Funfun - Jatropha Curcsas Bark - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb

Ewe Lapalapa Funfun (Jatropha Curcsas) Seed - Yoruba Nigeria Traditional Herb

The Killing Moment: What Weakens The Power of Lapalapa

Don’t boil the white sap – it loses its potency
Avoid mixing with hot water when using it for gum infections
Overuse warning: Never swallow seeds without proper knowledge – you can really purge o (especially, when used in large quantity)

How to Prepare Ewe Lapalapa the Right Way — Whether Fresh or Dried

Part Used	Method	Use Case
Leaf (Ewe)	Chew raw / Crush & apply	mouth sores, wounds, severe bleeding after childbirth
Sap (Oje/Omi)	Apply directly	Toothache, skin rashes
Leaf (Ewe)	Boil and drink	Fever
Bark (Èpò igi)	Burn to ash	Mix with òrí (shea butter) for skin issues

😳 The Shocking Moment I Had With Ewe Lapalapa Funfun

During the Eid feast, I had a gum pain (èrìgì) that messed with my enjoyment of the food, especially the meat.

The emotional pain of watching others eat meat while I sat there suffering? Almost worse than the gum pain itself.

On the second morning, I visited Brother Lapalapa. I took off a stem, waited for the white sap to drip, and placed and rubbed it (as if I was brushing) right where the pain was.

Ewe Lapalapa Funfun (Jatropha Curcas) used for Toothache (akokoro)

Here comes the shocking moment!

I wasn’t shocked that it worked — Lapalapa always shows up. But I was shocked it worked within 1 hour. I applied it at 7:00 a.m. By a few minutes past 8, the pain had disappeared.

It was that day that I added “brother” to Lapalapa’s name

⚠️ When Not to Use Ewe Lapalapa Funfun (And What to Do Instead)

❌ Pregnant women should not use the seeds – it may stimulate uterine contractions
❌ Don’t mix with alcohol – may cause purging – you wouldn’t want to gbọn igbẹ (purge) right?
❌ Children under 5 years should take with close supervision
✔️ Always wash leaves well before use to avoid contamination or hidden insects

If You Could Use Lapalapa for Just ONE Thing… Use It For This

Use it for toothache/mouth infections.
It’s easy to find, works faster than any chemist/pharmacy medicine when it comes to oral treatment.

Answers to Common Questions About Lapalapa Funfun

Can pregnant women use it?

Not the seeds or sap — but mild leaf decoction is sometimes used after birth under herbal expert guidance.

How soon should I expect results?

For mouth issues — usually within minutes. For bleeding or skin infections — within a day or two of proper use.

Can I combine it with other herbs?

Yes, often mixed with ewe akoko (newbouldia) for after-birth bleeding and with efinrin (scen t leaf) for skin problem.

Can kids take it?

Yes, but in small doses. For external use like skin, it’s generally safe.

How can I grow Lapalapa?

– Break a young branch or leaf stem

– Stick into loose, moist soil

– Keep under partial sun for 2 weeks

– Transplant after roots form

Bonus: Grows well in pots, backyards, or near fences.

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