Yoruba Herbs and Their English Names

Before modern hospitals and packaged medicines became common, Yoruba communities relied on plants/herbs for healing, protection, and daily wellbeing.

Knowledge of leaves, bark, and roots was carefully observed, tested, and taught by elders to the young.

Many of these plants are still known by names such as Ewe Efinrin, Ewe Lapalapa, and Ewe Aakoko.

However, their English or botanical names are often unfamiliar, especially to young people and those living outside the village.

This page is a structured A–Z list of Yoruba herbs and their English equivalents.

It is an online guide that helps preserve indigenous herbal knowledge and makes it easier to understand today.

Inside this list, you will find:

• The Yoruba name of each herb

• Its English and botanical name

• A brief explanation of its traditional uses

• A link to a detailed guide with more information

You can use the search tool to quickly find a herb, or browse alphabetically below.