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One Yoruba victorious incantation says "Oju oro ni leke omi, Osibata ni leke odo". The incantation a triumphant statement used when Yoruba elders want to repel attacks, ward off evil spirit or overcome enemies. Oju oro and Osibata are often used alongside.
Ewe Oju Oro, known in English as Water Lettuce and botanically as Pistia stratiotes, is a well-known aquatic plant in Yoruba traditional medicine and spirituality. The name “Oju Oro,” meaning “face of wealth” or “eye of prosperity”, shows its cultural and spiritual connection with abundance and good fortune.
While not edible, Ewe Oju Oro is widely used in Yoruba land for treating skin conditions, cooling the body, and cleansing the system. Spiritually, it is highly respected for wealth attraction, purification, and protection against negative energies.
Key Facts
Category: Leaf
Botanical Name: Pistia Stratiotes
Common Name: Water Lettuce
Yoruba name: Ewe Oju Oro
Igbo Name: Nil
Hausa Name: Nil
Health Benefits
1. Cools the Body and Reduces Fever
Decoctions or baths prepared with Ewe Oju Oro are used to lower excessive body heat and relieve fever.
2. Treats Skin Rashes and Irritations
The crushed leaves are applied to boils, eczema, and other skin infections for quick relief.
3. Helps in Detoxification
The leaf water is sometimes used externally to draw out toxins from the body through herbal baths.
4. Relieves Swellings and Inflammations
Poultices made from the plant are applied to swollen areas and painful joints.
5. Soothes Burns and Minor Wounds
The cooling nature of the leaf helps heal burns and speed up wound recovery when applied directly.
Spiritual Use
1. Attracting Wealth and Prosperity
Ewe Oju Oro is symbolically linked with money and prosperity rituals, making it a common choice in herbal works for business success.
2. Purification and Cleansing of Bad Luck
The leaf is used in spiritual baths to wash away negative energy, envy, and persistent bad luck.
3. Protection Against Witchcraft and Evil Spirits
It is included in protective charms and spiritual cleansings to repel witchcraft attacks.
4. Peace and Harmony in Homes
Sprinkling water infused with Ewe Oju Oro around the house is believed to attract peace, love, and family unity.
5. Rituals to Appease Deities for Favor
In some Yoruba spiritual practices, the plant is used in offerings to orisa (deities) to request blessings and divine favor.
Characteristics
⦁ Physical Appearance –
Ewe Oju Oro is a floating aquatic plant with soft, velvety green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, resembling an open lettuce.
⦁ Taste and Smell –
Not edible; has a fresh, water-like herbal smell.
⦁ Growth Pattern –
Commonly found floating on freshwater ponds, rivers, and wetlands in tropical areas.
Functions
⦁ Traditional Medicine –
Fever reduction, skin healing, and detoxification.
⦁ Spiritual Significance –
Wealth attraction, cleansing, protection, and peace restoration.
⦁ Cultural Symbolism –
Associated with prosperity and spiritual purity.
Conclusion
Ewe Oju Oro, the Yoruba Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), is a powerful medicinal and spiritual plant.
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