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Obi Ẹdun, known in English as Monkey Cola and botanically as Cola millenii K. Schum, is a tropical fruit highly valued in Yoruba land for its medicinal, nutritional, and spiritual importance. The name “Obi Ẹdun” literally means “Cola of the Monkey”, shows its natural occurrence in the wild and its traditional connection with forest spirits and ancestral practices.
The fruit is sweet and edible, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it important for boosting energy and improving blood health. Spiritually, Obi Ẹdun is widely used in Yoruba rituals for sacrifices, protection, and attracting blessings.
Key Facts
Category: Fruit
Botanical Name: Cola Millenii K. Schum
Common Name: Monkey Cola
Yoruba name: Obi Ẹdun
Igbo Name: Nil
Hausa Name: Nil
Health Benefits
1. Boosts Blood Production and Prevents Anemia
Obi Ẹdun is rich in iron and helps increase red blood cell production, making it good for people with low blood levels.
2. Improves Digestion and Prevents Constipation
The fiber content in Monkey Cola aids proper digestion and bowel movement.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
Its vitamin and mineral-rich composition helps build body resistance against infections.
4. Restores Energy and Fights Fatigue
Because of its natural sugars and nutrients, the fruit provides quick energy for tired or weak individuals.
5. Improves Skin and Wound Healing
Regular consumption helps improve skin health and supports faster wound recovery.
6. Supports Heart Health
The antioxidats in Obi Ẹdun may help reduce bad cholesterol and keep the heart healthy.
Spiritual Use
1. Used in Sacrifices to Deities and Ancestors
Obi Ẹdun is commonly used in sacrifices and rituals to appease Yoruba deities (Orisa) and ancestral spirits for blessings.
2. Protection Against Evil Attacks
Placed in shrines or used in rituals, the fruit is believed to neutralize witchcraft and evil arrows.
3. Attracting Favor, Wealth, and Good Fortune
Herbalists use Monkey Cola in spiritual works to open doors of success, business prosperity, and favor.
4. Restoring Peace and Family Harmony
Obi Ẹdun is sometimes used in cleansing rites to restore peace, love, and unity in homes.
5. Oaths and Truth Verification
In some Yoruba traditions, Obi Ẹdun is used in traditional oaths to confirm truthfulness or expose lies.
Characteristics
⦁ Physical Appearance –
Obi Ẹdun has oval to round fruits with a yellowish to reddish-brown tough shell and sweet, fibrous pulp inside.
⦁ Taste and Smell –
Sweet to mildly tangy flavor; fresh fruity smell.
⦁ Growth Pattern –
Grows naturally in wild tropical forests and farmlands, sometimes cultivated in Yoruba villages.
Functions
⦁ Nutritional Value –
Provides vitamins, minerals, and natural energy.
⦁ Traditional Medicine –
Blood-building, immune boosting, and digestion improvement.
⦁ Spiritual Purposes –
Sacrifices, protection, and favor-attracting rituals.
Conclusion
Obi Ẹdun, the Yoruba Monkey Cola (Cola millenii K. Schum), is both a nutritious fruit and a spiritual item. It is used to boost blood, restore energy, and strengthen immunity.
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