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Efo Ekuya (Spiderwisp) – Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Spiritual Uses

Efo Ekuya, also called Ekuya Vegetable in Yoruba, is a well-known traditional and nutritional plant. Its English name is Spiderwisp, and it is scientifically known as Cleome gynandra. Unlike thorny herbs such as Dagunro, Efo Ekuya is a common Yoruba vegetable eaten for health, strength and rituals especially, the Obatala worshippers.

The Yoruba people regard Efo Ekuya as a natural source of blood nourishment and body cleansing. Apart from being a healthy food, it is also used in traditional medicine and carries spiritual importance. It grows widely in farmlands, backyard gardens, and bushy areas, especially during the rainy season. Its distinctive slightly bitter taste and unique smell make it stand out among Yoruba vegetables.

Key Facts
Category: Leaf
Botanical Name: Cleome Gynandra
Common Name: Spiderwisp
Yoruba name: Efo Ekuya
Igbo Name: Nil
Hausa Name: Nil

Health Benefits
1.  Improves Blood and Treats Anemia
Efo Ekuya (Cleome gynandra) is highly recommended for people with low blood levels. Yoruba women, especially after childbirth, eat Ekuya vegetable soup to rebuild lost blood and gain strength.

2.  Cleanses the Stomach and Flushes Toxins
The slightly bitter taste of Ekuya makes it effective for cleansing the digestive system. Yoruba herbalists recommend eating it as a soup or drinking its boiled water to flush out harmful toxins and improve digestion.

3.  Treats Malaria and Fever
The boiled water of Spiderwisp is taken as a natural remedy for malaria and fever. The Yoruba people believe its natural “hotness” fights malaria parasites.

4.  Restores Strength and Energy
Farmers, hunters, and hardworking individuals eat Efo Ekuya regularly because it helps strengthen weak bodies and boosts stamina.

5.  Improves Appetite and Aids Recovery from Illness
Efo Ekuya soup is often given to sick or recovering patients because it increases appetite and speeds up recovery.

6.  Relieves Stomach Pain and Constipation
Efo Ekuya softens stool and helps people suffering from constipation or stomach cramps when eaten regularly.

7.  Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients
Spiderwisp is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins, making it one of the healthiest Yoruba vegetables for general body health.

Spiritual Use
1.  Protection Against Negative Energy
Efo Ekuya is sometimes placed around homes as a natural protective leaf to ward off bad spirits and negative energy.

2.  Purification Bath
Traditional healers prepare spiritual baths with Ekuya water to cleanse bad luck and renew spiritual strength.

3.  Attracting Good Health and Prosperity
Some Yoruba herbalists mix Efo Ekuya with other herbs in rituals meant to bring good health, peace of mind, and general prosperity.

4.  Breaking Minor Spiritual Contamination
Spiderwisp leaf is used in simple cleansing rituals for people who unknowingly step into charms or harmful spiritual places.

Characteristics
•  Physical Appearance –
Efo Ekuya has green soft leaves, slightly hairy stems, and produces small white or pinkish flowers. Its leaves are tender when young but become tougher when mature.

•  Taste and Smell –
It has a slightly bitter taste and a strong herbal smell when cooked.

•  Growth Pattern –
It grows freely in farmlands, gardens, and bushy areas, thriving well during rainy seasons.

Functions
•  Nutritional Food –
Cooked as soup or stew to nourish the body, improve blood, and strengthen health.

•  Traditional Medicine –
Used for malaria, fever, stomach pain, and detoxification.

•  Spiritual Uses –
Protective charm, cleansing bath, and simple purification rituals.

Conclusion
Efo Ekuya, also known as Spiderwisp (Cleome gynandra), is one of the most valuable Yoruba vegetables. Its rich nutritional content, healing benefits, and spiritual uses make it important in Yoruba homes. Whether cooked as food or used in herbal medicine, Efo Ekuya continues to play a major role in Yoruba health and tradition.