This is a growing collection of Igbo names for herbs, with new additions over time—so be sure to check back regularly!

Herbs and plants play an important role in Igbo culture, from medicine to spirituality and everyday life. The goal of this post is to help Igbo learners expand their vocabulary by exploring the names of various herbs and plants in the Igbo language. In simple terms, herbs are plants with medicinal, culinary, or aromatic uses, while plants refer to all living vegetation. Hope this enriches your Igbo language vocabulary!

Abani di egwu: Siam weed/Christmas bush
Abana/Mbana: Water Yam
Achi: Oak tree
Aja-aji: Ginger
Agba: Tola
Aki Ilu: Bitter Kola
Akidi/Agwa: Cowpea
Ahihara: Nalta jute/Vegetable
Ahuekere: Groundnut
Akpu: Cassava
Akpu: Silk cotton
Ebube Agu: Tiger Skin Leaf/Snake plant
Ede: Coco yam
Efo-Igbo: Moringa
Egwusi: Melon
Ehuru: African Nutmeg
Inine Oji: Samaranth/Vegetable
Isi Ocha: Tallow tree
Ji Ocha: White Yam
Mmimi: Pepper fruit
Nche awula: Lemon grass
Nchuanwu: Scent Leaf
Nduku: Sweet Potatoes
Ngwo: Raffia palm
Onugbu: Bitter leaf
Oghuru: Mahogany
Ogiri: Castor oil plant
Ogirisi: African tulip tree
Ogwuakon: Neem
Oji: Kolanut
Oji: Iroko
Ojoko or Jioko: Plantain
Oka: Maize
Oka Nwa Ajata: Millet
Okpete-Ohia: Ginger Lily
Ona: Three leaf bitter yam
Ora: Camwood/Red sandal
Oroma Nkirisi: Lime
Ose: Pepper
Ose-Oji: Alligator Pepper
Otosi: Bamboo
Uda: Ethiopian pepper
Udo Akpu Enyi: Giloy or Heart-leaved moon seed
Ugu: Pumpkin
Ukpa: Walnut
Ukpaka: Oil bean
Ukwa: Bread fruit
Ukwu nkwu: Palm tree
Unere Ojii: Short plantain
Uziza: Guinea Pepper or Black Pepper
Utazi: Gongronema latifolium
Yabasi Hausa: Garlic

Did we miss any herbs? Or do you call some of these by different names in your Igbo dialect? Share with us in the comment section below!

Please Note: Igbo (written) language is rich in diacritical marks and accents that convey specific meanings and nuances. However, the Igbo texts highlighted in this post do not include such diacritical mark which might be useful to learn especially if you are interested in written Igbo texts.