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17 Traditional Plant Medicines and Some of Their Uses by Traditional Healthcare Practitioners
In Igbo traditional medicine, various plants are used for their healing properties and dietary benefits. This post contains a compilation of some plants, their local and English names, botanical names, and their therapeutic uses.
The Healing Strength of Colors
Colors are far more than just visual elements that paint our surroundings—they are carriers of energy and information that profoundly influence every form of life in existence. From the physical to the psychological, colors transmit energy vibrations that interact with our bodies, minds, and emotions in powerful ways. The healing strength of colors lies in their ability to balance, harmonize, and rejuvenate our well-being at all levels and planes.
The Color Violet—Ododoanunu and Its Effects
In Igbo cosmology, the color Violet—Ododoanunu, is deeply symbolic. It holds the themes of self-sacrifice, purification, and service driven by love for others. Violet is associated with Neptune which is ruled by Idemmili, and Pluto which is ruled by Ogwugwu. The color violet invites introspection and spiritual growth, representing the journey of the soul toward higher understanding and divine connection. In its positive aspects, violet is a color of philanthropy, intellectual brilliance, and selfless service. It symbolizes idealism, compassion, and the readiness to make sacrifices for the greater good.
The Color Indigo—Amaloji & Its Effects
Indigo, known as Amaloji in Igbo, is the color of spiritual introspection, deep understanding, and the exploration of extra-sensory perception (ESP) mysteries. It is a deeply mystical and transformative color that connects the body, mind, and spirit, offering insights that transcend ordinary perception. Indigo invites us to look within, to connect with our higher selves, and to explore the hidden dimensions of existence, guiding us toward holistic healing and spiritual awakening. Associated with the planet Neptune, which is ruled by Idemmili, indigo holds the energy of boundless imagination, intuition, and the mysterious depths of the subconscious mind.
The Color Blue—Alulu Igwe, Alulu, Nru Onwa, Nda, Anunu Anunu and Its Effects
Blue, in Igbo spirituality, carries a depth of meaning and significance that transcends its visual appeal. Reffered to as Alulu Igwe, Nrụ Ọnwa, Nda, or Anunu Anunu, in Igbo language, this calming hue is a symbol of rest, peace, and serenity. It reflects the soothing energy of the heavens and water, embodying truth, fidelity, and faith. Blue is mostly associated with spiritual grounding and balance, inviting us to stay open to introspection, sincerity, and unwavering trust. Both in nature and the metaphysical realm, blue is a force of harmony that encourages a life rooted in self-awareness and devotion. Let’s explore the spiritual, physiological, and emotional dimensions of the color Blue and its effects.
The Color Green—Akwukwo Ndu and Its Effects
Green, known as Akwukwo Ndu or Ndu Ndu in Igbo, is the color of inner harmony, balance, fullness, growth, and healing. It is deeply connected to nature and life itself, symbolizing renewal, regeneration, and stability. In the physical and spiritual realms, green serves as a reminder of the cycles of renewal and healing that underpin both nature and humanity. This color attunes us to wholeness, adaptability, and the beauty of growth in all its forms. Let’s explore the spiritual, physiological, and emotional dimensions of the color Green and its effects.
The Color Yellow—Edo Edo, Ogulu Ogulu and Its Effects
The color yellow, known as Edo Edo or Ogulu Ogulu in Igbo thought, is a symbol of illumination, wisdom, thought, inner freedom, and the ability to live unbound by unnecessary ties. Yellow corresponds to the Sun (Anyanwu) and Saturn, which is ruled by Ele—Aka Ofu, representing a harmonious balance of vitality and discipline. Its association with the air element and sanguine nature makes it a color of movement, lightness, and positive change. Let’s explore the spiritual, physiological, and emotional dimensions of the color Yellow and its effects.
The Color Orange—Popo, Nchara and Its Effects
The color Orange, known as Popo or Nchara in Igbo, is a vibrant hue associated with joy, creative expression, impulsivity, and self-confidence. It embodies a balance between the fiery energy of red and the cheerful vitality of yellow, making it a dynamic color that symbolizes warmth, enthusiasm, and vitality. Orange is deeply connected to the planet Saturn, which is ruled by Ele—Aka Ofu, amplifying its grounding and stabilizing energies while still carrying an air of creativity and spontaneity. Let’s explore the spiritual, physiological, and emotional dimensions of the color Orange and its effects.
The Color Red—Obara-Obara, Mmee-Mmee, Uhie and Its Effects
In Igbo culture and spirituality, colors are vibrational frequencies as much as they are visual elements—they carry deep symbolic meanings and energy signatures. Among these, the color red, known as Obara-Obara, Mmee-Mmee, or Uhie in Igbo, has its effects and chromatic significance. It is a color of vitality, passion, and action, representing both the intensity of life and the transformative power of energy. Let’s explore the spiritual, physiological, and emotional dimensions of the color red and its effects.
The Energy of Colors
The relationship between colors and emotions has been recognized and explored by skilled dibias, clairvoyants, and mystics across cultures and throughout history. They describe the emotional body as a luminous, multi-colored energy field—or aura—that encases the physical form, extending approximately sixty centimeters outward. Our ancestors understood this and used this consciously to their advantage. Chromotherapy (therapy through color) teaches us that colors can affect our moods. Every color is associated with a specific type of emotion.
What is Ajo Ogwu? Understanding Bad or Evil Ogwu in Igbo Spirituality
Ogwu is central to Igbo spirituality and healing practices. It contains the use of herbs, rituals, chants, and spiritual techniques to create powerful remedies or charms aimed at facilitating well-being, protection, and/or success. However, like many universal phenomena, Ogwu is dual in nature—it can be used for good or for harm. When used with malevolent intent, it becomes Ajo Ogwu, or bad/evil Ogwu.
Animanu Mmuo as Spiritual Guides
Animanu Mmuo—spirit animals are guides that embody intuition, instinct, and the primal wisdom that guides human experiences. In Igbo spirituality, spirit animals are powerful spiritual guides that offer insight, protection, and deep connection to the natural and supernatural realms.
What is Igwo Ogwu? Understanding the Mystical Art of Administering Ogwu in Igbo Spirituality
Igwo Ogwu—or the administration of Ogwu—is a sacred practice of channelling the energy of Ogwu to have a specific effect, carried out by a Dibia, an expert spiritualist and healer. This post breaks down the concept of Igwo Ogwu, explaining why this sacred act is exclusive to the Dibia, and exploring the unique role of Agwu, the necessary mystical skills, and the spiritual authority that empowers a Dibia to safely and effectively carry out this practice.
Mmiri as a Spiritual Guide
In Igbo spirituality, Mmiri (water) serves as a spiritual guide that embodies purity, renewal, and divine wisdom. We believe that every human being emerged from water and that primodial water continues to flow through each person’s spiritual path, representing life, rebirth, and spiritual cleansing. Every Igbo person has a unique connection to the element of water, with the water bodies near their homeland or ancestral village acting as spiritual anchors.
Four Igbo Market Days as Spiritual Guides
In Igbo cosmology, time is a sacred rhythm governed by the four market days: Eke, Orie, Afo, and Nkwo. These market days, known collectively as Izu Ano Mbosi Ano (The Four Days of the Week), are central to Igbo understanding of life, time, and spirituality. They serve as spiritual guides and continue to affect the lives of those born under their influence from birth to death.
Ndi Ichie as Spiritual Guides
In the spiritual framework of Odinani, Ndi Ichie—ascended ancestors—play an essential role as spiritual guides. They are the elders of the spirit world, mediating on behalf of their descendants and actively participating in their spiritual journeys, and revered for having lived honorable lives and fulfilled their spiritual destinies.
Alusi as a Spiritual Guide
In Odinani, Alusi represent powerful forces that bridge the gap between the earthly realm and the divine. Acting as spiritual guides, Alusi as a medium for cosmic forces ensures harmony, prosperity, and justice for the people and communities that acknowledge or engage them.
Aja Ani as a Spiritual Guide
In Igbo cosmology and spirituality, Aja Ani (the sacred earth) acts as a spiritual guide. A person’s connection to their motherland—the land of their ancestors—forms the foundation of their identity, culture, and spiritual path.
Igo Mmuo (with Oji) Script Template (ii)
Another simple introductory template which can serve as a script guide for beginners looking to use Oji (kola nut) for ancestral veneration or Igo Mmuo declarative rituals.
Igo Mmuo (with Oji) Script Template (i)
A simple introductory template which can serve as a script guide for beginners looking to use Oji (kolanut) for ancestral veneration or Igo Mmuo declarative rituals.