Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Ewe (Herbs) and Presiding Orisha Correspondence

All priest and priestesses in the Yoruba based religions are herbalists. The use of herbs and plants, called ewe in Yoruba, is one of great emphasis. Herbs are picked fir their medicinal and spiritually empowering properties. In Yorubaland herbs are normally gathered by the priestly and/or herbalists who live in the region. They are then made available to the masses in the marketplace. In the new world urban jungles of the Americas, herbs can be found in local botanicas. Botanicas (taken from the root word botany) are shops where plants, herbs, and supplies sacred to the Yoruba based religions are sold. Botanicas are mostly run by Hispanics, but they are not limited to Hispanic patronage. There everything from herbs for medicinal uses, as well as spiritual baths, to religious supplies are accessible to Yoruba based devotees at botanicas across the Americas. Health food stores are making the healing property of herbs accessible to the masses, providing them in leaf or capsule form. There are also numerous books on the market on herbology, describing herbs and their various healing properties.

Below are the Ewe (Herbs) and the Presiding Orisha Governing them.

This is just a small list.

Esu-Elegba (Eleggua): All Herbs

Obatala: Skullcap, Sage, Kola Nut, Basil, Hyssop, Blue Vervain, White Willow, Valerian Almond Tree, Acadia, Rice, Witch Hazel

Shango: Plantain, Saw Palmetto, Hibiscus, Fo-ti, Sarsaparilla, Nettles, Cayenne, Sugar Cane, Cashew

Yemoja (Yemaya): Kelp, Squawvine, Cohosh, Dandelion, Yarrow, Aloe, Spirulina, Mints, Passion Flower, Wild Yam Root, Spearmint

Oshun: Yellow Dock, Burdock, Cinnamon, Damiana, Anis, Raspberry, Yarrow, Chamomile, Lotus, Uva-Ursi, Buchu, Myrrh, Echinacea, Cashew, Marjoram

Ogun: Eucalyptus, Alfalfa, Hawthorn, Bloodroot, Parsley, Motherwort, Garlic

Oya: Mullein, Comfrey, Cherrybark, Pleurisy Root, Elecampane, Horehound, Chickweed

Quick note, please consult an ordained priest of the Yoruba based religions of Ifa, Lukumi (Santeria), Candomble, or any of it's nature based equivalent, or someone well versed in herbology before any use. To make sure the herbs you are using are conducive to your mind, your body, your spirit, your energy.




*List of herbs taken from the books "The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Comcepts" by Baba Ifa Karade, and "Cuban Santeria: Walking With The Night" by Baba Raul Canizares.



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