Articles about Herbs & Phytotherapy

Herbs of Xangô (Shango) by tradition: acocô and orobô in Candomblé, quebra-pedra and guiné in Umbanda, okra in the South. See who cites each one and which of them are toxic.

Herbs of Iansã (Oya) vary from house to house. See what terreiro research records, why the lists do not match and which plants are toxic if ingested.

The most attested herbs of Exu (Eshu) are pepper, aroeira and corredeira. See what two terreiros from Bahia and Umbanda studies link to Exu, and what has no source.

The herbs of Oxóssi (Oshosi) change with the house: São-gonçalinho in Ketu Candomblé, fern and guiné in Umbanda. See the body ritual bath and why the amaci is from the house.

Mariô de Ogum (Ogun): what is the shredded leaf of the dendezeiro, why it stays at the door and on Ogum's clothing, how it changes from Ketu to Umbanda and if it can be used at home.

Abô is the cold-macerated leaf water that Candomblé uses in ritual bath, assentamento and obrigação. See what it is for, who prepares it and what separates it from amaci.

Erva-doce is the leaf of Oxum (Oshun) for the sweetening ritual. See the fundamento with the orixá (orisha), the ritual bath, the smoke cleansing, the cozinha de santo and why the market sells fennel.

Mastruz what it is for in Umbanda and in health: the healing herb of Omulu, how to make the ritual bath, the tea and the smoke cleansing and the serious precautions regarding the plant's toxicity.

Hot and cold herbs have opposite uses in the ritual bath. See which are the hot, lukewarm and cold herbs, why the hot one does not go on the head and how to use each one.

Vence-demanda is the Justicia gendarussa, an herb of Ogum used to cut demanda. See the plant's profile, the confusion of names, the ritual bath and why it is not drunk.

Oxalá (Obatala)'s Carpet is the boldo, the leaf of peace of Oxalá. See what the boldo ritual bath is for, how to perform the spiritual cleansing, the smoke cleansing (defumação), and the care instructions.

Saião, the leaf of fortune, is the leaf of Oxalá that multiplies the axé. See what it is for, which orixá it belongs to, how to use it in the ritual bath, in the amaci, and for health.

Dandá da Costa is the dried tuber of the tiririca. See what the root is for, which orixá it belongs to, how to perform the ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação), and what should never be done.

The bay leaf is the herb of victory, linked to Oxalá and Xangô. See the foundation with the orixás, the use in the ritual bath, in the smoke cleansing (defumação), and in the wallet.

The eucalyptus ritual bath in Umbanda serves for spiritual cleansing (descarrego) and cleansing, because it is an herb of Oxalá and Ogum. See how to perform the ritual bath, the smoke cleansing (defumação), and the contraindications.

The seven herbs ritual bath cleanses, protects, and opens paths. See what the seven sacred herbs are, the orixá of each leaf, and the step by step to prepare it at home.

Indian clove ritual bath: what it is for, step by step recipe, the combination with cinnamon and how to take it to attract prosperity and clear dense energies.

Saint Barbara's Sword is the plant of Iansã, the guardian against lightning and dense energy. See the meaning, the difference from Saint George's, and how to care for it.

The colônia is the herb of Iemanjá (Yemoja) and Oxalá for peace, calm, and balance. See what it is for, how to do the colônia bath, and the contraindications of the plant.

The aroeira ritual bath serves for strong spiritual cleansing (descarrego) and protection. See the bark bath recipe, which orixás rule it, and the precautions with this hot herb of axé.

Peregum serves to protect and firm the head because it is the leaf of Ogum. See how to do the peregum bath (macerated, never boiled) and its role in the bori.

Pinhão roxo serves to guard the entrance of the house and is used in the cleansing bath. See how to plant and use it, and the serious alert: the plant is toxic, do not ingest.

Dumb cane is the plant of protection against envy and the evil eye. See the meaning in Umbanda, the connection with Ogum, and how to care for it safely.

Learn how to do smoke cleansing for energetic cleansing of the house: cleansing and lustral herbs, step by step, order of the rooms, and safety precautions.

The Indian clove ritual bath serves to attract prosperity and ward off discouragement. It is an herb of Oxalá and Oxum in umbanda: see how to make it and the skin precautions.

The guiné ritual bath serves for spiritual cleansing (descarrego), protection and opening of paths, and each purpose has its own recipe. See the step by step and what to expect.

The rosemary ritual bath in Umbanda serves to purify without agitating, because it is the herb of Oxalá. See how to do the ritual bath, the smoke cleansing (defumação) of the house, and the contraindications.

Rue is the leaf of Exu that Ogum carries. See the foundation with the two orixás, the mythology, the cleansing bath (banho de descarrego) step by step, and who should not take it.

Chamomile is the herb of which orixá? Of Oxalá and of Ibeji. See the foundation of the children's herb, the use in mourning and why it calms without extinguishing the axé.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) unites Oxum and Xangô, sweet attraction and strength. See the history, the difference from cassia, the 3 sticks ritual, and the ritual uses.

Erva-cidreira Melissa officinalis is the herb of mourning, consolation, and peace in the home. Learn the history, science, and how to differentiate it from Lippia alba.

Saint George's Sword (snake plant) is the most Brazilian protection plant. See why it belongs to Ogum, the syncretism with Saint George, and how to care for it inside the house.

Guiné is the herb of Ogum and Exu, the leaf of the cut and the breaking of demanda. See the fundamento, the mythology, how to use it in a ritual bath and the care it requires.

The mint ritual bath in Umbanda serves for prosperity and renewal, because it is the herb of Oxum and Logunedé (Logun Ede). See the three species, the correct recipe, and the precautions.

Lavender (alfazema) is the herb of deep peace. Learn how it entered Afro religions as the herb of Oxalá and how to use it in ritual baths and sachets.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is the herb of deep cleansing ruled by Omulu. Learn when to use it, serious contraindications, and the traditional recipe.

Basil is the most used herb of Oxum to attract love and abundance in the home. Learn the history, the ritual bath recipe, and the authentic ritual uses.

Yellow for Oxum, white for Iemanjá, red for Pombagira. The rose is the most versatile flower of the Afro-Brazilian herbarium. See how to use each color.

Learn how to prepare the herbal bath for Oxum, orixá of love and sweet waters: the right herbs, the step by step recipe, the prayer, and the right day.