CPHA Nigeria-You and your health

12/08/2025

Family Name: COMPOSITAE
‎Botanical Name: Aspila Africana
‎English Name: Hacmorrhage plant, wild sunflower
‎Igbo Name: Oranjila, Azuzu, Orama-ejula
‎Hausa: Nasa, Fofo, Mfufu, Kalankuwa
‎Yoruba: Ako yunyun, Ako
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‎📌 Part Used: Root, sap and leaves
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‎📌 Medicinal Uses:
‎1. Leaf ash n wounds and sores
‎2. Root decoction taken for tuberculosis
‎3.Leaves are made into cough medicine for children
‎5.Plant used to treat (Craw-Craw) itching.
‎6.It is use to prepare pepper-soup for women after delivery with little salt and pepper.
‎7.Infusion with white clay used for stomach troubles
‎8. The sap is dripped into the eye for pain and headache

31/07/2025

Scientific Name: Musa paradisiaca
English Name: Plantain
In Igbo: plantain is known as "Ogede."
In Yoruba: it is commonly referred to as "Ogede."

Plantain is known by different names in various languages. For example, in Spanish, it is called "Plátano," in French as "Banane plantain," and in Hindi as "Kela."

Plantain, scientifically known as Musa paradisiaca, is a versatile plant with numerous medicinal values and unique chemical properties.

📌 Medicinal Value:

1. Plantain is known for its beneficial effects on digestion. It contains dietary fiber that aids in regulating bowel movements and relieving constipation.

2. Plantain has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

3. The leaves of the plantain plant can be used topically to promote wound healing due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Plantain has been traditionally used to relieve respiratory issues such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma, as it may help soothe the respiratory tract.

5. Plantain contains antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

22/07/2025

Family Name: Leguminosae Papilionoideae

Botanical Name: Abrus Precatorius

English Name: Jequirity Indian Liquorice

Igbo Name: Chichengono

Hausa Name: Damarzaya

Yoruba Name: Lesoro, Iwere-njeje

Chemical Constituents: Glycyrrhzim, alkaloids and saponins

Part Used: Leaves

Actions: Emollient, haemostatic, expectorant cicatrisant, aphrodisiac.

Medicinal Uses:

1 The leaf sap is used as a strengthening tonic

2 It is used as an aphrodisiac

3 it is a blood cleanser

4 It expels mucus from the respiratory tracts

5 It helps to heal sores of the mouth

6 It is a good remedy for convulsion.

11/07/2025

Family Name: Malvaceae
Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Hausa Name: Kubewa
Igbo Name: Okro
Yoruba Name: One IIa

Actions: Emollient, sudorific, anti-scorbitic, dysuria and anti bacterial

Part Used: Leaves flowers, fruit,
bark and Root

Medicinal Uses:
1. Leaves often eaten fresh as a pot herb

2. Flower and fruit are used for making stew and palaver sauce

3. The leaves are used for treating heart pains and also to promote delivery at childbirth

4. It is used as base for poultices

5. The root is used to treat syphilis

6. The fruit is taken by pregnant women for postpartum

7. It is used for treatment of goiter.

03/07/2025

Okazi
Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name: Euphorbia prostrata
Hausa Name: Kuurar shaanuu
Igbo Name: Okazi
Yoruba Name: Ewe biyemi

Actions: Astringent, Vulnerary and anathematic

Part Used: Stems and leaves

Medicinal Uses:
1. It is used for poultice for broken arm

2. Stems and leaves are used for gonorrhea

3. It is used for the remedy of snake bite

4. It is applied to growths in the eye, tumours and corns

25/06/2025

Family Name: LABIATAE
Botanical Name: Melissa Officinalis
English Name: Lemon balm
Igbo Name: Nchuanwunta, Chua Nwofia
Yoruba Name: Jogbo

📌 Parts Used: Leaves
The fresh leaves are used for summer drinks and fruit cups, as tea in jam, milk puddings and salad dressings.

📌 Medicinal Uses:

1 The leaves steeped in wine, and drank and leaves are also externally applied is a remedy against the stings of a scorpion and the bite of mad dogs. It is good for washing the teeth.

2 The leaves with a little water taken helps in pains of the belly. they are used as mosquito repellant.

3 It is good for those that cannot fetch their breath (when made into an electuary)

4 When used with salt, it takes away bad swelling in the flesh or throat. It cleanses foul sores and pains of the gout.

5 It is good for the liver and spleen.

6 it helps in digestion and the leaves juice with lime juice is good for colic and stomach ache

20/06/2025

📌 Garlic (Allium sativum)

- Content:Garlic contains allicin, sulfur compounds, vitamins B6 and C, manganese, and antioxidants.

- Medical Value: Garlic is known for its cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also contribute to its health benefits.

📌 Uses:
- Wound Care: Garlic can be used topically in a paste form for its antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infections in minor cuts and wounds.

- Atherosclerosis Prevention: Consuming garlic regularly may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as by improving overall heart health.

These herbal plants have been traditionally used in various cultures, including Nigeria, for their health benefits. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using them for medical purposes.

12/06/2025

📌 Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem leaves contain various active compounds, including azadirachtin, nimbidin, and flavonoids, which possess medicinal properties. It also contains vitamins C and E.

Neem is recognized for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

It supports immune function and has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels.

📌 Uses:
- Wound Care: Neem leaves can be crushed to make a paste or used as an infusion to treat wounds and skin infections. It helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing.

- Cardiovascular Health: Neem may also help in managing cholesterol levels, thus supporting heart health and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

29/05/2025

📌 Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

- Aloe vera gel contains vitamins (A, C, E, and B vitamins), minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc), amino acids, and polysaccharides like acemannan.

📌 Medical Value

Aloe vera is well-known for its healing properties.

It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The gel is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.

📌 Uses:
Wound Care: Aloe vera is often applied topically to minor burns, cuts, and abrasions to promote healing and reduce pain.

Its soothing properties help alleviate irritation and redness.

is also used for conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.

07/05/2025

Tomato

Family Name: SOLANACEAE
Botanical Name: Solanum Lycopersicum
English Name: Tomato
Igbo Name: Tomato

Part used: Fruits

Actions: Inflammatory, stimulant, tonic and diuretic

Chemical Constituents: Vitamins A, K, C, E, B1, B2, B5, and B6. It also contains lycopene, potassium, manganese, dietary fibers, chromium, folate, copper, magnesium, iron, organic acid, phosphorus, protein and saturated fats.

Medicinal uses
1. It helps to protect the body against prostate, breast, pancreatic and intentional cancers

2. It also helps to reduce inflammation and progression of diabetic conditions, asthma, and colon cancer.

3. It helps in the reduction of heart disease risks.

4. Tomatoes intake reduce diseases of stresses and inflammation

5. It helps in proper bone formation

6. Tomatoes intake helps in lowering cholesterol levels laxative effects

29/04/2025

Okazi

Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name: Euphorbia prostrata
Hausa Name: Kuurar shaanuu
Igbo Name: Okazi
Yoruba Name: Ewe biyemi

Actions: Astringent, Vulnerary and anathematic

Part Used: Stems and leaves

Medicinal Uses:
1. It is used for poultice for broken arm

2. Stems and leaves are used for gonorrhea

3. It is used for the remedy of snake bite

4. It is applied to growths in the eye, tumours and corns

20/04/2025