Xylopia aethiopica is a tree that grows in the rainforests
of Africa whose fruits are used as spices for cooking and in traditional
medicine. They are known as Ethiopian pepper, Guinea pepper and grains of Salem.
It is locally called eeru (Yoruba), uda (Igbo), unien (Bini), atta
(efik/Ibibio), urheri (urhobo) and others in Nigeria.
The seeds, stem, bark, roots and fruits of Ethiopian pepper
are used in traditional medicine. The fruits are usually smoked and are the
most widely used part. Ethiopian pepper is very useful in Nigerian traditional
medicine.
Ethiopian pepper has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antimicrobial, hypotensive and carminative properties. Ethiopian
pepper has so many active components that are responsible for its usefulness in
traditional medicine and some are rutin, piperine and liriodine.
Some uses of Ethiopia pepper
- To enhance female fertility.
- To treat bronchitis.
- To treat stomach issues like dysentery.
- To treat body aches and pains including toothache.
- To aid delivery.
- To stop or arrest bleeding.
- To reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness of the joints.
- To treat infections.
- To lower blood pressure.
- To expel worms.
- To repel insects.
- To treat skin issues like boils, sores and bites.
The fruits are also smoked like tobacco, used to season palm
wine and added to pepper soup to speed womb recovery after childbirth.
Ethiopian pepper has many more uses than those mentioned above in many parts of
Africa. Even when the fruits are used in cooking, they provide medicinal
properties.
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