Ewe

THE USE OF PLANTS IN YORUBA SOCIETY

PIERRE FATUMBI VERGER

ODEBRECHT

1
 A few days ago somebody asked me, quite seriously, whether
Pierre Verger actually existed or if he was yet another folk tale from
Bahia. Who knows, but maybe an attempt is being made to explain the
syncretism of our culture, not by a god, but by a human being.
Born in France into — I've been told — a noble lineage, citizen
of the world, photographer of faraway places from Beijing to La
Habana, young adventurer exploring pathways of knowledge and emo-
tion, and then a Doctor of science at France's Centre de Recherches
Scientif iques alongside Roger Bastide, a man of great wisdom.
In Africa those who want to find him will have to ask for
Fatumbi, a title given him by Yoruba sacred men and women which he
has incorporated into his name, prompting the professor and
researcher, the University man and the man of books, to become even
richer is his humanity, to become a man equal to, and an integral part
of the sacred circles and initiations of the Yoruba. In Africa he taught
and learned not only the complete routes of the slave ships, but also the
ways of mystery. He became a sorcerer: Pierre Fatumbi Verger.
At the Axe Op6 Afonja holy circle, Mae Senhora, she who is so
unforgettable, proclaimed from her queen's throne that he was Ojuoba,
the eyes of Sango, the one who sees and knows all. At the houses of
saints he became a well-known figure, master of us all, equal to us in
the vibration and warmth of the drums. Professor, researcher, photogra-
pher, writer; in Bahia he is Pierre Fatumbi Verger Ojuoba.

2
 Here in Bahia, his life's experience and knowledge have
become forever syncretized. The mixture of the Frenchman from rue
Cardinal Lemoine, Paris, with the African from Dakar, Porto Novo,
Oyo, has resulted in the definitive and yet unique man from Bahia, so
extraordinary he seems an invention.
And yet he is not an invention because he lives, works, writes
and tarvels the world. A sorcerer for sure. It is not possible to hide, to
deny. Mae Senhora used to tell my wife Zelia, with a friendly smile:
"Be careful with Verger, he is a sorcerer, he has powers." He has pow-
ers, he knows things.

Jorge Amado

3
 INDEX

Editor's note .................................................................................................. 9

Acknowledgements ....................................................................................... 11
Introduction ................................................................................................... 13

THE ACTION OF PLANTS AND THE ACTIVATING WORDS

OF INCANTATIONS

Chapter 1 - The efficacy of the word ........................................................... 23

Yoruba system of plant classification ...................................................... 23
The activating words in the ofo (incantations) .......................................... 29
The signs odu of I f a and the verbal links ............................................. 42
The many meanings of the words ........................................................... 50
Links between names .............................. ............................................ 53
Magical and medicinal names ........................... ................................... 60

Chapter 2 - Oppositions ............................................................................... 65

Beneficent and evil works ...................................................................... 65

Stimulants and tranquilizers ................................................................... 74

Chapter 3 - Works most asked for ............................................................... 83

Opulence ............................................................................................. 83
Power ...................................... ............................................................ 87
Afose .................................................................................................. 91

4
 MEDICINAL AND MAGICAL FORMULAE

Oogun, remedies for healing the body ...................................................... 96

Ibimo, remedies relating to pregnancy and birth ........................................ 266
Orisa, works to worship yoruba deities ..................................................... 286
Awure, beneficent works ............................................................................ 320
Abilu, evil works ........................................................................................ 394
Idaabobo, antidotes to "evil works" or "protective works" ........................ 424

ANNEXES

Illustrations ......................................... ...................................................... 459

Glossary of plants: Yoruba — scientific names ......................................... 501
Glossary of plants: scientific names — Yoruba ......................................... 615
Notes ........................................................................................................... 721
Index of Formulae ...................................................................................... 729
Table of Illustrations .................................................................................. 741
Bibliography ............................................................................................... 743

5
 EDITOR'S NOTE

It has been a pleasure to be involved with the production of this

most important work and we are extremely grateful for the assistance
received from Editora Schwarcz Ltda of Sao Paulo, Brazil which has
enabled us to bring our side of the work to completion on behalf of the
Pierre Verger Foundation. It has been my pleasure to have known
Professor Fatumbi Pierre Verger since 1956 when I was curator of the
museum at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. I have been associated
with Professor Verger's work from time to time ever since.
Fatumbi Pierre Verger has been absorbing the data now pub-
lished in this book over a period of some forty years and this has meant
that changes in style have probably occurred. It is important for those
coming to the Yoruba culture for the first time to realise how essential
to it is the "play-on-words" well described by the author in the text.
This factor and the plentiful use of metaphor allows the reader, who
also becomes an interpreter, a lot of scope for the imaginative under-
standing of the ultimate meaning of the message. I am sure this publi-
cation will give rise to further investigation and research particularly in
the area of Black Studies, now a feature of many Universities.
The transcription from field notes and other texts collected over
a long time span was done with the help of the following persons:
Louise Perks, Linda Reynolds, Jane Fallows, Anna Clark, Femi
Johnson and Alan Senior. I am specially grateful to our Yoruba team:
Dr. Gbenga Fagborun and Dr Akin Oyetade, both of whom are profes-

6
sional linguists and who spent many long hours correcting the Yoruba
and translating some of the more metaphysical texts received form the
babalawo, onisegun and others within the Yoruba culture.
I am also indebted to the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens
at Kew, Dr. G.Prance, for his encouragement, to Dr. Burkhill, Research
Fellow at the same establishment, Miss M. Ward, the librarian at Kew
and Dr. Joyce Lowe, Reader in the Botany Department at the University
of Ibadan, all of whom have given their help most generously.
Dr. Karen Barbour of the Africa Department, University of
Birmingham and Dr. John Picton, of the School of Oriental and
African Studies, University of London have been very supportive.

The documents used for this book were mainly recordings made
in Nigeria, which were transcribed and later translated into English.
Over two thousand remedies and practices are described in some detail,
consisting of plant-parts used (leaves, roots, barks etc.), their prepara-
tion (pounded, boiled, burnt to ashes etc.), their use externally and/or
internally, the words of the incantations which generate the necessary
power for their effectiveness and the I f a divination sign ( o d u ) on
which the remedy depends and which also provides a basis for their
Yoruba classification.
This work is completed by two glossaries. The first consists of
3,529 Yoruba plant names and their corresponding scientific names and
the second of 1,086 scientific names and their corresponding Yoruba
names.

Doig Simmonds

7
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As a great number of people have helped me in the publishing

of the present work, I will mention here only those I may in this short
page: the botanical services from the Ibadan Reforestation
Department and the French Institute of Black Africa (IFAN), Dakar,
who have made the first plant identifications; professor Portere from
the Paris Museum, who has confirmed them; doctor Burkill and all
the staff from the Botanic Gardens of Kew, London, for the plant
identification and for the illustrations kindly provided to us; Ulli
Beier, for having published my first book on Yoruba plants in
Nigeria, introduced by professor Akinjogbin; Theodore Monod, who
invited me to research in Africa; friends Carybe and Jorge Amado;
the late and remembered Maria Bibiana do Espirito Santo, Mae
Senhora, iyalorisa from the holy circle He Axe Opo Afonja in
Salvador; Balbino Daniel de Paulo, babalorisa of the He Axe Opo
Aganju; the late professor Alexandre Leal Costa; Araba from Ife,
supreme master of the Orunmila cult in Africa; Oluwe Ojo Awo, my
master; babalawo Iroko, my serifa; the babalawo Babalola, Aworinde
and Adesokan, who have told me many stories of If a ; Adefolalu
Adeyanju, who has helped me collect the first field data and tran-
scribe it; Fabio Araujo, who has checked the scientific names of the
plants; Eliana Miranda, for the many readings of my text; Ayodele
Fasoyin, for the Yoruba proof-reading; Dione Araujo; Olga Regis do
Alaketo; Jose Flavio Pessoa de Barros; Jean Marc Bonneau; doctor

8
Decanio and Isabel for the cure performed on me with Brazilian ewe;
professor Leticia Scarolino Scott Faria and professor Luciano
Paganucci Queiroz, who helped me name the plants.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To the Odebrecht Organization, who sponsored the publishing

of this book.

9
 INTRODUCTION

My interest in Yoruba botany was awakened as a conse-

quence of my initiation as babalawo (father-of-secrets) in 1953 in
Ketu, Republic of Benin. Because of that honour, I had to learn the
secret utilization of plants for traditional medicinal preparations and
practices. I learned that during their preparation, the names of the
plants and ingredients are always associated with short incantations
called ofo, which express their qualities in poetical terms. At the
beginning of my research, it was the literary aspect of these o f o
which attracted my attention. By 1967, I had already collected thou-
sands of these formulas and thanks to Ulli Beier and Professor
Akinjogbin's initiative, eighty of these o f o were published by the I f e
University in a pamphlet called "Awon ewe Osanyin" (Yoruba medi-
cinal leaves).
The research was undertaken in West Africa, in a cultural uni-
verse established through oral traditions, where the values are different
to those of a civilization based on written documents. In the first case,
memory plays a fundamental role. The recipes were collected among
the babalawo who, in the Yoruba community, perform divinations
using a system called I f a . This is based on 256 signs called odu under
which traditional medical practices are classified. These 256 odu I f a
are double signs derived from sixteen single 1 ones and paired, either
with themselves to form sixteen primary odu,2 or with one of the fif-
teen other single signs to form the 240 secondary ones 3 .

10
 The first of these secondary odu results from the association of
the two first single signs, ogbe and oyeku, and is called ogbe alamuulu,
ogbe-owner-of-the-variety or ogbe-owner-of-diversity. During the
preparation of a plant medicine, the babalawo establishes a link
between it and the corresponding I f a sign, which he draws on the I f a
divination board with the powder iyerosun4.

During my studies I observed the existence of verbal links

between the name of the plant, the name of its expected medicinal and
magical action and the odu, or sign of I f a under which it is classified
by the babalawo. These verbal links are essential to help them memo-
rize the knowledge transmitted by the oral traditions, believed to be the
vehicle of ase (power). This means that they consider the written word
to be entirely ineffective; in order to have an effect and in order to act,
words have to be spoken.

11
 Thus knowledge, verbally transmitted, is an essentially cre-
ative force, not just at the intellectual level but at the dynamic level
of behavior. It is based more on reflexes than on reasoning, reflexes
which originate from impulses that come from the cultural back-
ground of the Yoruba society. This knowledge is transmitted by
babalawo to omo awo (from master to disciple) through short sen-
tences based on the rhythm of breathing". Being constantly repeated,
they become verbal stereotypes which, in turn, become easily
accepted definitions. This method has been used in many other tra-
ditions, including those of the ancient Greeks, whose rules for com-
posing poetry, according to Jean-Pierre Vernant 6 , required knowl-
edge of diction techniques which were composed of pre-established
rhymes.
Similarly, ancient Chinese (Marcel Granet 7 ) literature was based
on popular sayings, used when even the most original artists wanted to
prove and explain, narrate or describe anything. This did not mean that
they were thinking in a communal fashion, rather that the best way to
express an idea was to insert it into an established formula borrowed
from a well tested influential force. Later we shall see the importance
of melody in the magical usage of the Yoruba language, where asso-
nance and alliteration play a vital role.

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

It was also important to learn the scientific names of the

plants used, so I collected 3,529 specimens which were submitted to
the Botanical Department of the Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire
(IFAN) of Dakar, the Forestry Department of the Ibadan University,

12
Nigeria, Professor Portere from the Ethno-botanical Laboratory of the
Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris and finally to Professor H.M.
Burkhill of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, in London. These
3,529 Yoruba names correspond to 1,086 scientific names, the reason
for this difference being the fact that the Yoruba classificatory sys-
tem is different to that used by western botanical institutes and Carl
Von Linnaeus.
But knowing the scientific names of these plants is not
enough. A study must be made of the medicinal properties of these
plants, which I am sure will give us very useful information about the
value and virtues of the different plants used by the babalawo and
herbalists of Yoruba land. The aim of this book, is to show what
types of plants are used in Yoruba pharmacology and for what types
of medicinal or magical formulae they are used. The medicinal
virtues and values of a plant are not easy to find out, because rarely is
a plant used on its own. In general, formulae are made up of three to
six different plants. A plant may be compared to a letter of a word.
On its own it is insignificant, but when joined with other letters it
contributes to the meaning of the word.
I have collected several thousand recipes, or formulae, which I
have classified under six categories:
1. 237 formulae for medicinal remedies (oogun) which tally,
to some extent, with similar ideas in western medicine.
2. 31 formulae for remedies relating to pregnancy and birth, (ibimo).
3. 33 formulae for "magical works" relating to the worshipping of
Yoruba deities (orisa).
4. 91 formulae for "beneficent works" (awure).
5. 32 formulae for "evil works" (abilu).
6. 41 formulae for "protective works" (idaabobo).

13
 It is not easy to classify these formulae under categories. If I take
the example of an aforan, "to make people forget a case in court", I will
find it is an awure (beneficent work) for one of the parties but an abilu
(evil work) for the other. In this example, a certain leaf is required to
"kill" the voice inside a witness and another leaf may be used to "open
the mouth but not allow it to speak". This seems clearly an evil work
(abilu), but if one realizes that this remedy is required by a person who
needs to win a case in court and must neutralize the false testimony of an
enemy, it may be classified among beneficent works (awure) or among
those which render protection against evil works (idaabobo). It is also
difficult to trace a line of demarcation between scientific knowledge and
magic. This stems from the importance, in a traditional oral culture such
as that of the Yoruba, given to the notion of an incantation (ofo) spoken
during the preparation or application of the medicinal formulae (oogun).
If western medicine prioritizes a plant's scientific name and its
pharmacological characteristcs, then traditional societies prioritize the
knowledge of ofo. Countless remedies from around the world were
originally extracted from plants and later replaced by chemically recon-
stituted drugs, which had the same curative effects on the human body.
But in traditional societies, it is the knowledge of the ofo (incantation)
which is essential, as it contains the "power-to-alter" the formula's
pharmacological effect.
In those ofo transmitted orally, we find a definition of the action
expected from each of the plants used in the formula. I have not person-
ally made experiments to ascertain the efficacy of the action of these
plants, as this work can be more properly undertaken by a specialists in
pharmacology. There exist several plants which at first glance seem
merely symbolic but which actually have therapeutic value. This is the
case with two aquatic plants, oju oro (PISTIA STRATIOTES, Araceae) and

14
osibata (NYMPHEA LOTUS, Nymphaceae) which evoke in their ofo the
idea of superiority and domination in the following sentences:

Oju oro ni i leke omi, Oju.

Oro is above the water

Osi bata ni i leke odo.

Osi bata is above the river

This is followed by the pleasant mention:

Fila ni i leke ori.

The cap is above the head

And a more flattering one:

Ti Oba ni i leke ori.

The King is above all of them.

I believed for a long time that PISTIA STRATIOTES and

NYMPHEA
LOTUS were only used in those preparations for the symbolic reasons
already alluded to, but I have recently found an article written by
Professor Jean-Marie Pelt mentioning the sedative elements found in
NYMPHEA LOTUS.
At first glance, it is difficult to decide which parts of the recipes
have ase, or power, and which parts can be tested experimentally. We
must keep in mind that in the Yoruba language there is often a direct
relationship between the name of the plant and the plant's qualities, and
it would be important to know if the plants received their names because
of their virtues or if it is because of their names that certain characteris-
tics were attributed to them, like a kind of play-on-words, or ofo.

15
 These play-on-words, or incantations, have an enormous impor-
tance in those civilizations with a strong oral tradition, where they are
spoken in a solemn traditional manner. I believe that they can also be
considered as definitions. The incantations are often based on a partic-
ular reasoning being used for a particular situation or remedy. They
also serve as evidence of the continuity in the traditional archive of
data transmitted from one generation of babalawo to the next. This
ancient tradition expresses the philosophy of Yoruba culture and is part
of the "common sense" of Yoruba people.
It is obviously important to know if the interpretation corre-
sponds to the reality, and if the qualities ascribed to these herbs are
based on their "true" virtues, but I have to leave much of this study to
other specialists. My part has been restricted to the cataloguing of the
leaves used by the babalawo and herbalist doctors, and the description
of the preparation of the various ingredients, together with the texts of
the incantations spoken during their preparation. In those incantations
the names of the plants are accompanied by two or three stanzas
describing their specific qualities. It is vital to realize that a plant can
acquire a variety of attributes dependent upon its relationship with
another plant. Thus, a plant ascribed a virtue with one set, will be
ascribed a completely different one with another set. It will all depend
on the final preparation and the circumstances surrounding its use, not
forgetting the relevant incantation.
I have to stress the importance of a new attitude to pharmacolo-
gy here. In the western tradition it is often presumed that there has to be
one identifiable chemical to produce a given effect. Little thought has
been given to the possible effects arising from the complex chemistry
that results from the combination of different chemicals. In spite of the
many different qualities ascribed to plants, there is sometimes an

16
underlying structure in their symbolism, as is shown in the four plants
called awon ako ewe merin, considered to have masculine attributes
due to their power: ewe ina (U RERA MANII , Urticaceaej, ewe aaragba
(B RIDELIA ATROVIRIDI , Euphorbiaceae), ewe esisi funfun (T RAGIA BEN -
THAMII , Euphorbiaceae), ewe oloyin (S TRIGA ASIATICA , Scrophula-
riaceae). There are four other plants which have feminine attributes,
called ewe ero due to their soothing qualities: ewe odundun
(K ALANCHOE CRENATA , Crassulaceae), ewe tete (A MARANTHUS
HYBRIDUS
subsp. INCURVATUS , Amaranthaceae), ewe rinrin (P EPEROMIA PELLUCI -
DA , Piperaceae), ewe ikupero (D ICHROCEPHALA INTEGRIFOLIA ,
Compositae).

17
 THE ACTION OF PLANTS
AND THE ACTIVATING WORDS
OF INCANTATIONS

18
 chapter 1

THE EFFICACY OF THE WORD

YORUBA SYSTEM OF PLANT CLASSIFICATION

The characteristics adopted by the Yoruba for plant identifica-

tion and classification are different from the Linnaeus system. In
Yoruba territory, the naming, defining and classifying of plants, takes
into account their odour, the texture of their leaves, their reaction when
touched and the sensation felt on contact.

Many scientific names for each Yoruba name

One single name in Yoruba often corresponds to several scien-

tific names. Here are few examples:
Ahon ekun, leopard's-tongue, is the name given to leaves with a
raspy surface, although their shapes may vary. According to the scien-
tific classification they are respectively: HIBISCUS SURATTENSIS,
Malvaceae and HIBISCUS ASPER, Malvaceae; TETRACERA sp., Dilienia-
ceae; ACANTHUS MONTANUS, Acanthaceae.
Amuje, clots-blood, is called amuje nla, big blood clotter, in the
case of HARUNGANA MADAGASCARIENSIS, Rhizophoraceae or dragon's-
blood for its colour, and amuje wewe, little blood dotter, for BYRSO-
CARPUS COCCINEUS and CNESTIS LONGIFLORA, both Connaraceae, which
have the property of arresting bleeding.

19
 Bobo awodi is the name given to SOLANUM DASYPHYLLUM,
Solanaceae and CAPPARIS THONNINGII, Capparaceae, due to the shape of
its fruits, similar to that of the egg-plant.
Buje is the name given to plants used in preparations for tattoo-
ing and black hair dyes, classified as MORELIA SENEGALENSIS,
Rubiaceae; ROTHMANIA WHIFFIELDII, Rubiaceae; ROTHMANIA LONGIFLO-
RA, Rubiaceae; KEETIA LEUCANTHA, Rubiaceae; and SORINDEIA WAR-
NECKEI, Anacardiaceae.
Dagunro, stop-war, is the name given to thorny plants belonging
to three different families: dagunro gogoro (tall) for ACANTHOSPERMUM
HISPIDUM, Compositae; dagunro kekere (little) for ALTERNANTHERA
PUNGENS, Amaranthaceae; and dagunro nla (big) for TRIBULUS TER-
RESTRIS, Zygophillaceae.
Eekanna, claw, is the name given to plants that have thorns, eekan-
na adiye (hen's-claw) for PORTULACA QUADRIFIDA, Portulacaceae; eekanna
ekun (leopard's-paw) for ARGEMONE MEXICANA, Papaveraceae; eekanna
magbo for SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae and eekannase adiye for both
STRYCHNOS SPINOSA, Loganiaceae and ZIZIPHUS MUCRONATA, Rhamnaceae.
Eemo comes from the verb mo, to stick, and the various plants
thus designated all bear furry fruits which stick to clothing and animal
fleece. They are: DESMODIUM CANUM, Leguminosae Papilionoideae;
CENCHRUS BIFLORUS, Gramineae; SETARIA VERTICILATA, Gramineae; Pu-
PALIA LAPPACEA, Amaranthaceae; PGTJZOLZIA GUINEENSIS, Urticaceae.
Esisi is the name given to plants whose leaves and fruits are
covered with scratchy hairs, such as CNESTIS CORNICULATA and CNESTIS
FERRUGINEA, Connaraceae; MUCUNA PRURIENS, Leguminosae
Papilionoideae; TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiaceae; URERA MANII,
Urticaceae; SIDA URENS, Malvaceae. The same name has been given to
LAPORTEA AESTUANS and LAPORTEA OVALIFOLIA, Urticaceae, non

20
urticating plants whose leaves resemble those of the nettle.
Ewuro, bitter-leaf, is the name given to leaves with a bitter taste
belonging to various families such as V ERNONIA AMYGDALINA ,
V ERNONIA ADOENSIS , V ERNONIA COLORATA , S TRUCHIUM SPARGANO -
PHORA , all Compositae; S OLANUM WRIGHTII , S OLANUM ERIANTHUM both
Solanaceae; and L UDWIGIA OCTOVALVIS , Onagraceae.
Ilasa is the name given to plants which have mucilaginous char-
acteristics such as A BELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS , Malvaceae, for its fruits;
U RENA LOBATA , Malvaceae, for its seeds; and T RIUMFETTA RHOMBOIDEA ,
Tiliaceae for its leaves. All having in common this mucilaginous quality.
Orobeja, poison-catches-fish, is the name given to the plants
T HEPHROSIA VOGELII , Leguminosae Papilionoideae, and D IOSPYROS
PHYSOCALYCINA , Ebenaceae, whose leaves and pods are used to stun
fish in rivers and ponds.
Odundun is the name given to K ALANCHOE CRENATA , Crassula-
ceae and also to E MILIA COCCINEA , Compositae, also known as odundun
etidofe, odundun olokun or odundun odo. The name of eru
odundun, slave of odundun, is also given to abamoda or B RYOPHILLUM
PINNATUM , Crassulaceae for the same reason, and know as the "miracle
of St. Joaquim".
Patonmo, keep-thighs-closed, is the name given to those sensi-
tive plants whose folioles close at the slightest contact. It is applied to
M IMOSA PUDICA , M IMOSA PIGRA , Leguminosae Mimosoideae; and
B IOPHYTUM PETERSIANUM , Oxalidaceae.
Saworo, little-bell, is classified scientifically as T RILEPSIUM
MADAGASCARIENSE , Moraceae; C ARDIOSPERMUM GRANDIFLORUM ,
Sapindaceae; and C ROTALARIA sp., Leguminosae Papilionoideae. All
these plants bear fruits with loose seeds in the pod that make a jingling
noise when shaken.

21
Many names in Yoruba for each scientific name

If several scientific names exist for one Yoruba name, then the
opposite is also often true. Here are few examples:
B RIDELIA MICRANTHA , Euphorbiaceae corresponds to three
names in Yoruba:
1. asa, used for protection against enemies, idaabobo lowo ota, with the
ofo: "asa l'o ni k'ibi k'o maa sa fun mi": "asa says that the evil
should flee [ s a ] from me".
2. ira, the bark of which is used in cases of pregnancies supposedly
lasting up to three years, oyun orun, is used with the of o : "eepo ira
k'ora omo naa wa", "ira bark, make the child creep out of the belly"
(Formula 249).
3. fonu fonu, used as a remedy against worms, oogun ejoonu, with the
o f o : " f o n u fonu ba wa f o ejoonu", "fonu fonu, wash (expel) the
worms out".
The F LABELLARIA PANICULATA , Malpighiaceae also has three
names:
1. ajidere, awakening-secures-fortune, used to obtain honours and glory,
awure glanini, with the of o "ewe ajidere di ire gbogbo wa", "leaf of
awakening-secures-fortune, bring good things to me" (Formula 319).
2. aponkolo, used in formulas to obtain virility, aremo, with the of o :
"aponkolo, ko omo waye", "aponkolo, gather children so they may
come into the world".
3. lagbolagbo, used in formulas for good luck, awure oriire, with the
o f o : "lagbolagbo la ona're fun mi", "lagbolagbo, open the road of
good luck for me".
The IPOMOEA HEDERIFOLIA , Convolvulaceae has two names.
1. eti ologbo, cat's-ear, so named because of its shape, is used either to

22
get money, awure owo, with the of o : "Eti ologbo, l'o ni e maa
gb'owo wa", "cat's-ear said that you will carry money (to me)".
Alternatively it can be used to protect from death, idaabobo l'owo
iku, with the ofo: "Eti ologbo l'o ni ko gbo", "cat's-ear said that he
should grow old (not die)"; or it can mean to be loved by people,
awure iferan eniyan, with the of o : "eti ologbo l' o ni gbogbo yin feran
mi", "cat's-ear said that every one should love me". Formula 350.
2. kawo kawo, count-money, is used in two preparations to get money,
awure owo, with their respective of o : "Kawo kawo o ni ji ki o ma
kawo", "count-money said that indeed I shall count money"; and
"Kawo kawo kii ji k ' o ma kawo", "count-money does not wake
without counting money".
The JATEORHIZA MACRANTHA, Menispermaceae has five names:
1. alo elewe onika meta, leaf-owner-of-three-fingers (because of its
shape), used to find work, awure imu'ni rise, with the of o : "Alo
elewe onika meta ni o pe ki won o fi ire temi lo mi", " leaf-owner-
of-the-three-finger said that they suggest success to me".
2. alo elewe nla, owner-of-big-leaf, used to get a (chieftaincy) title,
imu'ni joye, with the of o : "Alo elewe nla 1'o ni e f'ire nlaa temi lo
mi", "owner-of-big-leaf said that you suggest a big honour for me".
3. a l o o f o h u n , grind-not-speak, used to be victorious over an enemy,
awure isegun ota, with the of o : " A l o o f o h u n ma je ki ota mi fohun",
"grind-not-speak, do not let my enemy speak".
4. namunamu, completely, used to win a case, awure aforan, with the
o f o : "Namunamu mo mu oran yii je", "I take this case and eat it up
completely".
5. boro, coming-easily, used for a pregnant woman to have an easy
delivery, awebi, with the of d : "Boro l' o ni k ' a y a maa bi boro",
"coming-easily said that my wife will bear a child easily".

23
 The C AMPYLOSPERMUM FLAVUM , Ochnaceae corresponds to
three names.

1. ajibepo, waking-up-looks-for-palm-oil, used to obtain protection

from
witches, idaabobo l'owo iyami osonronga,1 with the ofo: "Ajibepo ni
be aje", "waking-up-looks-for-palm-oil implores the witches".
2. fesoseje, make-blood-with-a-fruit, used to help a woman become
pregnant, imobinrin loyun, with the o f o : "Fesoseje k ' o s'eje
d ' o m o " , "makes-blood-with-a-fruit makes the blood turn into a
child" (Formula 235).
3. feje sehin, makes-the-back-with-blood, used to heal backaches,
oogun ehin didun, with the o f o : "Feje sehin ba mi wo ehin san",
"makes-the-back-with-blood, help me heal my back" (Formula 12).
The P LEIOCERAS BARTERI , Apocynaceae also corresponds to at
least three Yoruba names:
1. e f o , which is used in the offering, or magical work, performed to
protect people against accidents (particularly for drivers, who in
such cases are supposed to be whisked home safe and sound),
idaabobo l'owo ijanba, with the o f o : " E f o gbe mi f o ninu ibi e f o " ,
" e f o , keep harm away from me" (Formula 433).
2. dagba, to-become-old, alternatively, to remain alive, used also to
please the witches, wiwa iyonu iyami, with the o f o : "Dagba ni i
dori iyami aje", "Dagba always guides the witches (in order to pro-
tect me)" (Formula 274).
3. ologbokiyan, the cat-salutes-people, is used to obtain money, awure
owo nini, with the o f o : "Ologbokiyan gbowo w a " , "Ologbokiyan,
bring me money" (Formula 297).
The R AUVOLFIA VOMITORIA , Apocynaceae corresponds to at
least seven names in Yoruba, used in formulae for calming mad-
ness, oogun were. The o f o of the four first names are intended for
24
the following purpose:
1. "Apawere pa were yii san", "kill (and heal) this madness". The
strong tranquilizing effect associated with this plant is also known
and used in Western style medicine.
2. "Awowere ba mi wo were mi yii san", "help me to heal my madness".
3. "Dodo (dudu) l'o ni k'o dudu l'ara re k'o ma se were mo", "may the
madness that blackens his body never let him be mad again".
4. "Ira igbo ba wa gbe were yii lo", "send this madness far from him".
5. oora is used to make a pending lawsuit be forgotten, awure aforan,
with the ofo: "Oora l'o ni k'oro naa k'o ra", "oora says that this
lawsuit should get lost".
6. asofeyeje, fruit-to-be-eaten-by-the-bird, is used to please the witch-
es, iyonu iyami, with the ofo: "Asofeyeje ma fi eso fun eleye je",
"fruit-to-be-eaten-by-the-bird, do not give the fruit to the bird
owner" (that is, the witch).
7. oloragbo, buyer-of-forest, is used in several remedies against small-
pox, oogun ileegbona, with the ofo: "Oloragbo k'o ra lamorin kuro
l'owo ileegbona", "may oloragbo save this person from the hands of
smallpox".
These few examples show that the diversity of names in Yoruba
for the same scientific name derives from the need of finding in those
names the syllable which contains the "activating verb" of the incantation.

THE ACTIVATING WORDS IN THE OFO

The notion of an "activating verb" in an o f o (incantation) accom-

panying the preparation of remedies and "magical works", is described
by professor Robin Horton2: "In traditional African culture, the knowl-

25
edge of the name of a person or thing signifies that one may control them
to a certain extent." Consequently, among the Yoruba, the preparation of
remedies and "magical works", must be accompanied by certain spoken
incantations ( o f o ) connected with the plants, without which these reme-
dies and formulae are rendered inactive.
The spoken transmission of knowledge is considered the vehi-
cle of ase, i.e. the power within the words which remains ineffective in
a written text. Words, in order to become active, must be spoken aloud.
Among the Yoruba, the incantatory phrases ( o f o ) which accompany the
formulae contain this "activating verb", repeated in the plant's name.
The sentence may also contain other magical words naming the plants
or the ingredients used.
Such is the case for a remedy for flank pain, oogun iha didun,
belonging to odu owonrin meji, for which one must use the leaves of
ooyo aje (C ORCHORUS AESTUANS , Tiliaceae) and of awusa (P LUKE -
NETIA CONOPHORA , Euphorbiaceae), the feathers of agbe and aluko.
During the preparation of this remedy one must pronounce the fol-
lowing of o :

Ooyo aje wa yo arun kuro n'iha.

Awusa sa arun iha lo.
Agbe gbe arun iha kuro.
Aluko ko arun iha lo.

Ooyo aje, help me to remove the disease from my flanks.

Awusa, pick out and carry away the disease from my flanks.
Agbe, carry away the disease from my flanks.
Aluko, take the disease from my flanks.

In this short verse the "activating verb" is contained in one of

26
the syllables of the name of the corresponding plant or object. If, in
this example, some of the tones do not sound correct, we must real-
ize that sometimes the Yoruba use puns and play-on-words. We shall
see below some more examples of incantations where the tones are
more rigid.
William Bascom, 3 in his book on I f a , gives us an example of
the same kind and makes the following remarks. "A particular kind of
pun contributes to giving an inner connection (to formulae). These
puns are of a magic nature wherein the name of the sacrificed object
resembles words which express the desired result". The author men-
tions a "magical work" performed to find a place to stay, belonging to
the odu iwori meji. He indicates what offering should be made and the
appropriate incantations: a mortar ( o d o ) is used to find where to camp
( d o ) ; tete leaves are used to find a place to rest ( t e ) ; gbegbe leaves are
used to find a place to live ( g b e ) .
These kinds of o f o are very numerous. Here are few more
examples. For a remedy to cure coughing, oogun iko, one must pound
oja leaves (Q UASSIA UNDULATA , Simaroubaceae) and mix them with
lemon juice orombo wewe (C ITRUS AURANTIFOLIA , Rutaceae); drink
every morning three spoonfuls of this liquid and pronounce the
incantation;

Oja ja iko kuro l'orun.

Orombo bo iko kuro l'orun.

Oja breaks ( j a ) the cough.

Orombo, peel ( b o ) the cough from my throat.

The "activating verb" ( p a ) of a preparation is often the same for

all the leaves used and the same syllable may be found in each of the

27
names, as in the following example used against leprosy (Formula 202),
oogun ete:

Iki pupa, oparun and orupa ba mi pa arun ete.

Help me kill the leprosy.

The same is also true for a remedy used to heal convulsions,

oogun giri. The incantation is based on the syllable sa (run) occurring
in the names of the different plants invoked, i.e. to make the disease
run. (Formula 204).
For a "magical work" performed in order to procure good for-
tune, awure orire, belonging to the odu ogbe owonrin, one must use
ajifa bi ala, IPOMOEA CAIRICA , Concolvulaceae and a f a (unidentified)
leaves to which are added afara oyin, bee hives. These ingredients are
burnt until they are reduced to black ashes, which are then mixed with
palm oil and licked by the candidate. The "activating verb" is f a (rere),
"to draw good fortune", a syllable included in all the quoted names.
To be loved by a woman, awure iferan obinrin, (Formula 337),
the preparation employs the "activating verb" mu, "to capture", a sylla-
ble included in the names of the plants used, but differently accented.
These differences in tone may or may not appear in the words of the
incantations pronounced during the enactment of the formulae. Here is
an example in which the word re is a part of the "active" principle.
H OLARRHENA FLORIBUNDA , Apocynaceae is used to cure smallpox,
oogun ileegbona:

Ire m a j e ki o re mi.

Ire, do not let the smallpox find me weak (re).

28
 If one wishes to obtain a woman's favours, the incantation will be:

Ire ni ki e ba mi re.

Ire says you are friendly (re) with me.

The tone of the "activating verb" re is low in the first case and
high in the second.
The names of lamule leaf, C AS S I A A R E R E H , Leguminosae
Caesalpinioideae, deal with both keeping someone home, mule ( w a )
and catching a burglar, mu ole. It is used in the formulae to make an
unfaithful woman stay home, iida obinrin duro s'ile, belonging to the
odu ogbe iyonu, with the incantation:

Lamule ba mi mu obinrin temi wale.

Lamule bring my wife back home.

To be protected against thieves, idaabobo 1'owo ole, belonging

to the odu ogunda ogbe or ogunda ole (thief) one must pronounce the
incantation:

Lamule ba mi mu ole s'ile.

Lamule, tie the thief down for me.

The link between the name of the leaf and the expected action
invoked through the incantation is not always limited to the verb alone,
but may appear in a short or long sentence. When a formula is per-
formed to produce "vigorous" blood, expressed in Yoruba by imu eje
p o l'ara, "to have plenty blood in the body", one must employ the
leaves of apeje (unidentified) and amuje (H A R U N G A N A M A D A G A S -

29
C AR I E N S I S ,
Rhizophoraceae) burning them until a black powder has
been obtained, which must then be mixed to eko (corn dough), water
and be drunk after saying:

Ewe apeje pe eje pupo wa si ara mi.

Ewe amuje mu eje wa si ara mi.

Apeje leaf, order plenty of blood into my body.

Amuje leaf, bring blood for my body.

This is a case of false etymology, as amuje can also be translat-

ed as arrests-blood, drinks-blood or brings-virtues and is probably
wrongly used in a recipe to "improve" the blood in the case of anemia.
In a formula performed to protect someone against an enemy,
idaabobo lowo ota, (Formula 446), the following incantation is spoken:

Amowo aye kuro wa mowo ota kuro 1 'ara mi.

Pull-the-hand-out-of-(the-body), rescue me from the one who

grips me.

To lighten the load of a pregnant woman's body, she personally

should wash herself with the preparation described in Formula 231
while pronouncing the incantation:

Ewe amara fuye ("make-the-body-light") ba wa mu ara fuye.

Leaf of make-the-body-light, make my body light.

The "activating verb" of the incantation may be found in more

than one of the plant's syllables. For instance, when peregun
(D R A C AE N A F R A G R A N S , Agavaceae) is used in to obtain good luck,

30
awure orire, (Formula 333), the link is done through pere, the incanta-
tion being:

Peregun pe rere wa.

Peregun, send us good fortune (rere).

When peregun is used in offerings to please the witches, as

happens in Formula 275, wiwa iyonu iyami, the link is based on gun,
with the incantation:

Peregun o ni ki aye mi o gun.

Peregun order that my life will be straight (gun).

Foreign plants and names

Ilemu is derived from "lime" in English or from "lima" in

Portuguese (C ITRUS AURANTIFOLIA , Rutaceae). It is used in formulae to
obtain money, awure owo, with the incantation:

Ilemu mu owo wa.

Lime, bring money.

Taba, derived from tobacco (N ICOTIANA TABACUM , Solanaceae),

is used as a remedy against the bloating of the body, oogun ara wuwu,
(Formula 205) or against convulsions, oogun giri, with the incantation:

Taba ta arun danu.

Tobacco, push (fa) the disease away.

31
 Concerning rawaye, derived from rawaya (C OCHLOSPERMUM
TINCTORIUM , Cochlospermaceae) in Hausa, the links are based on dif-
ferent syllables of its name.
In a "beneficent work" performed to obtain money, awure owo
nini, (Formula 298) one must pronounce the incantation:

Rawaye ba mi wa owo temi fun mi.

Rawaye, help me get my money.

In a formula performed to remain in the world, ipe l'aye, the

incantation is:

Rawaye gbogbo wa l'a o ye.

Rawaye, we (awa) shall all stay alive (ye).

The name guaba is derived from "goiaba" (P SIDIUM GUAYAVA ,

Myrtaceae) in Portuguese, the guava brought from Brazil. Its leaves are
used to relieve throat and mouth irritations, oogun igbalode, and its incan-
tation should be performed with a slight nasalisation of the first vowel:

Guaba ikoko ma ma gun aba.

Guaba, may the hyena not climb up on my hut (gun aba).

The ojuusaju (P ETIVERIA ALLIACEAE , Phytolacaceae) was also

imported to Nigeria from Brazil, where this plant is called "erva-da-
guine", or simply "guine", the name formerly given to the whole of the
African West Coast.
Ojuusaju means favouritism, partiality, respect for a person.
Its o f o are based both on isaju, "favour", and isaaju, "which pre-

32
cedes" (we must remember that in certain parts of Nigeria such as
Osogbo the pronounciation of the hard "s" is scarcely differentiated
from that of the soft "s"). Other o f o are derived from the sentence sa
oju, "heal the eyes". Here are a few examples of o f o based on these
possible links.
In a "magical work" performed to ask for compassion from the
witches, iyonu iyami, the incantation is:

Ojuusaju l'o ni ki e f'ire gbogbo se isaju mi.

Ojuusaju says you will do me a favour (isaju) or bring

good luck.

In a "beneficent work" performed to obtain good luck, awure

orire, (Formula 332) the incantation is:

Ojuusaju mu rere se isaju mi.

Ojuusaju, favour me ( i s a j u ) with good luck.

For a remedy to treat eye trouble, oogun oju didun, (Formula

163) the incantation is:

Ojuusaju ba mi sa oju jo.

Ojuusaju, heal my eyes ( s a o j u ) .

Maize, agbado (ZEA MAYS, Gramineae), originally of American

origin but recently imported to Africa, is an interesting case because
various parts of the plant enter in the composition of formulae belong-
ing mainly to the magical field.
The leaves, ewe agbado, can be used for awure orire, to have

33
good luck. These leaves are classified in the odu iwori ofun or iwori
agbado. Its incantation derives from a common saying:

Orire ni t 'agbado.
Agbado rin hoho d'oko.
O ko re bo wa 'le.

The maize has good luck.

The maize goes naked to the field.
He collects good luck and returns home with it.

Another saying about the maize is:

Kini agbado a mu bo? Igba omo.

Kini agbado a m u b o ? Igba a s o .

What will the maize bring home? Two hundred children.

What will the maize bring home? Two hundred clothes.

These are allusions to the single maize seed, which when plant-
ed, yields heavy sheath-covered cobs, bearers of opulence and wealth.
The leaves of agbado are also used in offerings made to beg
favours from the witches, iyonu iyami, and are burned with ewe ata
k o r u n k o ( C A P S I C U M A N N U U N , Solanaceae), e w e sinkinrinmini
( B A R L E R I A sp., Acanthaceae) and a pigeon, eyele, till a black powder is
obtained, which must then be drunk daily with cold eko, Indian corn
meal. The incantation for this preparation is:

A-rin-yo ma ni t'agbado.
Ata korunko 'kii binu aje.
Aje kii binu sinkinrinmini.
Eyele ki i bi onile ninu.

34
 Maize walks with joy.
Ata korunko does not hate the witch.
The witch does not hate sinkinrinmini
The pigeon does not anger the owner of the house.

The cob of maize is used to help a woman go into easy labor,

awebi, which is classified in the odu dealing with childbirth mentioned
earlier, ogbe oturupon or ogbe tun omo pon, "she puts a child on her
back again". The odidi agbado (whole maize cob) should be ground in
a mortar with ewe ahara (MOMORDICA CABRAEI, Cucurbitaceae), iyere
(PIPER GUINEENSE, Piperaceae) and kan-un bilala, strong potash. This is
given to the woman every morning to be drunk with hot eko while pro-
nouncing the incantation:

Agbado ba wa gbe omo wa le.

Ewe ahara m a j e ki oyun o ha.
Kan-un bilala la ona f ' o m o .

Maize, help me make the child come down.

Leaf of ahara, do not let the pregnancy delay.
Strong potash, open the way for the child.

The grainless cob of maize is called poporo agbado and is used

in formulae to make a person victorious in wrestling, isegun ijakadi.
This is classified in the odu ose meji and ose onija, ( o s e , quarrelsome),
Formula 312. The of o for that is:

A nsare nu ekan ba mi gbe ota subu.

Poporo agbado ki i ba oloko dimu ja.
Atatu ni ti gbegi.

35
 The cob of maize does not fight the farmer.
(May the enemy be as weak in the hand of the wrestler as
the cob of maize is in the hand of the farmer.)
Gbegi does not fall down.

The expression nsare nu ekan is the beginning of a proverb:

A nsare nu ekan ki i sasan bi eniyan ko le nkan, nkan n le

oluware ni.

We do not run in vain among the grass (which has sharp leaves)
If we run after something (it is because) that something (which
is dangerous) is running after us.

Maize has generated proverbs in other languages. The Hausa

call it "tofa" and the Fulani "soyo"4 and their respective proverbs are:
"You have to go around, not across a field of tofa" and "A man needs
shoes to walk in soyo".
The sheath, hariha, enveloping the maize cob is used in a for-
mula to help a pregnant woman feel light in her body, imu ara fuye or
imu ara gege, classified in the odu ogbe otura or ogbe alaso funfun,
ogbe-owner-of-the-white-cloth (i.e. the hariha enveloping the cob). The
incantation for this recipe is:

Ahara l'o ni ki ara fuye.

Ara gege ni ti hariha.
Eeru lo ru ara fuye.

Ahara said that the body will be light.

Hariha has a light body.
Eeru go (make) the body light.

36
 The roasted maize grains, agbado sunsun, are used in formulae
to make a court case be forgotten or fall into oblivion, awure aforan or
idaabobo l'owo ejo, belonging to the odu ogbe otura or ogbe kolejo,
ogbe-has-no-case-in-court. To obtain this result, shake the sere (a cal-
abash used as a rattle by devotees of Sango) full of burnt ingredients,
every morning while pronouncing the incantation:

Ase-mura l'o ni ki gbogbo ejo mi yii o ra.

Ki won o ma bi mi mo.
K'oran naa ma hu mo.
Agbado ti a ba sun ki i hu.
Eree ti a ba sun ki i hu.
Oka baba ti a ba sun ki i hu mo.
Ataare sisun ki i hu.
Jenjokoo l'o ni k'oran naa o jokoo.
Ki won o ma rantii re mo.

Power-of-disappearance said that all my cases (in court) will

disappear.
Make it so my cases (in court) do not come up any more.
Roasted maize does not grow.
Roasted bean does not grow.
Roasted guinea corn does not grow.
Roasted alligator pepper does not grow.
Jenjokoo ("let-me-sit") said that the case will sit (stay where it is).
They will not remember him any more.

In the same way that the court case will cease to continue, so
will grains of maize, guinea corn or beans fail to yield after they

37
have been roasted. The incantation may relate to the way in which
maize imported from South America spread across Yoruba land.
The owner of the first and only maize field sold his crop only after
he roasted it, so that nobody else could cultivate it. One of his ser-
vants, however, was able to trick him by feeding fowls with non-
roasted maize before sending them to farmers in other places. These
farmers quickly dispersed and planted the seeds thus smuggled. It
was the in this way that maize become widely available throughout
the Yoruba land.

THE SIGNS ODU OF IF A AND THE VERBAL LINKS

All the formulae containing plants are classified by the babala-

wo in the 256 signs ( o d u ) of I f a , which often establishes a link
between the names of the formulae, the names of the plants and the
names of the odu of I f a , specifically in relation to the second name
given to each odu.
A babalawo seldom uses the name of an odu in its original
form, prefering a name derived from its sound, sometimes adding a
prefix and suffix which may give it a particular meaning. This helps
the babalawo deduce the symbolism and the context of the stories, itan,
associated with the remedies classified by any particular odu. Here are
some examples:

Ogbe odi may also be called ogbe dina dina, ogbe-blocks-the-

road, or ogbe dimudimu, ogbe-seized or grasped.
Irosun ogunda may be called irosun geda, irosun-rat-house
(gun eda).

38
 Owonrin ose may be called owonrin wese, owonrin-washes-
the-feet.
Ogunda odi may also be called ogunda gedii igbin, ogunda-
cuts-the-bottom-of-the-snail, in allusion to the liquid that flows
from the snail's shell used as a tranquilizer.
Ogunda osa is also called ogunda masaa, ogunda-does-not-run-
he-is-courageous, or ogunda ma s'ojo, ogunda-is-not-a-coward.
Ofun osa is also called ofun salosun, ofun-rubs-with-chalk, or
ofun-rubs-with-camwood-powder. It may also be called o f u n
sawo, ofun-applies-medicament.
Oyeku owonrin may be called oye won rin mi, oye-breaks-iron-
into-small-pieces-and-swallows-them.
Obara irosun may become obara kosun, obara-rubs-camwood-
powder ( k u n osun).
Ike odi may become nkala nkadii, picking-okra-picking-bottom,
in allusion to the funny story of a peasant who went collecting
okra in a field but was caught scratching his bottom by a neigh-
bour who made the ironical observation: "instead of picking
okra he picks his bottom".

In the formulae to obtain a favour from the witches, iyonu

iyami, osa meji becomes osa eleye, osa-bird-owner, and ogbe ogunda is
also called ogbe iyami, my mother.
Among the 69 formulae collected by me in order to obtain the
favours of the witches, iyonu iyami, seventeen are classified in the odu osa
meji, also called osa eleye, another name designating witches. This is the
odu under which the witches, iyami osoronga, have come into the world.
Eleven of those formulae are classified in the odu ogbe ogunda, also called
ogbe iyonu, he-helps-(somebody-to-be)-pleased, both having links with

39
iyonu iyami. Here are three formulae from the different odu groups:
Belonging to the odu osa eleye we have Formula 271 with its
incantation:

Aje n ke kara kara.

Won ni eye pro 1o wolu.
Akara oso ki i je ki aje ko pa oso.
Aje kobale o ni ki eye o ma ba le mi.

Witches shout loudly.

They say an evil bird has entered the town.
But the cake of the wizard does not allow them to kill the wizard.
The-witches-do-not-perch-on-me says that that bird (belonging
to the witch) will not perch on me.

Belonging to the odu ogbe iyonu there is a receipt which orders

the grinding of the leaves ewe igbagba (S OLANUM sp., Solanaceae), ewe
ooyo (C ORCHORUS OLITORIUS , Tiliaceae) and ewe ekuku (C YNOMETRA
MANII , Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae), add ori (B UTYROSPERMUM
PARADOXUM ssp. PARKII , Sapotaceae, shea butter) and rub the body
while saying the incantation:

Ogbe iyonu je ki inu aje y o si mi.

Igbagba gba mi l'owo aje.
O o y o ni ki won o yonu si mi.
Ekuku o ni ki ibi won ku danu.

Ogbe iyonu, allow the witches to favour me.

Igbagba, save me from the hand of the witch.
O o y o said that they will be pleased with me.
Ekuku said that their evil will die out.

40
 Belonging to the same odu ogbe iyonu there is the receipt that
designates the placement of the leaves ewe ojuusaju (PETIVERIA ALLI-
ACEA, Phytolacaceae), ewe oyoyo (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS, Tiliaceae),
ewe aanu (VITEX THYRSIFLORA, Verbenaceae) and ewe agogo ogun
(HELIOTROPUM INDICUM, Boraginaceae) on a plate, add odidi ataare
(AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae), two eggs (eyin adiye) and
pour honey (oyin) over everything. Make a divination with obi i f in and
obi pupa (COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae) to discover the place where
the offering must be placed. Then add the kola nuts and place it on a
pad ( o s u k a ) made from a s o idasa f u n f u n (a yard of white cloth).
During the preparation of the offering, one should say the incantation:

Ewe ojuusaju l'o ni k'e maa f i ohun rere se saju mi.

Oyoyo 1'o ni k'e yonu si mi.
Ewe aanu l'o ni k 'e saanu mi.
Ewe agogo ogun l'o ni k ' e e maa da're t 'emi si mi.
A kii maa la'yin k'a roju.
O f u n ni ki e maa fun ni rere.
Osun ni ki e maa f i rere sun mi bo.

The leaf of ojuusaju said that you will bring me good things.
Oyoyo said that you are well disposed towards me.
The leaf of aanu said that you are pleased with me.
The leaf of agogo ogun said that you have thrown fortune
towards me.
We can not be sad if we lick honey!
O f u n said that you will bring me fortune.
Osun said that you will come bearing me fortunes.

Iru ekun, leopard's-tail, is at the same time the name of a plant

41
(DRACAENA LAXISSIMA, Agavaceae) and an euphemism employed in ref-
erence to an unmentionable odu of I f a too dangerous to be pronounced.
I shall respect this prohibition and say only that it is formed by the
fourteenth and fifteenth single signs 5 . A person born under such a sign
may expect bad luck in life 6 .
The other names given to this odu are irete ekun firu n'ale,
irete-leopard-which-beats-the-ground-with-its-tail, showing its dan-
gerous, restless personality, irete dudu, black-irete, and even irete f a
tutu to yinyin, irete-makes-life-as-cold-as-hailstones. These names
are not encouraging but they also have a counterpart, irete alaje,
irete-owner-of-wealth which illustrates the ambivalence present in
the odu signs.
Iru ekun, a forest tree that grows up to forty feet high, has a soft
porous stem and sap which supposedly can blind people. Its leaves are
used for healing 7 and the babalawos taught me four recipes which make
use of them. Three of these are used for magical works and all of them
are classified in the odu iru ekun.
To bring a court case against someone, i f i ti eniyan sejo, formu-
la 384, the following incantation must be used:

Iru ekun wa lo ree mu lagbaja.

Bomubomu wa lo ree bo o loju.
Kankan 1'ewe ina jomo.
Ojo omode ba wa oyinrin aye ni i ri t'orun.
Adi wa l'o ree di lagbaja.

Leopard's-tail come and take (sweep up) so-and-so.

Take-the-lid-off, go cover his face quickly.
Leaf-of-fire burns the child.

42
 The day that a little child finds "trouble" (oyinrin) on
this Earth, he will first have seen it in the outside world
(i.e. the spirit world from which he comes).
Palm-kernel-oil, come and tie up so-and-so.

To become rich, awure owo nini, the beneficial influence of the

odu iru ekun is used by its other name irete alaje, irete-owner-of-wealth
(Formula 299) with the following ofo:

Gbogbo ara l'asefun fi i saje.

Ahon ekun 1'o ni ki ire mi ki o maa won.
Iru ekun 1'o ni ki won o d 'eru ire wa fun mi.

Asefun makes money with all its body.

Tongue-of-leopard said that my fortune will not be small.
Tail-of-leopard said that it will bring me great fortunes.

To make a pregnant woman give birth easily, imu obinrin bimo,

(Formula 234) the ofo is:

Iru ekun wara wara kii gbe inu ekim moju.

Agelete 1'o ni ki omo naa maa sare tete bo wa.

The quick-leopard does not stay inside the leopard till dawn.
Agelete said that the child should run here quickly.

To protect a house against evil, idaabobo ile l'owo ibi, one

should put ewe iru ekun, ewe aaragba (E CLIPTA ALBA , Compositae)
and ewe itekun (unidentified) in a clay pot (ikoko), pour into it fresh
water and the liquid from inside the shell of a snail (igbin), bury the
pot in the ground inside the house and mark the site with eleven

43
cowries placed in the form of the odu iru ekun, saying the ofo:

Iru ekun a pe o o, wa ti 1'ekun ibi.

Itekun 1'o ni ki ibi o ma kun inu ile yii.
Aaragba maa gba ibi da s'ode.
Ile omi ki i gbona.
Ile igbin ki i gbona.

Leopard's-tail, we call you to come and shut the door (against)

evil.
Shut-the-door said that the evil will not fill this house.
We-buy-to-sweep, sweep away evil, throw it out.
The house that belongs to water is never hot.
The house that belongs to the snail is never hot.

One may note the assonances between ekun (leopard), ilekun

(door) and itekun (the leaf).
The name iru ekun is explained by some stories (itan) clas-
sified in the odu bearing the same name, iru ekun. In one of these
stories 8 the witches (iyami aje) come to dwell in the belly of the
wife of Orunmila. I f a was consulted and prescribed an offering of
crabs (akan), a rat, okete, (C RICETOMYS GAMBIANUS ) and leaves of
alugbinrin (T RICLILIA SUBCORDATA , Menispermaceae). This potion
was acceptable to the iyami as they are used in offerings to beg
favours from the witches (iyonu iyami). The offerings then turned
into a leopard, the witches were afraid and ran away from the belly
of the wife of Orunmila. When the wife of Orunmila slept, she
dreamt about this and saw a leopard come out of her belly wagging
its tail (ekun fi iru y o ) . The latter could be the etymological source
of the name iru ekun. This story seems to complete the incantation

44
of the third formula given below:

Wara wara kii gbe inu ekun moju.

Quick-leopard does not stay in the belly till dawn.

In another story 9 hunters prepare a medicine made of a leop-

ard's tail, pounded with soap (ose). This preparation is a concrete
play-on-words in which the hunters' action becomes an expression
of a name whose pronunciation is forbidden. It is expressed instead
by the verb te, to pound, which is also the last syllable of irete the
first half of the odu, and soap (ose) which, used in a different tone,
is the name of the second part of the odu that may not be spoken.
Thanks to this preparation, the hunters kill many animals and
become rich, alaje, which establishes a link with the other name of
same odu, irete alaje.
This leads us to the question of "mute incantations" and the
"realized words" about which Marcel Mauss 10 has spoken. This
concerns certain ingredients which appear in magical formulae
and are invested with ase (power or force) simply by virtue of
their names.
Thus the spoken names of these ingredients can replace the
full verbal incantation belonging to the formulae. This device allows
the supplicant to escape the punishment that might otherwise come
about if the forbidden odu were used. The objects themselves may in
these cases become the incantation. This is why they are called "real-
ized words".
These same "realized words" may be found in a preparation of
which William Bascom" speaks employing irosun, camwood powder,
and ose, soap, classified under the odu irosun ose.

45
 The conclusions of research made by Henri Lavondes12 among the
inhabitants of Madagascar, may also be applied to the Yoruba:

It is worthwhile trying to explain precisely how magical rituals

use a collection of articles and ingredients that challenge com-
mon sense. The significance of certain magical formulae
becomes clear from the moment we realize that the vocaliza-
tion, the objects and their effects are considered as a totality.
The very language itself is the vehicle for the desired result.
There is a vital connection between the incantation pronounced
by the master of ceremonies and the objects used in it.The
objects symbolically represent the incantation but the spoken
word realizes the action of the ingredients. A magical composi-
tion seems to be thought of as a collection of material things,
articulated by language. The spoken incantation provides the
description as well as the explanation for their meaning.

THE MANY MEANINGS OF THE WORDS

Ulli Beier in his book on Yoruba poetry13 gives a definition on

the subtleties of this language:

Not only are the Yoruba highly conscious of the meaning

behind the names, they also like to interpret every word they
use. They believe that every name is really a sentence that has
been contracted through a series of elisions into a single word.
Naturally, in the attempt to reconstruct the original sentence one
may arrive at various meanings.

46
 We have already seen the example of obara kosun with its dou-
ble meaning. We shall also examine the case of ogbe wehin, which can
mean both ogbe-washes-the-back, ogbe-cures-the-back and ogbe-looks-
back. Similarly, the name of the leaf amuje can mean drinks-blood and,
with a change of tone, arrests-blood or brings-blood.
The multiple symbolism of words is a notion defined by
Malay-Polynesian peoples, according to Paul Ottino 14 :

Contrary to western logic which requires a direct relation

between significant and signified, the form of expression
can be understood in different ways. This understanding
depends on the degree of the person's knowledge. To the
non-informed, the allusive sentence which corresponds to
an unknown proverb, tale or theme, will remain incompre-
hensible or out of context. The extensive use of the
metaphor, the dissimulation of the real meaning under a
symbolic image, makes it obscure as long as the system of
the symbolic correspondences of that particular culture
remains unknown.

To use another example, L. Renou 1 ' says that the hymns of

the Rigveda, the most important documents pertaining to the Vedic
religion and the oldest texts of India, which at first sight appear to be
the expression of an adoration of the forces of nature, are in fact
very clever poetry, used by the author to describe the correlation
between the human and the supernatural world. Poets participate in
oratorical tournaments in which each plays with an enigmatic lan-
guage of his own invention, interpreting and re-examining the rela-
tionship between language and nature.

47
 Gilbert Rouget 16 writing about the songs performed at the court
of the king in Porto Novo says that the ajogan songs also have this
strongly allusive style. They are composed of words that flatter the
local king, and make abusive threats to the enemy. They are expressed
in the form of conventional hints understood only by those familiar
with the subject. "The more the words have a hidden sense, the more
they are appreciated by those in the know, the most successful jokes
being those that are sung in the very presence of the person alluded to,
without he or she understanding it!"
This custom exists in Bahia among the descendants of the
Yoruba, who, during the ceremonies for the Orisa (deities), sing
songs called "cantigas de sotaque". They are songs in which a slight
change in the pronunciation can transform praise-like words into
ironical or abusive ones, sometimes directed at a visitor, who for his
own part, if he is able to, must answer by another song to show that
he was not tricked.
The many meanings of the words is also commented by
Reverend Father Hue 17 on his travel diaries about Mongolia in 1844:

A subterranean sea impeded the erection of a temple. A lama

met an old man who explained the reason for this failure. Later,
regretful that he told this secret, the old man sent his son after
the lama to kill it. But the son contented himself in taking back
a leather strap given to the lama by the old man, having decided
that the lama did not deserve death for such a trifle. The son
had understood "leather strap" and not "secret" because the
same Mongol word has both meanings. The old man told his
son to kill the stranger who had stolen his "secret" and not his
"leather strap".

48
 In certain cases the multiple meanings of a word may accentu-
ate the cohesion existing between its different meanings in spite of
the fact that at first glance they seem so different from one another.
The word afomo means at the same time "contagious disease" and
"parasite plant" (mistletoe, orchids, etc.). A link exists however
between those notions apparently very remote from one another: The
main leaves used for formulae concerning Soponna, the god of small-
pox and other contagious diseases, are generally parasitic and epi-
phytic plants.

LINKS BETWEEN NAMES

As we have already seen, the names given to the plants, the for-
mulae, the odu of I f a under which they are classified, and the effect
expected from them, show verbal links. We are now going to examine
some examples in more detail.

1. Irosun meji

Irosun (camwood) is simultaneously the name of the fifth odu,

the name of several odu of I f a, and denominates the plants BAPHIA NITI-
DA and PTEROCARPUS OSUN, Leguminosae Papilionoideae. It is also the
name of the cardinal bird (EUPLECTIS FRANCISCANA). This group shares
the red colour of the cardinal bird and the camwood powder extracted
as a dye. Many formulae classified in odu irosun are connected with
the notion of the red colour and blood, eje. The medicaments used to
regulate menstruation of women, oogun ase obinrin, are classified in

49
the odu irosun meji, obara irosun and ogunda irosun. This last odu also
alludes to blood:

Ogunda feje kunle irosun.

Ogunda smears the house of irosun with blood.

And:

Ogunda eje ta soro.

Ogunda makes the blood flow copiously.

This formula uses ewe sejesoro (BASELLA ALBA, Basellaceae)

whose name means makes-the-blood-flow-copiously. For formulae
performed to increase virile power (aremo), classified in the odu osa
irosun, also called osa eleje (osa-owner-of-blood), one must use the
leaves of olododo, owner-of-the-scarlet-f lower (HEISTERIA PAVIFLORA,
Olacaceae) with the incantation:

Olododo eleje ti i w'ewu eje.

Owner-of-the-scarlet-f lower who wears a gown of blood.

This same odu osa irosun is also called: osa elepo, osa-owner-
of-red-oil. Irosun meji is also called irosun odidere, irosun-
parrot because of the parrot's tail-feathers which are very red. The odu
irosun ose is also called irosun eje, alluding to camwood and blood's
red colour.
Numerous formulae classified in the irosun odu are related to
the idea of sleep (sun) or sleeplessness (aisun).

50
a) To sleep

We have eight recipes that make someone sleep, oogun imu ni

roorun sun, of which we shall give two. Belonging to the odu irosun
meji (Formula 207) there is the incantation:

Irosun meji je ki lagbaja. o le sun.

Ako odo ni i mu oorun wa.
Asun da ragbada la a ba igi ako odo.
Ata l'o ni k'o ta aisun jade.
Alubosa ba wa saisun yii daa.
Iyo yo aisun jade.

Irosun meji let so-and-so sleep.

Ako odo always brings sleep.
Plentiful sleep is what we find at the ako odo tree.
The alligator pepper says that sleeplessness will go away.
Onion, help us to chase sleeplessness away.
Salt, deliver us from sleeplessness.

Belonging to the odu iwori irosun (iwori-owner-of-sleep) there

is the Formula 208 which uses the incantation:

Aaja ki i ba omo re ja aja.

Erowoo ni ti gbingbin.
Oju oro ni o leke omi.

Aaja does not fight against his own son.

Gbingbin is always fresh and calm.
Oju oro floats over water.

51
 Not a word is said about sleeping but the incantation calls for
calm and peace.

b) To cause sleeplessness

Formulae to make people sleepless, iran aisun si eniyan, are

classified in the odu oyeku irosun, also called oyeku alaisun, oyeku-
owner-of-sleeplessness, and in the odu odi irosun or idin aisun, cater-
pillar-does-not sleep. The following incantation accompanies a formula
to make someone sleepless, iran aisun si eniyan:

Maa je ki lagbaja k 'o le sun.

Idin aisun ni ki e fi fun un 1'oju k'oma 1'oju oorun.
Efun ni ki e fi fun l'oju k'o ma oju orun.
Osun ma je k'o le sun.
Obi ifin ni ki e fi fin l'oju k'o ma le sun.
Obi ipa ni ki e fi pa oju re da si odo lagbaja.

Do not let so-and-so sleep.

Idin-does-not-sleep, do not let him sleep.
Chalk, do not let him sleep.
Camwood, do not let him sleep.
White cola nut, spray him on the face so he will not be able to sleep.
Red cola nut, turn so-and-so's face to a place of sleeplessness.

c) To cause and avoid nightmares

The babalawo may send nightmares (alakala) through various

52
formulae, abilu alakala, (owner-of-nightmare) or conversely protect
clients from nightmares by using oogun alakala. First we will deal with
sending nightmares.
Abilu imu ni l'alakala (to send a nightmare to someone)
belongs to odu ogbe ofun (Formula 390). Its incantation invokes a
powerful entity called Sigidi, specialized in malevolent nocturnal activ-
ities such as killing people while asleep. The formulae covering these
activities are classified in the odu already mentioned: odu irosun or
idin aisun for which the incantation is:

Idin aisun ma je ki o le sun.

Caterpillar-does-not-sleep, do not let him sleep.

According to tradition, 18 Sigidi, a nightmarish human form

somewhat akin to the European idea of an incubus, follows the
orders given by his "owner", goes and sits on the chest of his
enemy to suffocate him. Sigidi can only sit on people while they
are asleep. But the person (the current "owner") who sent him must
stay awake (aisun) until he comes back otherwise Sigidi will come
back without having accomplished his mission and then suffocate
his "owner".
Against nightmares, oogun alakalaa, there is the antidote
belonging to the odu iwori ofun instructing the communal burning
of: ewe akala odan (M A L A C A N TH A A L N I F O LI A , Sapotaceae),
ajekobale, witch-does-not-perch-on-me, (C R O TO N Z AM B E S I C U S ,
Euphorbiaceae), ewe abirikolo, turn-at-once, (H AU M A N I AS T R U M
LI L A C I N U M , Labiatae) and ori aja, the head of a dog, till one has a
black powder that must then be rubbed over cuts under the eyes and
eaten with cold eko. The incantation is:

53
 Ala rere ni t'akala odan.
Ajekobale e ma ba le mi.
Aja maa gbo won.
Isinku orun pehinda.
Owo te ewe abirikolo.
Isinku orun pehinda.

Good dreams are of akala odan.

Ajekobale, do not perch on me.
Dog, bark after them.
Dead in heaven, go back.
My hands have touched abirikolo leaves.
Dead in heaven, go back.

2. Ogbe iwori

The odu ogbe iwori has another name, ogbe wehin, ogbe-
cures-back, ogbe-washes-back or ogbe-looks-back. This odu is related
to oogun ehin didun, a remedy for backache. Of the nineteen recipes I
have for this oogun, twelve are classified in the ogbe wehin. One of
the leaves used in the oogun ehin didun is ewe igbehin (R APHIOSTYLES
BENINENSIS , Icacinaceae), should be ground together with egbo ope,
root of palm-oil tree (E LAEIS GUINEENSIS , Palmae), iyere, (P IPER
GUINEENSE , Piperaceae), and cooked with a snail (igbin) in oil. Add
salt and give it to the patient to eat. During the preparation one must
say the incantation:

Igbehin gb'ehin lo.

Ehin ki i dun ope.

54
 Ehin ni iyere fi i ti igi.
Ehin ki i dun igbin.

Igbehin, carry away the backache.

Ope's back never hurts.
Iyere leans against the tree with its back.
The back does not pain the snail.

Anothe recipe requires the grinding together of ewe feje sehin

(CAMPYLOSPERMUM FLAVUM, Ochnaceae), and sixteen seeds of ataare
(AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae), rubbing them on sixteen
cuts made on the patient's back, saying the incantation:

Feje sehin ba mi wo ehin san.

Ataare ti mi l'ehin.

Feje sehin, help me to cure my back.

Meleguetta pepper, back me up.

One may also boil ewe jomo oruke in water (CROTON LOBATUS,
Euphorbiaceae), ewe opon atakun (UAPACA HEUDELOTII, Euphorbia-
ceae), eeru, (XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae) and drink it every
morning, saying the incantation:

Jomo oruke ni i wo ehin san.

Opon ba mi pon omo yii dagba.
Eeru k'o ma je k'ehin o dun mi.

Jomo oruke cure the back (ache).

Opon, help me to carry this child till she becomes old.
Eeru, do not let (my) back pain (me).

55
 MAGICAL AND MEDICINAL NAMES

In the following examples we shall see how the names given to

the leaves bear a relationship to their inherent curative qualities and
virtues, reflecting a similar "name-to-result" system that can be found
in other cultures. However, sometimes verbal links seem to be based
more on magical reasoning than on direct medical/physical results.
In the formula for good luck, awure oriire, classified in the odu
ogunda soriire, ogunda-has-good-luck, one must grind ewe aworere
(COLA MILLENII, Sterculiaceae), ewe rere (TRICHILIA MONADELPHA, Melia-
ceae), ewe ori (VITEX DONIANA, Verbenaceae), mix them with soap ose,
wash one's head with the resulting mixture and pronounce the following
incantation, so rich in assonances that I have shown them in bold type.

Aworere, je ki n se oriire.
Ewe rere, je ki n se oriire.
Ogunda soriire 1'o ni ki n se oriire.
Ori rere ni t'emi.

Leaf of aworere let me have good luck.

Rere leaf, let me have good luck.
Ogunda-has-good-luck said that I too should have good luck.
Good luck is mine.

The odu ogunda ogbe is also called ogunda egbo (ogunda-

wound-of-knife) within which is classified oogun egbo ogbe, the
recipe to cure knife wound. This uses ewe pogbe pogbe, leaf-killer (of
pain) of-knife-wound (CYATHULA PROSTRATA, Amaranthaceae). The
same leaf is used to cure narun (crawcraw), according to Burkill19.
Formula 78 deals with knife wounds and uses the incantation:

56
 Pogbe pogbe ba wa wo egbo ogbe san.
Ahun ba wa hun ara po.

Killer-(of-pain)-of-knife-wound, help us cure the knife wound.

Ahun, help-us-contract (heal) the body.

The latex of igi ahun is mentioned by Burkill20 as being used in

a bandage against "Calabar swelling". This same igi ahun is employed
in a formula belonging to the odu ofun obara, mixed with snail shell,
ikarahun igbin, ground in a mortar with leaves of tanna jogbe, light-of-
fire-burns-out-wound (H OSLUNDIA OPPOSITA , Labiatae), Dalziel21 also
describes the treatment of wounds using the juice and fresh leaves of
H OSLUNDIA .
The name of the leaves of ikujenjo (D ALBERGIA LACTEA ,
Leguminosae Papilionoideae) means death-let-me-dance and is used in
the formula idaabobo l'ow o iku, protection from death, classified in
the odu oyeku ikujenjo or oyeku oturupon. Its incantation is:

Ikujenjo, oyeku ba turupon.

Ofojenjo, oyeku ba turupon.

Death-let-me-dance, oyeku meets turupon.

Loss-let-me-dance, oyeku meets turupon.

The leaf of moyunduro, make-pregnancy-remain, (unidentified)

is used in a formula to make a pregnancy run smoothly (imu oyun
duro), with the incantation:

Moyunduro tete ba mi mu oyun duro.

Make-pregnancy-stay, help me keep the pregnancy.

57
 Without the proper identification of this leaf it is not possible
to know if we are dealing with its purely magical use or whether there
is also an underlying medicinal use.
The leaf oruru, night-has-come (S PATHODEA CAMPANULATA ,
Bignoceae) is used for curing blindness, oogun oju fifo, being ground
in a mortar with ewe yunyun (A SPILIA AFRICANA , Compositae), and ewe
ododo okun, (C OMBRETUM PLATYPTERUM , Combretaceae, leaf flower-
of-the-sea). This product must be licked with palm oil while the suppli-
cant pronounces the following incantation:

Gbagba ni oruru ri na.

Ari'na d'ale ni ti yunyun.
Ewe ododo okun ba mi mu oju ri.

Night-has-come to see the light clearly.

Yunyun sees light till nightfall.
Leaf flower-of-the-sea, help my eyes see the light.

The leaf awefin, white-washes (O LAX S UBSCORPIOIDEA , Ola-

naceae) is used to anoint or wash the symbolical elements of the Orisa
(deities), wiwe Orisa, and is classified in the odu owonrin ofun or
owonrin wofun, white-washes, using the incantation:

Awefin we funfun, awefin Orisa.

Washes-clean-washes-white, wash the Orisa clean.

The leaf jomo oruke, let-the-child-grow-well (C ROTON LOBA -

TUS , Euphorbiaceae), is used in the oogun imu omo d'agba, to make the
child grow well (Formula 180). During the preparation one must say
the incantation:

58
 Jomo oruke je ki omo mi o ruke.22
Oruru ma je ki omo mi o ru.
Owu ni ki omo mi o wu d 'agba.

Let-the-child-grow-well, let my child grow.

Night-has-come, don't let my child grow weak.
Cotton says my child should grow well.

This same leaf jomo oruke is used for treating backaches in

young children, oogun ehin didun omode, and is classified in the same
odu ogbe iwori or ogbe wehin, ogbe-cures-the-back (ache) referred to
in Formula 179. The incantation used for this infusion is:

Jomo oruke ni i wo ehin san.

Opon ba mi pon omo yii d 'agba
Eeru k'o ma je ki ehin o dun un.

Let-young-child-grow-well always cures back (ache).

Opon, help me to carry this child (so that he may) become old.
Eeru, do not let the back pain him.

The same leaf C ROTON LOBATUS is known under the name of

erumogale, he-who-makes-the-child-grow. It is used in formulae
which deal with questions of pregnancy, such as the remedy made to
guarantee that a child is born, iromobi. This is classified in the odu
ogbe oturupon, or ogbe tomopon, ogbe-carries-a-child-on-the-back,
already spoken of. In this case, erumogale is boiled in water with
ewe egungun ogun, the silk cotton tree (C EIBA PENTANDRA , Bomba-
caceae). The infusion is given to the pregnant woman to drink. Its
incantation is :

59
 Egungun ogun ba mi bi omo mi.
Erumogale ba mi bi omo mi.

Egungun ogun, help me to bear my child.

Erumogale, help me to bear my child.

The same aromobi with the same ewe erumogale is used in

Formula 225. Its incantation is:

Arakobale nii tun omo se.

Erumogale j'omo o ru gale.
Eeru je ki omo o ru.

Body-does-not-rest, restore the child's health.

He-who-makes-the-child-grow, let the child grow quickly.
Eeru, let the child grow.

In order to retain the pregnancy, imu oyun duro, there is a

recipe classified in the odu owonrin iwori or owonrin bi iwori using
the same ewe erumogale pounded with the same eeru and mixed with
black soap, ose dudu, with which the pregnant woman should wash her
body. Its incantation is :

Erumogale ba mi mu oyun ru s'oke.

Eeru ba mi mu oyun yii d'agba.

He-who-makes-the-child-grow, help me to carry out

this pregnancy.
Eeru, help me to let this pregnancy develop.

60
 chapter 2

OPPOSITIONS

BENEFICENT AND EVIL WORKS

The different formulae given by the babalawo and herbalists

cover a large choice of medicinal remedies and magical works, that
have both negative and positive effects. It is rather difficult to separate
formulae that belong to the medicinal field from those that belong to
the magical field, as they are profoundly intertwined. To start with I
will list works made to beg evil favours, or "evil works" (abilu), and
also list protective works, or antidotes (idaabobo).

Diseases and accidents

Abilu iran onigba meji si eniyan, to send diarrhea and vomiting

to someone, one can use the Formula 399. To complete the effect, pour
some of this preparation on the threshold of the door. But there is also a
recipe to cure diarrhea and vomiting, oogun onigba meji, I have two
formulae which are very much alike. Use ewe agunmona trample-to-
know-the-way (C ULCASIA SCANDENS , Araceae), and odidi ataare
(A FRAMOMUM MELEGUETA , Zingiberaceae), to which is added in one
formula an ewe agbado (Z EA MAYS , Gramineae) (Formula 112), and in
the other a partridge feather, iye aparo. Burn all this to obtain a black
powder and store it in a small calabash, making one hole on top and

61
another on the bottom. Then seal it shut. In a very symbolic manner,
extract the powder from the upper side to combat vomiting and from
the lower side to combat diarrhea. In both cases the patient should
eat the recipe with cold eko. During the preparation, pronounce the
incantation :

Agunmona m a j e ki arun o gun mi.

Agbado ki o gba mi l'owo arun.

Climb-to-know-the-way, do not let the disease climb on me.

Maize, rescue me from the hand of disease.

Abilu i f i narun si eniyan, to send crawcraw disease to someone,

one can use Formula 385 classified in the odu ogbe irosun. This narun
disease has the privilege of being the first disease to appear on earth,
following a story classified in the dangerous odu o f u n okanran or
o f iran ekun, leopard-teaser. I must say to the credit of the babalawo and
herbalists that while I was given only one abilu (aggressive work) to
cause this disease, I was provided with 26 formulae of oogun to cure it.
Two of them are published in this book, belonging to the odu owonrin
meji, Formula 68, and odu ogbe osa, Formula 69.
Here are two more, the first belonging to the odu otura iwori:
grind together ewe itakun aran (FLABELLARIA PANICULATA, Malpighia-
ceae), ewe oju ologbo (ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoi-
deae), ewe e f u n ile (EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES, Convolvulaceae), and eat
the preparation mixed with cold eko. Its incantation is:

Itakun aran k'o ba ni ran an kuro.

Oju ologbo ki i je ki ibi o ri ni.
E f u n ile m a j e ki o le f u n mi.

62
 Itakun aran, do send the disease away from us.
Oju ologbo, do not let the evil see us.
Efun ile, do not let the disease press me down.

The second formula belongs to the odu ika ose: pound together
ewe okun epo (IPOMOEA OBSCURA, Convolvulaceae), eepo, bark of pandoro
(KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae), a good amount of orogbo (GARCINIA
KOLA, Guttiferae), ata gidi (ZANTHOXYULUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae), and
kan-un bilala (strong potash), and eat it with hot eko. Its incantation is:

Ewe okun epo pa narun k'o ku.

Pandoro pa narun k'o ku.
Orogbo gbe narun kuro.
Kan-un bilala kan an danu.

Leaf okun epo kill narun so that it dies.

Pandoro kill narun so that it dies.
Orogbo carry narun away.
Strong potash knock it out.

Abilu ida nilese, to make someone break his/her leg or arm. The
recipe belongs to the odu irosun ogunda or irosun geda, irosun-pounds-
the-rat-in-a-mortar (eda) Formula 383. Its conterpart, oogun eegun dida,
to mend broken bones, belongs to the odu iwori ofun, Formula 91.

Rain (ojo)

The question of the rain-makers and the rain-restrainers seems to

generate great controversy among Europeans, but the power of rain doc-
63
tors seems to be quite accepted in a great part of Africa, including
inYoruba land. Formulae to produce these effects are used by the babala-
wo to make rain fall, imu ojo ro or awojo, and to stop the rain, imu ojo
duro. These are both considered beneficent works, in spite of their antag-
onistic actions and in spite of the fact that what is good for some people,
and called awure, is bad for others and ought to be called abilu.
Awure imu ojo ro or awojo, to make the rain fall or "puller of
rain", belongs to the odu obara ose, Formula 370. The incantation is:

T'omi t'omi l'efoo bo oja.

A kii f'iyoo pamo k'o ma d'omi.
Obara ose wa lo ree se ri iji naa w'aye.
Obara ose waa lo ree se ri ojo naa wa le.

Together with water the vegetables come dripping to the market.

We do not keep salt without it becoming water.
Obara ose, go along and direct the rain to earth.
Obara ose, go along and direct the rain to the ground.

Belonging to the odu otura ogbe, also called otura olojo or otura
ereji, otura-owner-of-rain, there is the work that requires one to pound
together ewe olojongbodu, owner-of-rain-gets-odu (C OMMELINA ERECTA ,
Commelinaceae), and a freshly killed and skinned frog akere. Draw the
odu with iyerosun and mix the pounded substances and the iyerosun
with palm wine, emu. Then put the iyerosim on Esu, draw the odu
again and recite the following incantation:

B'akere ba l'egudu, a l'omi l'ehin ese mejeeji ehin.

T'ojo t'erun omi ki i tan ninu olojongbodu.
Emu ni k'oo fi m'eji naa waye I f a o.

64
 Otua ereji ni k'oo fi tu'jo s'ile.

If a striped frog jumps out of the river, it will have water on its
two hind legs.
During both wet and dry seasons water does not end inside
olojongbodu.
Ifa, use palm wine to bring the rain to earth.
Otua-of-rain, you should untie rain and let it fall to the ground.

Awure imu ojo duro is the work to stop the rain, belonging to
odu ogbe oyeku. Burn together ewe ekuku (C YNOMETRA MANII ,
Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae) and ewe okunkun (P ALMAE sp.). Put the
offering in a broken pot and add ashes, then place it on the roof or an
open space facing the sky.

Curses (epe)

An important and frightening activity performed by the babala-

wo is to help someone put a curse on another person, sepe so or epe
isepele eniyan. The protecting counterpart is idaabobo l'owo epe.
Epe isepele eniyan, to put a curse on someone, belongs to the odu
ogbe irete, Formula 401, while idaabobo l'owo epe, protection from being
cursed, belongs to the dangerous odu iru ekun. Pound together in a mortar
the fruit and leaves of aidan (T ETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA , Leguminosae
Mimosoideae), the bark and the leaves of odan (Ficus spp., Moraceae)
and ewe tude (C ALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS , Leguminosae Mimosoideae),
mix the preparation with black soap ose dudu and wash the body with it.
The second recipe belongs to the odu ofun iwori or ofun wore,
ofun -looks-well, Formula 426. Its incantation is:

65
 Wa ba mi pa epe ti won fi mi se yii.
Sawerepepe ba mi pa elepe fun mi.

Come help me to kill the curse that they put on me.

Sawerepepe, help me kill the one who sent me a curse.

Judicial cases (ejo or oran)

The babalawo are able to help a person take another person to

court, ifi eni s'ejo, as well as to protect someone already involved in a
judicial process idaabobo l'owo ejo, or to free someone from a case,
aforan. Once again, if I was given one aggressive formula, I was given
eighteen to defend against an aggressor.
Ifi eni s'ejo, "to push someone into a judicial process", Formula 384,
is
classified in the dangerous odu iru ekun. Idaabobo l'owo ejo, "protection from
a
judicial case", or aforan, "free oneself from the judicial case" belongs to the
odu
otura meji, also called otua elejo, otua-owner-of-case-in-court: Pound together
ewe agbawi kowee, interpreter-of-kowee-bird (MILLETTIA THONNINGII,
Leguminosae Papilionoideae) and ewe oora, that-which-disappears (RAU-
VOLFIA VOMITORIA, Apocynaceae) and eat them with cold eko. Its incantation
is:

Agbawi kowee yio gba t'emi wi.

Oora l'o ni ki oro naa k'o ra.

Interpreter-of-kowee-bird will speak on my behalf.

That-which-disappears said that the case should disappear.

66
 Another recipe belonging to the odu ogbe otura or ogbe-alara,
also called ogbe kosejo, ogbe-there-is-no-judicial-process, Formula 301
has the following incantation:

67
 Ogbe alara ba mi gbe oran yii ra.
Gbegi ni ki o fi gbeera.
Akufo ni ti agbon.
Atatu ni ti gbegi.
Ahonu l'eesun ho.

Ogbe alara, help me to make this case be forgotten.

Use gbegi to make it be forgotten.
To crack the case is agbon's (coconut) destiny.
Gbegi will never be overcome.
The noise made by eesun is harmless.

The third belongs to the odu iwori okanran and requires one
to burn together ewe abesokoro (P Y C N O B O T R I A N I TI D A , Apocy-
naceae), ewe aro (C R O S S O P TE R Y X F E B R I F U G A , Rubiaceae) and ewe
alupayida, (U R A R I A P I C T A , Leguminosae Papilionoideae) and then
rub the black powder obtained on the head using the following
incantation:

Abesokoro k'oran lo.

Aro ro ejo lo.
Alupayida pa ibi ejo da.

Abesokoro, carry the case away.

Aro, send the case away.
Alupayida, cancel the bad case.

To kill a wife's lover (magun)

Formulae exist both to kill a wife's lover (magum) or to be pro-

68
tected from it, idaabobo l'owo magun. The magun belongs to the odu
ogbe okanran, Formula 404. The idaabobo l'owo magun belongs to the
odu osa odi, Formula 440.

Evil (Ibi)

I was given seven formulae to bring someone evil, iran ibi si

eniyan, and 36 formulae to protect against acts of evil, idaabobo
1'owo ibi.
Iran ibi si eniyan belongs to the odu otura meji, Formula 398.
Its incantation is:

Ija oke ni ki won maa ba lamorin ja.

Abirikolo je ki lamorin o maa binu.
Otua meji tu ija ba a.

Heavenly-fight said that they must fight with so-and-so.

Turn-around, allow so-and-so to be constantly angry.
Otua meji, let him fight.

Idaabobo l'owo ibi, "protection against evil", belongs to the

odu ofun meji, Formula 430.

Akaja wogbo omo Ogun.

Oori fegeje omo Aloran.
Alakan gbariri wosa ni i se omo Iloseojikan.
Gbegbe l'o ni ki ire o maa gbe owo mi.
Eewo orisa omi ile alakan ki i danu.

69
 He-who-takes-dog-into-the-bush, child of Ogun.
Oori tree, vast child of Aloran's boss.
Crabs-that-rush-noisily-into-their-holes are the sons of
Iloseojikan.
Gbegbe said that fortune should stay in my hands.
Orisa prohibits this, the water inside a crab shell never leaks.

Death (iku)

We have nine formulae to kill people, which we are not going

to give, but we are giving one of the twelve formulae that protect
against death, idaabobo l'owo iku, belonging to ogunda oyeku, also
called ogunda iku, ogunda-death. Grind together ewe ekuku (S ESAMUM
RADIATUM , Pedaliaceae), ewe akisan (T RIANTHEMA PORTULACASTRUM ,
Aizoaceae) and agidi magbayin (S IDA ACUTA , Malvaceae) and eat them
with cold eko for a week or two. Its incantation is:

Ekuku ogerere l'o ni k'ibi o san lo.

Akisan l'o ni k'aye o san.
Olorun ti'kun a o ku.
Owo te we agidimagbayin.
Olorun a ti'kun.

Ekuku smoothly said that evil flows far away.

Akisan said that life will be good.
Olorun will shut the door, we will not die.
The hand touches the leaf agidimagbayin.
Olorun will shut the door.

70
 STIMULANTS AND TRANQUILIZERS

Both babalawo and herbalists have formulae to stimulate 23

the body and mind, or calm them24 . Stimulants belong to different
kinds and grades, ranging from mental stimulants, isoye, to stimu-
lants of virility, aremo, and body stimulants, marale or imu ara le.
Those stimulants are calmed by oogun ero. But there are also super-
stimulants which are able to make people act as if they are crazy,
imu ni se were, antidotes that protect against this craziness,
idaabobo l'owo were, and remedies that cure craziness, oogun
were.

Good memory (isoye)25

I was given 36 formulae for isoye, 16 of them belonging to

the odu obara iwori, also called obara akoye, obara-collects-under-
standing. Out of the 40 plants used to make different formulae for
isoye, 21 have syllables in their names which are linked to notions of
memory or intelligence: ye, to understand; mo, to know; ran (or
ranti), to remember; gbo, to hear and gbon, to be wise. Here is a list
of them:

asiyele (in which we understand)

aye (makes one understand)
iye (memory)
iye ataare (memory, alligator pepper)
iyeye (to understand and live)
koyejo (focus memory)

71
 oniyeniye (master of knowledge)
oye (understanding)
yeye (understand)
abo imo (female wisdom)
eemgo (that sticks in one's memory)
imo ope (knowledge, palm tree)
omo (knowledge)
alaran (reminds)
aparan (to beat to remember)
eeran (remembrance)
eeran esin (memory like that of a horse)
iran (remembrance)
ogbo (you hear)

We must also add, agberigbede (raise-head-to-understand-lan-

guage) and a rat that is part of the formulae, eku emo ( rat-you-put-to-
memory). There is a formula for isoye belonging to the odu obara
iwori, also called odu obara akoye, obara-collects-understanding,
Formula 345. Its incantation is:

Agberigbede ba mi gbe iye t'emi fun mi

Oniyeniye ba mi ko iye t'emi fun mi
Atori ba mi to iye t'emi fun mi
Iye tara ni t'ejo

Raise-head-to-understand-language, bring my memory to me.

Master-of-knowledge, help me to collect my memory.
Atori, help me to place my memory.
Sharp memory is characteristic to the snake.

72
Virility (aremo)

In aremo, the focus is placed on a more physical trait. We shall

see formulae belonging to the odu oyeku meji for awakening a dead
penis, a formula belonging to the odu ogbe odi, also called ogbe kaka
or ogbe lile, ogbe-strong, and another formula belonging to the odu
ogunda osa to have plenty of semen. Other formulae celebrate the result
of the formulae listed above: to have many children, belonging to the
odu eji ogbe, ogbe-puts-a-child-on-the-back; belonging to the odu ogbe
oturupon, also called ogbe tomopon, of which we have already spoken;
and odu o f u n otura, also called o f u n olomo so ada, o f un-owner-of-
child-throws-knife.
Belonging to the odu oyeku meji, to-awaken-a-dead-penis:
burn together ewe ajalugborogan, beat-to-stand-erect (T RISTEMA LIT -
TORALE , Melastomaceae), the fruit of alugbaako, kick-penis-strongly
(unidentified) and ataare (A FRAMOMUM MELEGUETA , Zingiberaceae).
Mix the black powder so obtained and eat it with hot eko. Its incan-
tation is :

Ajalugborogan gb'oko gan.

Alugbaako gb'oko gan.
Ataare ki o tari re s'ode.

Beat-to-stand-erect, make the penis hard.

Kick-penis-with-force, make the penis hard.
May ataare push it out.

Belonging to the odu ogbe odi, also called ogbe kaka or ogbe
lile, ogbe-strong, there is Formula 30. Its incantation is:

73
 Opasupa ni i pe omo wa.
Agbgnyin gbe omo wa.
Ogangan je ki omo se ogangan mi.

Killer-of-pain, call the children (to come).

Carry-goodness, bring the children (to come).
Straight, let the children come straight to me.

Belonging to the odu ogunda osa, to have plenty of semen: pound

together ewe afato, puller-of-semen (CANAVALIA sp., Leguminosae
Papilionoideae), the root of ogbolo (GREWIA VENUSTA, Tiliaceae), ewe
esisi funfun (TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiaceae) and kan-un bilala
(strong potash). Dry it, mix it with hot eko and drink it. Its incantation is:

Afato ba mi fa ato wa.

Esisi l'o ni ki n ni ato.
Ogbolo l'o ni ki ni ato.
Kan-un bilala la ato omo si mi l'ara.

Puller-of-semen, help me to pull the semen over here.

Esisi said that I must have semen.
Ogbolo said that I must have semen.
Strong potash, open the way for the semen into my body so that
I may have children.

Belonging to the odu ejiogbe there is the recipe to obtain virili-

ty that requires one to grind together the fruit of obi gare or obi edun
(COLA MILLENII, Sterculiaceae), ewe ooyo (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS,
Tiliaceae), eso ila (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS, Malvaceae), ewe ekuku
(CERATHOTECA SESAMOIDES, Pedaliaceae), the root of ininirin (unidenti-
fied) and kan-un bilala. Eat it with hot eko. Its incantation is:

74
 Eso obi gare je ki omo k'o po fun mi.
Omo yoyo ni t'o oyo.
Bi odun ba de ila a bi'mo.
Ewe ekuku ki i wa omo ti.
Omo weere ni t 'ininirin.

Fruit of cola gare, let there be plenty of children for me.

Ooyo always has plenty of children.
As soon as New Year comes the okra plant gets new children.
The ekuku leaf never lacks children.
Ininirin is always blessed with little children.

Belonging to the odu ogbe oturupon, also called ogbe t'omopon,

ogbe-place-child-on-back: pound together ewe oyun ninu, pregnancy-
inside (D YSCHORISTE PERROTTETTII , Acanthaceae), opa ireke, sugar cane
(S ACCHARUM OFFICINARUM , Gramineae), the fruit of aidan (T ETRA -
PLEURA TETRAPTERA , Leguminosae Mimosoideae) and dry fruit of ila
(A BELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS , Malvaceae). Extract the water, two spoon-
fuls of which must be drunk by the man every sixth day.

To make the body powerful (marale or imu ara le)

The recipe belongs to the odu ejiogbe and requires one to pound
together eleven orogbo (G ARCINIA KOLA , Guttiferae), eleven ataare
(A FRAMOMUM MELEGUETA , Zingiberaceae), alubosa elewe (A LLIUM
AESCA -
LONICUM , Liliaceae), roots of ifon (O LAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA , Olacaceae),
root of ipeta (S ECURIDACA LONGIPEDUNCULATA , Polygalacaceae), root of
oruwo (M ORINDA LUCIDA , Rubiaceae), the bark of pandoro (K IGELIA
AFRICANA , Bignoniaceae), four eja ojiji (fish), four adan (fruit-bats), four

75
agemo (chameleons), and kan-un bilala (strong potash). Dry everything
and mix with hot eko, to be drunk every morning. Its incantation is:

Agbo l'agbara 1'orogbo gbo.

Agbo o s'aisan ni ti ataare orisa.
Ifon ni ki e fi fon arun ara lagbaja.
Arun ki i se ifon ki o ma le run ka igbo.
Arun ki i se ipeta ki o ma le run ka iju.
Alubosa ni ki e fi sa arun ara lamorin jade ki o maa l'agbara.
Pahdoro l'o ni ki eegun re o ji.
Oruwo lo ree ru gbogbo aisan kuro l'ara re.
Nijoojumo l'ojiji ji pere pere.
Ako kan-un ni ki e fi kan gbogbo arun ara re danu.
Iyere l'o ni k'o maa ji pere pere.
Adan l'o ni k'o maa ji pere pere.
Agemo de alawo awo gba awo ti ko dara kuro l'araa mi.

Ripeness-has-power is orogbo that is ripe.

Ataare orisa ripens without becoming diseased.
Remove this person's disease with ifon.
Ifon is never ill to the point that he is unable to smell
the forest.
Ipeta is never ill to the point that he is unable to smell
the desert.
Remove this preson's disease with a small onion so that he can
become strong.
Pandoro said that his bones will wake up.
Oruwo, go remove all disease from his body.
The ojiji fish completely wakes up every day.

76
 Expell all disease with strong potash that has masculine
strength.
Iyere said that he will completely wake up.
Fruit-bat said that he will completely wake up.
Chameleon-owner-of-colour, take the bad colour out of my
body.

Softness, calm [antidote] (ero)

Strong recipes such as oogun ako can be neutralized by the anti-

dote oogun ero, that brings calmness and gentleness.
One of these recipes belongs to the odu irosun oturupon, also
called irosun (fresh) tutu, Formula 199, uses the following incantation:

Eleso meso o temi.

Eso eso n'o f i gbale yii lowo won.
Jemoniho o ni ki e je mi nihoo.
Dundun ni ti odundun.
Tutu ni ti tete.
Erowoo ni ti woorowo.
Ero ni ti ikupero.

Leaf-owner-of-gentleness, bring me gentleness.

Gently I will take their land.
Awaken-child (all-is-well) tell them you must say yes.
Odundun is always calm.
Tete is always fresh.
Woorowo is always fresh and calm.
Ikupero is always fresh and calm.

77
Madness (were)

Some stimulants produce extremely powerful energy, which are

capable of making people go insane, by affecting their equilibrium. The
babalawo and herbalists use the formulae to provoke and cure madness.
Abilu imu ni se were, to make someone go insane. The Formula
393 belongs to the odu ose otura and uses the incantation:

Igbo a bi iyi mo l'ori biri lo yi lamorin lori.

Gbogbonse a bi ise'mo niwin warawara.
Isumeri l'o ni ki opolo lamorin o riri o.
Ewe taba tutu t'o mu abi iko mo loyi biri.
K'oyi were o maa k o lamorin.
Nijojumo l'omikan kan.
Ikanra ni ki lamorin o maa ba kiri.

Igbo which turns a child's head, go immediately and turn

so-and-so's head.
Gbogbonse makes a child quickly lose his head.
Isumeri says that so-and-so's brain should be polluted.
Leaf of fresh tobacco, make the child giddy at once.
May giddiness and madness seize so-and-so.
Bitter water is forever bitter.
So-and-so must wander about in low spirits.

Oogun were, medicine to cure madness, belongs to the odu

owonrin iwori, also called odu owonrin were. Grind the root of
apawere, killer-of-madness (R AUVOLFIA VOMITORIA , Apocynaceae),
ewe eekannase adyie, claw-of-hen (P ORTULACA QUADRIFOLIA , Portula-
caceae) and kan-un bilala, strong potash. Mix them together with an

78
European brew, for example gin (oti oyibo). Drink a cup daily saying
the incantation:

Apawere pa were yii san.

Eekannase adyie ki i sinwin.
Ata pupa ni i pa iwin.

Killer-of-madness, cure this madness.

Claw-of-hen is not mad.
Red pepper kills madness.

Another formula for an oogun were, Formula 201, is remark-

able because among the plants used, outside the R AUVOLFIA
VOMITORIA
already mentioned, we find S ABICEA C ALYCINA ,Rubiaceae which is
used in Europe as a tranquilizer.
Babalawo sometimes mix stimulant plants with tranquilizer
plants to make people go mildly insane, imu ni se were, as in a recipe
belonging to the odu ogunda okanran where ewe popondo (P HASEOLUS
LUNATUS , Leguminosae Papilionoideae) which may also be used,
though this makes people rather aggressive. It is used in a formula iran
Esu pa eniyan, send-Esu-kill-someone but may be tempered by ewe
asofeyeje, fruit-eaten-by-the-bird, alternative for R AUVOLFIA VOMITO -
RIA . Ground tobacco, taba, N ICOTINA TABACUM is added. Burn the
ingre-
dients to make a black powder that must be blown off the palm of
one's hand.

79
 chapter 3

WORKS MOST ASKED FOR

OPULENCE

Babalawo are often asked to help people realize their earthly

desires for all that is opulent, which in case of the Yoruba, means a
desire for money, wives and children.

To have money (awure owo nini)

The desire to have money seems rather obvious when we consider

that we were given no less than 161 formulae towards this desirable end.
The majority of these preparations, 106 in total, consist in grinding
or pounding certain types of leaves and combining the result with black
soap, ose dudu with which money seekers must wash themselves. Sixteen
formulae are prepared by burning the leaves until a black powder is
obtained, that one must then eat with cold eko, lick with oil, drink with oti
oyibo, (gin) or rub on cuts made in the wrist. In another 32 formulae the
leaves are cooked and eaten with a pigeon (eyele), with oil and salt, with
snails (igbin), with fish eja aro, and with eggs. One recipe requires one to
mix the plant with shea butter (ori) and rub the product over the body.
Some others are more elaborate and seek the protection of Esu, or of Iyami
osoronga, the witch. Here is one formula of this, awure owo nini, belong-

80
ing to the odu Ogbe irete also called Ogbe molowo labira, ogbe-I-have-
money-in-pocket, or ogbe alahere owo, ogbe owner-of-hut-for-money.
Pound together ewe peregun (DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae)
and imi ojo pupa (red sulphur). Mix them with ose dudu, black soap,
and wash with it while reciting the incantation:

Asure p'aje.
Ada girigiri p 'aje.
Oro ap'aje ma ye ohun.
Peregun ni i pe irunmole l'at'ode orun w'aye.
Peregun wa l'o ree pe aje temi wa l'at'ode orun.

Run call richness.

Rush furiously call richness.
Speech call richness without failing.
Peregun calls 400 gods from beyond to come to earth.
Peregun go and call my richness from beyond.

To marry women and to be loved by them (awure iferan

obinrin)

I have been given 44 formulae to obtain a wife and be loved by

her, from which I have extracted the following, belonging to the odu
oturupon ogbe. Pound together ewe abo dodo (TAPINANTHUS HETEROMOR-
PHUS, Loranthaceae), ewe odofin igbo (TRICHILIA PRIEURIANA, Meliaceae)
and ewe laali (LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae). Mix them with ose dudu,
black soap, with which one should wash, reciting the incantation:

Abo dodo ni i feran dodo.

Odofin igbo ni i feran igbo.
Laali ni i feran owo lile.

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 Abo dodo likes making love.
Chief-of-forest likes the forest.
Laali likes a strong hand.

Belonging to the odu ika ofun. Formula 338. Its incantation is:

Sobohee o ni ki obinrin se obo hee nan mi.

Obo l'adyie se hee han akuko.

Opens-vagina said that woman should show open vagina to me.

Hen-opens-vagina and shows it to the rooster.

[To get] children (ibimo)

I have been given 175 formulae that deal with the desire to have
children. Included in these are remedies to ease conception, oogun imu
obinrin l'oyun, guarantee pregnancy or avoid termination, oogun imu
oyin duro, and ease child-birth, oogun awebi, classified in great num-
ber in ogbe oturupon and also called ogbe tun omo pon for which the
incantation is:

Ogbe sure pon mo.

Ogbe tun omo pon.

Ogbe run put a child on back.

Ogbe put again a child on back.

This odu ogbe oturupon is also called ogbe sun omo si, she-
puts-the-child-more-conveniently-in-his-place (that she carries on
her back) or even ogbe abiyamo, ogbe-mother-of-child.

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 The expression gbomopon, "to carry a child on the back"
alludes to the notion of happy maternity; it could be related to the word
igbadi, the strip of leather containing charms which promote fertility,
which some Yoruba ladies wear round their waists. It is the symbol
used by a married woman, even before having a child, in order to make
a show of her new status and as a promise to have numerous children.
Children are considered as being the greatest symbol of wealth
in a Yoruba family. They are the guarantee of the continuation of the
lineage. Women, when they walk in groups along the streets, during
days of festivities, proclaim this in their songs: owo, owo, omo lere,
"money, money, the child is profitable".
Gbomopon is the name of a plant (DYSCHORISTE PERROTTETTII,
Acanthaceae). It is also called ponmo seseki, seseki-carries-a-child-
on-back, or omoni seseki, child-just-saluted or even oyun ninu, the-
pregnancy-is-in-the-womb, showing the links between the plant and
notions dealing with young children and childbirth. The incantations of
the gbomopon plant for these remedies are:

Ewe gbomopon ki i fehin sile lai ponmo.

Leaf-carry-a-child-on-back cannot leave her back bare without

carrying a child.

Seseki ki i ji k'o mo ponmo.

Seseki cannot awake without carrying a child on back.

Odoodun ni omo seseki i ponmo.

Each year, child-just-saluted puts a child on the back.

Here are two formulae to help get a woman pregnant imobinrin

83
loyun classified in the odu ogbe turupon given to me by two different
babalawo.
In the first, Formula 236, ewe omoni seseki (D YSCHORISTE PER -
ROTTETTII , Acanthaceae) and ewe eemo (D ESMODIUM VELUTINUM ,
Leguminosae Papilionoideae) are ground and cooked with eku emo, a
rat (P RAOMYS TULBERGIA ) in oil and salt and given to the woman to
eat.
In the second, ewe gbomopon (the same D ISCHORISTE PERROTTETTII )
and
the same rat eku emo are used in the same manner and eaten by the
woman the first day of her menstruation.
In these formulae, the presence of eemo (whose fruit stick to
clothes and animals fleece) and the rat emo are explained in the incan-
tations by the "acting verb" mo, (to stick):

Ewe eemo l'o ni k'oyun o mo on ninu.

Leaf of eemo said that the pregnancy should stay in her womb.

The same incantation is used for the rat emo. But there is anoth-
er proverb for it which illustrates its prolific nature and in which the
assonance emo resembles omo:

Ojo kewaa a ba ri emo la a ri omo re.

Ten days after having seen the emo (rat), we see its child
(omo).

POWER

84
 The babalawo may also help people attain their desire to remain
on earth for a long time, to have good luck and to be victorious over
their enemies.

85
To stay long on earth (ipe l'aye)

Here are a few formulae out of the 36 that were given to me,
that belong to the odu ejiogbe. Mix together ewe asogbosato, maker-of-
old-age, (D IOSCOREA HIRTIFLORA , Dioscoreaceae), ewe eto, last
long (D RACAENA SURCULOSA , Agavaceae), ewe aape, we-should-live-
long (C ELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA , Ulmaceae). Burn them to make a black
powder that must be eaten daily with hot eko, reciting the incantation:

Asogbosato se mi ki n gbo, se mi ki n to.

Aape se mi ki n pe laye.
Eto je ki n to.

Maker-of-old-age make me live to be old, make me last long.

We-should-live-long make me stay long on earth.
Last-long let me last long.

Belonging to the same odu ejiogbe: Gather together ewe awaye

makuu, come-to-earth-and-not-die, (D RACAENA LAXISSIMA ,
Agavaceae),
ewe aro, (C ROSSOPTERYX FEBRIFUGA , Rubiaceae), ewe aape, we-shall-
live-long, (C ELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA , Ulmaceae). Grind them and rub them
into 21 cuts made on the head, reciting the incantation:

Awaye makuu ko ni je ki emi o ku ni kekere.

Aape l'o ni ki emi o pe l'aye.
Aro l'o ni ki emi o ro mo aye.

Come-to-earth-and-not-die do not let me die in youth.

We-should-live-long said that I will stay long on earth.
Aro, said that I will cling to life.

86
 Belonging to same odu ejiogbe: Grind ewe agbohewu ohaha,
we-become-old-with-plenty-white-hair, (H OSLUNDIA OPPOSITA ,
Labiatae), and cook it with a snail, (igbin), cut into sixteen pieces, then
add salt and oil and eat it at night saying the o f o :

Agbohewu ohaha ni temi n o gbo gbo gbo.

N'o hewu ohaha, agbo hewu ohaha.

We-become-old-with-plenty-white-hair I will grow old.

We-become-old-with-plenty-white-hair I will have plenty
white hair.

Good luck (oriire)

I was given 71 formulae for this, some of them belong to the

odu ogunda ogbe, also called ogunda soriire, ogunda-has good-luck.
The two formulae given below both belong to that odu.
Collect ewe gbawojo, gather-money-together, (A CALYPHA CILIATA ,
Euphorbiaceae), ewe aje, "money", (A ERVA LANATA , Amaranthaceae), ewe
akisan, we-salute-comfort, (T RIANTHEMA PORTULACASTRUM , Aizoaceae).
Pound them with imi oorun pupa (red sulphur), mix them with ose dudu,
black soap which one must use to wash oneself with. Its incantation is:

Gbawojo ba mi gba owo jo.

Gbogbo ara l'aje f i i s owo.
Akisan ni ki o san mi.

Gather-money-together help me to gather money together.

Money-makes-money with all parts of its body.
We-salute-comfort said that I should be comfortable.

87
 Collect ewe awo rere, promoter-of-goodness, (COLA MILLENII,
Sterculiaceae), ewe rere, "goodness", (SENNA OCCIDENTALIS, Leguminosae
Caesalpinioideae), ewe ori, that-sinks, (VITEX DONIANA, Verbenaceae).
Grind them, mix them with ose dudu, black soap, and use it to wash
head while saying the following incantation:

Awo rere je ki mi se oriire.

Ewe rere l'o ni ki mi se oriire.
Ogunda soriire l'o ni ki mi se oriire.
Ori rere ni temi.

Promoter-of-goodness let me have good luck.

Leaf-of-goodness said that I will have good luck.
Ogunda -has-good-luck said that I will have good luck.
Good luck is mine.

Victory over an enemy ( i segun ota)

Belonging to the same odu ogbe ose, also called ogbe segun,
ogbe-victorious. Bring together ewe abafin, we-meet-albinos, (RINOREA
sp., Violaceae), odidi ataare, (AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae),
and a rat, eku eliri. Burn them all to make a black powder that is rubbed
into 21 cuts made on the head. Its incantation is:

Abafin ba mi segun ota mi.

Liri liri ni eliri f i i segun ota re.

We-meet-albinos, help me to be victorious over my enemy.

Little by little is eliri victorious over his enemy.

88
 Belonging to the odu ogbe irete, also called ogbe sete, ogbe-
victorious-over-revolt. Gather together ewe ahon ekun, tongue-of-
leopard, (H IBISCUS ASPER , Malvaceae), odidi ataare, (A FRAMOMUM
MELEGUETA , Zingiberaceae), iko odide (tail feathers of a parrot). Burn
them all to make a black powder then rub this into 21 cuts made on the
head. The incantation is:

Fun ra ahon ekun ni i segun ota re.

Iko odide ba mi ko ibi lo.
Ataare ba mi tari ota lo orun.

Tongue-of-leopard wins (by itself) over its enemy.

Tail's-feather-of-parrot help me collect evil and make it go away.
Alligator pepper push my enemy to heaven (away from me).

AFOSE

An offering called afose, "may-what-is-spoken-become-reali-

ty" is frequently comsumed by people, babalawo, and herbalists, in
order to beg for favours. I was given 29 formulae for this prestigious
"work", from which I extract three, though I must say I never personal-
ly tried them out.
Belonging to the odu ose meji. Collect together ewe omoniro-
ganrogan, child-stand-upright, (C OMMELINA DIFUSA , Commelinaceae),
ewe mesen mesen gogoro, (S COPARIA DULCIS , Scrophulariaceae), ewe
mesen mesen itakun, (A BRUS PRECATORIUS , Leguminosae
Papilionoideae), odidi ataare, (A FRAMOMUM MELEGUETA , Zingibera-
ceae). Burn them to make a black powder that must be eaten daily with
cold eko. Its incantation is :

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 Ase gangan ni ti omoniroganrogan.
Mesen mesen gogoro ki i pa ohun Obarisa da.
Mesen mesen gidi ki i pa ohun Obarisa da.

Strong is the power of child-stand-upright.

Mesen mesen gogoro never contradicts the words of Obarisa.
Mesen mesen gidi never contradicts the words of Obarisa.

Belonging to the odu obara ose, also called obara alase, obara-
owner-of-power, there is an offering that requires bringing together ewe
tude, (CALLIANDRA PORTORICENCIS, Leguminosae Mimosoideae), ewe yaya
(unidentified), ewe ofia, (LAPORTEA AESTUANS, Urticaceae), ewe afoforo,
(TREMA ORIENTALIS, Ulmaceae), okunkun (a centipede). Pound them all and
mix them with ose dudu, black soap, that must be put inside a shell of ilakose
(a snail). One must touch the soap with the tongue when expressing a wish.
The odu ose otura, requires one to bring together ewe anamu
oga, stretch-to-take-chameleon, (IPOMOEA sp., Convolvulaceae), ewe
ase, "power", (IODES A F R I C A N A , Icacinaceae), ile kokoro (worm).
Pound them and mix them with ose dudu, black soap that must be put
in a horn. Lick the soap when expressing a wish. Its incantation is:

Anamu se ni ti oga.
Ase je ki oro temi o se.
Nijo ti kokoro ba lu ile ni i ja orun.

Stretch-to-take is like a chameleon.

Power, allow my words to be fulfilled.
When the worm falls to the ground it travels beyond.

These examples of the verbal links that exist between the names
of plants, name of remedies and names of the odu of I f a, show the per-

90
tinence of the system of thought of the Yorubas. Their memorization
system is difficult to seize and apprehend due to the changing nature of
an oral culture. Their cultural patrimony has been saved from oblivion
through these verbal links, which help them to remember the knowl-
edge transmitted by generations of babalawo.

91
The number between brackets is the number under which the formula is
catalogued at the Pierre Verger Foundation. The number following the
odu of I f a points to which one of the 256 odu the recipe belongs.

92
MEDICINAL AND MAGICAL
FORMULAE

93
 OOGUN

1 (2) Oogun abuke Otura owonrin, 202

Ewe nakenake
Owo eyo igba
A o gun po, a o si e ninu ikoko. A o wa fi aso fun fun sinu omi re gbigbona a
o si wo ehin ati aya. A o si maa pe of o re.
Nakenake ba mi na ike yii
Owo eyo ki i buke.

2 (3) Oogun ara gbigbon Obara ose, 120

Ewe abo osupe
Ewe ilasa agbonrin
Ewe esisi ile
Ori
A o l'o o pelu ori, a o pe of o re. A o si f i pa ara.
Abo osupe ki i je ki ara o gbon
Ilasa agbonrin ki i je ki ara o gbon
Esisi m a j e ki ara o gbon sisi.

94
 REMEDIES FOR HEALING THE BODY

1 (2) Medicine for the treatment of hunchback

Leaf of RINOREA sp., Violaceae
Two hundred cowries
Grind then boil in a pot, and then rub the body with the hot preparation using
a white cloth, while pronouncing the incantation:
'Nakenake, help me straighten this hump
Owo eyo is never hunchbacked.'

2 (3) Medicine for the treatment of shivering

Leaf of ALAFIA BARTERI, Apocynaceae
Leaf of URENA LOBATA, Malvaceae
Leaf of SIDA URENS, Malvaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind the leaves with shea butter. Recite the incantation and rub the mixture
over the body.
'Abo osupe prevents shivering
Ilasa agbonrin prevents shivering
Esisi, do not let so-and-so shiver again.'

95
3 (10) Oogun ara riro Oyeku meji, 2
Ewe ewa igun
Egbo ata
Egbo ipeta
Egbo ope
Egbo ahun
A o se e ninu omi, a o si maa mu un ni araaro. A o si maa pe o f o re.
Ewa igun je k i araa mi gun
Ipeta ba mi ta arun danu
Ata ba mi ta arun danu
Ara ki i ro ope
Ara ki i ro ahun.

4 (12) Oogun ara riro Osa meji, 10

Ewe ipe erin
Ewe ori
Ewe akeeri
Ose dudu.
A o gun un po mo ose dudu. A o maa f i we, a o si maa pe o f o re.
Ipe erin k'o pa ara riro
Ori maa je k i a ri ara riro
Akeeri ba mi k o ara riro lo.

96
3 (10) Medicine to cure body pains
Leaf of PAVETTA CORYMBOSA var. NEGLECTA, Rubiaceae
Root of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Root of SECURIDACA LONGIPEDUNCULATA, Polygalaceae
Root of ELAEIS GUINEESIS, Palmeae
Root of ALSTONIA BOONEI, Apocynaceae
Boil all together, drink in the morning. Pronounce the incantation:
'Ewa igun, help me relax my joints
Ipeta, help me expel this disease
Pepper, help me expel this disease
Palm trees never have pains
The tortoise never has pains.'

4 (12) Medicine to cure body pains

Leaf of ALBIZIA FERRUGINEA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae1
Leaf of BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae2
Leaf of HIBISCUS ROSTELLATUS, Malvaceae3
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Wash yourself with the mixture,
reciting the incantation:
'Ipe erin kills body aches
Ori, do not let us have body aches
Akeeri, help me carry away body aches.'

97
5 (23) Oogun ara riro Iwori obara, 52
Ewe a f u n lehin
Ewe adosusu
Ewe legun oko
Egbo peregun
A o se e ninu omi. A o maa mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo, a o si maa pe o f o
re si i.
Ara k i i ro ewe a f u n lehin
Adosusu k i i ri irora
Legun oko ki o ba ni le aburu lo
Ara k o ro peregun eti odo.

6 (28) Oogun ara riro O f u n irete, 255

Ewe okun irora
Ewe oorungo
Ewe ato
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re si i. A o si maa mu un leemeji lojoojumo.
Okun irora m a j e ki ara o ro mi
Oorungo m a j e ki ara o ro mi
Ato ba mi to ara yii k i o ma ro mi mo.

98
5 (23) Medicine to cure body pains
Leaf of PARINARI CURATELLIFOLIA, Chrysobalanaceae
Leaf of COCHLOSPERMUM PLANCHONII, Cochlospermaceae
Leaf of PSOROSPERMUM FEBRIFUGUM, Hypericaceae
Root of DRACAENA FRAGANS, Agavaceae
Boil in water. Drink three times a day, reciting the incantation
'Afun lehin never feels pain
Adosusu never suffers body aches
Legun oko should help us drive evil away
The peregun at the riverside never suffers body aches.'

6 (28) Medicine to cure body pains

Leaf of DIOCLEA REFLEXA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of VERNONIA AMBIGUA, Compositae4
Leaf of CHASMANTERA DEPENDENS, Menispermaceae
Boil in water. Drink twice a day, reciting the incantation:
'Okun irora, do not let my body ache
Oorungo, do not let my body ache
Ato, help this body so that it will ache no more.'

99
7 (30) Oogun ara tita Odi meji, 4
Ewe asin
Ewe atapari obuko
Ewe i f on
Eepo i f on
Egbo i f on
Eso aidan
Eso eeru
Kanafuru
A o se e pelu omi ninu ikoko. A o y o omi naa. A o lo kanafuru, a o f i tefa,
a o pe o f o re. A o po gbogbo re po mo omi. A o mu sibi kan. A o si f i pa ara.
Odi meji ba mi di arun kuro
Asin l'o ni ki ara o maa sin
Atapari obuko ki i ba obuko ja
I f on ba mi fon arun kuro
Aidan l'o ni ki ara o dan
Eeru ru arun kuro.

8 (33) Oogun ara to le Owonrin meji, 6

Ewe iru eku
Egbo gbogbori
Egbo oganwo
Egbo abado
Kan-un bilala
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa mu un ni eemeji lojoojumo.
Ewe iru eku o ni ki ara o na tan
Gbogbori gbe ara duro
Oganwo ko tun ara gan k ' o le
Abado ba ara duro
Kan-un bilala m a j e ki arun o kan mi lara.

100
7 (30) Medicine to cure an itching body
Leaf of DICHAPETALUM MADAGASCARIENSE, Dichapetaleceae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Leaf of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Bark of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Root of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Camphor
Put all in pot, add water, cook, filter. Grind camphor to a powder and draw
the odu odi meji in it reciting the incantation below, mix all ingredients with
water then drink one spoonful, rubbing the rest of the extract over the body.
'Odi meji, help me remove the disease
Asin says that the body will be cured
Atapari obuko never fights with the he goat
Ifon, help me carry away the disease
Aidan says that the body should be smooth
Eeru, carry disease away.'

8 (33) Medicine to cure contracted body5

Leaf of STACHYTARPHETA CAYENNENSIS, Verbenaceae
Root of ACRIDOCARPUS SMEATHMANNII, Malpighiaceae
Root of KHAYA GRANDIFOLIA, Meliaceae6
Root of HEXALOBUS CRISPIFLORUS, Annonaceae
Strong potash
Boil the above ingredients in water, recite the incantation and drink twice a
day.
'The iru eku says that the body should stretch completely
Gbogbori, make the body straight
Oganwo should strengthen the body
Abado, support the body
Kan-un bilala, do not let the disease touch my body.'

101
9 (34) Oogun ara to le Ika ose, 180
Ewe ewon funfun
Egbo ewon
agogo
Eso aidan
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe ofo re, a o si maa mu un ni araaro.
Ewon funfun won arun kuro
Ewon agogo won arun kuro
Aidan ni k'o ma dan-an wo mo.

10(36) Oogun ara yiyi Ogbe alara, 28

Ewe owatete
Igi rogbo aguntan
Ewe toto
Egbo toto
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Owatete ba mi tun ara se
Rogbo aguntan ki i k a ti
Ewe toto lo ni ki ara mi o maa dan
Egbo toto lo ni ki ara mi o maa dan.

11(40) Oogun omu didun O f u n odi, 245

Ewe awagba
Ewe ayunre
Ewe orupa
Eso eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa mu un ni eemeji lojoojumo.
Awagba ni gba omi somu
Ayunre ba wa be omu yii
Orupa pa arun ti nbe nibe
Eeru ru u.

102
9 (34) Medicine to cure contracted body
Leaf of ACACIA KAMERUNENSIS, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Root of LANTANA CAMARA, Verbenaceae
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Ewon funfun, snatch out this disease
Ewon agogo, snatch out this disease
Aidan says it should not trouble him any more.'

10 (36) Medicine to cure a tense body

Leaf of TRICHILIA MONADELPHA, Meliaceae
The whole plant of PALISOTA HIRSUTA, Commelinaceae
Leaf of MARANTOCHLOA LEUCANTHA, Marantaceae
Root of MARANTOCHLOA LEUCANTHA, Marantaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Owatete, help me cure the body
Rogbo aguntan never contracts
Toto leaf says my body should be smooth
Toto root says my body should be smooth.'

11 (40) Medicine to cure pain in the breast

Leaf of CELTIS WRIGHTII, Ulmaceae
Leaf of ALBIZIA sp., Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of HYMEBICARDIA ACIDA, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'Awagba always brings water to the breast
Ayunre, help us beg to cure this breast
Orupa, kill the disease which is in it
Eeru, carry it away.'

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12(45) Oogun ehin didun Ogbe wehin, 18
Ewe feje sehin
Omo ataare merindilogun
A o lo o. A o pe o f o re. A o sin gbere merindilogun si ehin, a o si f i pa a.
Feje sehin ba mi wo ehin san
Ataare ti mi l'ehin.

13(47) Oogun ehin didun Ogbe wehin, 18

Ewe asokara
Ewe egbesi
Egbo egbesi
Eepo egbesi
A o se e ninu omi, a o maa yo omi re mu ni eemeta lojoojumo, a o si maa pe
o f o re pelu.
Asokara m a j e k i arun se mi lara
Egbesi ba mi wo ehin mi.

14(49) Oogun ehin didun Ogbe wehin, 18

Ewe ekhue
Egbo gbogbonse
Eso eeru iju
Egbo ipeta
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa mu un ni araaro.
Ekhue k o ehin lo ko san
Gbogbonse se arun ehin k o san
Eeru iju ko ru u si iju
Ipeta k o ta a danu.

104
12 (45) Medicine to cure back pain
Leaf of CAMPYLOSPERMUM FLAVUM, Ochnaceae
Sixteen seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Grind, recite the incantation. Make sixteen cuts on back and rub.
'Feje sehin, help me to heal my back
Ataare, support my back.'

13 (47) Medicine to cure back pain

Leaf of DRYPETES FLORIBUNDA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
Root of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
Bark of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
Boil in water. Drink three times a day, reciting the incantation:
'Asokara, don't let the pain affect me
Egbesi, help me to cure my back.'

14 (49) Medicine to cure back pain

Leaf of LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM, Solanaceae
Root of UVARIA AFZELII, Annonaceae
Fruit of UVARIA CHAMAE, Annonaceae
Root of SECURIDACA LONGIPEDUNCULATA, Polygalaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup each morning.
'Ekhue, carry away the pain, so that the back may heal
Gbogbonse, maintain the back healed
Eeru iju, carry it into the bush
Ipeta, kick it away.'

105
15(59) Oogun iha didun Owonrin meji, 6
Ewe ooyo aje
Ewe awusa
Ori
Iye agbe
Iye aluko
A o sun un, a o poo mo ori. A o pe ofo re. A o si maa fi pa iha.
Ooyo aje wa yo arun kuro n'iha
Awusa sa arun iha lo
Agbe gbe arun iha kuro
Aluko ko arun iha lo.

16(65) Oogun iha didun Owonrin ogbe, 92

Ewe femo loju toki
Ewe agbonyin
Ewe ejinrin wewe
Eso eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe ofo re, a o si maa mu un lojoojumo.
Femo loju toki ki o ma je ki iha o dun mi
Agbonyin ki o ma je ki iha o dun mi
Ejinrin ki o ma je ki arun wo mi ni iha
Eeru ru arun kuro.

17(73) Oogun ila dudu Iwori okanran, 53

Ewe osagi
Egbo osagi
Ewe eru
A o se e ninu omi. A o si maa fi pa ara, a o si tun maa mu un.

106
15 (59) Medicine to cure flank disease
Leaf of CORCHORUS AESTUANS, Tiliaceae
Leaf of PLUKENETIA CONOPHORA, Euphorbiaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Feather of a blue guinea fowl
Feather of a red guinea fowl
Burn, mix with shea butter, recite the incantation. Rub the mixture on
the flanks.
'Ooyo aje, help me to remove the disease from the flanks
Awusa, pick and carry it away the disease from the flanks
Agbe, carry away the disease from the flanks
Aluko, take away the disease from the flanks.'

16 (65) Medicine to cure flank disease

Leaf of HYPTIS SUAVOLENS, Labiatae
Leaf of PIPTADENIASTRUM AFRICANUM, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of MOMORDICA CHARANTIA, Cucurbitaceae
Fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink daily.
'Femo loju toki, don't let my flanks pain me
Agbonyin, don't let my flanks pain me
Ejinrin, don't let the pain get in my body
Eeru, take the disease away.'

17 (73) Medicine to erase a tattoo

Leaf of EUCLINIA LONGIFLORA, Rubiaceae
Root of EUCLINIA LONGIFLORA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Boil in water. Rub the body with it and drink it.

107
18(74) Oogun oga ara wiwo Okanran meji, 8
Ewe eruwa ako
Ewe ilosun
Egbo ata
Alubosa elewe
A o gun un ninu odo, a o si tu omi eso orombo si i, a o si ro o sinu igo.
A o maa mu un leemeji lojoojumo.

19(75) Oogun imu ara fuye Owonrin ika, 101

Eepo oganwo
Ewe oganwo
Eso eeru
Kan-un bilala
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa mu un leemeji lojoojumo.
Oganwo ba mi wo ara yii
Eeru ba mi ru arun kuro.

108
18 (74) Medicine against pain in the whole body
Leaf of ANDROPOGON GAYANUS, Gramineae
Leaf of PENNISETUM HORDEOIDES, Gramineae7
Root of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Pound in a mortar, add orange juice, pour into bottles, drink twice a day.

19 (75) Medicine to make the body light

Bark of KHAYA GRANDIFOLIOLA, Meliaceae*
Leaf of KHAYA GRANDIFOLIOLA, Meliaceae
Three fruits of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Strong potash
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup twice a day.
'Oganwo, help me heal the body
Eeru, help me carry away this disease.'

109
20(84) Oogun imu ara le Otura odi, 200
Ewe odundun
Ewe tete
Ewe rinrin
Ogede abo
Edo okuta
Ipepe irin
Korofo eyin adiye
A o lo gbogbo re papo. A o si sa a. A o tun un lo. A o tefa, a o pe o f o re.
A o si maa mu un ni ale pelu eko tutu.
Oju ki i pon irin k'o maa ni pepe l'agbede
Tutu l'adiye ye, tutu l'adiye pa
O f i f o l'aa ba korofo re
At'ojo ateerun ki i re odundun
At'ojo ateerun ki i re tete
At'ojo ateerun ki i re rinrin
Ogede abo ki i j ' a y e inira
Edo giri ki i dun okuta.

21(87) Oogun ile tutu Oyeku meji, 12

Ewe eruwa ako
Egbo isa
Egbo ijokun
Eso eeru
Okuta ako mesan
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o si maa mu un leemeta lojoojumo.
Bi eerun ba yan eruwa o gbe
Dudu ni t'egbo ijokun
Isa ba wa sa arun yii lo
Arunkarun ki i se okuta.

110
20 (84) Medicine to have a healthy body
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
One firestone
Residue of iron from a blacksmith
An empty egg shell
Grind all together, dry in sun, grind again. Draw the odu in the powder,
recite the incantation. Drink at night with cold white corn meal.
'The iron is never so poor as not to leave a residue at the blacksmith
The hen calmly lays its eggs, the hen calmly broods its eggs
The egg shell is always found empty
Odundun is never ill, neither in the rainy season nor in the dry season
Tete is never ill, neither in the rainy season nor in the dry season
Rinrin is never ill, neither in the rainy season nor in the dry season
Ogede abo never experiences a hard life
Edo okuta never provokes pain.'

21 (87) Medicine to cure swelling of face, hands and feet

Leaf of ANDROPOGON GAYANUS, Gramineae
Root of STROPHANTUS HISPIDUS, Apocynaceae"
Root of MUCUNA POGGEI, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Fruits of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Nine firestones
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink three times daily.
'When the dry season comes eruwa dries up
The ijokun root is always black
Isa, help us to take away this disease
No disease ever troubles okuta.'

111
22 (89) Oogun tle tutu iwori aweda Iwori ogunda (Iwori aweda), 54
Ewe itakun daji
Egbo isa
Egbo ijokun
Egbo eruwa
A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe o f o re. A o po gbogo re po. A o se e ninu omi
gbigbona, a o si f i we oju.
Iwori aweda wa we lamorin yii da
Daji ni k'ara re o da
Sakasaka ni eruwa da
Isa k o sa arun kuro l'ara re
Ijokun mu arun ikun kuro.

23 (93) Oogun oriwo Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe ogungun
Ewe egun
Eso eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re si i , a o si f i aso f u n f u n si inu un re, a o
rora
maa f i j o ara.
Eeru ni k o ru
Ogungun l' o ni k o gun
Egun o ni k o gun
Ejiogbe gbe ipa yii kuro.

24 (97) Oogun oriwo O f u n meji, 16

Ewe ewuro
Ewe taba gbigbe
Ori
A o l'o o pelu ori, a o pe o f o re, a o si f i pa ara.
Ewuro lo ni ki oriwo k o tu
Taba ta oriwo kuro
Ori ni k a maa ri oriwo mo.

112
22 (89) Medicine to cure swelling of face, hands and feet
Leaf of Cissus sp., Vitaceae
Root of STROPHANTUS HISPIDUS, Apocynaceae10
Root of MUCUNA POGGEI, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Root of ANDROPOGON TECTORUM, Gramineae
Mix, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation. Boil in water
and wash the face with it.
'Iwori aweda, come cure so-and-so
Daji says that his body will be well
Eruwa is always fit
Isa, remove the disease from his body
Ijokun, remove the disease from the bowels.'

23 (93) Medicine to cure swellings

Leaf of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae"
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae
Fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Immerse a white cloth in the water
and rub the body carefully with it.
'Eeru says it should shrink back [to normal]
Ogungun says it should become perfect
Egun says it should become perfect
Ejiogbe, carry away this swelling.'

24 (97) Medicine to cure swellings

Leaf of VERNONIA AMYGDALINA, Compositae
Dry leaf of NICOTIANA TABACUM, Solanaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind, mix with shea butter, recite the incantation, rub body with
the preparation.
'Ewuro says the swelling should ooze out its impurities
Taba, kick out the swelling
Ori says we should see swelling no more.'

113
25(98) Oogun oriwo Iwori ofun, 61
Ewe omi tutu
Ewe tubeka
Ori
Kooko inu un yaya
A o lo o po mo ori, a o pe ofo re, a o si maa fi pa ara wuwu.
Ewe omi tutu tu oriwo ko san
Tubeka tu oriwo ko san
Kooko inu yaya ki i ba ikan ja
Ori o ni ki a ma ri mo.

26(105) Oogun amu omu yo Ose oyeku (Ose akinyode), 228

Ewe ata oluigbo
Eepo ogungun
Ewe ogungun
Eepo pandoro
Eso pandoro
Eso aidan
A o gun un po a o si se e ninu ikoko, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re,
a o po gbogbo re po, ki omobirin we omu pelu re.
Ata oluigbo ree gbe omu omidan wa
Pandoro o ni ki omu re oyo wa si ode
Ogungun l'o ni ko gun si ode
Aidan l'o ni ko ma le dan an
Oseyeku ko se e si ode.

114
Leaf of BRILLANTAISIA LAMIUM, Acanthaceae
Leaf of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grass cut by white ant
Grind, mix with shea butter, recite the incantation. Rub on swollen part
'Omi tutu, ease the swelling that it may heal
Tubeka, ease the swelling that it may heal
The grass cut by the white ant does not quarrel with it
Ori says we should see the swelling no more.'

26(105) Medicine to help a girl develop breasts

Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Bark of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae
Leaf of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae
Bark of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
Fruit of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Pound, boil in a pot, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation
Mix everything. The girl must wash her breasts with it.
'Ata oluigbo, go and bring the damsel's breasts
Pandoro says that her breasts should come out
Ogungun says that they should shoot out
Aidan says that they should not be afflicted
Oseyeku should bring them out.'

115
27(108) Oogun aremo Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe ikin iruke
Ewe esisi ile
Egbo ogbolo
Kan-un bilala
Iyo
A o gun un, si sa a gbe, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o si maa mu un pelu eko
gbigbona l'ojoojumo.
Ewe ikin gbomo wa
Omo roro ni ti esisi ile
Omo ki i tan nidi ogbolo
Kan-un bilala la ona omo wa
Iyo ki o yo omo wa.

28(110) Oogun aremo Ejiogbe, 1

Egbo enisa oogun
Odidi ataare mewa
Ogede agbagba dudu
A o lo o po, a o f i t e f a , a o pe o f o re, a o g u n un po mo ogede agbagba
dudu
(lehin ti a ba ti y o eepo re). A o maa mu un pelu oti lile tabi eko.
Enisa oogun ba mi sa oogun soko mi
Ko maa ni agbara
Agbara kaka ni ti ogede agbagba
Ara yiya gaga ni t'ataare.

116
27(108) Medicine for virility
Leaf of PANICUM MAXIMUM, Gramineae
Leaf of SIDA URENS, Malvaceae
Root of Cissus POPULNEA, Vitaceae13
Strong potash
Salt
Pound and dry. Draw the odu in the dry powder and recite the incantation.
Drink with hot white corn meal every day.
'Ewe ikin, bring children to me
Esisi ile always bears beautiful children
Ogbolo never lacks children
Kan-un bilala, open the way for children to come
Iyo, bring me children.'

28(110) Medicine for virility

Root of RITCHIEA CAPPAROIDES var. LONGIPEDICELLATA, Capparaceae
Ten whole fruits of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA (black), Musaceae
Having peeled the banana, pound everything together. Grind.
Draw the odu in the preparation and recite the incantation. Drink with spirits
or white corn meal.
'Enisa oogun, help me apply medicine to my penis
May it be powerful
Ogede agbagba is always very powerful
Ataare is always very active.'

117
29(121) Oogun aremo Ogunda meji, 9
Ewe eke ile
Ewe osunsun
Ewe arinigo
Ewe aka
Ejo kan
Alabahun kan
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o po o po, a o si maa la a pelu oyin.
Eke ile k'omo wa
Osunsun sun omo si mi
Arinigo je ki omo o rin mo mi
Aka ka omo wa
Omo yoyo ni t'ejo
Atomodomo l'alabahun di eru.

30(126) Oogun aremo Ogbe odi, 19

Ewe opasupa
Ewe agbonyin
Ewe ogangan
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un, si saa gbe, t e f a lori lebu re, pe ofo re, si maa mu un pelu eko
gbigbona l'ojoojumo.
Opasupa ni i pe omo wa
Agbonyin gbe omo wa
Ogangan je k i omo se ogangan mi.

118
29(121) Medicine for virility
Leaf of MELIA AZEDERACH, Meliaceae
Leaf of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Leaf of MICRODESMIS PUBERULA, Pandaceae
Leaf of LECANIODISCUS CUPANIOIDES, Sapindaceae
One snake
One tortoise
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation.
Mix everything and lick with honey.
'Eke ile, bring forth children
Osunsun, draw children near to me
Arinigo, let children walk to me
Aka, pluck children and bring them to me
The snake is always blessed with many little children
The tortoise is always loaded with many children.'

30(126) Medicine for virility

Leaf of CLERODENDROM POLYCEPHALUM, Verbenaceae
Leaf of PIPTADENIASTRUM AFRICANUM, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of STACHYTARPHETA ANGUSTIFOLIA, Verbenaceae
Strong potash
Pound and dry. Draw the odu in the powder and recite the incantation.
Drink with hot white corn meal every day.
'Opasupa calls children
Agbonyin, bring forth children
Ogangan, let the children come straight to me.'

119
31(132) Obgim aremo Ogbe osa, 25
Ewe apongbe
Ewe ogbolo
Egbo tipe tipe
Odidi ataare kan
Igbin kan
Jo o, fi tefa, pe o f o re, po o po, si maa mu un pelu eko gbigbona l'ojo meta
meta.
Apongbe pon omo wa
Ogbolo gbe omo wa
Tipe tipe lo ree f a omo temi wa
Atomodomo laa ba igbin
Ara yiya gaga ni t'ataare.

32(145) Oogun aremo Otura o f u n , 2 1 1

Egbo aka egi
Ewe aka egi
Egbo arinigo
Ewe arinigo
Eja ojiji
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o, a o pe o f o re, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona.
Aka egi je k i omo da wa giirigi
Ojiji ni ki omo o ji wa ba mi
Arinigo je ki omo o rin mo mi.

120
31(132) Medicine for virility
Leaf of TRILEPSIUM MADAGASCARIENSE, Moraceae
Leaf of GREWIA MOLLIS, Tiliaceae14
Root of DESMODIUM GANGETICUM, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
One snail
Burn, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation. Mix everything
and drink with hot white corn meal every three days.
'Apongbe, carry a child on your back and bring it to me
Ogbolo, bring a child to me
Tipe tipe, go and pull my child towards me
From generation to generation we meet snail's children
Ataare is always very active.'

32(145) Medicine for virility

Root of LANNEA NIGRITIANA var. PUBESCENS, Anacardiaceae
Leaf of LANNEA NIGRITIANA var. PUBESCENS, Anacardiaceae
Root of MICRODESMIS PUBERULA, Pandaceae
Leaf of MICRODESMIS PUBERULA, Pandaceae
One electric eel
Strong potash
Grind everything, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal.
'Aka egi, let children come to me quickly
Ojiji says children should wake up and come to me
Arinigo, let children walk to me.'

121
33(147) Oogun aremo Irete ogbe, 212
Ewe aika
Ewe igba
Ewe osunsun
Ewe arinigo
Sun un, fi tefa, pe ofo re, po o po, si maa mu un pelu oti oyinbo.
Aika ka omo wa
Igba gba omo wa
Osunsun sun omo si mi
Arinigo ni ki omo rin mo mi.

34(148) Oogun aremo Ose ogunda (ose mola), 235

Ewe okun ikale
Ewe olee
Ewe atori
Odidi ataare kan
Sun un, tefa lori lebu re, pe ofo re. A o po o po, je e pelu eko lojoojumo.
Okun ikale o ni ki omo kale s'odo mi
Olee o ni ki n ni ole omo
Atori ni ki omo o to l'odo mi.

35(149) Oogun aremo Ofuntola (Ofuntua), 254

Ewe wonawona
Ewe tanna poso
Ewe yunyun
Igbin kan
A o lo o. Si saa gbe. A o pe ofo re. Si maa mu un pelu eko gbigbona
l'ojoojumo.
Wonawona ni i wo omo waye
Tanna poso pe omo wa
Yunyun ni ki omo mi maa se yun-un
Igbin ki i waye alai-bi-omo.

122
33(147) Medicine for virility
Leaf of LECANIODISCUS CUPANIOIDES, Sapindaceae
Leaf of SOLANUM INCANUM, Solanaceae"
Leaf of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Leaf of MICRODESMIS PUBERULA, Pandaceae
Burn, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation. Mix and drink
with gin.
'Aika, pluck and bring a child to me
Igba, sweep children hither
Osunsun, push children to me
Arinigo says that a child comes to me.'

34(148) Medicine for virility

Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passif loraceae
Leaf of ANTIDESMA LACINIATUM var. MEMBRANACEUM, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of GLYPHAES BREVIS, Tiliaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation. Mix and eat with
cold white corn meal every day.
'Okun ikale says a child should settle down beside me
Olee says that I shall conceive many fetuses
Atori says that I will have enough children beside me.'

35(149) Medicine for virility

Leaf of PHAULOPSIS BARTERI, Acanthaceae
Leaf of MIRABILIS IALAPA, Nyctaginaceae
Leaf of ASPILIA AFRICANA, Compositae
One snail
Grind. Dry, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal every day.
'Wonawona sees children come to the world
Tanna poso call children hither
Yunyun says that my children should be numerous
Igbin never comes into the world without bearing children.'

123
36(151) Oogun ase obinrin Irosun meji, 5
Ewe ido pupa
Eso ido pupa
Itanna ido pupa
Ewe laali
A o lo o. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona lale.

37(155) Oogun ase obinrin Obara kosun, 111

Ewe laali
Egbo laali
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o, a o pe o f o re, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona lale.
Laali ba mi l'ase mi
Kan-un bilala ba mi l'ase mi.

38(160) Oogun ase obinrin Otura ose, 210

Ewe labelabedo
Ewe laali
Egbo lapalapa f u n f u n
Egbo oruwo
Ata
Kan-un bilala
Omi ogi
A o se e. A o pe o f o re. A o si maa mu un l'eemeta l'ojoojumo.
Labelabe ni i l'ase
Lapalapa ni i l'ase
Oruwo ni k'asee naa wo de
Laali ni k'o la.

124
36(151) Medicine to help menstruation
Leaf of CANNA INDICA (red), Cannaraceae
Fruit of CANNA INDICA (red), Cannaraceae
Flower of CANNA INDICA (red), Cannaraceae
Leaf of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Grind. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Drink at night with hot white corn meal.

37(155) Medicine to help menstruation

Leaf of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Root of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Strong potash
Grind, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal at night.
'Laali, help me get my menstruation
Kan-un bilala, help me get my menstruation.'

38(160) Medicine to help menstruation

Leaf of SCLERIA DEPRESSA, Cyperaceae
Leaf of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Root of JATROPHA CURCAS, Euphorbiaceae
Root of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
ZANTHOXILUM SENEGALENSIS, Rutaceae
Strong potash
Water with corn starch
Boil, recite the incantation. Drink three times daily.
'Labelabe always opens menstruation
Lapalapa always opens menstruation
Oruwo says the menstruation should flow hither
Laali says it should flow.'

125
39(161) Oogun ase obinrin Otura ose, 210
Ewe ila funfun
Osun buke
Eya orun funfun
A o lo o, a o pe ofo re, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona lale.
Ila funfun la ase obinrin fun un
Eya orun funfun ya ase obinrin fun un
Osun buke bu ase obinrin fun un.

40(163) Oogun atetu Iwori ogunda, 54

Itakun ato
Ogede omini
Fi itakun ato sinu igba koto pelu ogede omini kan. Fi si omi tutu. Tefa lori
iyerosun. Da a po, mu die lati mu igba koto ti a rora si.

41(164) Oogun atosi Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe ahon ekun
Omi orombo wewe
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un po, a o pe ofo re, a 6o fi sinu igo. A o mu sibi meta laaaro.
Atosi ki i se ahon ekun
Atosi ki i se omi orombo
Kan-un ni ki o fi kan atosi.

126
39(161) Medicine to help menstruation
Leaf of ASYSTASIA GANGETICA, Acanthaceae
DRACAENA MANNII, Agavaceae
Alum
Grind, recite the incantation. Eat at night with hot white corn meal.
'White ila, open this woman's menstruation for her
White eya orun, open this woman's menstruation for her
Osun buke, fetch this woman's menstruation for her.'

40(163) Medicine to cure abscess on penis or vagina

Stem of CHASMANTHERA DEPENDENS, Menispermaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
Put the stem of CHASMANTHERA, cut into pieces, and a peeled banana in
a calabash, and add cool water. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Mix, cover with lid.
Open the lid slightly and drink from the calabash.

41(164) Medicine to cure gonorrhea

Leaf of HIBISCUS SURATTENSIS, Malvaceae16
Juice of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Strong potash
Pound, recite the incantation. Put in bottle. Drink three spoonfuls
every morning.
'Gonorrhea never troubles ahon ekun
Gonorrhea never troubles the juice of orombo
Use kan-un bilala to knock out gonorrhea.'

127
42(181) Oogun atosi Ogbe bara, 22
Ewe aberodefe
Ewe agbasa
Eeru
Aidan
A o gun won po, a o se e, a o pe ofo re, a o fi sinu igo. A o mu sibi kan
laaro.
Aberodefe ba atosi kuro l'ara
Agbasa ni ki o ma a sa lo
Eeru k'o ru u kuro
Aidan maa je ki o dan mi o.

43(182) Oogun atosi Ogbe otura, 28

Ewe obo esin
Eeru
Ewe itakun okere
Ogede agbagba dudu
Kan-un bilala
A o gun won po. A o pe of o re. Mu un pelu eko gbigbona.
Obo esin ni i wo atosi san
Eeru ru atosi kuro
Itakun okere ki i l'atosi
Kan-un bilala ni o f i kan-an
Ogede agbagba ki i se atosi.

128
42(181) Medicine to cure gonorrhea
Leaf of DESMODIUM GANGETICUM, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Pound, boil in water, recite the incantation. Pour into a bottle and drink a
spoonful every morning.
'Aberodefe, drive the gonorrhea out of the body
Agbasa says it must run away
Eeru should carry it out
Aidan, do not let her trouble me.'

43(182) Medicine to cure gonorrhea

Leaf of ASYSTASIA GANGETICA, Acanthaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Leaf of GREWIA CARPINIFOLIA, Tiliaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA (black), Musaceae
Strong potash
Pound together, recite the incantation. Eat with hot white corn meal.
'Obo esin always cures gonorrhea
Eeru, carry the gonorrhea away
Itakun okere never suffers from gonorrhea
Use kan-un bilala to knock it out
Ogede agbagba never suffers from gonorrhea.'

129
44(188) Oogun atosi O f u n ogunda ( O f u n eko), 250
Ewe elepon meta
Ewe asunwon gidi
Ewe itakun okere
Ata gidi
Kan-un bilala
A o gun won p o . A o pe of o re. M u un pelu eko gbigbona.
Elepon meta ni i wo atosi san
Asunwon gidi ba wa won atosi kuro
Kan-un bilala la ona atosi kuro
Itakun okere k i i ri atosi
Ata ni ki o f i ta a kuro.

45(190) Oogun atosi eleje O f u n owonrin, 247

Ewe asagbo
Eso tagiiri
Egbo gbogbori
A o se e, a o pe of o re, a o mu un.
Asagbo ni i gba ori atosi
Tagiiri ta atosi kuro
Gbogbori gbe atosi kuro lara.

46(191) Oogun atosi oloyun Otura ka (Otura ika), 207

Ewe anigbodigbo
Ewe koleorogba
Alubosa elewe
Ori
A o lo o pelu ori, a o pe of o re, a o maa mu un pelu eko gbigbona lojoojumo.
Anigbodigbo di atosi lo
Koleorogba gbe atosi l o
Alubosa sa atosi l o
Ori maa je ki a ri atosi mo.

130
44(188) Medicine to cure gonorrhea
Leaf of MICROCOCCA MERCULIARIS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of SENNA PODOCARPA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of GREWIA CARPINIFOLIA, Tiliaceae
ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSIS, Rutaceae
Strong potash
Pound together, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal.
'Elepon meta always cures gonorrhea
Asunwon gidi, help us flush out the gonorrhea
Kan-un bilala, open the way out for the gonorrhea
Itakun okere never suffers from gonorrhea
Use ata to kick it out.'

45(190) Medicine to cure gonorrhea which bleeds

Leaf of BRIDELIA GRANDIS, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of LAGENARIA BREVIFLORA, Cucurbitaceae
Root of ACRIDOCARPUS SMEATHMANNII, Malpighiaceae
Boil, recite the incantation and drink.
'Asagbo, behead the gonorrhea
Tagiri, kick out the gonorrhea
Gbogbori, carry the gonorrhea away from the body.'

46(191) Medicine to cure gonorrhea in a pregnant

woman
Leaf of HYMENOSTEGIA AFZELII, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of PERGULARIA DAEMIA, Asclepiadaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind with shea butter, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal
every day.
'Anigbodigbo, pack the gonorrhea away
Koleorogba, carry the gonorrhea away
Alubosa, take the gonorrhea away
Ori, do not let us have gonorrhea any longer.'

131
47(192) Oogun eda Ogunda meji, 9
Ewe alagba
Egbo awuje
Egbo kasan
Kan-un
bilala
A o gun won po, a o pe of o re, a mu un pelu eko gbigbona lojoojumo.
Alagba ba mi gbe arun yii lo
Awuje ba mi gbe arun yii lo
Kasan o ni ki arun o san
Kan-un bilala ba mi ka arun lo.

48(195) Oogun eda Ogbe sa, 25

Ewe amuje wewe
Eepo amuje wewe
Alubosa elewe
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o. A o pe of o re. Si maa mu un pelu eko gbigbona lojoojumo.
Amuje mu eda lo
Alubosa k'o sa eda kuro
Kan-un bilala ka eda lo.

49(201) Oogun eda Okanran sode (Okanran ogbe), 122

Ewe tete osan
Ewe idi
Eepo idi
Egbo idi
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe of o re, a o maa mu ife kookan lojoojumo.
Tete osan ba wa te eda mole
Idi ba wa di arun mo orun.

132
47(192) Medicine to cure
leucorrhea
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA CAFFRA, Apocynaceae
Root of DESPLATSIA DEWEVREI, Tiliaceae17
Root of SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae
Strong potash
Pound, recite the incantation. Eat with hot white corn meal every day.
'Alagba, help me carry this disease away
Awuje, help me carry this disease away
Kasan says the disease should be cured
Kan-un bilala, help me wrap and carry this disease away.'

48 (195) Medicine to cure leucorrhea

Leaf of BYRSOCARPUS COCCINEUS, Connaraceae18
Bark of BYRSOCARPUS COCCINEUS, Connaraceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Strong potash
Grind, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal every day.
'Amuje, take the leucorrhoea away
Alubosa should send the leucorrhea away
Kan-un bilala, pack the leucorrhea away.'

49 (201) Medicine to cure leucorrhea

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
Bark of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
Root of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup daily.
'Tete osan, help us stamp out the leucorrhea
Idi, help us hold the leucorrhea on the far side.'

133
50(203) Oogun eda Ofun eko (Ofun ogunda), 250
Ewe aromo
Ewe worowo
Ewe rinrin
Ewe atapari obuko
Kan-un bilala
A o sun un, a o tefa lori lebu re, a o pe of o re, mu un pelu eko gbigbona
laraaro.
Aromo ba wa mu arun yii l o
Worowo ba wa mu arun yii lo
Erowoo ni ti rinrin
Atapari obuko ni i bi arun danu.

51(205) Oogun eyin abe Ika meji, 1 1

Ewe ilasa omode
Ewe enu op ire
Ewe idi
Eepo ira
Eepo iroko
Eso eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe of o re, a o mu un a o we abe pelu re.
Abe iroko ki i l'eyin
Enu opire k'o pa eyin abe
Ira l'o ni k'o ra
Ilasa omode ki i l'eyin loto
Idi k'o di abee re
Eeru k'o ru u kuro.

134
50(203) Medicine to cure leucorrhea
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Strong potash
Burn. Draw the odu in the black ash, recite the incantation. Eat with hot
white corn meal every morning.
'Aromo, help us take this disease away
Woorowo, help us take this disease away
Rinrin is always cool and calm
Atapari obuko always pushes the disease away.'

51(205) Medicine to cure a tumour in the vagina

Leaf of URENA LOBATA, Malvaceae19
Leaf of EUPHORBIA LATERIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
Bark of BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA, Euphorbiaceae
Bark of CHLOROPHORA EXCELSA, Moraceae
Fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink and wash vagina.
'Iroko never has a tumour in it
Enu opire kills the tumours
Ira says they should disappear
Ilasa omode never has a tumour
Idi should block her vagina
Eeru should bring the tumour out.'

135
52(206) Oogun ikura Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe ojiji
Eja ojiji
A o lo o, a o se e pelu eja ojiji. A o pe of o re, a o j e e.
Ojiji wa ba mi ji ara mi t'o ku yii.

53(207) Oogun imu oko yo Ogbe ate, 29

Ewe abiwere
Abeyo ogede
Eesun
Ori
A o lo o, a o da a po pelu ori. A o sin gbere yika oko a o si sin eyo gbere kan
si ori oko. A o f i ogun yii pa a.

54(208) Oogun ipa epon Ose turupon, 238

Ewe elepon meta
Ewe asunwon gidi
Egbo asunwon gidi
Ewe asunwon eebo
Egbo asunwon eebo
Ewe oro agogo
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o si maa mu un laaaro. A o maa we epon
pelu re lojoojumo.
Elepon, meta ba mi wo epon k'o san
Asunwon won arun kuro
Oro ro ipa epon kuro.

136
52(206) Medicine to cure impotence
Leaf of DALBERGIA LACTEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One electric eel
Grind the ojiji leaf and cook it with the ojiji fish, recite the incantation
and eat some of it.
'Ojiji, help me wake up my dead penis.'

53(207) Medicine to make the penis come out

Leaf of HYBANTHUS ENNEASPERMUS, Violaceae
MUSA sp., Musaceae (the substance that comes out of the bark of
a banana tree)
PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae (the part extracted from the reed)
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind all together and mix with shea butter. Make cuts around the penis
and a little one on the gland. Rub them with the preparation.

54(208) Medicine to cure orchitis of the testicles

Leaf of MICROCOCCA MERCULIARIS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of SENNA PODOCARPA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Root of SENNA PODOCARPA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Unidentified leaf
Unidentified root
Leaf of EUPHORBIA KAMERUNICA, Euphorbiaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every morning and
use to wash testicles.
'Elepon meta, help me cure my testicles
Asunwon, flush out the disease
Oro, take the disease out of the testicles.

137
55(215) Oogun kuunu Iwori wosa (Iwori osa), 55
Ewe gleea
Orogbo merin
Odidi ataare merin
Elubo isu
Eso aworoso
A o lo o po. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re. A o po gbogbo re po.
A o mu un ninu eko gbigbona laraaro.
Aku-sinu-ki i s'ode
Aku dannu ni ti elubo
Olee ni k'o le sinu
Arunkarun ki i wo inu orogbo
Aworoso lo ree wo o san.

56(216) Oogun kuunu Ika ose, 180

Ewe woorowo
Ewe ahara
Ewe epakun
A o jo o, a o tefa lori re, a o pe of o re, a o la a pelu epo, a o si fi pa ara.
Ara mi le nigba eyi
Ara mi le ko ko ko
Ahara ki i ri in ira nijo koookan.

138
55(215) Medicine to cure testicle disease
Leaf of ANTIDESMA LACINIATUM var. MEMBRANACEUM, Euphorbiaceae
Four nuts of GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae
Four whole fruits of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Plenty of yam flour
Fruit of CROTON PENDULIFLORUS, Euphorbiaceae
Grind together. Draw the odu in iyerdsun, recite the incantation.
Mix, drink with hot white corn meal daily.
'That which blows inwards and outwards
Elubo flower always blows away in the wind
Olee says it should stick inside
Disease never enters orogbo
Aworoso, go and cure it.'

56(216) Medicine to cure testicle disease

Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of MOMORDICA CABRAEI, Cucurbitaceae
Leaf of VIGNA SUBTERRANEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Burn. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation. Lick with oil and
rub on the body.
'My body is strong this time
My body is very strong
Ahara never suffers hardships.'

139
57(218) Oogun labe Ika meji, 11
Ewe asin
Ewe esisi funfun
Eepo igba
Orombo wewe
Eya orun dudu
A o lo won ewe meteeta. A o fi orombo wewe ati eya orun dudu si i.
A o se gbogbo nnkan wonyi. A o lo eya orun dudu, a o fi tefa. A o po o
pomo on. A o je ki o tutu, a o si fi we obo.
Ika meji ki o ka gbogbo arun
Ewe asin ni ki o fi sin arun
Ewe esisi funfun ni ki o fi sin in jinna
Igba ni ki o f i gba a kuro.

58(223) Oogun egbo Ogunda ogbe, 137

Ewe lagbolagbo
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o we e. Lehin eyi a o f i a s o we e.
Lagbolagbo ba mi la egbo yii k'o san
Eeru ba mi ru egbo kuro.

59(227) Oogun eela Iwori ika, 56

Ewe pirigidi
Ewe ata
Ewe amuyan
Ose dudu
A o gun won pelu ose dudu, a o pe o f o re, f i omi orombo wewe si i, ki o we
pelu re.
Pirigidi ba mi wo arun san
Ata ba mi ta arun
Amuyan ba mi mu arun kuro.

140
57(218) Medicine to cure an itching vagina
Leaf of DICHAPETALUM MADAGASCARIENSE, Dichapetalaceae
Leaf of TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiaceae
Bark of LAGENARIA SICERARIA, Cucurbitaceae20
CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Alum
Grind the first three ingredients, add a split lime. Grind a piece of
ground alum, draw the odu in it, mix with the preparation. Boil in water,
recite the incantation. Cool the mixture and wash the vagina with it.
'Ika meji should send away the disease
Use asin leaf to wash it off
Use esisi funfun to send it away
Use igba to sweep it away.'

58(223) Medicine to cure leg ulcer

Leaf of FLABELLARIA PANICULATA, Malpighiaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae (a lot)
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Wash and bandage the leg.
'Lagbolagbo, help me mend this wound that it may heal
Eeru, help me carry the wound away.'

59(227) Medicine to cure skin disease

Leaf of ERIOSEMA PSORALEOIDES, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Leaf of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. Add lemon juice and wash
the skin with the preparation.
'Pirigidi, help me cure this disease
Ata, help me kick out the disease
Amuyan, help me remove the disease.'

141
60(233) Oogun eela ikun Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe odofin ile
Isu ewura
Ogede agbagba dudu
Ataare
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un. Mu un pelu eko gbigbona.

61(234) Oogun egbon Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe alupayida
Ewe abamoda
Ewe elu
Ose dudu
A o gun gbogbo re po lai soro. A o tefa lori iyerosun. A o fi si inu apo
funfun kan, a o si fi ko igun ile.

62(235) Oogun eyi Otura ose, 210

Ewe ojiji orota
Ewe ojia
A o lo o, fi si inu epo agbon. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re. A o da a po.
A o fi pa ara.
Otura se l'o ni ki arun ara re tu ka
Ki gbogbo awo re o'ji pere pere
Ojia l'o ni ko ji
Ojiji l'o ni ko ji.

142
60(233) Medicine to cure scars on the belly
Leaf of BLIGHIA UNIJUGATA, Sapindaceae
Tubercle of DIOSCOREA ALATA, Dioscoreaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA (black), Musaceae
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Strong potash
Pound. Eat with hot white corn meal.

61(234) Medicine to cure a disease that causes pimples

and shivers
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM, Crassulaceae
Leaf of LONCHOCARPUS CYANESCENS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Black soap
Grind all together without speaking. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Make a bag
with white cloth and put everything in it (including the iyerosun). Hang it
on a corner of the house.

62(235) Medicine to cure rough skin

Leaf of DALBERGIA LACTEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of DANIELLIA OGEA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Grind, mix with coconut oil. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,
mix and rub on the body.
'Otura se says that the disease on your body should disperse
That your skin should become perfect
Ojia says it should return to normal
Ojiji says it should revive.'

143
63(236) Oogun ifon Ogbe ose, 30
Ewe yunyun
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o mu un a o si f i ra ara.
Yunyun maa je ki ara o yun mi mo
Bi o se pe kokoro lo wa nibe
Bi o se pe omi ara mi ni ko dara
Yunyun maa je ki ara o yun mi mo.

64(237) Oogun ila Otura meji, 13

Ewe asobiabe
Ewe rinrin
A o lo o. A o t e f a lori iyerosun, a o pe o f o re, a o da a p o . A o f i ra oju ila
naa.
Asobiabe ni i wo ila san.
Awosan ni ti rinrin.

65(238) Oogun lobuutuu Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe gbingbin
Egbo ope
Egbo arunjeran
Ori
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o. A o da a po pelu ori. A o pe of o re. A o f i ra ara.
Gbingbin maa gbe lobuutuu lo.
Ope m a j e ko pe lara.
Arunjeran maa je ko je mi.

144
63 (236) Medicine to cure itching
Leaf of ASPILIA AFRICANA, Compositae
Boil in water.sRecite the incantation. Drink and rub over the body.
'Yunyun, do not let my body itch any more
If there are germs there
If the fluid in my body is not good
Yunyun, do not let my body itch any more.'

64(237) Medicine to heal tribal marks

Leaf of DALBERGIA SAXATILIS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Grind the leaves. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation, mix
everything together (including the iyerosun) and rub on the tribal marks.
'Asobiabe always scars with marks
Rinrin always heals completely.'

65(238) Medicine to cure ulcers in various parts of the

body
Leaf of PTEROCARPUS SANTALINOIDES, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Root of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Root of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Strong potash
Grind with shea butter, recite the incantation and rub over the body.
'Gbingbin, carry away the ulcers
Ope, do not let them remain in the body for long
Arunjeran, do not let them devour my body.'

145
66(241) Oogun lobuutuu Ogbe oyeku, 17
Ewe esisun
Egbo esisun
Eeru
Ori
A o lo o pelu ori. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe o f o re, a o da a po. Fi ra ara.
Esisun sun lobuutuu lo.
Eeru ko ru lobuutuu lo.

67(244) Oogun lobuutuu Ogunda iwori, 139

Ewe idofun igbo
Ewe araba
Eepo araba
Egbo araba
Alubosa elewe
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o mu un, a o si fi we ara pelu.
Idofun igbo gbe lobuutuu fuye
Ara gege ni i se araba
Alubosa ni i sa arun.

146
66(241) Medicine to cure ulcers in various parts of the
body
Leaf of PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
Root of PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind with shea butter. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,
mix everything together (including the iyerosun) and rub over the body.
'Esisun, take the ulcers away.
Eeru should take the ulcers away.'

67(244) Medicine to cure ulcers in various parts of the

body
Leaf of PAVETTA CORYMBOSA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of CEIBA PENTANDRA, Bombacaceae
Bark of CEIBA PENTANDRA, Bombacaceae
Root of CEIBA PENTANDRA, Bombacaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink and wash the body.
' I d o f u n igbo, make the ulcer light
Araba always feels light bodied
Alubosa always gathers the disease.'

147
68(254) Oogun narun Owonrin meji, 6
Ewe ika eju
Egbo peregun
Egbd agbasa
Egbo i f on
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o ma a mu un laraaro.
Ika eju ni i wo narun san
Peregun pa narun kuro
Agbasa ni k'o sa kuro
I f on ni k'o fon.

69(258) Oogun narun Ogbe osa, 25

Ewe isin odan
Eepo isin odan
Eso isin odan
Egbo isin odan
Eepo ahun
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o ma a mu un laraaro.
Isin odan ba mi sin arun yii lo.
Ahun k'o maa je ki arun yii se mi mo.
Eeru ba mi ru u lo.

70(271) Oogun narun oju omu Ose meji, 15

Ewe akiti
Ewe eesun pupa
Eso ariwo
A o se e ninu omi. Ki obinrin f i we omu re.

148
68(254) Medicine to cure spreading ulcers
Leaf of SASBANIA PACHYCARPA , Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Root of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Dracaenaceae
Root of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Root of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Ika eju always cures the spreading ulcer
Peregun, kill the spreading ulcer
Agbasa says it should run off
I f o n says it should shrink.'

69(258) Medicine to cure spreading ulcers

Leaf of BLIGHIA SAPLDA, Sapindaceae
Bark of BLIGHIA SAPIDA, Sapindaceae
Fruit of BLIGHIA SAPIDA, Sapindaceae
Root of BLIGHIA SAPIDA, Sapindaceae
Bark of ALSTONIA BOONEI, Apocynaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink a cup every morning.
'Isin odan, help me lead this disease away
Ahun should not let this disease trouble me anymore
Eeru, help me carry it away.'

70(271) Medicine to cure breast ulcers

Leaf of LEPTODERRIS BRACHYPTERA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
Fruit of MONODORA MYRISTICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water. The woman should wash her breasts with the preparation.

149
71(272) Oogun narun oju omu Ose meji, 15
Ewe akiti
Ewe okika
Ewe apada
Eru
Alubosa elewe
A o se e ninu omi. Ki obinrin fi we omu re.

72(273) Oogun ogodo Irete meji, 14

Ewe ogan pupa
Ewe ilosun
A o se agbo pelu ewe yii. A o tefa lori iyerosun. A o we ogodo ni aaro.

73(275) Oogun orobo Odi meji, 4

Ewe onse
Idu
agbon
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o maa f i f o eko tutu mu laraaro.
Onse se jedijedi sinu.
Idu agbon o ni k'o maa duro s'ode.
Odi meji l'o ree di jedijedi k 'o m a j o danu.

150
71(272) Medicine to cure breast ulcers
Leaf of LEPTODERRIS BRACHYPTERA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anacardiaceae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Boil in water. The woman should wash her breasts with the preparation

72(273) Medicine to cure yaws

Leaf of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUN, Combretaceae
Leaf of PENNISETUM HORDEOIDES, Gramineae22
Boil the leaves in water. Draw the odu in iyerdsun. Wash the affected areas
in the morning.

73(275) Medicine to cure external haemorrhoids

Leaf of ACALYPHA ORNATA, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of BORASSUS AETHIOPUM, Palmae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, reciting the incantation.
Mix with cold white corn meal and drink every morning.
'Onse, make the piles go back inside
Idu agbon says they should not remain outside
Odi meji keep the piles inside.'

151
74(276) Oogun orobo Odi meji, 4
Ewe alade oko
Ewe oruwo
Ewe agbon
Odidi ataare
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o maa fi f o eko tutu mu laraaro.
Alade oko wo arun 'di san.
Oruwo wo arun ti n be n'idii.
Agbon gbon arun danu.

75(281) Oogun ara gbigbe Ogbe of u n , 31

Ewe orubu
Ewe oruru
Eepo oruru
Egbo oruru
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o mu i f e kan laraaro.
Orubu o ni ki eje o ru.
Oruru maa je ki emi o ru.
Ki araa mi o le koko.

76 (282) Oogun imu to n Seje Obara of u n , 121

Ewe ilka eju
Ewe olopapaniraga
Ewe iya
A o gun un po, a o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re si i. Ro o si inu igo. M u sibi
kan leemeji lojoojumo.
Ika eju ni i wo imu san.
Olopapaniraga lo pa arun ti nba imu ja.
Iya k'o lo ree ya arun kuro.

152
74(276) Medicine to cure external haemorrhoids
Leaf of RUNGIA GRANDIS, Acathaceae
Leaf of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of Cocos NUCIFERA, Palmae
Whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, reciting the incantation.
Take it every morning.
'Alade oko, cure the piles
Oruwo, cure the disease of the anus
Agbon, shake off the disease.'

75(281) Medicine to cure anemia

Leaf of VERNONIA ADOENSIS, Compositae
Leaf of SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Bignoniaceae
Bark of SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Bignoniaceae
Root of SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Bignoniaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink a cup every morning.
' Orubu says the blood should increase
Oruru, do not let me get lean
Let my body become very strong.'

7(282) Medicine to cure nose bleeds

Leaf of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of TACCA LEONTOPETALOIDES, Taccaceae
Leaf of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Pound. Boil in water, recite the incantation, pour into a bottle.
Drink a spoonful twice a day.
'Ika eju heals the bleeding nose
Olopapaniraga, kill the disease troubling the nose
Iya should take the disease out of the body.'

153
77(288) Oogun imu eje po lara Okanran ofun, 136
Ewe fesoseje
Eso iyeye
Ikoode
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o, a o pe ofo re, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona.
Fesoseje k'o mu eje w'ara.
Eje pupo ni ti iyeye
Gbogbo ara n'ikoode fi i pon.
Kan-un bilala ki o la eje naa wa.

78(290) Oogun ogbe Ogunda ogbe, 137

Ewe pogbe pogbe
Oje igi ahun
Lo ewe pogbe pogbe, da a po pelu oje igi ahun. Pe ofo re. Fi-si ogbe ada
diilaso.
Pogbe pogbe ba wa wo egbo ogbe san
Ahun ba wa hun ara po.

79(293) Oogun ara wiwo Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe keke ekeji
Ewe odundun
Ori
A o lo o, a o da a po mo ori. A o pe ofo re. A o si fi pa ara.
Keke ekeji wa ko ibi kuro l'ara mi
Tutu dundun la a ba odundun.

154
77 (288) Medicine to get plenty of blood
Leaf of CAMPYLOSPERMUM FLAVUM, Ochnaceae
Fruit of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anacardiaceae
Red parrot feather
Strong potash
Grind, recite the incantation, drink with hot white corn meal.
'Fesoseje should bring blood into the body
Iyeye has plenty of blood
Ikoode is red all over
Kan-un bilala, open the way for the blood to come.'

78(290) Medicine to heal knife wounds

Leaf of CYATHULA PROSTATA, Amaranthaceae
Sap of ALSTONIA BOONEI, Apocynaceae
Grind the leaf, mix with the sap of ALSTONIA BOONEI, recite the incantation.
Put on knife wound and bandage it.
'Pogbe pogbe, help us heal the wound
Ahun, help us weave the body together.'

79(293) Medicine to cure suffocation

Leaf of SIDA URENS, Malvaceae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind and mix with shea butter, reciting the incantation. Rub the body with
the mixture.
'Keke ekeji, come and collect the evil from my body
We always find odundun cool and calm.'

155
80(295) Oogun asin (sisin) Osa ogbe, 152
Ewe isin
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o si maa mu un.
Isin maa je ki lamorin o sin mo.

81(301) Oogun aya didun Ofun meji, 1 6

Ewe ojafere
Egbo eruwa
Egbo ijokun
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o si maa mu un laraaro.
Ojafere ja ibi kuro l'aya.
Eruwa ki o wa a s'ode.
Ijokun k i o ko ibi kuro l'aya.
Eeru ki o ru u lo.

82(309) Oogun aya didun Otura iwori, 199

Ewe okoju orisa
Egbo peregun
Ewe ogungun
A o se e ninu omi. A o si maa mu un l'eemeta lojoojumo.
Okoju orisa ba mi wo arun aya.
Ogungun ba mi wo arun aya.
Peregun maa je ki aya o dun mi.

156
80(295) Medicine to cure sneezing
Leaf of ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA, Euphorbiaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation and drink.
'Isin, do not let so-and-so sneeze any more.'

81(301) Medicine to cure muscular chest pain

Leaf of SHERBOURNIA MILLENII, Rubiaceae
Root of ANDROPOGON TECTORUM, Gramineae
Root of MUCUNA POGGEI, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Ojafere, pluck the evil out of the chest
Eruwa should dig it out
Ijokun should carry the evil away from the chest
Eeru should take it far away.'

82(309) Medicine to cure muscular chest pain

Leaf of MERREMIA AEGYPTIA, Convolvulaceae
Root of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Lillaceae
Leaf of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae23
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Okoju orisa, help me cure the disease in my chest
Ogungun, help me cure the disease in my chest
Peregun, do not let my chest pain me.'

157
83(316) Oogun aya jija Oyeku odi, 34
Ewe awin
Ewe awiije
Ewe ela
A o lo o. A o pe o f o re. A o sin gbere yika aya. A o f i ogun yii ra a.
Awin maa je k i aya mi o ja.
Aya awuje ki i ja.
Aya ela ki i la.

84(318) Oogun iko I k a meji, 1 1

Eso akara oso
Omi orombo wewe
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un po pelu omi orombo wewe. A o pe o f o re. A o f i sinu igo.
A o mu i f e kekere leemeta lojoojumo.
Akara oso ni i wo iko ti f i i san ni i.
Orombo k'o lo bo iko naa kuro.

85(320) Oogun iko Iwori osa, 55

Ewe pakun obarisa
Ewe mesen mesen gogoro
Ogede weere
Kan-un bilala
Omi ogi
S ' e e ninu omi ogi. Gun kan-un bilala. A o da gbogbo nkan yii po sinu igo.
A o mu i f e kekere leemeta lojoojumo.
Pakun obarisa k'o lo pa iko.
Mesen mesen gogoro mu iko kuro l'aya.
Kan-un ni ki o f i k a a kuro.
Nijo ti ogede ba pon l'araa de e.

158
83(316) Medicine to cure chest palpitations
Leaf of DIALIUM GUINEENSE, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae24
Leaf of DESPLATSIA DEWEVREI, Tiliaceae25
Leaf of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae26
Grind. Recite the incantation. Make cuts around the chest and rub
the preparation on them.
' Awin, do not let me get scared
The heart of awiije never trembles
The heart of elk never breaks.'

84(318) Medicine to cure a cough

Fruit of CNESTIS FERRUGINEA, Connaraceae
Juice of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Strong potash
Pound, recite the incantation, mix with lemon juice and put in a bottle.
Drink a small tumbler three times a day.
'Akkra oso always cares for a cough until it is gone
Ororhbo will eliminate the cough.'

85(320) Medicine to cure a cough

Leaf of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of SCOPARIA DULCIS, Scrophulariaceae
MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIAC A, Musaceae (plantain)
Strong potash
Corn starch
Cook the plants with corn starch. Grind the strong potash.
Recite the incantation, mix the powder with the preparation and store in
a bottle. Drink a small cupful three times a day.
'Pakun obarisa, go and heal the cough
Mesen mesen gogoro, remove the cough from the chest
Use kan-un bilala to wring it out
On the day ogede gets ripe, its body softens.'

159
86(322) Oogun iko Obara ofun, 121
Ewe asowale
Ewe apa
Ewe mesen mesen gogoro
Odidi ataare kan
Ori
A o jo o. A o si po iyo oyinbo mo epo ati ori. A o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re.
A o la a tabi je e pelu eko.
Asowale wa iko lo.
Apa pa iko yii mo.
Mesen mesen mu iko lo.

87(328) Oogun inu aya Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe gboro ayaba

Ewe oju oro
Ewe bomubomu
A o se e ninu omi. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o po won po. A o fi we aya.

88(331) Oogun atiro Owonrin oturupon, 102

Ewe aronikin
Ewe omo
Ewe itawere
Ewe aape
Ewe ajagbedide
Ewe ato
Ori
A o gun un. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o po won po. A o mu un ninu eko
gbigbona laaro. A o si po die pelu ewe ato ati ori. A o fi ra ese.

160
86(322) Medicine to cure a cough
Leaf of INDIGOFERA HIRSUTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of AFZELIA BELLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae27
Leaf of SCOPARIA DULCIS, Scrophulariaceae
One fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Burn. Draw the odu in preparation and recite the incantation.
Add sugar, oil and shea butter. Lick or eat with indian corn meal.
'Asowale, drive the cough away
Apa, detain this cough
Mesen mesen, take the cough away.'

87(328) Medicine to cure pains affecting internal chest

organs
Leaf of IPOMOEA ASARIFOLIA, Convolvulaceae
Leaf of PISTIA STRATIOTES, Araceae
Leaf of CALOTROPIS PROCERA, Asclepiadaceae
Boil in water. Draw the odu in iyerosun, mix everything
(including the iyerosun) and use to wash the chest.

88(331) Medicine to cure a limp

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of CORDIA MILLENII, Boraginaceae
Leaf of PARKIA BIGLOBOSA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of CELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA, Ulmaceae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of CHASMANTHERA DEPENDENS, Menispermaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Pound everything except the CHASMANTHERA DEPENDENS. Draw the odu in
iyerosun and mix everything together. Drink part of the preparation with corn
meal in the morning. Mix the rest with the CHASMANTHERA and shea butter.
Rub the leg with it.

161
89(332) Oogun eyun Ogunda ose, 150
Ewe arubo
Ewe bomubomu
A o lo o, a o pe ofo re, a o fi si ori omo ika ese.
Arubo wo kokoro eyun.
Maa je ki ese o ge.
Bomubomu ki i ge lese.

90(333) Oogun danpara arun atelese lrosun irete, 89

Ewe opawofa
Ewe alubosa elewe
Ewe eeran
A o lo ewe opawofa ati ewe alubosa elewe. A o lo won. A o tefa lori
iyerosun, a o da won po. A o fi ewe eeran bo o, a o f i iyo si i. Fi ra atelese.

91(334) Oogun egungun dida Iwori o f u n, 61

Ewe efinrin opapara
Ori
A o l o o p e l u ori. Fi ra egungun to da.

92(335) Oogun ese didun Oyeku meji, 2

Ewe arehinkosun
Ewe oju oro
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. Fi ese b o o ninu ki o f i ra a .
Arehinkosun l'o ni k'ese re k'o san
Oju oro se ni i le tente l'oju omi
Ki ese re k'o le tente.

162
89(332) Medicine to cure diseased toes
Leaf of PHAULOPSIS FALCISEPALA, Acanthaceae
Leaf of CALOTROPLS PROCERA, Asclepiadaceae
Grind, recite the incantation and apply the remedy to the toes.
'Arubo, cure the disease of the maggots in the toes
Do not let the foot get cut off
The feet of bomubomu are never cut off.'

90(333) Medicine to treat the sole of the foot

Leaf of SYNEDRELLA NODIFLORA, Compositae
Leaf of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Leaf of DIGITARIA sp., Gramineae28
Grind the SYNEDRELLA NODIFLORA and the ALLIUM AESCALONICUM leaves.
Draw the odu in iyerosun, mix with the ground leaves, cover this with the
leaf of DIGITARIA sp., add salt then rub the mixture on the sole of the foot.

91(334) Medicine to mend broken bones

Leaf of LIPPIA RUGOSA, Verbenaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Shea butter
Grind with shea butter. Rub on broken bone.

92(335) Medicine to cure foot pain

Leaf of SCADOXUS CINNABARINUS, Amaryllidaceae29
Leaf of PISTIA STRATIOTES, Araceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Place the foot in the preparation and
rub it with it.
'Arehinkosun says that his feet should heal
Oju oro always floats on the surface of the water
His foot should feel light.'

163
93(340) Oogun ese wuwu Iwori okanran, 53
Ewe ojiji orota
Ewe jasoke
A o se e ninu omi. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re, a o po o po.
A o mu un, a o fi we ese pelu.
Iwori korinkan je ki o fi ese mejeeji rin
Ojiji o ni ki esee re o ji
Jasoke ni ki ese re o ja s'oke.

94(341) Oogun imu egun le Iwori meji, 3

Ewe olowanran sansan
Eesan gidi
Ose dudu
A o sun un. A o fi lebu re tefa. A o lo eesan. A o dapo pelu ose dudu.
A o pe ofo re. A o maa fi we.
Olowonran sansan o ni ki eegun mi o le
Ara lile san san ni ti eesan.

95(348) Oogun latanlatan Ofun okanran, 249

Ewe aronikin
Ewe oro
Ewe opon
Eepo pandoro
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. A o si maa mu un laaaro.
Arun itan ki i se ewe aronikin
Oro maa ro arun yii lo
Opon pon arun kuro
Arun karun ki i se pandoro.

164
93(340) Medicine to cure swolen feet
Leaf of DALBERGIA LACTEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of EHRETIA CYMOSA, Boraginaceae
Boil in water. Draw the odu in iyerosun reciting the incantation.
Mix. Drink the preparation and wash the feet with it.
'Iwori korinkan, let him walk with both feet
Ojiji says that his feet should wake up
Jasoke says that his feet should stretch.'

94(341) Medicine to nave strong bones

Leaf of MALVASTRUM COROMANDELIANUM, Malvaceae
ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Black soap
Burn the leaf, draw the odu in the black powder. Grind the palm nut shell
and mix with the black soap. Recite the incantation and wash the body with it.
' Olowonran sansan says my bones should become strong
Eesan's body is always very strong.'

95(348) Medicine to cure thigh pain

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of NESOGORDONIA PAPAVERIFERA, Sterculiaceae30
Leaf of UAPACA HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae31
Bark of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink one cup every morning.
'Aronikin never suffers from thigh pain
Oro, push this disease away
Opon, take away this disease
No disease ever affects pandoro.'

165
96(350) Oogun tito egungun Irosun okanran, 83

Egbo toto
Eepo amuyan (pandoro)
Iyere
Oga ageing meta
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un po. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o si po o po. A o mu un ninu eko.

97(356) Oogun wose wose Ose ogunda, 235

Ewe efun kojiya
(Itakun) egburu
Ewe oruwo
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. A o fi ra awon ese.
Efun kojiya ba mi gb'ese yii ro
Egburu ba mi gbe e ro
Oruwo wo arun wose yii lo.

98(357) Oogun iba Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe odundun etidofe
Ewe rinrin
Ewe tete
Ewe worowo
Igbin kan
A o jo o. A o fi lebu re tefa, a o pe of o re, a o po won po, a o la a pelu epo.
Odundun etidofe maa je ki iba dun
Rinrin ba mi wo iba yii san
Tete ba mi te iba mole
Erowo ni ti worowo
Erowo ni t'igbin.

166
96(350) Medicine to fortify the bones
Root of MARANTOCHLOA LEUCANTHA, Marantaceae
Bark of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae32
Three chameleons
Strong potash
Pound everything together. Draw the odu in iyerdsun and mix. Drink with
white corn meal.

97(356) Medicine to cure clipped people

Leaf of PSYCHOTRIA PEDUNCULARIS, Rubiaceae
Climber of CALOPOGONIUM MUCUNOIDES, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Rub into the affected leg(s).
' E f u n kojiya, help me make this leg stand upright
Egburu, help me make it stand upright
Oruwo, drag away this crippling disease.'

98(357) Medicine to cure fever

Leaf of EMILIA COCCINEA, Compositae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
One snail
Burn everything. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation, mix with
palm oil and lick the mixture.
'Odundun etidofe, do not let the fever sound (manifest itself)
Rinrin, help me cure this fever
Tete, help me suppress the fever
Woorowo is always cool and calm
Igbin is always cool and calm.'

167
99(367) Oogun iba Obara meji, 7
Ewe yanmoti
Ewe akufodewa
Ewe ikan
Ewe begun tabi araba
Eepo eegun tabi araba
A o se e ninu omi. A o t e f a lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re, a o da a p o .
A o mu i f e kan laaaro.
Yanmoti yan iba kuro l'araa mi
Akufodewa wa ba mi mu iba yii l o
Ikan maa je ki iba o kan mi
Eegun araba wa ba mi mu iba yii l o .

100(387) Oogun iba O f u n okanran, 249

Ewe f o n u f o n u
Ewe ojia
Ewe ila
Ori
A o lo o, a o da a po pelu ori. A o pe of o re. A o f i ra ara.
Fonufonu ba wa f o iba
Ojia ba wa ji iba k 'o l o
Iba ki i se ila.

168
99(367) Medicine to cure fever
Leaf of SESAMUM INDICUM, Pedaliaceae
Leaf of AMORPHOPHALLUS DRACANTIOIDES, Araceae
Leaf of SOLANUM INCANUM, Solanaceae
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae33
Bark of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae
Boil in water. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation and mix all
the ingredients. Drink a cup daily.
'Yanmoti, brush the fever off my body
Akufodewa, come and help me take this fever away
Ikan, do not let the fever affect me
Eegun araba, come and help me take this fever away.'

100(387) Medicine to cure fever

Leaf of BRIDELIA MICRANTHA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of DANIELLIA OGEA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS, Malvaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind and mix with shea butter, recite the incantation and rub the mixture
over the body.
'Fonufonu, help us wash away the fever
Ojia, help us wake up the fever so that it may go away
The fever never affects ila.'

169
101(395) Oogun iba aponju Okanran meji, 8
Ewe isin odan
Eepo isin odan
Eso ata dudu
Alubosa elewe
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un po. A o pe of o re. A o si maa mu un pelu e k o gbigbona
lojoojumo.
Isin odan ba mi sin iba yii jinna
Ara yiya gaga ni ti ata
Alubosa ni o f i sa iba l o .

102(399) Oogun iba aponju Owonrin okanran, 98

Ewe kooko osa
Ewe eruwa
Egbo agba
Egbo ijokun
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o mu i f e kan laaro.
Kooko osa wa k o iba yii l o
Eruwa ba wa ru iba yii l o
Agba ba wa gbe iba yii l o
Ijokun ba wa ko iba yii l o .

170
101(395) Medicine to cure yellow fever
Leaf of BLIGHIA SAPIDA, Sapindaceae
Bark of BLIGHIA SAPIDA, Sapindaceae
Fruit of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSIS, Rutaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Strong potash
Pound all in a mortar. Recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal
every day.
'Isin odan, help me escort this fever far away
Ata is always hale and hearty
Use alubosa to stop the fever.'

102(399) Medicine to cure yellow fever

Leaf of unidentified Gramineae
Leaf of ANDROPOGON TECTORUM, Gramineae
Root of LANDOLPHIA TOGOLANA, Apocynaceae34
Root of MUCUNA POGGEI, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink a cup daily.
'Kooko osa, help us send this fever away
Eruwa, help us take this fever away
Aagba, help us take this fever away
Ijokun, help us send this fever away.'

171
103(400) Oogun iba aponju Otura ose, 210
Ewe awonisan
Ewe anikansegbo
Ewe oruwo
Ewe ojusaaju
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. A o we ara ninu omi gbigbona, a o mu die.
Awonisan ba mi wo iba yii san
Anikansegbo ba mi se iba k'o lo
Oruwo wo iba kuro
Ojusaaju sa iba k'o lo.

104(407) Oogun ileegbona Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe ewuro
Ewe kukunduku
Ewe inabiri
A o jo o. A o fi tefa, a o pe of o re. A o la a pelu epo pupa.
Igbona ko gbodo se ewuro
Kukunduku ki i gbona
Erowoo ni t'inabiri.

105(415) Oogun ileegbona Irosun meji, 5

Ewe elewe obe
Ewe rinrin
Ewe worowo
A o jo o. A o fi tefa, a o pe of o re. A o la a pelu epo.
Elewe obe ni i be igbona
Rinrin ki i gbona
Ero ni ti worowo.

172
103(400) Medicine to cure yellow fever
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of MIGROGLOSSA PYRIFOLIA, Compositae
Leaf of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of PETIVERIA ALLIACEAE, Phytolacaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. The person must wash in hot water
and drink a little of the preparation.
'Awonisan, help me cure this fever
Anikansegbo, help me make this fever go
Oruwo, drag the fever off
Ojusaaju, fetch the fever so that it may go.'

104(407) Medicine to cure smallpox

Leaf of VERNONIA AMYGDALINA, Compositae
Leaf of IPOMOEA BATATAS, Convolvulaceae
Leaf of PLUMBAGO ZEYLANICA, Plumbaginaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation and
lick with palm oil.
'Smallpox never dares affect ewuro
Kukunduku never feels hot.
Inabiri is always cool and calm.'

105(415) Medicine to cure smallpox

Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation and
lick with palm oil.
'Elewe obe pacifies the smallpox
Rinrin never gets hot
Woorowo is calm.'

173
106(417) Oogun ileegbona Okanran meji, 8
Ewe esisi gogoro
Ewe efinrin wewe
Ikun ojia
A o lo o, a o pe ofo re, fi-si inu omi, fi ra ara.
Esisi gogoro maa je ki o gbona
Efinrin wewe ni i be igbona
Ikun ojia ni i se ero f'ojia.

107(436) Oogun ileegbona Ogbe irete, 29

Ewe hewu hewu
Ewe odundun
Ewe tete
Ewe rinrin
Ewe peregun
Eso ogede weere (pupa)
A o sun un, a o fi lebu re tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o si la a pelu epo.
Hewu hewu k i i gbona
Tutu ni ti odundun
Tutu ni ti tete
Tutu ni ti rinrin
Awa ye-maa-ku ni ti peregun
Erowoo ni t'ogede.

174
106(417) Medicine to cure smallpox
Leaf of SIDA URENS, Malvaceae
Leaf of OCIMUM BASILICUM, Labiatae
Sap of DANIELLIA OGEA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Grind, recite the incantation, add water, rub the body with it.
'Esisi gogoro does not get hot (gets smallpox)
Efinrin wewe pacifies the smallpox
The sap from ojia always tranquilizes ojia.'

107(436) Medicine to cure smallpox

Leaf of COMBRETUM SMEATHMANII, Combretaceae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Liliaceae
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA, Musaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the the odu in the preparation,
recite the incantation and lick with palm oil.
'Hewu hewu never gets hot
Odundun is cool
Tete is cool
Rinrin is cool
Peregun's life is eternal
Ogede is calm.'

175
108(471) Oogun inu gbigbona Irosun ogbe, 77
Ewe woromoba
Ewe rinrin
Ori
A o lo o pelu ori, a o pe o f o re, a o mu un pelu eko gbigbona.
Woromoba l'o ni ki inuu re o maa gbona
Tutu rinrin ni k'inuu re k'o maa tutu.

109(474) Oogun oorunu Ogbe okanran, 23

Ewe ero-oko
Eso ero-oko
Eepo egusi
Odidi ataare kan
Iyo
A o j o o. A o fi t e f a , a o pe o f o re, a o mu un pelu omi gbigbona.
Amuni-kaka-t 'ori-wa
O-muni-lodo-ikun-so-ni-di-egburu
Ero oko ki i ba ooyi k u
A f e danu ni ti eepo egusi.

110(477) Oogun aiyagbe Ogbe ogunda, 24

Ewe teyo
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o. A o t e f a lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re. A o je e pelu eko.
Teyo ni ki o f i y o arun kuro n'ikun mi
Ara kan-un kan-un ni ti kan-un
Ogbe yonu ba mi y o arun n'ikun mi.

176
108(471) Medicine to cure intestinal fever
Leaf of OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM, Labiatae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind with shea butter, recite the incantation, eat with hot indian corn
meal every day.
'Woromoba says the stomach should not be hot
Rinrin's stomach is fresh.'

109(474) Medicine to cure intestinal fever

Leaf of VERNONIA ADOENSIS, Compositae
Fruit of VERNONIA ADOENSIS, Compositae
Skin of the seeds of CITRULLUS LANATUS, Cucurbitaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Salt
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation,
dissolve the ash in hot water and drink.
'He who grips one strongly from the head downwards
He who grips one in the pit of the stomach rendering one powerless
People in the farm never die as a result of the wind
The chaff of melon seeds are always blown away in the wind.'

110(477) Medicine to cure constipation

An unidentified leaf
Strong potash
Grind. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation. Eat with white
corn meal.
'Use teyo to stop my bowel's disease
Kan-un's body is always strong
Ogbe yonu, help me remove my bowel's disease.'

177
111(479) Oogun onigba meji Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe agunmona
Ewe agbado
Odidi ataare kan
A o jo won, a o fi tefa, a o si fi won sinu ado ti a lu iho kan si loke ati iho
kan ni isale, a o de e, fun eebi a o bu u lati apa oke, fun igbe gburu a o bu u
lati isale a o fi mu eko tutu.

112(480) Oogun ife gungun Ofun ose, 256

Ewe funfun owa
Ewe odofin igbo
Ewe okiki
A o jo o. A o fi tefa, a o p e o f o re, a o po o po. A o la a pelu epo.
Funfun owa ki i gunfe
Odofin igbo ki i gunfe
Okiki ba wa ki i f e mo ohun.

113(482) Oogun igbe eje Okanran meji, 8

Ewe esuru oro
Isu esuru oro
Ataare
A o jo won pelu ataare, a o f i t e f a , a o pe of o re, a o bu die sori igbe a o si
po
iyoku m o eko mimu.
Okanran k i o kan oran eje mole
Esuru oro ki o maa je k i eje o wa m o .

178
111(479) Medicine to cure vomiting and diarrhoea
Leaf of CULCASIA SCANDENS, Araceae
Leaf of ZEA MAYS, Graminae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash. Place in a small gourd.
Pierce a hole at the top and another at the bottom and cork them.
For vomiting, take the medicine from the upper hole, for diarrhoea
take it from the lower hole. Eat with cold white corn meal.

112(480) Medicine to cure belching

Leaf of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM, Combretaceae
Leaf of TRICHILIA PRIEURIANA, Meliaceae
Unidentified leaf
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite incantation,
mix the ash with palm oil and lick it.
'Funfun owa never belches
Odofin igbo never belches
Okiki, help us press the belch back inside.'

113(482) Medicine to cure bloody diarrhoea

Leaf of DIOSCOREA DUMETORUM, Dioscoreaceae
Root of DIOSCOREA DUMETORUM, Dioscoreaceae (yam)
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn with AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA. Draw the odu in the ash,
recite the incantation. Put some of the ash over the faeces,
mix the other part of it with corn meal and eat.
'Okanran should nail down the dysentery
Esuru oro should not let the blood come any more.'

179
114(484) Oogun igbe yiya Odi meji, 4
Ewe abere
Isu ege
Odidi ataare kan
A o sun un, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o mu un pelu eko tutu ni owuro.
Abere ba wa da igbe l o
Isu ege ki i di igbe.

115(488) Oogun igbe yiya Otura obara, 203

Ewe aka mumu
Eso i mumu
Egbo oruwo
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o maa mu un laraaro.
Aka mumu ba wa mu igbe duro
I mumu mu igbe duro
Oruwo ki i j e ka ya igbe.

116(489) Oogun ikun didun Okanran meji, 8

Ewe ajalu gborogan
Egbo ibepe
Ose dudu
A o jo o, a o f i t e f a , a o pe of o re, a o si maa mu un pelu eko gbigbona.
Ajalu gborogan gbe arun kuro
Nijo ti ibepe ba pon arun re a san
Dida l'ara ose i da.

180
114(484) Medicine to cure diarrhoea
Leaf of JASMINUM PAUCIFLORUM, Oleaceae
Root of MANIHOT ESCULENTA, Euphorbiaceae (yam)
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Mix with hot white corn meal and eat every morning.
'Abere, help us drive the faeces away
The ege tuber never becomes faeces.'

115(488) Medicine to cure diarrhoea

Leaf of LECANIODISCUS CUPANIOIDES, Sapindaceae
Fruit of CYPERUS ESCULENTUS, Cyperaceae
Root of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Aka mumu, help us make the diarrhoea stop
I mumu, make the diarrhoea stop
Oruwo root never allows the faeces to pass.'

116(489) Medicine to cure belly ache

Leaf of TRISTEMMA LITTORALE, Melastomataceae
Root of CARICA PAPAYA, Caricaceae
Black soap
Burn. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation. Drink with hot
white corn meal.
'Ajalii gborogan, carry the disease away
The day the ibepe ripens, its illness gets cured
Ose's body is always clean and healthy.'

181
117(492) Oogun inu kunkun Ejiogbe, 1, Ogbe ka, 26, Ogbe irete, 29
Ewe efinrin opapara
Ewe olojongbodu
Eeru
Aidan
Alubosa elewe
Eepo amuyan
Iyere
A o gun won, a o si lo o po. A o tefa a lori iyerosun, a o pe o f o re.
A o maa mu un pelu eko.
Aaro meta ki i da obe nu
I f a meta ki e l o ree wo arun san.

118(494) Oogun inu kunkun Obara egunta. Obara ogunda, 114

Ewe isigun
Ito maluu
Kan-un bilala
A o lo o a o si po o p o . A o pe of o re. A o mu sibi meji lojoojumo.
Isigun ba wa si inukikun yii l o
Ito maluu k o ni je ki inu wa o kun
Kan-un k o ni je ki inu wa o kun.

119(511) Oogun inu rerun Ika meji, 11

Ewe ira odan
Eepo ira odan
Egbo ira odan
Orombo wewe
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o si maa mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Ira odan maa je ki n ri arun
Arunkarun ki i se orombo.

182
117(492) Medicine to cure a rumbling belly
Leaf of LIPPIA RUGOSA, Verbenaceae
Leaf of COMMELINA ERECTA, Commelinaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPTCA, Annonaceae
TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Bark of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae35
Pound all together and grind. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation
and drink the mixture with corn meal.
'The cooking tripod never upsets the soup pot
Three odu of I f a , go and cure the disease.'

118(494) Medicine to cure a rumbling belly

Leaf of GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM, Asclepiadaceae
Cow's urine
Strong potash
Grind and mix. Recite the incantation. Drink two spoonfuls every morning.
'Isigun, help us get rid of this belly rumble
Ito maluu will not let the belly rumble
Kan-un will not let the belly rumble.'

119(511) Medicine to cure stomachache

Leaf of BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA,
Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA,
Euphorbiaceae
Root of BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA,
Euphorbiaceae
CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Boil the ingredients in water. Recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Ira odan, do not let me fall ill
Orombo never suffers from any disease.'

183
120(524) Oogun inu rerun Okanran oyeku, 123
Ewe asoleke
Ewe awusa
Ewe ipeta
Ewe eeruju
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o si ma a mu un ni eemeji lojumo.
Asoleke ni i wo inu san.
Awusa ni i wo inu san.
Ipeta ni i wo inu san.
Eeruju ba wa wo inu yii l'awosan.

121(529) Oogun inu rerun Osa of u n , 166

Ewe ajagbo
Ewe ologboki yan
Eeru
Aidan
A o se o ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o ma a mu un laraaro.
Ajagbo wo inu rirun.
Ologbokiyan gbe inu rirun lo kiyan.
Eeru ru inu rirun lo.
Aidan maa je ki o dan mi wo.

122(532) Oogun ipaki Odi meji, 4

Ewe asagba
Eso eeru awonka
Iyere
Kan-un gidi
A o lo o, a o pe of o re. A o a ma mu un pelu eko gbigbona laraaro.
Asagba k o , sa arun yii lo.
Eeru k ' o ru u kuro.
A ki i ri arunkarun lara iyere.

184
120(524) Medicine to cure stomachache
Leaf of BYRSOCARPUS COCCINEUS, Connaraceae
Leaf of PLUKENETIA CONOPHORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of SECURIDACA LONGIPEDUNCULATA, Polygalaceae
Leaf of UVARIA CHAMAE, Annonaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'Asoleke always cures stomachache
Awusa always cures stomachache
Ipeta always cures stomachache
Eeruju, help us tend this stomach until it is cured.'

121(529) Medicine to cure stomachache

Leaf of RICINODENDRON HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of PLEIOCERAS BARTERI, Apocynaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Ajagbo, cure the stomachache
Ologbokiyan, carry the stomachache elsewhere
Eeru, take the stomachache away
Aidan, do not let it disturb me.'

122(532) Medicine to cure a swollen belly

An unidentified leaf
A fruit of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae36
Potash
Grind, recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal every morning.
'Asagba should stop this disease
Eeru, should take it out
No disease is ever found on iyere's body.'

185
123(533) Oogun ipaki Ose ika, 237
Ewe ekan funfun
Eyo agbado
Eso aworoso
A o gun un po. Mu un pelu eko gbigbona.

124(534) Oogun isebe Ofun meji, 16

Ewe omu i f a
Ewe orombo wewe
Egbo orombo wewe
Eso orombo wewe
Egbo lapalapa f u n f u n
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe of o re. A o si ma a mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Omu i f a mu isebe kuro.
Orombo bo isebe naa ki o maa je ki o se mi mo.
Lapalapa f u n f u n ki o pa isebe naa.

125(535) Oogun itosile Ogbe irete, 29

Ewe eekannase adiye
Aidan
Odidi ataare kan
Ori ologbo
A o jo won, a o f i t e f a , a o pe of o re. A o maa mu un pelu eko tutu laaaro.
Eekannase adiye k i i je k i adiye to sile
Ori ologbo k i i je k i ologbo o to sile
Aidan ki i to sile.

186
123(533) Medicine to cure a swollen belly
Leaf of CALYCOBOLUS HEUDELOTII, Convolvulaceae
One seed of ZEA MAYS, Gramineae
Fruit of CROTON PENDULIFLORUS, Euphorbiaceae
Pound all together. Drink with hot white corn meal.

124(534) Medicine to cure obesity

Leaf of PTERIS TOGOENSIS, Adiantaceae
Leaf of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Root of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Fruit of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Root of JATROPHA CURCAS (white), Euphorbiaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Omu i f a , take out the fat
Orombo, peel off the fat completely and never let it worry me anymore.
White lapalapa should kill the fat.'

125(535) Medicine to cure bed wetting

Leaf of STRYCHNOS SPINOSA, Loganiaceae"
TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
One whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
A cat's head
Burn everything, draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation. Drink with
cold white corn meal every morning.
'Eekannase adiye never lets the fowl urinate in its nest
Ori ologbo never lets the cat urinate in its bed
Aidan never wets its bed.'

187
126(542) Oogun jedi jedi Ogbe obara, 22
Ewe asunwon funfun
Eso iyere
Kan-un bilala
Iyo
A o lo o, a o sa a, a o pe ofo re, a o fi maa mu eko gbigbona laraaro.
Asunwon funfun ba mi ko jedi jedi lo.
Arun karun ki i se iyere.
Arun karun ki i se kan-un.

127(543) Oogun jedi jedi Iwori ika, 56

Ewe osunsun igbo
Ewe awusa
Ewe ewon agogo
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. A o ma mu un laraaro.
Osunsun ba a sun jedi jedi lo k'o ma le ba a ja mo
Awusa k'o sa a lo
Ewon agogo, ba wa won on kuro.

128(548) Oogun kuriri Ose odi, 230

Ewe funfun owa
Eso otoro
Eso ibepe dudu
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re,a o fi fo eko tutu mu.
Funfun owa iwo lo wo kuriri
Otoro ba wa wo kuriri k'o lo.
Ibepe dudu ki i wo arun k'o ti.

188
126(542) Medicine to cure piles
Leaf of SENNA PODOCARPA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Fruit of PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae38
Strong potash
Salt
Grind and then dry. Recite the incantation. Drink with hot white corn meal
every day.
'Asunwon funfun, help me send the piles away
No disease ever affects iyere
No disease ever affects kan-un.''

127(543) Medicine to cure piles

Leaf of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Leaf of PLUKENETIA CONOPHORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of LANTANA CAMARA, Verbenaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
'Osunsun, help him kick out the piles that they may not trouble him anymore
Awusa should take them away
Ewon agogo, help us shake them off.'

128(548) Medicine to cure a gaseous stomach

Leaf of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM, Combretaceae
Fruit of STACHYTARPHETA INDICA, Verbenaceae
Fruit of CARICA PAPAYA (black), Caricaceae
Burn the ingredients. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Eat with white corn meal.
'Funfun owa always cures a rumbling stomach
Otoro, help us cure the rumbling stomach
Ibepe dudu never fails to cure the diseases.'

189
129(549) Oogun oyi ikun Iwori okanran, 53
Ewe aruntantan
Ataare (pupo)
A o lo o, a o pe o f o re, a o se e pelu epo pupa, a o maa la a.
Iku o iku o iku o
Oyi oyi oyi
Aruntantan k'arun l o k'ooyi ikun o ma se ni m o .

130(552) Oogun aran lara Oturupon osa, 191

Ewe oro koro
Ewe ogan f u n f u n
A o run un sinu omi, a o t e f a lori iyo a o da a m o on, a o si se e.
Se oogun yii leyin alaisan ti o gbodo mu i f e kan ni kete ti o ba wole.

131 (553) Oogun aran aya Ose o f u n, 241

Ewe osagbo
Ewe osunsun
Egbo ibepe
Ose dudu
A o jo gbogbo nkan yii po a o si maa mu un pelu oti tabi epo pupa.
Osagbo ba mi gbe arun l o .
Osunsun sun arun kuro.
Ibepe ki i ri arun.
Aweda ni ose nwe arun.

190
129(549) Medicine to cure giddiness
Leaf of OCIMUM BASILICUM, Labiatae
Many seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Grind. Recite the incantation, cook in palm oil and lick.
'Death!!! Death!!! Death!!!
Giddiness!!! Giddiness!!! Giddiness!!!
Aruntantan, carry the disease away so that the giddiness may not
trouble me anymore.'

130(549) Medicine to expell rotten worms from the body

Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PICNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of QUISQUALIS INDICA, Combretaceae
Squeeze the leaves, draw the odu in salt, add to the juice and filter.
Prepare in the absence of the patient, who must drink a cup on arrival.

131(553) Medicine to eliminate worms from the chest

Leaf of INDIGOFERA HIRSUTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Root of CARICA PAPAYA, Caricaceae
Black soap
Burn everything, Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Drink with a spirit or palm oil.
'Osagbo, help me to take the disease away
Osunsun, push the disease away
Ibepe never suffers from disease
Ose always washes the disease away completely.'

191
132(554) Oogun aran ese Ogbe irete, 29
Isu ogirisako tabi isu opego
A o se e, a o be e a o si gbe ese le e ni gbigbona. A o maa se bayii lojoojumo
fun ojo meje.

133(555) Oogun aran inu Otura of u n , 211

Ewe rogan rogan
Eso orogbo
Odidi ataare kan
Iyere
Iyo
Kan-un bilala
A o gun un, a o pe o f o re, a o si maa f i mu eko gbigbona lojoojumo.
Rogan rogan ni i wo inu san
Orogbo ni i gbe arun kuro
Ara yiya ni ataare.
Iyo yo arun kuro.

134(558) Oogun aran oju Okanran ogunda, 129

Ewe abilokun
Eedu (ina)
Tiroo
A o lo o a o f i t e f a , a o pe o f o re, a o da won po a o si f i le tiroo si oju.
Abilokun ba wa be arun oju.
Eedu ni k i arun maa duro s'oju
Tiroo ba wa ti arun jade.

192
132(554) Medicine to eliminate worms from the feet
Tuber of ANCHOMANES DIFFORMIS, Araceae.
Boil it, peel it and put it on the foot while it is hot. Repeat this for seven days.

133(555) Medicine to eleminate worms from the belly

Leaf of STANSFIELDIELLA OLIGANTHA, Commelinaceae
Many fruits of GARCINIA KOLA, Guttifereae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
PIPER CAPENSC, Piperacae39
Salt
Strong potash
Grind, recite the incantation, Drink with hot white corn meal every day.
'Rogan rogan cures the stomach disease
Orogbo carries the disease away
Ataare is healthy
Iyo, take the disease away.'

134(558) Medicine to eliminate worms from the eyes

Leaf of HIPPOCRATEA sp., Celastraceae
Charcoal
Antimony
Grind, draw the odu on it, reciting the incantation, mix everything.
Paint the eyelids with the preparation.
'Abilokun, help us pacify the eye disease
Eedu says the disease should not remain in the eye
Tiroo, help us push out the disease.'

193
135(559) Oogun asule Iwori ogbe, 47
Ewe agidimagbayin
Ewe abirikolo
Ori
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o po o mo ori, a o fi ra omo naa lara a o si fi fun un ni
eko gbigbona mu.

136(560) Oogun asule Iwori ogbe, 47

Ewe orokoro
Ewe ogan pupa
Ewe ogan f u n f u n
Ata
Omi orombo wewe
A se e ninu oru pelu omi orombo wewe. A k o ni i f i omi si i. A o t e f a lori
iyerosun. A o p o , o po a o maa mu i f e kekere k a n laraaro.

137(570) Oogun ejoonu Owonrin otua, 103

Ewe apejdonu
Ewe orokoro
Ewe ogan f u n f u n
Alubosa elewe
Kan-un gidi
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o maa mu un laraaro.
Apejoonu ba wa pa ejoonu.
Ogan f u n f u n ba wa mu ejoonu.
Kan-un gidi k i i k o arun ejoonu.
Orokoro maa ko ejoonu l o .

194
135(559) Medicine to cure a young child suffering from
strong diarrohea and worms
Leaf of SIDA OCUTA, Malvaceae40
Leaf of HAUMANIASTRUM LILACINUM, Labiatae41
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Burn, draw the odu in the ash, mix with shea butter. Rub the body of the
child and give him a little of the preparation to drink with hot corn meal.

136(560) Medicine to cure a young child suffering from

strong diarrohea and worms
Fresh leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM, Combretaceae
Leaf of white QUISQUALIS INDICA, Combretaceae
ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSIS , Rutaceae
Juice of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Cook with the lemon juice but without water. Draw the odu in iyerosun.
Mix this with the preparation and drink a little cup every morning.

137(570) Medicine to expel tapeworms

Leaf of CNESTIS FERRUGINEA, Connaraceae
Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of QUISQUALIS INDICA, Combretaceae
Root of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, dilacaeae
Potash
Boil in water, recite the incantation, drink every morning.
'Apejoonu, help us kill the tapeworms
Ogan funfun, help us arrest the tapeworms
Kan-un gidi never suffers from tapeworms
Orokoro, do send the tapeworms away.'

195
138(572) Oogun ejoonu Ofun obara, 248
Ewe tete oyagade
Ewe teteregun
Ewe rogbo agutan
Kan-un bilala
A o se e. A o pe ofo re. A o mu ife kan lojoojumo.
Tete oyagade ni i pa ejo ikun.
Teteregun, mojo ni i pa ejo ikun
Rogbo agutan ni i ko ejo ikun lo.

139 (573) Oogun jewo jewo omode Ejiogbe, 1

Eepo owewe
Ewe amuyan
A o se e, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re, a o maa fun omode kekere mu
lojoojumo.
Owewe l'o ni ki arun ti n se lagbaja, ki o se were kuro nibe
Amuyan waa mu arun yii kuro nibe.

140(579) Oogun kokoro ara Okanran meji, 8

Ewe awonka
Ewe orokoro
Ewe irawo ile
Ose dudu
A o gun gbogbo nkan yii po, a o pe ofo re, a o si fi we ara
Awonka won kokoro yii lo
Irawo ile k'o wo kokoro yii lo
Orokoro ko arun lo.

196
138(572) Medicine to expel tapeworms
Leaf of AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of COSTUS AFER, Costaceae
Leaf of PALISOTA HIRSUTA, Commelinaceae
Strong potash
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup daily.
' Tete oyagade kills the tapeworms
Teteregun-mojo kills the tapeworms
Rogbo aguntan sends the tapeworms away.'

139(573) Medicine to cure a young child's diseased navel

Bark of SPATHODEA COMPANULATA, Bignoniaceae
Leaf of KIGELIA AFRICANA, Bignoniaceae
Cook in water, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation.
The child should drink it every day.
'Owewe says the disease that disturbs so-and-so should hastily go away
Amuyan, come and take this disease from here.'

140(579) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs

Leaf of XYLOPLA VILLOSA, Annonaceae
Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apecynaceae
Leaf of MITRACARPUS HIRTUS, Rubiaceae
Black soap
Pound everything together. Recite the incantation, wash the body with
the preparation.
'Awonka, snatch these germs away
Irawo ile should drag these germs away
Orokoro, send the disease away.'

197
141(583) Oogun kokoro ara Ose meji, 15
Ewe aja emile
Ewe owu
Egbo ope
Ori
A o gun un. A o po o po mo ori, a o pe o f o re, a o si f i pa ara.
Aja emile ja kokoro l'ara
Owu wu kokoro
Ope ki i ri arun kokoro.
Ogbe odi, 19
142 (584) Oogun kokoro ara
Ewe amuwagun
Ewe ogungun
Ewe egun
A o gun won po m o ose dudu. A o pe of o re. A o f i we.
Amuwagun ba mi mu kokoro lo.
Ogungun maa je ki kokoro o gun mi.
Egun maa je ki kokoro o gun mi.

143 (591) Oogun kokoro ara Okanran ose, 135

Ewe adosusu
Egbo adosusu
Eeru
Orombo wewe
A o se e. A o pe of o re. A o mu un, a o si f i we ara.
Adosusu dari kokoro kuro l'ara.
Eeru ru kokoro kuro.

198
141(583) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs
Leaf of CROTALARIA PALLIDA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of GOSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Root of ELAEIS GULNEENSIS root, Palmae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind, mix with shea butter, recite the incantation and rub the mixture
over the body.
'Aja emile, pluck the germs out of the body
Owu, uproot the germs
Ope never suffers from germ disease.'

142(584) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs

Leaf of ACALYPHA ORNATA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of COLA CORDIFOLIA, Sterculiaceae42
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation and wash the body with
the preparation.
'Amuwagun, help me take the germs away
Ogungun, do not let the germs come to me
Egun, do not let the germs come to me.'

143(591) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs

Leaf of COCHLOSPERMUM PLANCHONII, Cochlospermaceae
Root of COCHLOSPERMUM PLANCHONII, Cochlospermaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink and wash the body with
the preparation.
'Adosusu, direct the germs out of the body
Eeru, carry the germs away.'

199
144(602) Oogun kokordo ifun Ofun meji, 16
Ewe pindun
Ewe isa
Egbo isa
Ewe ogan funfun
Eeru
A o se e, a o pe ofo re, a o maa mu un ni eemeji lojoojumo.
Pindun ni i pa arun ni ifun
Isa sa arim kuro
Ogan funfun ki o wo arun n'ifun k'o san
Eeru k'o ru arun kuro.

145(603) Oogun kokoro omu Ose meji, 15

Itakun pakun ase
Ewe oju oro
A o se e. A o pe ofo re. A o gba oru re si omu.
Itakun ase k'o se kokoro omu
Oju oro maa je ki arun o se omu.

146(607) Oogun sobiya Okanran meji, 8

Ewe ogungun
Eepo igi ogungun
Egbo ogungun
A o se e, a o pe ofo re, a o si mu ife kan.
Sobiya ki i se ewe ogungun.
Sobiya ki i se egbo ogungun.
Sobiya ki i se eepo igi ogungun.
Ki sobiya k'o ma se mi mo.

200
144 (602) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs in
the intestines
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of IMPERATA CYLINDRICA, Gramineae4'
Root of IMPERATA CYLINDRICA, Gramineae
Leaf of QUISQUALIS INDICA, Combretaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation, drink twice a day.
'Pindun kills the disease in the bowels
Isa, pick out the disease
Ogan funfun should cure the disease of the bowels
Eeru should carry the disease away.'

145(603) Medicine to cure a disease caused by germs in

the breast
Stem of IODES AFRICANA, Icacinaceae
Leaf of PISTIA STRATIOTES, Araceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Let the steam moisten the breast.
'Itakun ase should vanquish the germs in the breast
Oju oro, do not let disease affect the breast.'

146(607) Medicine to eliminate guinea worm

Leaf of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae44
Bark from the tree of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae
Root of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup.
'The guinea worm never affects the ogungun leaf
The guinea worm never affects the ogungun roots
The guinea worm never affects the ogungun bark
The guinea worm should give up contaminating me.'

201
147(611) Oogun sobiya Iwori okanran, 53
Ewe ori odan
Egbo iya
Ewe iya
Eepo iya
Eso orombo wewe
A o se e. A o pe o f o re, a o maa mu un laraaro.
Ewe ori odan ni i wo sobiya san.
Ewe iya ni ki o yara kuro.
Egbo iya ni ki o kuro.
Eepo iya ni ki o kuro.
Ara yoyo ni i se eso orombo.

148(613) Oogun sobiya Okanran ogunda, 129

Ewe asobiabe
Ewe ekuya
Egbo tude
Alubosa elewe
Eeru gidi
A o se e. A o pe o f o re. A o maa mu un ni eemeji lojoojumo
Asobiabe ree be sobiya
Ekuya maa je ki sobiya o ya wa
Tude ba a tu sobiya kuro l'ara
Alubosa ba a sa a
Eeru ba a ru u kuro.

202
147(611) Medicine to eliminate guinea worm
Leaf of VITEX DONIANA, Verbenaceae
Root of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Bark of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Fruit of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink the preparation every morning.
'Ori odan leaf always cures the guinea worms
Iya leaf says it should hurry up and go out
Iya root says it should go out
Iya bark says it should go out
Orombo's body is always very smooth.'

148(613) Medicine to eliminate guinea worm

Leaf of DALBERGIA SAXATILIS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of CLEOME GYNANDRA, Capparaceae
Root of CALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
A bunch of whole XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Cook in water, recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'Asobiabe, go to pacify the guinea worm
Ekuya, do not let the guinea worm come this way
Tude, help him shake the guinea worm out of his body
Alubosa, help him pick it out
Eeru, help him drive it out.'

203
149(616) Oogun ebin didun Ose odi, 230
Ewe idi
Ewe omu
Ewe okun
Obu otoyo
A o lo o. A o tefa lori iyerosun. A o fi igi orogbo kan an a o si fi run pako.

150(618) Oogun eti didi Ogbe ose, 30

Ewe apotoporo tabi ogugu
Ewe ela
A o lo o. A o pe ofo re. A o sin gbere meje si eti kokan a o ku ogun yii si
i a o si fi die je eko tutu.
Apotoporo ba mi lu eti lamorin
Ela ni ki eti naa o la denu k'o maa gboran.

151(619) Oogun eti didun Okanran ofun, 136

Ewe alugbonron
Ewe ela
Eyo ataare mesan
A o lo o, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o da a po, a o fi sin gbere meta si eti
kokan.

204
149(616) Medicine to cure toothache
Leaf of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
Leaf of PTERIS sp., Adiantaceae
Leaf of PHOENIX RECLINATA, Palmae
Saltpetre
Grind the ingredients. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Take a chewing stick
(made from GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae plant) and clean the teeth with
this preparation.

150(618) Medicine to cure deafness

Leaf of COLA CORDIFOLIA, Sterculiaceae45
Leaf of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae46
Grind the ingredients, recite the incantation. Make seven cuts on each ear,
rub the preparation into them and eat some of it with cold white corn meal.
'Apotoporo, help me pierce the ear of so-and-so
Ela says the ear should open so that he may hear.'

151(619) Medicine to cure earache

Leaf of TRICLISIA SUBCORDATA, Menispermaceae
Leaf of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae47
Nine seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Grind the ingredients, draw the odu in iyerosun, mix all together.
Make three cuts on each ear and rub the preparation into them.

205
152(620) Oogun efori Ejiogbe, 1
Egbo enisa oogun
Eeru
Alubosa elewe
A o gun un. A o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re. A o po o mo oogun.
A o fi oogun sinu gele a o we e mo ori alaisan fun ojo meta.
Enisa oogun ba mi sa arun kuro lori mi
Alubosa ni o fi sa a
Eeru ni o fi ru u.

153(622) Oogun efori Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe agbeyika egbe
Ewe erinmi
Ose dudu
A o gun un mo ose dudu, a o pe ofo re, a o fi we ori pelu omi gbigbona a o
si da a si ita.
Agbeyika egbe gbe efori kuro l'ori lagbaja
Erinmi ni ki o fi rin in mole
Omi gbigbona ki i gbe enu pe.

154(624) Oogun efori Oyeku meji, 2

Ewe iyun orisa
Imi ojo dudu
Imi ojo pupa
A o gun un po, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o sin gbere si ori a o si fi ra a.
Iyun orisa ba mi wori yii san
Ori ki i fo imi ojo dudu
Arun ki i se imi ojo pupa.

206
152(620) Medicine to cure headache (in women)
Root of RITCHIEA CAPPAROIDES var. LONGIPEDICELLATA, Capparaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Pound the ingredients. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,
mix everything together. Put the preparation in a scarf and tie it on
the patient's head. Use it for three days.
'Enisa oogun, help me send the disease out of my head
Use alubosa to pick it off
Use eeru to carry it off.'

153(622) Medicine to cure headache

Leaf of HYPSELODELPHYS VIOLACEA, Marantaceae
Leaf of HOSLUNDIA OPPOSITA, Labiatae
Black soap
Pound the ingredients with black soap, recite the incantation.
Wash the head with both hot water and the preparation,
and then throw the preparation away.
'Agbeyika egbe take the headache away from so-and-so
Use erinmi to suppress it
Hot water never stays long in the mouth.'

154(624) Medicine to cure headache

Leaf of PSOROSPERMUM FEBRIFUGUM, Hypericaceae
Sulphur
Red sulphur
Pound together. Draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation.
Make cuts on the head and rub the medicine in.
' I y u n orisa, help me cure this head disease
Imi ojo dudu never suffers from headache
Imi ojo pupa never suffers from any disease.'

207
155(627) Oogun efori Owonrin meji, 6
Ewe odundun meje
Ewe tete meje
Ewe rinrin meje
Omi iti dgede
Adi
A o pdo o ninu isaasun, a o gun awon ewe mo omi iti ogede, a o tefa lori
iyerosun, a o pe ofo re. A o si da a po a o maa fi ra ori fun ojo mesan an.
Odundun k'o ma je k'o dun un mo
Tete ni ki e fi te e mole
Rinrin ko maa je k'o le rin mo
Wowo l'a ba iti ogede
Adi ni ki e fi di gbogbo ohun t'o ba nda lamorin laamu kuro.

156(631) Oogun efori Iwori oyeku, 48

Ewe erinmado
Ewe ataare
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe ofo re. A o maa mu un ni gbigbona leemeji
lojoojumo a o si fi we ara pelu.
Erinmado ni i wo ori san
Ataare ni i ta arun kuro l'ori.

157(642) Oogun gbegbe Odi oturupon, 72

Ewe olooto
Ewe atufa
Ewe ogbo aga
Ewe akowo
A o lo won, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o si po o po, a o sin gbere si oju gege a
o
si fi ra a.

208
155 (627) Medicine to cure headache
Seven leaves of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Seven leaves of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS,
Amaranthaceae
Seven leaves of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Sap of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
Palm kernel oil
Prepare the mixture in an earthen pot. Pound the leaves with the sap
of the banana trunk. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,
mix all together. Rub the preparation on the head for nine days.
'Odudun doesn't let you feel pain
Use tete to push the pain to the ground
Rinrin should not let it ooze anymore
The banana tree is always found cool and calm
Use adi to send away all that is worrying so-and-so.'

156(631) Medicine to cure headache

Leaf of RICINODENDRON HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink twice a day and wash body with
the preparation.
'Erinmado always cures the head disease
Ataare always kicks the disease out of the head.'

157(642) Medicine to cure goitre

Leaf of GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM, Asclepiadaceae
Leaf of PERGULARIA DAEMIA, Asclepiadaceae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of PSYCHOTRIA sp., Rubiaceae
Grind the ingredients. Draw the odu in iyerosun, mix everything together.
Make cuts on the goitre and rub the preparation on them.

209
158(653) Oogun igbalode Ogbe oyeku, 17
Ewe agbede
Ewe isu men
Egbo isu meri
Eeru
A o gun un, a o pe ofo re, a o po o mo omi, a o fun omi re sinu igo, a o maa
mu sibi kan laraaro.
Agbede maa gbe arun igbalode lo
Isu meri mu igbalode lo
Eeru k'o ru u kuro.

159(655) Oogun igbalode Ose ogunda, 235

Ewe esin
Eso esin
A o ko eso ati awon ewe pupo jo, a o pe ofo re, ki eni ti arun igbalode ba n
ba ja fi f o ahon re.
Esin ki o wa sin igbalode nu lokan re ati lahon o.

160(658) Oogun imu ehin jade lero fun omode Irosun irete, 89
Ewe atikekere ehin
Eru alamo
Ewe amureju
Igbin bebere (kekere kan)
Ose dudu
A o gun un ninu odo, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o ko won sinu ikoko a o si po o
po. A o fi we omo nigba ti o ba pe osu merin.

210
158(653) Medicine to cure a black coated tongue
Leaf of GOSSYPIUM BARBADENSE, Malvaceae
Leaf of CRINUM ZEYLANICUM, Amaryllidaceae48
Root of CRINUM ZEYLANICUM, Amaryllidaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Pound. Recite the incantation. Mix with water, filter, store in a bottle.
Drink one spoonful every day.
'Agbede, carry this tongue disease away
Isu meri, take tongue disease away
Eeru should carry it away.'

159(655) Medicine to cure a black coated tongue

Leaf of ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA, Euphorbiaceae
Prepare plenty of leaves and fruit. Recite the incantation, then wash
the tongue with it.
'Esin should come and take the tongue disease away from his heart and
his tongue.'

160(658) Medicine to facilitate the growth of teeth in

little children
Leaf of ALTERNANTHERA PUNGENS, Amaranthaceae
Unidentified seed
Leaf of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One small snail
Black soap
Pound the ingredients in a mortar. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Put everything
in a pot, mix, wash the child's body when he is four months old.

211
161(659) Oogun imu ehin le Oyeku meji, 2 ati Odi meji, 4
Egun igbagbo
Eyo ataare meje
A o gun un po, a o fi te odu i f a keji ati ikerin, a o fi sin gbe re si enu a o si f i
ra a.

162(660) Oogun odi Iwori of u n , 61

Ewe eholo
Ewe ela
Ose dudu
A o gun un mo ose dudu, a o pe o f o re, a o f i f o ahon.
Eholo ni ki o maa ho
Ela ni ki o la ohun s'oke.

163(664) Oogun oju didun Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe owatete
Ewe ojuusaju
Ewe oparun
A o se e ninu omi, a o f i iyo si i , a o pe o f o re. A o wa ro o sinu igo a o maa
f i bo oju.
Owatete l'o ni ki oju o wa le
Ojuusaju ba mi sa oju jo
Oparun ni ki o ba mi f i pa arun oju.

212
161(659) Medicine to make the teeth strong
A thorn from a fallen leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae
Seven seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Grind together, draw the second and fourth odu in it. Make little cuts around
the mouth and rub the preparation on them.

162(660) Medicine to cure dumbness

Unidentified graminae
Leaf of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae49
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. Wash the tongue with it.
'Eholo says you should be speaking aloud
Ela says your voice should open up.'

163(664) Medicine for eye pain

Leaf of TRICHILIA MONADELPHA, Meliaceae
Leaf of PETIVERIA ALLIACEAE, Phytolacaceae
Leaf of OXYTENANTHERA ABYSSINICA, Gramineae
Cook in water, add salt, recite the incantation. Keep the preparation in
a bottle, wash the face with it.
'Owatete says the eye should calm down
Ojuusaju, help me put eyes back in good shape
Use oparun to kill the eye pain.'

213
164(665) Oogun oju didun Irosun meji, 5
Ewe abake
Ewe rogan rogan
Eedu ita
Tiroo
A o lo o mo tiroo, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o maa le e si oju.
Abake ni t'oju se
Oju roro ni ti rogan rogan
Tiroo ni t'arun kuro l'oju
Eedu ita ni t'arun kuro l'oju.

165(672) Oogun oju didun Iwori otura, 58

Ewe fere ododo
Ewe senifiran
Egun senifiran
Egbo senifiran
A o ge e, a o pe ofo re, a o ko o sinu omi di ojo keji a o wa se omi re sinu
igo a o maa kan an si oju.
Fere ododo ma je ki oju o dun mi
Senifiran ba mi tun oju se.

166 (685) Oogun oju fifo Ofun meji, 16

Ewe owale
Ewe iranje
Egbo iranje
A o gun un po, a o sa a ni oorun, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re, a o f i omi tutu
mu un.
Owale mu oju wa le
Ran ran ran ni t'iranje
O f u n meji wa f u n mi l'oju mi di ale.

214
164(665) Medicine for eye pain
Leaf of ANTHONOTA MACROPHYLLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of STANSFIELDIELLA OLIGANTHA, Commelinaceae
CELTIS ZENKERI, Ulmaceae (charcoal)
Antimony
Grind all together, draw the odu in it, recite the incantation. Paint the eyelids
with the preparation.
'Abake always mends the eyes
Rogan rogan always has sharp eyes
Tiroo always pushes the disease away from the eyes
Eedu ita always pushes the disease away from the eyes.'

165(672) Medicine for eye pain

Leaf of MARTYNIA ANNUA, Martyniaceae
Leaf of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Thorn of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Root of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Chop all the ingredients, recite the incantation. Soak them in water till the
following day, pour the liquid into a bottle. Use this preparation on the eyes.
'Fere ododo, do not let the eyes pain me
Senifiran, help me cure the eyes.'

166(685) Medicine to cure blindness

Leaf of OXYANTHUS SUBPUNCTATUS, Rubiaceae
Leaf of SECURINEGA VIROSA, Euphorbiaceae
Root of SECURINEGA VIROSA, Euphorbiaceae
Pound together. Draw the odu in the preparation and dry in the sun,
recite the incantation. Drink with cold water.
'Owale, make the eyes calm down
Iranje is always open eyed
O f u n meji, keep my sight till old age.'

215
167(688) Oogun oju fifo Ose otura, 239
Ewe ododo okun
Ewe yunyun
Ewe oruru
A o lo o, a o pe o f o re, a o maa la a pelu epo pupa.
Ododo okun ba mi mu oju rina
Arina d'ale ni ti yunyun
Gbangba ni oruru ri na.

168(690) Oogun oju igbona Ose meji, 15

Ewe aponlojuse
Ewe karo
Ori
Eetan eyin
A o j o o, a o po o mo ori, a o pe of o re, a o f i ra a.
Aponloju sese ni be igbona oju
Awosan ni ti karo
Eetan ni ki arun o tan l'oju.

169(691) Oogun oowo enu Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe o f a etu
Ewe o f a inuyaya
Ori
A o lo o, a o t e f a lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re, a o po o m o ori a o f i ra
oowo.
O f a etu f a oowo kuro k'o tu
O f a inuyaya o ni k'ara o tu k i oowo o tu.

216
167(688) Medicine to cure blindness
Leaf of COMBRETUM PLATYPTERUM, Combretaceae
Leaf of ASPILIA AFRICANA, Compositae
Leaf of SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Bignoniaceae
Grind, recite the incantation. Lick with palm oil.
'Ododo okun, help me make the eyes see the light
Yunyun always sees light till nightfall
Oruru always sees the light clearly.'

168 (690) Medicine to cure burning eyes

Leaf of ANTTDESMA VENOSUM, Euphorbiaceae
Unidentified leaf
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKii, Sapotaceae
Nut of ELAELS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Burn the ingredients, recite the incantation. Mix with shea butter and rub
the preparation on the face.
'Aponloju sese always pacifies eye troubles
Karo always cures the illness completely
Eetan says the disease in the eye should end.'

169 (691) Medicine to cure boil in the mouth

Leaf of OLYRA LATIFOLIA, Graminae
Unidentified leaf
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation. Mix with shea butter,
rub it on the boil.
' O f a etu, draw out the boil that it may drain out
O f a inuyaya says that the body feels more comfortable and that the boil
should drain out.'

217
170 (692)
Oogun ofun Ofun meji, 16
Ewe okun irora
Imi ojo funfun
Imi ojo pupa
A o lo o, a o la a pelu epo pupa.

171 (696) Oogun

orun didun Okanran ofun, 136
Ewe okun ikale
Ewe opapara
Alubosa elewe
Egbo ewon agogo
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe ofo re, a o si ma a mu un ni eemeji lojoojumo.
Okun ikale k'o ba wa wo arun orun
Opapara ni ki arun orun o le kuro
Alubosa k'o sa arun kuro
Ewon agogo won arun kuro.

172 (698) Oogun

orun ese Okanran ofun,
136

Ewe abere
Ewe eree
Odidi ataare kan
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o fi fo eko tutu mu ni owuro.
Abere ba wa mu arun ese lo
Eree ba wa re arun ese kuro
Ataare k'o tari re lo.

218
170 (692) Medicine to cure throat disease
Leaf of DIOCLEA REFLEXA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Alum
Sulphur
Grind and lick with palm oil.

171 (696) Medicine for neck ache

Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passif loraceae
Leaf of STACHYTARPHETA INDICA, Verbenaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Bark of LANTANA CAMARA, Verbenaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'Okun ikale should help us cure the neck disease
Opapara says the neck disease must go
Alubosa should pick the disease
Ewon agogo, beat off the disease.'

172 (698) Medicine to cure disease of the ankle

Leaf of ANTHONOTA MACROPHYLLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of PHASEOLUS LUNATUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae50
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn the ingredients, draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Eat with cold white corn meal in the morning.
'Abere, help us take the ankle disease away
Eree, help us pick the ankle disease
Ataare should push it away.'

219
173 (699) Oogun
segede Otura iwori,
199
Osun
Ile ode
Ile (amo) agbon
Efun
A o lo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o da a sinu omi tutu a o maa fi ra segede.
Ile ode ki i wu sode l'ori
Ile ode ki i wu sode l'orun
Ile ode ki i wu sode l'ara
Efun ni k'o o fi fun ohun ti n se lamorin
Osun l'o ni ki ara re o sun
Otua olonwo ba wa wo arun kuro l'ara re.

174 (705) Oogun

wariwarun Ofun oyeku, 243
Ewe eruyan ntefe
Ewe oorungo
Ewe orombo wewe
Ewe arojoku
Alubosa elewe
Ata gidi
Iyo
A o gun un l'odo, a o fi mu eko gbigbona.

220
173(699) Medicine to cure mumps
PTEROCARPUS OSUN, Leguminosae Papilionoideae,'
A maggot nest
A wasp nest
Chalk
Grind, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation and put
in cold water. Rub on the swelling.
'The maggot's house never swells on its head
The maggot's house never swells on its neck
The maggot's house never swells on its body
Use efun to squeeze out whatever troubles so-and-so
Osun says his body should be calm
Otua olohwd, help us cure the disease in his body.'

174(705) Medicine to cure torticollis

Leaf of OCIMUM CANUM, Labiatae
Leaf of VERNONIA AMBIGUA, Compositae52
Leaf of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA, Rutaceae
Leaf of ECLIPTA ALBA, Compositae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSIS, Rutaceae
Salt
Pound in mortar, drink with hot white corn meal.

221
175(707) Oogun imu omode rin Obara ose, 120
Ewe erinmado
Eso aridan
Alubosa elewe
Ewe agbasa
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe ofo re, a o maa fun un mu ni eemeji lojoojumo.
Erinmado ni ki omo o rin
Aridan maa je ki nwon o dan omo wo
Alubosa o ni ki omo sare
Agbasa gba omo ye.

176(709) Oogun aisan omode Okanran ofun, 136

Ewe egbesi ogun
Egbo egbesi ogun
Eepo egbesi ogun
Eeru
Ewe efinrin wewe
A o se e ninu omi. Fun omode mu ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Egbesi l'o ni ki arun o si
Efinrin ni wo isebe.

177(713) Oogun didaku Irete ogbe, 212

Ewe ojiji itakun
Odidi ataare meje
Ata gidi
Ori ewure asinrin
Eja ojiji
A o jo o lori ina pelu ata gidi, a o fi tefa, a o b u die sinu ado, a o ti enu
ado
bo imu omo naa.

222
175(707) Medicine to make a young child walk
Leaf of RICINODENDRON HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'Erinmado says the child should walk
Aridan, do not let them test out the child
Alubosa says the child should run
Agbasa, save the child.'

176(709) Medicine for a young child's sickness

Leaf of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
Root of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
Bark of SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS, Rubiaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Leaf of OCIMUM BASILICUM, Labiatae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Egbesi says that the disease should subside
Efinrin always cures the disease.'

177(713) Medicine to awaken a child that has fainted

Leaf of BRACHYSTEGIA EURYCOMA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Seven fruits of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
ZANTHOXILUM SENEGALENSIS, Rutaceae
The head of a white and yellow coloured goat
One electric eel
Burn. Draw the odu in the preparation. Put a little of the preparation into a
small calabash, hold it near the nose of the child.

223
178(714) Oogun ehin omode Iwori owonrin, 51
Ewe kuere
Ewe owe ahun
Eeru mesan an
Ose dudu
A o gun un mo ose dudu, a o pe ofo re, a o fi we omo kekere.
Kuere ki i gbona eyin
Owe ahun ki i s'ojojo.

179(718) Oogun Ehin didun omode Ogbe iwori, 18

Ewe jomo oruke
Ewe opon atakun
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe ofo re, a o maa fun omode mu laararo.
Jomo oruke ni i wo ehin san
Opon ba mi pon omo yii d'agba
Eeru k'o ma je ki ehin o dun un.

180 (720) Oogun imu omo d'agba Ogbe oyeku, 17

Ewe jomo oruke
Ewe owu
Ewe oruru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe of o re, ki omode mu i f e kan ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Jomo oruke je ki omo mi o ruke
Oruru ma j e k i omo mi o ru
Owu ni ki omo mi o wu dagba.

224
178(714) Medicine to cure a young child's toothache
Leaf of DEINBOLLIA PINNATA, Sapindaceae
Undeterminated leaf of Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Nine pods of XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. Wash the young child with
the mixture.
'Kuere never suffers from teething problems
Owe ahun never falls ill.'

179(718) Medicine to cure a child's backache

Leaf of CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of UAPACA HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every morning.
' J o m o oruke always cures the back disease
Opon help me back this child till he grows up
Eeru should not let him suffer from backache.'

180(720) Medicine for a child's growth

Leaf of CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of GOSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Leaf of SPATHODEA COMPANULATA, Bignonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Let the child drink a little cup
three times a day.
' J o m o oruke, let my child grow
Oruru, do not let my child grow lean
Owu says my child should grow up well.'

225
181(724) Oogun imu omo larada Ogbe oyeku, 17
Egbo ifon
Eepo ogede abo
Ori
Ose dudu
A o lo o, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o fi we omo.

182(725) Oogun imu omo larada Oyeku ogunda, 39

Ewe osunsun tabi egbo re
Imi ojo pupa
Ose dudu
A o gun un po, a o lo imi ojo pupa, a o fi tefa, a o si po o po a o fi we omo
lara.

183(729) Oogun oka omode Iwori ika, 56

Ewe ayoka
A o se e, a o pe ofo re, a o si maa mu un.
Ayoka ayoka waa lo ree yo oka ori lamorin.

184(731) Oogun olo inu Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe ijan dudu
Ewe atori igbo
Eeru
Kerewuu
A o gun awon elo meji to keyin po a o da a sinu ikoko. A o tefa lori iyerosun.
A o ko ewe jo (mesan fun omodekunrin ati meje fun omodebinrin). A o se e
mo omi a o maa mu un ni araaro.

226
181(724) Medicine to keep a child in good health
Root of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Bark of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Black soap
Pound on a stone, draw the odu in iyerosun. Wash the child with
the preparation.

182(725) Medicine to keep a child in good health

Leaf and root of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Red sulphur
Black soap
Pound all together and grind the red sulphur. Draw the odu in it. Mix.
Wash the child with it.

183(729) Medicine to cure scabs on the head of a child

Leaf of HIPPOCRATEA INDICA, Celastraceae
Cook, recite the incantation. Drink.
'Ayoka ayoka, go and rid the head of so-and-so from the disease.'

184(731) Medicine for children's painful flanks

Leaf of ALCHORNEA LATIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of MALLOTUS OPPOSITIFOLIUS, Euphorbiaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
GOSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Pound the last two ingredients together, put them in a pot, draw the odu in
iyerosun. Tie the two kinds of leaves in pairs, nine pairs for a boy and seven
pairs for a girl. Put them over the preparation, mix, add water and cook.
Drink every morning.

227
185(736) Oogun omode rim Iwori oyeku, 48
Ewe arun fonfon
Ewe ayin
A o se e ninu omi didun, a o pe ofo re, a o maa mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Arun fonfon ma je k'o ru
Aru dagba ni ti ayin.

186(739) Oogun omo ti n je eepe Ika ogunda, 175

Ewe ogan aparo
Ewe imi esu
Ewe bole
Odidi ataare
A o gun un, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re, a o po won po, a o sin gbere
si abe oju, eti orikee apa ati ese a d si fi pa a.
Ni'ku pa bole
Igba erun ni'ku pa bole.

228
185(736) Medicine to cure a weak child
Leaf of DIOSCOREA ALATA, Dioscoreaceae
Leaf of ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS, Combretaceae
Boil in sour water, recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Arun fonfon, don't let him remain thin
Ayin is thin till old age.'

186(739) Medicine to cure a child who eats earth

Leave of SABICEA CALYCINA, Rubiaceae
Leave of AGERATUM CONYSOIDES, Compositae53
Leave of SIDA LINIFOLIA, Malvaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Pound together, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,
mix everything. Make cuts under the eyes, ears and joints of the arms
and legs, and rub the preparation over them.
'Death kills the bole plant
It is during the dry season that death kills the bole plant.'

229
187(740) Oogun agbonadero Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe rinrin
Eyin kan (ti o ja sile fun rarare)
Ori
Owo eyo kan
Ori ere
Iko odide kan
A o gun un, a o lo eyin mo iko odide, a o f i t e f a , a o pe o f o re, a o l o
gbogbo
nkan po mo ori, a o maa f i pa ara.
Ejiogbe m a j e k i ina o je mi l'oni
Ero ni ti rinrin
Ero ni ti ori
Ere ni k i oro ina o ma le ran mi
Bi iko odide ba p o n dede k i i le jo ni l'owo.

188(743) Oogun alaare Okanran ogunda, 129

Ewe ogun bere
Eepo ogun bere
Egbo ogun bere
Eeru
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re, a o maa mu un ni eemeta lojoojumo.
Ogun bere m a j e ki o re mi
M a j e k i o re mi l'owo
M a j e k i o re mi lese
M a j e k i o re mi ni gbogbo ara.

230
187(740) Medicine to relieve the pain of a burn
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
One fruit that has fallen by itself of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
One cowry
The head of a boa constrictor snake
One parrot's red feather
Shea butter
Pound, grind the ELAEIS GUINEENSIS with the parrot's red feather,
draw the odu in the powder, recite the incantation. Mix everything
with shea butter. Rub over the body.
'Ejiogbe, do not let the fire burn me today
Rinrin is always cool and calm
Ori is always cool and calm
Ere says the wrath of the fire should not affect me
However red the parrot's feather may be, it never burns anybody's hands.'

188(743) Medicine to cure indisposition

Leaf of LEUCAENA LEUCACEPHALA, Leguminosae
Mimosoideae
Bark of LEUCAENA LEUCACEPHALA, Leguminosae
Mimosoideae
Root of LEUCAENA LEUCACEPHALA, Leguminosae
Mimosoideae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPTCA, Annonaceae
Cook in water, recite the incantation. Drink three times a day.
'Ogun bere, never let me become indisposed
Never let me feel indisposition in the hands
Never let me feel indisposition in the legs
Never let me feel indisposition in any part of my body.'

231
189(746) Oogun alakalaa Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe legun kuro
Obi (sunsun ni ina)
A o gun un, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe o f o re, a o sin gbere si abe oju a o
si fi pa a.
Legun kuro ba mi le isinku orun lo
Isinku orun ki i je obi sunsun n'ina.

190(747) Oogun alakalaa Ejiogbe, 1

Ewe ogan jo dundun
Ewe abirikolo
Ewe aje kobale
Ori aja
A o jo o, a o fi tefa, a o pe o f o re. A o sin gbere mokanlelogun si aarin ori
oluwa re a o f i ogun si i. A o maa f i iyoku f o eko tutu mu lojoojumo.
Oganjo dundun m a j e ki n lalaa ibi
Abirikolo isinku orun pehin da
Aje kobale m a j e ki ibi ba le mi
Ori aja ni maa so aja.

232
189(746) Medicine to avoid having nightmares
Leaf of PSOROSPERMUM FEBRIFUGUM, Hypericaceae
Roasted fruit of COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Grind, draw the odu in iyerosun. Recite the incantation. Make a cut under
the eyes and rub the preparation into it.
'Legun kuro, help me drive the ghosts away
Ghosts never eat kola nuts roasted in fire.'

190(747) Medicine to avoid having nightmares

Leaf of DESMODIUM ADSCENDENS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of HAUMANIASTRUM LILACINUM, Labiatae54
Leaf of CROTON ZAMBESICUS, Euphorbiaceae
The head of a dog
Burn the igredients, draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Make 21 cuts on the head of the person, rub part of the preparation into them.
Eat the rest of the preparation with cold white corn meal every day.
'Oganjo dundun, never let me have bad dreams
Abirikolo, turn back the ghosts
Aje kobale, never let evil perch on me
The dog's head always protects it.'

233
191(759) Oogun alakalaa Ogbe ika, 26
Ewe jelenu benu
Ewe arinigo
Ewe legun oko
Obi (sisun)
A o jo o a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o sin gbere si abe oju a o fi oogun pa a.
A o gba iyoku ni owu funfun ati dudu a o maa fi si abe irori.
Jelenu benu ki i be enu ti
Arinigo lo ni ki e ma le gori mi
Legun oko l'egun pada.

192(763) Oogun alakalaa Owonrin ika, 101

Ewe odunniwonron
Ewe abirikolo
Eedu ina
Ose dudu
A o gun un mo ose dudu, a o pe o f o re, a o si f i we alaisan.
Odunniwonron m a j e ki n se wonron wonron mo
Abirikolo ni k i isinku orun o pehinda
Eedu o ni ki ibi ma le duro ti mi.

234
191(759) Medicine to avoid having nightmares
Leaf of BIOPHYTUM PETERSIANUM, Oxalidaceae
Leaf of MICRODESMIS PUBERULA, Pandaraceae
Leaf of PSOROSPERMUM FEBRIFUGUM, Hypericaceae
Fruit of COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Burn the ingredients, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation.
Make a cut under the eyes and rub the preparation into each cut. Wrap the rest
of the mixture in white and black cotton threads and put it under the pillow.
'Jelenu benu does not fail to beg for the mouth
Arinigo says you should not climb on me
Legun oko drives the ghosts away.'

192(763) Medicine to avoid having nightmares

Leaf of SPERMACOCE RUELLIA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of CROTARIA LACHNOPHORA, Leguminoseae Papilionoideae"
Charcoal
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Recite the incantation. Wash the person with
the preparation.
'Odunniwonron, never let me become restless again
Abirikolo says that burials are not accepted in the afterdeath
Eedu says that evil should not stay with me.'

235
193(775) Oogun arunkarun Irosun oyeku, 78
Ewe apa
Egbo apa
Eepo apa
Eeru
A o da awon elo meteeta akoko sinu ikoko a o fon eeru si i a o da omi si i a
o se gbogbo re po, a o pe o f o re, a o si fi omi re we alaisan.
Apa ba mi pa arun yii
Ibi yiowu ti o wa ninu ara
Ki arun naa ma le ba mi ja mo
Apa ba mi pa arun yii.

194(778) Oogun arunkarun Ogunda oyeku, 138

Ewe apon kolo
Ewe idi
Egbo idi
Eepo idi
Eso tagiiri
Alubosa elewe
A o se e ninu omi, a o pe o f o re. A o ma a mu i f e kekere laraaro.
Apon kolo pa arun karun
Tagiiri ni k i o fi wu arun lo
Alubosa ni ki o f i sa arun lo.

236
193(775) Medicine against all diseases
Leaf of AFZELIA BELLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae56
Root of AFZELIA BELLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Bark of AFZELIA BELLA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Put the first three ingredients in a pot, split the XILOPIA AETHIOPICA over
them,
add water, boil. Recite the incantation. Wash the person with the preparation.
'Apa, help me kill this disease
Wherever it may be in the body
May the disease no longer worry me
Apa, help me kill this disease.'

194(778) Medicine against all diseases

Leaf of FLABELLARIA PANICULATA,
Malpighiaceae
Leaf of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS,
Combretaceae
Root of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS,
Combretaceae
Bark of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS,
Combretaceae
Fruit of LAGENARIA BREVIFLORA,
Cucurbitaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a little cup every morning.
'Apon kolo, kill all the diseases
Use tagiiri to uproot the disease
Use alubosa to kick out the disease.'

237
195(785) Oogun arun ti i deni mole Ejiogbe, 1
Ewe elu
Ewe alupayida
Ajapa meji
Ose dudu
A o gun un po, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o ko o sinu aso funfun. A o po eje
ajapa mo on a o ko ose sinu omi a o po gbogbo re po. A o rora fi maa pa
alaisan lara.

196(786) Oogun aporo ejo Oyeku oturupon, 42

Ewe alubosa
Ewe ewuro
Eepo oro adete
Ewe enu opire
Ewe aro joku
Ogede weere
Odidi ataare
Ori ejo kejo
A o jo o po, a o fi tefa, a o pe ofo re, a o sin gbere si oju oro ejo a o fi
aporo pa a.
Oyeku baturupon
Nigba t'o o b'omo olufe tu oro ejo nijo un
Ni won ba pe o ni oyeku t'o tu oro ejo
Ti ko fi pa a wo
Wa maa ba wa tu oro ejo gbogbo t'o bu nije
Ohun t'o roro l'a a fi i be ohun t'o roro
Ewuro t'o roro ni o fi be e
Alubosa t'o roro ni o fi be e
Ojodu ateere-ma-ni-koko-omo-otu-ife
Arojoku ni ki gbogbo oroo re k'o ku
Oyeku ba wa tu oro naa kuro.

238
195(785) Medicine to cure agoraphobia
Leaf of LONCHOCARPUS CYANESCENS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Two tortoises
Black soap
Pound everything (except the tortoises and the black soap), draw the odu
in iyerosun. Put in a white cloth, mix the blood of the tortoises with the
preparation, dip the soap in the water and dilute it. Rub patiently over the
person's body.

196(786) Medicine to cure snake bite

Leaf of ALLIUM CEPA, Liliaceae
Leaf of VERNONIA AMYGDALINA, Compositae
Bark of EUPHORBIA POISSONII, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of EUPHORBIA LATERIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of ECLIPTA ALBA, Compositae
MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA, Musaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Head of any snake
Burn all together, draw the odu in the preparation, recite the incantation.
Make incisions on the snake bite and rub the preparation on them.
'Oyeku baturupon
When long ago you helped the son of Olufe expel the snake poison
They named you oyeku, he who expels snake poison
For it did not kill you any more
Come help us neutralise the poison of all the snakes that bite people
What is bitter is always used to neutralise what is bitter
Use bitter ewuro to neutralise it
Use bitter alubosa to neutralise it
Ojodu, he who is long and slim and without knots, and a native of Ife city
Arojoku says all the poison should die
Oyeku, help us drive out the poison.'

239
197(787) Oogun egba Okanran iwori, 124
Ewe gbegbe nla
Ewe osan agbalumo
Eepo osan agbalumo
Egbd osan agbalumo
Eeru
A o ko won sinu ikoko a o da omi si i, a o se e, a o pe o f o re, a o maa mu i f e
kan leemeji lojoojumo.
Gbegbe nla k'o gba mi l'owo egba
Osan l'o ni k'o san
Eeru ba mi ru u kuro.

198(792) Oogun ero Owonrin meji, 6

Ewe woorowo
Ewe odundun
Ewe tete atete daye
Ewe oyoyo (eluju)
Ewe peregun
Ewe iroko
Ogede omini
Ori
Igbin
A o run won sinu omi, a o da epo pupa ati ori si i, a o pe o f o re, a o maa mu
un a o si maa f i we.
Erowoo ni ti woorowo
Ero ni ti odundun
Ero ni ti tete
Oyoyo l'o ni ki inu lamorin o yo
Akoko eluju p'ero si mi nle p'ero si mi l'ona
Erowo o ni peregun f i gbe gbode
Ero ni iroko so ero
Ti ogede ba ti de ninu igbo ki oju lamorin o de
Ero ero ero ni t'igbin.

240
197(787) Medicine to cure paralysis
Leaf of ICACINA TRICHANTHA, Icacinaceae
Leaf of CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM, Sapotaceae
Bark of CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM, Sapotaceae
Root of CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM, Sapotaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Put in a pot, add water, boil, recite the incantation. Drink a cup twice a day.
'Gbegbe nla should rescue me from paralysis
Osan says that it should heal
Eeru, help me send it away.'

198(792) Medicine to calm a person

Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of CORCHORUS OLLITORIUS, Tiliaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Leaf of CHLOROPHORA EXCELSA, Moraceae
MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
One snail
Squeeze in water, add palm oil and shea butter. Recite the incantation.
Drink the preparation and take a bath with it.
'Woorowo is always cool and calm
Odundun is always cool and calm
Tete is always cool and calm
Oyoyo says that so-and-so should become glad
Akoko eluju, bring me peace at home, bring me peace on the way
Peregun always resides in gbode with calm and tranquility
Iroko always yields calm
The eyes of so-and-so should be as calm and soft as the fruits of the ripe
banana in the forest.
The snail is always cool and calm.'

241
199(794) Oogun ero Irosun oturupon, 87
Ewe eso
Ewe jemoniho
Ewe odundun
Ewe tete
Ewe worowo
Ewe ikupero
Ori
A o gun un, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe ofo re, a o po o po. A o la a, a o si
fi pa ara.
Eleso meso o temi
Eso eso n'o fi gbale yii lowo won
Jemoniho o ni ki e je mi nihoo
Dundun ni ti odundun
Tutu ni ti tete
Erowo ni ti worowo
Ero ni ti ikupero.
199(794) Medicine to calm a person
Leaf of ELYTRARIA MARGINATA, Acanthaceae
Leaf of IPOMOEA ARGENTAURATA, Convolvulaceae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Cressulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of DICHROCEPHALA INTEGRIFOLIA, Compositae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation.
Mix, lick the preparation and rub it on the body.
'Eleso, bring me gentleness
Gently gently I will take this land from them
Jemoniho says that you must answer me yes
Odundun is always calm
Tete is always cool
Woorowo is always cool and calm

242
Ikupero is always cool and calm'.

243
200(797) Oogun ero Ose owonrin, 232
Ewe abamoda
Ewe olojongbodu
Ewe oruwo
Ewe apawere
Ewe tude
Ewe popo
Ewe iroko
Ewe ata
A o ko won sinu ikoko ti a gbe sori okuta meta. A o f o eyin adiye merin si
i a o da omi tutu si i lori, a o de e ( f u n ojo meta) a o pe o f o re, a o maa fun
alaisan ni i f e kekere kan laraaro fun ojo meje. A o si f i we e pelu.
Ose oniwo ni gbogbo ori re ti won daru ni oun yioo pada pe ni
Abamoda ki i da tire k'o ma se, mo dabaa ero f u n lamorin
Omi l'a aba ninu olojongbodu atojo ateerun
Oruwo ru were kuro l'ara lamorin
Apawere lo mu were so
Tude yioo f i tu gbogbo ibi t'o ba wa l'ara re
Popo yioo f i pa gbogbo ibi t'o ba wa l'ara re
Ero n'iroko so ero
Ata ni won f i i ta' k u ta'run.

244
200(797) Medicine to calm a person
Leaf of BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM, Crassulaceae
Leaf of COMMELINA ERECTA, Commelinaceae
Leaf of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA VOMITORIA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of CALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passif loraceae
Leaf of CHLOROPHORA EXCELSA, Moraceae
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Mix all the leaves in a pot placed over three stones, add four eggs and
cold water, cover the pot. Let the preparation rest for three days.
Recite the incantation. The person must drink a little cup of this every
morning for seven days and then take a bath with it.
'Ose oniwo says that so-and-so's head, that has been unbalanced,
should return to normal
Abamoda never says anything without it happening, I propose that
so-and-so should become calm
Olojongbodu contains water througout the seasons
Oruwo, expel the madness from so-and-so's body
Apawere, go and tie up the madness
Tude will disperse all the evil that may be in his body
Popo will kill off all the evil that may be in his body
Iroko always yields calm
Ata is always used to expel death and disease.'

245
201(799) Oogun ero Ose irete, 240
Ewe ogan aparo
Ewe teteregun
Ewe ogbo
Ewe ijan
Ewe odundun Olokun
Ewe oora
A o jo gbogbo elo ninu agbada. A o fi tefa, a o si pe ofo re pelu. A o maa la
a pelu epo pupa.
Ogan aparo o ba se p'ero fun mi
Odoodun ni teteregun d'eru s'ori, ma d'eru were s'ori mi
Ogbo ki i kere k'o ma gbo t'Orisa
Ijan l'o ni ki were ara lamorin o ja danu
Odundun Olokun ni n pa ero fun olokun
Ma pero fun Olokun mo pero fun lamorin k'ori re o pe
Obra l'o ni ki gbogbo aisan were ti n se lamorin o ra.

202(800) Oogun ete Ika okanran, 174

Ewe iki pupa
Ewe orupa
Ewe oparun
A o se e ninu omi. A o pe o f o re. A o fun alaisan mu, a o f i we e pelu.
Iki pupa ba mi pa arun ete
Oparun ba mi pa arun ete
Orupa ba mi pa arun ete.

246
201(799) Medicine to calm a person
Leaf of SABICEA CALYCINA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of COSTUS AFER, Costaceae
Leaf of NERVILIA UMBROSA, Orchidaceae57
Leaf of HIPPOCRATEA WELWITSCHII, Celastraceae58
Leaf of EMILIA COCCINEA, Compositae
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA VOMITARIA, Apocynaceae
Burn all inside a broken pot. Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation.
Lick with palm oil.
'Ogan aparo, please bring me tranquility
Teteregun, you carry a load on the head every year, but do not place
the load of madness on my head
Ogbo is never too small not to hear what the Orisa says
Ijan says that the madness of so-and-so should distance itself
Odundun of olokun always brings tranquility to olokun
Don't bring tranquility to olokun again, bring tranquility to so-and-so
so that his head will become normal
Oora says that all mental disorders belonging to so-and-so should
disappear.'

202(800) Medicine to cure leprosy

Leaf of PASPALUM AURICULATUM, Gramineae
Leaf of HYMENOCARDIA ACIDA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of OXYTENANTHERA ABYSSINICA, Gramineae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Give it to the patient to drink
and wash with.
'Iki pupa, help me kill the leprosy
Oparun, help me kill the leprosy
Orupa, help me kill the leprosy.'

247
203(815) Oogun giri Ogbe odi, 19
Ewe aranbole
Ewe tagiiri
Eeru
Ose dudu
A o gun un mo ose dudu, a o pe o f o re, a o fi we alaisan.
Aranbole ba mi wo omo mi
Tagiiri ma a je ki a ri arun giri
Eeru ba mi ru arun kuro.

204(816) Oogun giri Ogbe osa, 25

Ewe awusa
Ewe agbasa
Alubosa elewe
Eku asin
A o gun gbogbo elo. A o po o mo epo pupa, a o pe of o re, a o si je ki
alaisan o la a.
Awusa ba wa gbe giri sa
Agbasa ni ki o maa sa l o
Alubosa ba wa sa arun lo
Eku asin o ni ki arun ma se mi m o .

248
203(815) Medicine to treat convulsions
Leaf of MARTYNIA ANNUA, Martyniaceae
Leaf of LAGENARIA BREVIFLORA, Cucurbitaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. Wash the patient with
the preparation.
'Aranbole, help me nurse my child back to life
Tagiiri, never let us witness the convulsion disease
Eeru, help me drive away the disease.'

204(816) Medicine to treat convulsions

Leaf of PLUKENETIA CONOPHORA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
A rat
Pound together. Mix with palm oil, recite the incantation. Make the patient
lick the preparation.
'Awusa, help me get the convulsion and run off with it
Agbasa says it should run away
Alubosa, help us gather together the disease
The rat asin says the disease should not worry me any more.'

205(818) Oogun giri IWORI IKA, 56

EWE AGEMOKOGUN
EWE TABA TUTU
ALUBOSA ELEWE
ITO MALUU
A O GE AWON EWE SI WEWE, A O KO WON SI INU IGO A O DA ITO ATI OMI SI I,
A O PE OFO RE, KI ALAISAN MU SIBI MEJI LOJOOJUMO.
AGEMOKOGUN MA JE KI ARUN O GUN MI
ALUBOSA BA MI SA ARUN DANU
TABA TA ARUN DANU
ITO BA MI TO ARUN DANU.

206(829) Oogunile orun loju eniyan ODI IROSUN, 65

EWE OGEDE
EWE ABIRIKOLO
EWE OSANYIN
A O GUN GBOGBO ELO PO .KI ALAISAN FIF O EKO MU.

207(830) Oogunimu ni rorun sun IROSUN MEJI, 5

EWE AKO ODO
EGBO AKO ODO
EEPO AKO ODO
ATAARE
ALUBOSA ELEWE
IYO

249
A O GUN GBOGBO ELO, A O SA A NI ORUN. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE.
KI ALAISAN MU SIBI KAN NI ALAALE.
IROSUN MEJI JE KI LAGBAJA O LE SUN
AKO ODO NI I MU OORUN WA
ASUN DA RAGBADA LA A BA IGI AKO ODO
A TA L ' ONI K ' O TA AISUN JADE
ALUBOSA BA WA SA AISUN YII DA
IYO YO AISUN JADE.

250
205(818) Medicine to treat convulsions
Leaf of Laggera alata, Compositae
Fresh young leaf of Nicotiana tabacum, Solanaceae
Bulb of Allium aescalonicum, Liliaceae
Urine of a cow
Cut the leaves into pieces, bottle them with the urine, add water.
Recite the incantation. The patient must drink two spoonfuls a day.
'Agemokogun, do not let the disease climb over me
Alubosa, help me throw away the disease
Taba, push off the disease
Ito, help me kick out the disease.'

206(829) Medicine to cure a person that sleeps too much

Leaf of Musa sapientum, Musaceae
Leaf of Crotalaria lachnophora, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 39
Leaf of Elytraria marginata, Acanthaceae
Pound all together. The patient must eat the preparation with cold corn meal.

207(830) Medicine to treat for insomnia

Leaf of Ouratea sp., Ochnaceae
Root of Ouratea sp., Ochnaceae
Bark of Ouratea sp., Ochnaceae
Aframomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae
Bulb of Allium aescalonicum, Liliaceae
Salt
Pound everything, dry in the sun. Draw the odu in iyerdsun, recite the
incantation. The patient must drink a spoonful of the preparation every night.
'Irosun meji, let so-and-so sleep
Ako odo always brings sleep
Ako odo tree is always found in deep slumber
Ata says sleeplessness should be pushed out
Alubosa, help us to pick this sleeplessness
Iyo, expel the sleeplessness.'

251
208(832)Oogun imu ni rorun sun IWORI IROSUN, 50
EWE OJU ORO
EWE GBINGBIN
EWE AAJA
A OJO GBOGBO ELO PO. A OFI TEFA, A OPE OFO RE. A OWE E LASO FUNFUN A OFI
SI ABE IRORI ALAISAN.
AAJA KI I BA OMO RE JA AJA
EROWOO NI TI GBINGBIN
OJU ORO NI OLEKE OMI.
209(833)Oogun imu ni rorun sun IROSUN OYEKU, 78
EWE IROSUN
A OGUN AWON EWE YII POMO OSE DUDU. A ODA OMI SI I, A OPE OFO RE.
KI ALAISAN MU UN, KI OSI FI WE OJU PELU.
IROSUN JE KI MI MAA SUN
IROSUN JE KI MI MAA JI RERE
IROSUN ENI TI KO BA LE SUN NI O BA SISE TI FI I SUN.

210(838)Oogun lakuegbe IWORI MEJI, 3

EWE EKU IGI
EWE AAPE
EGBO PANDORO
OROGBO
A OGUN GBOGBO RE PO .A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE. KI ALAISAN FI MU
EKO GBIGBONA.
EKU IGI NI WO LAKUEGBE SAN
AAPE L'ONI K'OMA A PE TI YOO FI SAN
PANDORO NI PA LAKUEGBE
OROGBO K'OGBE E KURO K'O JE K'O SAN.

252
211(839) Medicine to cure rheumatism
Leaf of Malacantha alnifolia, Sapotaceae
Leaf of Citrus aurantifolia, Rutaceae
Root of Citrusaurantifolia, Rutaceae
Fruit of Citrusaurantifolia, Rutaceae
Crinum zeylanicum, Amaryllidaceae
Sour water with corn starch
Boil, recite the incantation. The patient must drink the preparation every
morning.
'AKALA of the savanna, pluck away all the rheumatism
OROMBO never suffers from rheumatism
The riverside banana tree is always hale and hearty.'

212(849) Medicine to cure rheumatism

Sixteen leaves of Clausen a anlsata, Rutaceae
Sixteen leaves of Zanthoxylum senegalense, Rutaceae
Bulb of Allium aescalanicum, Liliaceae
Root of Carica papaya var. microcarpa, Caricaceae
Sixteen leaves of Ocimum canum, Labiatae
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii, Sapotaceae
Salt
Pound all together except the salt, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,
recite the incantation and mix with the preparation. Divide into two unequal
parts, add salt to the bigger one. The patient must drink it with hot corn meal
and rub the smaller unsalted part over the body.
'AGBASA says it should hurry and run away from there
ALUBOSA says it should remove its baggage from there
ORI says it should hurry and walk out.'

253
213(867)Oogunooyi OBARA MEJI, 7
EWE EREE IGBO
EWE EFINRIN WEWE
ALUBOSA ELEWE
A O SE E NINU OMI. A OPE OFORE. A OMAA MU UN LOJOOJUMO.
EREE IGBO MA JE K'OOYI OKO MI
EFINRIN WEWE KI I JE KA RI OOYI
ALUBOSA BA A SA OOYI KURO.

214(875)Oogun ooyi ODI WORI, 64

EWE ARAKOBALE
EWE TETE ATETEDAYE
EERU
A OGUN UN A OPO OMO EPO PUPA. A OPE OFO RE. A OMAA LA A .
ARAKOBALE MA JEKI OOYI O KO MI
TETE BA MI TE OOYI MOLE
EERU BA MI RU OOYI LO.

215(877)Oogun ooyi OKANRAN OGUNDA, 129

EWE AWEFIN
EWE IPETA
EGBO IPETA
EEPO IPETA
EERU
A O SE E NINU OMI. A O PE OFO RE, A O MAA MU IFEKAN LARAARO.
AWEFIN KOFE OOYI DANHIN DANHIN K ' O MA SE MI
IPETA TA OOYI NAA LO.

254
213(867) Medicine to treat giddiness
Leaf of Vigna racemosa, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of Ocimum basilicum, Labiatae
Bulb of Allium aescalonicum, Liliaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink every day.
'EREE IGBO never lets me feel giddy
EFINRIN WEWE never lets one feel giddy
ALUBOSA, help him throw giddiness away.'

214(875) Medicine to treat giddiness

Leaf of Celtis zenkeri, Ulmaceae
Leaf of Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthaceae
Xylopia aethiopica, Annonaceae
Grind, mix with palm oil, recite the incantation. Lick the preparation.
'ARAKOBALE, don't let me feel giddy
TETE, help me suppress giddiness
EERU, help me send giddiness away.'

215(877) Medicine to treat giddiness

Leaf of Olax subscorpioidea, Olacaceae
Leaf of Securidaca longipedunculata, Polygalaceae
Root of Securidaca longipedunculata, Polygalaceae
Bark of Securidaca longipedunculata, Polygalaceae
Xylopia aethiopica, Annonaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. Drink a cup every morning.
'AWEFIN should blow the giddiness away so that it may not trouble me
anymore
IPETA, kick the giddiness away.'

255
216(882)Oogun warapa IWORI OBARA, 52
ISU DANDAN
EWE TABA MIWU GBIGBE
ALUBOSA ELEWE
EGBO OGBO
ESO EERU
ESE ETA
ITOO MALUU
KAN-UN BILALA
A O KO GBOGBO RE PO SINU IKOKO, A O SE E. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE,
A O FON IYEROSUN NAA SINU IKOKO, A O MAA FUN ALAISAN NI SIBI KAN MU LOJOOJUMO.
ELA RO WA!
ELA RO WA!
ELA RO WA!
WARAPA L'ESE ETA
JAKUTE ESEE MALUU
A NI K'O KALO OGUN, O L'OUN KO LO
A NI K'O KALO SI ONA OWO, O L'OUN KO RE
WON NI K'O KALO EGUNMOKAN ILEE BABAA RE
O L'OUN O NI IBI KOOKAN YIYUN RARA
WON NI N'IGBA T'O O N'IBI KOOKAN YIYUN
ISEE KI L'O O MAA SE O?
O L'OUN O MAA WO WARAPA
O L'OUN O MAA W'OGUN-ORU
O L'OUN O MAA WO WAAKU
O L'OUN O MAA WO DAGBALEKU
WON NI WARAPA TI N S'OMO OLOFIN YII
WON NI K'O WA WO O K'AWON O RI I
O NI ISU DANDAN KII BA ARUN GBE PO K'O MAA WA'LE
TABA NI YOO TAARI WARAPA KURO NINU ARA
ALUBOSA NI I SA ARUN KURO NINU ESE
EERU NI I RU U KURO

256
216(882) Medicine to cure epilepsy
Tuber of Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscoreaceae
Leaf of Nicotiana tabacum, Solanaceae
Bulb of Allium aescalonicum, Liliaceae
Root of Parquetina nigrescens, Asclepiadaceae 61
Fruit of Xylopia aethiopica, Annonaceae
A clivet-cat
Cow's urine
Strong potash
Put everything in a pot, cook and filter. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and pour
the IYEROSUN into the pot, reciting the incantation. Drink one spoonful a day.
'ELA, descend!
ELA, descend!
ELA, descend!
The epilepsy was used in making the clivet-cat's legs
The JAKUTE disease was used in making the cow's legs
He was asked to go to war, he said he would not go
He was asked to go and learn a trade, he said he would not go
He was asked to come along to EGUNMOKAN, his father's home
He said he was not ready to go anywhere
They said now that you will not go anywhere, what work will you
be doing?
He said he would be curing himself of epilepsy
He said he would be curing himself of the o GUN ORU disease
He said he would be curing himself of the WAAKU disease
He said he would be curing himself of the DAGBALEKU disease
They asked: is this the epilepsy that is worrying Olofin's child?
They said he should cure himself of it, that they might witness it
He said DANDAN yam never dwells with disease without fighting against it
TABA will push epilepsy out of the body
ALUBOSA always pays the disease and sends it away from people's legs
EERU always carries it away

257
 N'IBI KAN-UN KAN-UN L'A A BA KAN-UN
ITO GUURUSU KI I J'ARUN O GB'ARA MALUU
IWORI BASAWO WA B'AWA WO WARAPA WONYII SAN
IWO L'o WO WARAPA OMO OLOFIN IGBA IWASE
EYI T'OSEKU IBE NI GBOGBO ARAYE FI N SE'PA KIRI.

217(887)Oogunwere IROSUN MEJI, 5

EWE OJIJI IGI
EWE OLORAGBO
Eja OJIJI
A OGUN EWE MEJEEJI, A OSE E PELU EJA OJIJI. A OPE OFO RE, A OFUN ALAISAN JE.
OJIJI IGI L'ONI KI ARA RE OJI
OLORAGBO L'ONI KI IYE RE K'OMA RA
EJA OJIJI L'O NI KI ARA RE OJI.

258
 KAN-UN is always found in places surrounded by horrible confusion
Excessive urinating does not allow the disease to stay in the cow's body
IWORI BASAWO, come and help us cure this epilepsy
It was you that cured the epilepsy of OLOFIN'S child in the dawn of creation

It is its remnant that is now distressing the people on Ear th.'

217(887) Medicine to cure madness

Leaf of Dalbergia lactea, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of Rauvolfia vomitoria, Apocynaceae
One electric eel
Grind, cook with the eel. Recite the incantation. Give to the patient to eat.
'OJIJI IGI says that his body should be revived
OLORAGBO says that he will not lose his memory
OJIJI FISH says that his body should be revived.'

259
 218(890)Oogun were IWORI OKANRAN, 53
EWE OBI
EWE ABIRIKOLO
EWE IGUN
EWE AIDAN
OKO OFE
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN NINU ODO. A OSA A. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE, A ODA
A PO. A OMAA FUN ALAISAN MU PELU EKO GBIGBONA LARAARO.
OBI NI BO ARUN MOLE
ABIRIKOLO L'O NI KI GBOGBO ALEJANU OPEHINDA LEHIN LAMORIN.
NIJO TI A BA GBO IGUN S'ODO NII PA EJA NIBU
GBOGBO WERE ARA LAMORIN NI KI O PA
AIDAN MA FI WERE DAN AN WO MO
OORUN OKO OFE KI I JE KI ALEJANU ODURO TI LAMORIN
GBOGBO ALEJANU KII PARAPO JE OSE DUDU.

219(893)Oogun were OWONRIN IWORI, 94

EWE AKO DODO
EGBO AKO DODO
EEPO AKO DODO
EERU
KAN-UN BILALA
A O SE E NINU OMI, A O PE OF O RE, A O MAA MU UN LARAARO.
EWE AKO DODO NII WO ASINWIN
EGBO AKO DODO NII WO ASINWIN
EEPO AKO DODO NII WO ARA TI KO YA.

260
218(890) Medicine to cure madness
Leaf of Cola acuminata, Sterculiaceae
Leaf of Crotalaria lachnophora, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 62
Leaf of Tephrosia vogelii, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 63
Leaf of Tetrapleura tetraptera, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Unidentified plant
Black soap
Pound together in mortar then dry the preparation. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,
recite the incantation, mix. Give to drink with hot corn meal every morning.
'It is the kolanut that overpowers disease
ABIRIKOLO says that the evil spirits will turn their back on so-and-so

The day we squeeze IGUN into the river it kills the fish

You must kill all the madness in so-and-so

AIDAN, do not tempt him with madness any more

The odour of OKO OF E does not allow evil spirits to stay with so-and-so

Evil spirits do not gather together to eat black soap.

219(893) Medicine to cure madness

Leaf of Voacanga africana, Apocynaceae
Root of Voacanga africana, Apocynaceae
Bark of Voacanga africana, Apocynaceae
Xylopia aethiopica, Annonaceae
Strong potash
Boil in water, recite the incantation and drink every morning.
'AKO DODO leaf is the cure for lunatics
AKO DODO root is the cure for lunatic
AKO DODO bark is the cure for a sick body.'

261
 IBIMO

220(906) Abimowere IWORI MEJI, 3

EWE LAPALAPA FUNFUN
A OSE E. A OFUN ALABOYUN NI DIE MU. A OSI FI IYOKU WE IKUN RE.

221(907) Oogunagbebi OFUN MEJI, 16

EWE EKU GOGORO
A ORUN UN SINU IGBA OLOMORI TI A BU OMI SI. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN TI A TE SI
ILE YARA ALABOYUN. A OSI DA A SINU IGBA KI ALABOYUN OBU U MU NINU IGBA TI
A RORA SI.

222(909) Agunmuaparunaboyun OKANRAN OSE, 135

EWE OLEE
EWE OWU
A OSE E NINU OMI. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE. A OPO OPO. A OMAA
MU I F E KOOKAN LARAARO ATI LALAALE.
OLEE NI KI ARUN MA LE MO O L'ARA
OWU WU ARUN KURO.

262
 REMEDIES RELATING TO
PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

220(906) Medicine to ease child labour

Leaf of JATROPHA CURCAS, Euphorbiaceae

Cook it. Give some of it to the pregnant woman to drink and let her wash

her belly with the rest.

221(907) Medicine to help the amniotic fluid flow

Leaf of SESAMUM RADIATUM, Pedaliaceae

Squeeze the leaf in water, put into a calabash and cover. Draw the ODU
in IYEROSUN on the floor of the pregnant woman's room and pour it into
the calabash. She must drink it directly from the half -open calabash.

222(909) Medicine to combat ailments during pregnancy

Leaf of ANTIDESMA LACINIATUM var. MEMBRANACEUM, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of GOSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Boil in water, Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and recite the incantation.
Mix and drink a cupful in the morning and at night.
'Olee says that the ailments will not stay in the body

OWU, uproot the disease.'

263
 223(911)Agunmu ti omo fi n parada ninu EJIOGBE, 1
EWE OJIJI ITAKUN
ODIDI ATAARE
EJA OJIJI
KULUSO (KOKORO)
A OJO O PO. A OFI TEFA. A OMAA FI MU EKO GBIGBONA LALAALE.

224(932)Aromobi OGBE OGUNDA, 24

EWE ERUWA DUDU
EWE OOYO
EWE ILA
IYERE
IGBIN
IYO
A OGUN UN. A OSE IGBIN PELU EPO PUPA, IYO ATI IYERE. A OPE OFO RE. A OFI JE E.
ERUWA DUDU BA MI WA OMO T'EMI
OOYO NI KI OMO YO WA
ILA LA ONA OMO WA.

225(937)Aromobi OGBE OTURA, 28

EWE ARAKOBALE
EWE ERUMOGALE
EERU GIDI
A OSE ENINU OMI. A OPE OF O RE. A OMAA MU UN LEEMEJI LOJOOJUMO.
ARAKOBALE NII TUN OMO SE
ERUMOGALE L' O M O O RU GALE
EERU JE KI OMO O RU.

264
223(911) Medicine to aid a foetus' movement in the womb
Leaf of Brachystegia eurycoma, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Fruit of Aframomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae
One electric eel
One lion ant
Burn together. Draw the ODU in the preparation. Drink with hot corn meal
at night.

224(932) Medicine to help a woman give birth easily

Leaf of Andropogon tectorum (black), Graminae
Leaf of Corchorus olitorrjs, Tiliaceae
Leaf of Abelmoschus esculentus, Malvacece
Piper capense, Piperaceae 64
A snail
Salt
Grind the leaves, cook with the snail in palm oil, add salt and Piper capense,
recite the incantation then eat the preparation.
'ERUWA, help me get my child
Ooyo says that it should come

ILA opens the way for the child to come.'

225 (937) Medicine to help a woman give birth easily

Leaf of Celtis zenkeri, Ulmaceae
Leaf of Croton lobatus, Euphorbiaceae
Whole plant of Xylopia aethiopica, Annonaceae
Boil in water. Recite the incantation. Drink twice a day.
'ARAKOBALE, restore the child's health

ERUMOGALE, let the child grow quickly

EERU, allow the child to grow.'

265
 226(950) Awebi OBARA MEJI, 7
ESO OWEWE
EWE OBO LOKO LEPON
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE. A OPE OF O RE. KI ALABOYUN OF I WE.
OWEWE L'O NI KI OMO NAA OMAA BO WALE WEREWERE
OBO L'O NI K'OMO NAA OBO.

227(953) Awebi OGBE OTURUPON, 27

EWE OKUN SABA
EWE AGBON ONIDU
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OPE OF O RE. KI ALABOYUN OF I WE.
OKUN SABA GBE OMO YII SA L'OWO IKU
ABIMOYE NI TI AGBON ONIDU.

228(956) Aygbi OKANRAN MEJI, 8

EGBO EDO
EWE KETENFE
EJA ABORI KAN
A OF O EGBO EDO DARADARA. A O LO O A O SI DA A PO. A O KO AWON EWE JO,
A O DA OMI SI I PELU EGBO EDO TI A LO. A O WA FI EPO PUPA ATI IYO SI I.
A O F I EJA ABORI PA A. PON EJA NINU AWON EWE WONYI. LEYIN EYI SO O SINU AARO
TI A FI N DANA EKO. BO O MO INU EERU GBIGBONA. FI SILE KI O YAN F U N BII WAKATI
MEJI. KI A GBON EERU ARA RE KURO KI ALABOYIN O JE E NI AAGO MEJILA ORU.

266
226(950) Medicine to be used during pregnancy
Fruit of SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Bignonaceae
Leaf of SIDA LINIFOLIA, Malvaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. The woman should wash
herself with the preparation.
'OWEWE says that the child will indeed come down quickly
OBO says the child should drop (be born).'

227(953) Medicine to be used during pregnancy

Leaf of GLYCINE WHIGTHII, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of BORASSUS AETHIOPUM, Palmae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. The woman should wash
herself with the preparation.
'OKUN SABA, keep this child from the hands of death

AGBON ONIDU does not abort its fruits.'

228(956) Medicine to reduce the size of the placenta

Root of ADENIA CISSAMPELOIDES, Passif loracea
Four or six leaves of THAUMATOCOCCUS DANIELLII, Maranthaceae
One fish
Wash the EDO root extremely thoroughly and grind it. Pile the leaves together
and add water, palm oil and salt to the EDO mixture. Rub the mixture on the
fish and place it on the leaves. Fold the leaves over the fish and tie them to
make a parcel. Place the parcel in the ashes of a fireplace where EKO is made.
Cover it with hot ashes and cook for about two hours. Remove it from the
fire, brush off the ashes and give it to the pregnant woman to eat at midnight.

267
229(960) Imu aboyuh larada OGBE IKA, 26
ESO ARIDAN
EGBO ELURO
ALUBOSA ELEWE
EGBO GBOGBONSE
EGBO BERUJU
ATA PUPA WERE
A OGUN WON. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A ORA A ROBOROBO A OFI EKO MU UN.

230(964) Imu ara fuye OGBE OTURA, 28

EWE AHARA
HARIHA AGBADO
EERU
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OPE OFO RE, KI OBINRIN MAA FI WE ARA.
AHARA L'ONI KI ARA FUYE
ARA GEGE NI TI HARIHA
EERU LO RU ARA FUYE.

231(965) Imu ara fuye OGBE OTUA, 28

EWE AMARA FUYE
IYEFUN EREE
EERU
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OPE OFO RE. A OMAA FI WE.
AMARA FUYE BA WA MU ARA FUYE
ARA GEGE NI TI IYEFUN EREE
EERU BA A GBA ARUN ARA LO.

268
229(960) Medicine to maintain a pregnancy
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoiideae
Root of JAUNDEA PINNATA, Connaraceae 63
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Root of UVARIA AFZELII, Annonaceae
Root of UVARIA CHAMAE, Annonaceae
Unknown ingredient
Grind together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Make into little balls.
Mix one with hot EKO and drink.

230(964) Medicine to make the body light

Leaf of MOMORDICA CABRAEI, Cucurbitaceae
ZEA MAYS, Gramineae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Recite the incantation. The woman must
wash with the preparation.
'AHARA says the body will be light

HARIHA has a light body

EERU, go and make the body light.'

231(965) Medicine to make the body light

Leaf of GREWIA MOLLIS, Tiliaceae
Bean of PHASEOLUS LUNATUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 66
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Recite the incantation. Bathe with the preparation.
'AMARA FUYE, make the body light
Bean skins are light
EERU will sweep the disease away from the body.'

269
 232(967)Ibimoimuejeda OGUNDA OSE, 150
EWE AWELESO
ESO AKARA AJE
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
A O JO O. A O FI TEFA. A O MAA FI MU EKO GBIGBONA.

233(968)Imuejeduro OGBE OGUNDA, 24

EWE AKA EGI
EWE IROSUN
A O RUN UN SINU OMI. A O PE OFO O RE. A O RO O SINU IGO. KI OBIRIN O MAA MU UN.
AKA EGI BA MI KA ISUN EJE LO
IROSUN O NI KI EJE O SUN.

234(968)Imuobinrinbimo IRU EKUN, 225

EWE IRU EKUN
EWE AGELETE
A O KO WON SINU IKOKO, A O DA OMI SI I. A O SE E, A O PE OFO RE. A O MAA MU UN,
A O SI MAA FI WE.
IRU EKUN WARA WARA KII GBE INU EKUN MOJU
AGELETE L'O NI KI OM O NAA MAA SARE TETE BO WA.

235(973)Imuobinrinloyun EJIOGBE, 1
EWE FESOSEJE
EWE OROMBO WEWE
OSE DUDU
A O GUN GBOGBO RE MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OFO RE. KI OBIRIN MAA FI WE ABE.
FESOSEJE KO S'EJE D ' OMO
OROMBO KII YAGAN
OSE NI KI O FI SERI OMO WA.

270
232(967) Medicine to stop a haemorrhage after delivery
Leaf of Margaritaria discoidea, Euphorbiaceae
Fruit of Cnestis ferruginea, Connaraceae
A whole fruit of Aframomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae
Burn. Draw the ODU in the preparation. Drink with cold EKO.

233(968) Medicine to stop a haemorrhage

Leaf of Lannea nigritiana var. pubescens, Anacardiaceae
Leaf of Baphia nitida, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 67
Squeeze in water. Recite the incantation. Pour the preparation into a bottle.
The woman should drink it.
'AKA EGI, tell the haemorrhage to go

IROSUN says the blood should sleep.'

234(968) Medicine to help a woman give birth

Leaf of Dracaena laxissima, Agavaceae
Leaf of Kosteletzrya adoensis, Malvaceae
Put the leaves in a pot, add water and cook. Recite the incantation.
Drink and bathe with the preparation.
'IRU EKUN WARA WARA does not stay inside the leopard overnight

AGELETE says that the child will come quickly'

235(973) Medicine to help a woman become pregnant

Leaf of Campylospermum flavum, Ochnaceae
Leaf of Citrus aurantifolia, Rutaceae
Black soap
Pound the leaves with the soap. Recite the incantation. The woman should
wash her vagina with the preparation.
'FESOSEJE change the menses into a child
OROMBO is never fruitless
OSE says that it with make the child come easily.'

271
 236(1009)Imu obinrin loyun OGBE TURUPON, 27
EWE OMONI SESEKI
EWE EEMO
EKU EMO
IYO
A OGUN UN. A OSE E MO EKU EMO. A OFI IYO ATI EPO PUPA SI I. A OPE OFO RE.
KI OBINRIN JE E.
ODOODUN NI OMONI SESEKI PON'MO
EEMO L'ONI KI OYUN K'OMO O NINU.

237(1010)Imu obinrin loyun OGBE TURUPON, 27

EWE GBOMOPON
EKU EMO
A O GUN UN. A O SE E PELU EKU EMO. A O FI IYO ATI EPO PUPA SI I. A O PE PFO RE,
KI OBINRIN JE E NI OJO KINNI TI O BA RI ALEJO (OSU) RE.
OGBE SURE PONMO
OGBE POSESE PONMO
OJO KEWAA TI A BA RI EMO NI AA RI OMO RE
EJE TI LAMORIN YII RI OYUN NI KI O FI SE
OMO NI KI O FI BI
GBOMOPON KI I FI EHIN SILE L'AIPONMO.

238(1055)Imu oyun duro IWORI OTURA, 58

EWE TIRANGI
ATAARE
EEKANNA OWO (MEWEEWA)
A O JO O. A O FI TEFA, A O PE OF O RE. KI ALABOYUN JE E KI O SI F I WE PELU.
TIRANGI KI I SI KURO L'ARA IGI
EEKANNA OWO KI I YA OWO
OMO ATAARE KI I J O DANU.

272
236(1009) Medicine to help a woman become pregnant
Leaf of DYSCHORISTE PERROTTETII, Acanthaceae
Leaf of DESMODIUM VELUTINUM, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One guinea-pig
Salt
Grind the ingredients. Cook with the guinea-pig. Add palm oil and salt.
Recite the incantation. The woman should eat the mixture.
'It is every new year that oMONI SESEKI bears a child
It is EEMO that compels the foetus to remain in her womb.'

237(1010) Medicine to help a woman become pregnant

Leaf of DYSCHORISTE PERROTTETTII, Acanthaceae
One guinea-pig
Salt
Grind the leaves, cook them wiht the guinea-pig in salt and palm oil. Recite
the incantation. The woman should eat this on the first day of menstruation.
'OGBE, hurry to carry a child on your back
OGBE, run quickly to carry a child
On the tenth day after seeing EMO, we always see his children
Having finished menstruation, so-and-so will conceive
She should deliver a child successfully
The GBOMGPDN leaf never leaves its back free without carrying a child on it.'

238 (1055) Medicine to prevent miscarriage

Leaf of PLATYCERIUM STEMARIA, Polypodiaceae
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Fingernail cuttings
Burn the ingredients together. Draw the the ODU in the mixture,
recite the incantation. The woman should eat the preparation with water
and wash herself with it.
' TIRANGI never falls from the tree
Fingernails never leave the hand
The seeds of ATAARE never fall far from their pod.'

273
239(1056)Imu oyun duro IWORI OFUN, 61
ESO ITORO
EWE RINRIN
ESO EGUSI
ORI
A OGUN UN. A OFI EPO PUPA ATI ORI SI I. A OSE E. A OPE OFO RE.
KI ALABOYUN O JE E.
ITORO ONI KI OYUN DURO
IGBA BA MI GBA OYUN YII MU
EROWO NI TI RINRIN

240(1060)Oogun imu agan loyun OTURA MEJI, 13

EWE DODO NLA
EWE LAALI
ALUBOSA ELEWE
A OSE O. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A OPE OFO RE, A OPO OMO ON.
KI OBINRIN OMAA MU UN LEEMEJI LOJUMO.
DODO NLA KI OGBOMO SI DODO FUN MI
LAALI NI KI OFI LA ONA OMO FUN MI
ALUBOSA NI KI OFI SA OMO FUN MI.

241(1062)Oogun ara gbigbona aboyun EJIOGBE, 1

EWE AMUNUTUTU
EWE OMI
EWE AJAGUN RASE
ORI
A OGUN UN, A OPO OM O ORI. A OT E F A LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE,
A OPO OM O ON. KI ALABOYUN OF I PA ARA.
AMUNUNTUTU SE EJE SORO.

274
239(1056) Medicine to prevent miscarriage
Fruit of CUCUMEROPSIS MANNII, Cucurbitaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Fruit of CITRULLUS LANATUS, Cucurbitaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind the ingredients together, add palm oil and shea butter. Boil.
Recite the incantation and give to the pregnant woman to eat.
'Itoro says the pregnancy should stay
IGBA, help me hold this pregnancy in place

RINRIN is always calm and quiet.'

240(1060) Medicine to help a barren woman become pregnant

Leaf of VOACANGA AFRICANA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALLONICUM, Liliaceae
Boil the ingredients. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Mix. The woman should drink this every day.
'DODO NLA, put a baby in my womb

Use LAALI to open my womb

Use ALUBOSA to select a baby for me.'

241(1062) Medicine to cure fever in a pregnant woman

Leaf of BASELLA ALBA, Basellaceae
Leaf of BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM, subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Leaf of DISSOTIS sp., Melastomataceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind with shea butter. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Mix all together and massage the pregnant woman with the resulting mixture.
'AMUNUTUTU, make the badness in my blood run out.'

275
 242(1063) Oogun aran obirin IWORI OGBE, 47
EWE OLOJONGBODU
EWE APA WOFA
EWE OROKORO
A O KO WON SINU ORU, A O SE E NINU OMI. A O PO O PO MO IYO OYINBO TABI OYIN,
A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, KI ALABOYUN MAA MU UN.

243(1064) Oogun arun igbalode fun aboyun OSA MEJI, 10

ESO AJIMADUN
OROGBO
ATAARE
ISU
KAN-UN BILALA
A O GUN UN MO ISU ATI KAN-UN BILALA. A O PE OFO RE. A O MAA MU UN PELU EKO
GBIGBONA.
AJIMADUN O NI KI ARUN MA DURO S'ARA ABOYUN
OROGBO GBE ARUN KURO L'ARA
ATAARE K'O TAARI ARUN KURO
OBULE K'O BU ARUN KURO.

244(1065) Oogun arun tinba oyun je OGUNDA OGBE, 137

EWE EWON EHORO
ESO IYERE
EKU EMO
KAN-UN BILALA
A O GUN WON. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI OOGUN. A O RA A ROBOROBO
A O FI EKO MU UN.

276
 245(1066)Oogun eda obinrin EJIOGBE, 1
EWE PATONMO
OBI IFIN MEJI
OBI PUPA MEJI
EGBO LAPALAPA
ODIDI ATAARE
EWE ALUPAYIDA
OWO EYO KAN
IKARAHUN IGBIN
OSE DUDU DIE
A O JO IKARAHUN IGBIN LORI INA, A O FI LEBU RE TEFA. A O FI FO EKO TUTU MU.
A O LO AWON ELO YOKU PO. A O FI IYEROSUN TEFA . A O PO O PO. A O KO O SINU
ASO WAJI. KI OBINRIN MAA BU U WE.

246(1071)Oogun eda obinrin OSA MEJI, 10

EWE ALAARO META
EWE ISEDUN
EGBO ORUWO
EWE ENU OPIRE
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PO O PO. KI OBINRIN FI RA
OJU ABE.

2A7(1078)Oogun eyo IWORI OGUNDA, 54

EWE KUERE
IGBIN KAN
KAN-UN BILALA
A O GUN UN. A O SA A. A O LO O MO KAN-UN BILALA. A O PE OFO RE. KI ALABOYUN
FI MU EKO GBIGBONA.
KUERE BA WA KO ARUN YII LO
KI ARA O LE KOKO BI ARA IGBIN
KI ARA O LE KANKAN BIITI KAN-UN.

277
245(1066) Medicine to retain the semen inside the body of the woman
Leaf of MIMOSA PUDICA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae w
Two white COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Two red COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Root of JATROPHA CURCAS, Euphorbiaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One cowry shell
One snail's shell
A little black soap
Burn the snail's shell on the fire to make a black powder and draw the ODU
in it, then drink with cold indian corn meal and water. Grind the rest of the
ingredients together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Mix with the preparation and
put into a piece of blue cloth. The woman should bathe using the cloth.

246(1071) Medicine to retain the semen inside the body of the woman
Leaf of RITCHIEA sp., Capparaceae
Leaf of CLERODENDRUM VIOLACEUM, Verbenaceae
Root of MORINDA LUCIDA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of EUPHORBIA LATERIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and mix them all together.
The woman should wash her vagina with the preparation.

247(1078) Medicine for diseases during pregnancy

Leaf of DEINBOLLIA PINNATA, Sapindaceae
A snail
Strong potash
Pound, dry, grind with strong potash, recite the incantation. The woman
should take the preparation with hot indian corn meal.
'KUERE, come and combat this disease
Let the body be as strong as snail shells
Let the body be as strong as the potash.'

278
 248(1081)Oogun omu IKA OSE, 180
EWE OMU ESIN
ESO IMUMU
KAN-UN GIDI
A OGUN UN PO. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE. A OMAA MU UN NINU EKO
GBIGBONA.
OMI FUNFUN L'OMU ABO ESIN I SE
IMUMU LO REE MU OMI TUNTUN WA.

249(1082)Oogun oyun orun EJIOGBE, 1

EWE AKARA ESU
EWE OWU
EEPO IRA
AALOOMU
A OGUN UN PO. A ODA OMI OSAN WEWE PUPO SI I. A OSE E. A OLO AALOOMU
MO ON. A OPE OFO RE. A ODA OTI SI I; A OMAA MU UN.
AKARA ESU ONI KI OMO SO KALE
OWU K'OWU OMO WA
IRA K'ORA OMO NAA WA.

250(1085)Oogun oyun orun OGBE OWONRIN, 45

ESO OJU EYELE
ESO IYERE
KAN-UN BILALA
EYA ORUN FUNFUN
A OLO O. A ODA A SINU OTI. A OPE OFO RE. A OMAA MU ILAJI SIBI.
OJU EYELE NI I BI OMO T'OPE NINU
ABIYE NI OMO IYERE
EYA ORUN NI K'OYA WALE.

279
248(1081) Medicine to make the milk flow from the breast
Leaf of SORINDEIA WARNECKEI, Anacardiaceae
Fruit of CYPERUS ESCULENTUS, Cyperaceae
Potash
Pound together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. Drink with
hot indian corn meal.
'The mare always produces white milk
IMUMU, go and bring forth fresh milk.'

249(1082) Medicine to carry out a pregnancy that lasts more than nine months
Leaf of ALLOPHYLUS AFRICANUS, Sapindaceae
Leaf of GOSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Bark of BRIDELIA MICRANTHA, Euphorbiaceae
Alum
Pound together. Pour plenty of lemon juice on it, then filter it and add ground
alum. Recite the incantation. Mix with alcohol and drink it.
'AKARA ESU says that the child should come down
OWU should ask the child to come

IRA will massage the baby from the womb.'

250(1085) Medicine to carry out a pregnancy that lasts more than nine months
Fruit of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Fruit of PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae 70
Strong potash
Alum
Grind the ingredients, immerse them in alcohol. Recite the incantation.
Drink half a spoonful.
'OJU EYELE, help this child to be born, it is too long inside

IYERE will never have its children stillborn

EYA ORUN says that the baby will come quickly from the womb.'

280
 ORISA

251(1091)Dideabiku OYEKU OFUN, 46

EWE ABIRIKOLO
EWE AGIDIMAGBAYIN
A OKO WON SORI ARA WON. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE.
A O DA GBOGBO WON SORI OWU. A O FI OWU FUNFUN ATI DUDU WE E.
A O SO O MO ORUN ABIKU.
AGIDIMAGBAYIN OLORUN MA TIKUN
OLORUN MA TIKUN AWA O WA MO
AGIDIMAGBAYIN OLORUN MA TIKUN.

281
 WORKS TO WORSHIP YORUBA DEITIES

251(1091) To keep abiku(those who are born to die very young) on Earth

Leaf of CROTALARIA LACHNOPHORA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 71

Leaf of SIDA ACUTA, Malvaceae (nine leaves for a boy, seven for a girl)

Place the leaves one on top of another. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,

recite the incantation. Place the leaves and the powder in a piece of cotton

wool, tie it with black and white thread and let the child wear this

on a string round the neck.

'AGIDIMAGBAYIN, OLORUN closed that door

OLORUN closed that door, so we cannot return

AGIDIMAGBAYIN, OLORUN closed that door.'

282
252(1108)Ero fun elegun Sango OGBE OGUNDA, 24
EWE KOKO ARIRA OJA
EWE ODAN
EWE ODUNDUN
EWE RINRIN
EWE WOOROWO
EWE IKUPERO
EWE TUDE
EWE TUBEKA
EWE ODAN EKI
EWE ARERE
ORI
A ORUN AWON EWE SINU OMI, A ODA EPO PUPA SI I. A OSI BU ORI SI I.
A OPE OF O RE. A OF I WE ELEGUN SANGO.
ERO NI TI ODUNDUN
ERO NI TI TETE
ERO NI TI RINRIN
ERO NI WOOROWO
YIYO NI INU ORI I YO
OGBE YONU NI KI SANGO OYONU SI I.

283
252(1108) Medicine to calm someone possessed by Sango
Leaf of XANTHOSOMA sp., Araceae
Leaf of Ficus sp., Moraceae 72
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of DICHROCEPHALA INTEGRIFOLIA, Compositae
Leaf of CALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of Ficus THONNINGII, Moraceae
Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Crush the leaves in water, add palm oil and shea butter. Recite the incantation .
Bathe the possessed person with the preparation.
'ODUNDUN is always calm
TETE is always calm

RINRIN is always calm

WOOROWO is always calm

The core of orialways dissolves rapidly

OGBE YONU should placate SANGO on my behalf.'

284
253(1110)IdaabobolowoEsu OSE OTURA, 239
EGUN ARABA
OGAN
KASAN
ESUSU
IGBADO
ESURU
OGIRISAKO
ATA
EWON
EWE LABELABE
EWE OKAN
YANGI
A O GUN AWON ELO MESAAN AKOKO LORI OLO. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A
SINU OMI. A O RUN AWON EYI TI O KU SINU OMI. A O DA AWON TI A LO SI I. A O FI
F O ORI ESU (OTA ESU). A O MAA PE ESU.

285
253(1110) Protection against Esu
Thorn of CEIBA PENTANDRA, Bombacaceae
Thorn of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM, Combretaceae 73
Thorn of SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae
SACCHARUM SPONTANEUM var. AEGYPTIACUM, Graminae
Hair of ZEA MAYS, Graminae
Thorn of DIOSCOREA DUMETORUM, Dioscoreaceae 74
Thorn of ANCHOMANES DIFFORMIS, Araceae
ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Thorn of ACACIA ATAXACANTHA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of SCLERIA NAUMANNIANA, Cyperaceae 75
Leaf of COMBRETUM SMEATHMANNII, Combretaceae 76
Stone of ESU
Pound the first nine ingredients on the stone. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and
pour in water. Crush the leaves in the water and add the powdered thorns.
Wash the stone of ESU with the preparation and offer a placatory prayer.

286
254(1113)Idaabobolowoiyami ODI MEJI, 4
EWE IDI
EWE OKIKA
EWE AKIKA
EWE AJE OFOLE
IGI ASURIN (IGI NLA)
IDO IGBA
EPA IGBA
ARIN IGBA
ORI
A OFUN AWON OMODE NI META NINU AWON ESO YII LATI SO PO PELU OKUN NI IGBA
TI OORUN BA FEE WO. KI WON MA SO OKUN RE NU. A OJO AWON EWE ATI ESO PO.
A OFI EERU RE TEFA (ODI MEJI). A OPE OFO RE. A O KO WON SINU KONGO OLOMORI.
A OLU IHO MEJI SI EGBE RE. A OSO OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN MON ON. A ODA ADI,
EPO PUPA, ATI ORI SORI EKU DUDU, A OSI GBE KONGO NAA KO SI ORI AJA. A OMAA FI
PA ARA FUN OJO MEJE.
IDI L'O NI KI OSO AJE KI WON ODIRU KI WON OMAA LO
OKIKA L'ONI K I WON MA YA S'ODO MI MO
AKIKA L'O NI KI WON O KO GBOGBO ERU WON JADE NILE MI
AJE OFOLE L'O NI WON KO NII LE FO LE MI
IGIKIGI TA EGBO K'O KAN ASURIN, YOO MAA KU
OKU IGI NAA IGBURAMU LALE.

287
254(1113) Protection against witches
Leaf of TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS, Combretaceae
Leaf of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anacardiaceae
Leaf of LECANIODISCUS CUPANOIDES, Sapindaceae
Leaf of CROTON ZAMBESICUS, Euphorbiaceae
ENTANDROPHRAGMA CANDOLLEI, Meliaceae
Two hundred seeds of CANNA INDICA, Cannaceae
Two hundred nuts of ARACHIS HYPOGAEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Two hundred seeds of DIOCLEA REFLEXA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Ask little children to fasten together three of the seeds, before the sun sets.
They say it is impossible. They must not throw away the rope. Burn the
leaves and seeds to make a black powder and draw the ODU in this. Recite
the incantation. Put the material in a little pot and cover. Make two holes at
the sides and tie the black and white thread to the pot. Pour palm kernal oil
and shea butter over the black powder and hang the pot up by the c eiling.
Use some of the mixture to massage the body for the next seven days.
'IDI says that witches and wizards should pack up and go
OKIKA says that they should not call on me again
AKIKA says that they will collect all their baggage and vacate my home
AJE OFOLE says that they will not be able to perch on me
Any tree whose roots extend to touch those of ASURIN will certainly die
The dead trunk of such a tree will fall down heavily.'

288
 255(1120)Idaabobolowoiyami IDIN RETE, 74
ESO ARIDAN (AIDAN)
EEPO ODAN EKI
ATA DUDU MESAN
ATA PUPA MESAN
OSE DUDU
A OLO O.A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A OPE OF O RE, A OPO OPO. A ODA A SINU ASO
IDASA FUNFUN. A OMAA F I DUN ATI OMI PA ARA.
M A J E KI WON ODAN MI
ARIDAN NII DAN IGI LOKO
IGI KAN KII DAN ARIDAN.

256(1129)IdaabobolowoObatala OBARA OGBE, 107

EWE EBURE
OMI IGBIN
A OGUN UN. A OSA A GBE. A OLO O.A ODA OMI IGBIN SII. A OSITUN SA A GBE.
EWE ODUNDUN
EWE TETE
EWE RINRIN
A OGUN UN. A OSA A GBE. A OPO GBOGBO RE PO. A OPE OF O RE. A OPIN IN SI
ONA META. A OPO OKAN MO OSE DUDU A O MAA FI WE. A OPO IKEJI MO EPO IPARA,
A OMAA FI PA ARA. A OSI DA IKETA M O OMI TUTU, A OMAA MU UN.
EBURE DE AWO OLUJEBE
IKU E JEBE F U N WA O
ARUN E JEBE FUN WA O
O F O E JEBE FUN WA O
SOPONA, E JEBE F U N WA O
ERO PESEPESE NI T'IGBIN
ERO PESEPESE NI T'ODUNDUN
ERO PESEPESE NI TI TETE
ERO PESEPESE NI TI RINRIN.

289
255(1120) Protectian against witches
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Root of Ficus THONNINGII, Moraceae
Nine fruits of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE (black), Rutaceae
Nine fruits of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE (red), Rutaceae
Black soap
Grind, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation, mix all together.
Place in a little piece of white cloth. Using this cloth, rub the body wi th water.
'Do not let the witches attack me
It is aridan that tantalises other trees
But no tree can tantalise aridan.'

256(1129) Protection against Obatala

Leaf of CRASSOCEPHALUM RUBENS, Compositae
The hquid that comes from a snail
Crush the leaf, dry it and grind it. Pour the liquid that comes from a snail
over the powder and dry it.
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCID A, Piperaceae
Crush the leaves, dry them and mix with the preparation.
Recite the incantation. Divide the mixture into three parts: mix one part
with black soap and bathe with it; mix one part with a massage oil and
use this as a body lotion; mix one part with cold water and drink it.
'Ebure has arrived, who delivers supplications
Death, accept our supplications
Disease, accept our supplications
Loss, accept our supplications
Sonpona, accept our supplications
The snail is always calm and tranquil
Odundun is always calm and tranquil
Tete is always calm and tranquil
Rinrin is always calm and tranquil.'

290
 257(1130)Idaabobo lowo Sango OFUN DITAMI ESIN, 245
SEDUN
A OGUN UN, A OKO O SINU ASO FUNFUN PELU EYIN KAN. A OSO GBOGBO RE PO
A OFI KO EKA IGI TABI IGI APARUN. A OGBIN IYI NAA TI SANGO BA N BO LATI ORUN.
A OMAA PE OF O RE.
SEDUN BA MI SERI EDUN PADA KURO
SEDUN BA MI SERI EDUN SANGO PADA.

258(1131)Idaabobo lowo Obaluaye IRETE IWORI, 214

EWE KOLE OROGBA
ESO OGEDE WEERE
EWE TETE
EWE RINRIN
EWE WOOROWO
EWE ODUNDUN
ORI
EYIN ADIYE
OMI IGBIN
A OJO GBOGBO RE. A ODA ORI ATI OMI IGBIN SI I. A OT E F A LORI IYEROSUN,
A OPE OF O RE. A OPO GBOGBO RE PO. A OMAA LA A TABI KI A F I PA ARA.
O NI EWE T'a A BA F I RE OF A
OUN NAA L'A FI I TU U
EWE KOLE OROGBA
O NI ERO IGBIN NI I RO O
O NI ERO NI TI ORI
ERO NI TI TETE
ERO NI TI RINRIN
ERO NI TI WOOROWO
ERO NI TI ODUNDUN
ARA KI I DE OGEDE KI ARA TUN PADA NI IN MO
O NI EROWO NI TI OGEDE.

291
257(1130) Protection against Sango
PERICOPSIS LAXIFLORA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Grind, place in a white cloth with an egg and tie together.
Hang the cloth on the branch of a tree or bamboo, but plant in the ground
if SANGO is coming from the skies. When the thunderstorm strikes, recite
the incantation.
'SEDUN, help me turn the head of the axe (SANGO'S thunderbolt) away from
my place
SEDUN, help me send away SANGO'S thunderbolt.'

258(1131) Protection against Obaluaye

Leaf of PERGULARIA DAEMIA, Asclepiadaceae
Ripe and peeled fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA, Musaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
SENECIO BIAFRAE, Compositae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
A hen's egg
The liquid from a snail
Burn the ingredients. Add shea butter and the liquid from a snail.
Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation and mix.
Lick the mixture or rub it over the body.
'He says that the leaves with which we poison arrows
Are the same that we use to cure the wound of the arrow
The leaf of KOLE OROGBA
Can only be softened by snail fluid
He says that oriis always soft
TETE is always calm
RINRIN is always calm
WOOROWO is always calm
ODUNDUN is always calm
When the banana is soft, it cannot become hard again
He says that o GEDE is always calm.'

292
 259(1132)IgegunSango ESE KAN OGUNDA, 9
EWE MARIWO
EWE PEREGUN
EWE OSAN
ESO ORO
EWE AYUNRE
EWE AREHINKOSUN
EWE IGBA
EWE WERENJEJE
EWE LABELABE
EWE TETEREGUN
A ORUN AWON EWE SINU OMI, A OFO EDUN ARA SI I. KI ELEGUN SANGO FI WE.

260(1133)IgegunSango IROSUN SARA, 85

EWE AGBON ENIDU
EWE PEREGUN
EWE EGUN
EWE OGUNGUN
EWE POPONLORO
IYO
A OJA AWON EWE, A OGUN WON. A OFI SE OBE ERAN AGBO. A OFI EPO PUPA ATI IYO
SI I. A OPE OFO RE. A OJE DIE NIBE (A KO NI FOWO KAN IYOKU TITI TI ILE YOO FI SU).
OLOSUN SARA GAGA
BEE NI KO PA NI JE
PEREGUN L'O NI KI SANGO O GUN MI
NIGBA TI MO BA N FE NI OOKAN MI
EEGUN NI K' O GUN MI
OGUNGUN NI K'o GUN MI.

293
259(1132) To help someone get possessed by Sango
Leaf of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae

Leaf of CITRUS sp., Rutaceae

Fruit of IRVINGIA GABONENSIS, Ixonanthaceae

Leaf of ALBIZIA sp., Leguminosae Mimosoideae

Leaf of SCADOXUS CINNABARINUS, Amaryllidaceae 77

Leaf of LAGENARIA SICERARIA, Cucurbitaceae 78

Leaf of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae

Leaf of SCLERIA NAUMANNIANA, Cyperaceae 79

Leaf of COSTUS AFER, Costaceae

Crush the leaves in water. Anoint a SANGO axe with the preparation.

The supplicant then bathes with the remainder.

260(1133) To help someone get possessed by Sango

Leaf of BORASSUS AETHIOPUM, Palmae
Young leaves of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM VIRIDE, Rutaceae
Leaf of COLA GIGANTEA var. GLABRESCENS, Sterculiaceae 80"

Leaf of ANDROPOGON sp., Gramineae

Salt
Pick the leaves, grind, make a soup of them with the meat of a ram.
Add a lot of palm oil and salt. Recite the incantation and eat some.
Do not eat anything else till after sunset.
'OLOSUN acts energetically

Though he cannot devour people

PEREGUN says I should be possessed by SANGO

At the moment my desire is fulfilled

294
EEGUN says that I shall be possessed

OGUNGUN says that I shall be possessed.'

295
 261(1137)Imuifagboteni EJIOGBE, 1
EWE OGUN BEREKE
EWE OGUN MALARERE
EWE OGUNGUN
ORI ORIRI
A O GUN UN. A O KO O SINU ASO FUNFUN. FI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN GBA A, A O SI FI
SI EGBE OPON IFA.

262(1141)Imunidiiyamitabiaje IRETE OWONRIN, 217

EWE OYOYO
EWE EBURE
EWE AJE OFOLE
EWE OPIPI
EWE AIDAN
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PO O PO. A O FI WE.

263(1142)Imunidosu OWONRIN MEJI, 6

EWE OGA ARA
EWE LAKUTA
EWE EEMAGBO
EWE IROKO
EWE ORIRO
A O RUN UN SINU OMI TI O WA NINU IGBA NLA. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PO O PO.
A O FI AWON ARUNKU EWE WE FUN OJO MEJE.

296
261(1137) To entreat Ifa to listen to a request
Leaf of DELONIX REGIA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of PTEROCARPUS sp., Leguminosae Papilionoideae 81
Leaf of COLA CORDIFOLIA, Sterculiaceae 82
The head of a wild dove
Grind. Wrap in a white cloth, tie with black and white thread and place beside

the I f a bowl.

262(1141) To become a witch

Leaf of CORCHORUSOLITORIUS, Tiliaceae
Leaf of CRASSOCEPHALUM RUBENS, Compositae
Leaf of CROTON ZAMBESICUS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of ACANTHUS MONTANUS, Acanthaceae
Leaf of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Black soap
Pound with the black soap, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix.

Bathe with the preparation.

263(1142) To become an initiate

Leaf of SENNA OCCTDENTALIS, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of TEPHROSIA VOGELII, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of PUPALIALAPPACEA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of CHLOROPHORA EXCELSA, Moraceae
Leaf of ANTIARIS TOXICARIA, Moraceae
Crush the leaves in a big calabash full of water. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,

mix with the solution and bathe with this for seven days.

297
208(832) Medicine to treat for insomnia

Leaf of PiSTiA STRATIOTES, Araceae

Leaf of PTEROCARPUS SANTALTNOIDES, Legumiminosae Papilionoideae

Leaf of Cissus POPULNEA, Vitaceae

Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation.

Wrap the preparation in white cloth. Put this under the patient's pillow.

'AAJA never fights with his own child

Gbingbin is always cool and calm

Oju oro is always floating over water.'

209(833) Medicine to treat for insomnia

Leaf of BAPHIA NITIDA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 60

Black soap

Grind the leaves, mix with black soap, add water, recite the incantation.

The patient must drink the preparation and wash his face with it.

'Irosun, let me always sleep

Irosun, let me always wake well

You work for he who cannot sleep and because of that he will sleep.'

210 (838) Medicine to cure ilieumatism

Leaf of SESAMUM INDICUM, Pedaliaceae
Leaf of CELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA, Ulmaceae
Root of KIGELIAAFRICANA, Bignoniaccac
GARCINIA KOLA, Guttifereae
Pound all together. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation.
The patient must drink the preparation with hot corn meal.
'Eku always cures the rheumatism

AAPE says it should not take long before he is cured

PANDORO always kills the rheumatism

298
Orogbo should take it and let the cure come.'

299
211(839)Oogunlakuegbe Odi meji, 4
Ewe akala odan
Ewe orombo wewe
Egbo orombo wewe
Eso orombo wewe
Isu ogede odo
Omi kikan
A o se e. A o pe of o re si i. Ki alaisan ma a mu un laraaro.
Akala odan ka gbogbo lakuegbe
Orombo ki i se arun lakuegbe
Ara lile ni t'ogede odo.

212(849)Oogunlakuegbe Ika meji, 11.Ogbe otura, 28

Ewe agbasa merin-dilogun
Ata dudu merin-dilogun
Alubosa elewe
Egbo ako ibepe
Ewe eruyan n tefe merin-dilogun
Ori
Iyo
A o gun gbogbo re po, laifiyo si i, a o tefa lori iyerosun, a o pe of o re, a o
da a po mo oogun, a o pin in si ona meji, a o f i iyo si eyi to po ju, ki alaisan
fi mu eko gbigbona, ki o si f i iyoku ti ko niyo pa gbogbo ara.
Agbasa l'oni ki o tara sa kuro nibe
Alubosa l'o ni ki o sa l e sa na re kuro nibe
Ori l'o ni ki o tara rin jade.

300
242(1063) Medicine to cure worms that delay pregnancy

Leaf of COMMELINAERECTA, Commelinaceae

Leaf of SYNEDRELLA NODIFLORA, Compositae

Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae

Place ingredients in a pot with water, and boil. Mix with sugar or honey,

draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and give it to the woman to drink.

243(1064) Medicine to cure diseases during pregnancy

Unidentified fruit
GARCINIA KOLA, Guttifereae
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
DIOSCOREAsp., Dioscoreaceae
Strong potash
Pound the ingredients with the tuber and strong pota sh,
reciting the incantation. Drink with hot indian corn meal.
'AJIMADUN says the disease should not dwell in the pregnant woman
OROGBO, carry the disease out of the body

ATAARE should drag this ailment away.'

244(1065) Medicine to avoid problems during pregnancy

Leaf of ACACIA sp., Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Fruit of PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae 68
One guinea-pig
Strong potash
Grind all the ingredients, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, and mix.

Roll the preparation into little balls. Eat with hot indian corn meal.

301
264(1166)IranEsusieniyan Otua wori, 199
Ewe ara pupa
Ewe oparun
Ewe sagere
A ojo o, a ofi tefa lori Esu, a ope of o re. A oda adi si i lori. A opa aja a o
si da eje re si i.
Ara pupa oni ki won opa lamorin
Oparun pa oro mo on nikun
Sagere ni k'omaa sa kiri.

265(1172)Iraniyamisieniyan Ose osa, 236

Ewe ejinrin olokun
Ewe apawofa
Ewe orira
A ojo o po, a oda a sori okete gbigbe. A oda epo pupa si i. A oda obi
alawe merin. A ofi obi se iwadii ibi ti a ogbe si fun awon iyami. [A ope
o f o re].
Ejinrin Olokun
Ejinrin iwo ma ni awo olokun.

266(1173)IranOgunsieniyan Osa owonrin, 157

Ewe osibata
Ewe abilere
Ewe dagunro
Ewe dake
Ewe daji
A ojo won. A of i tefa lori ogun agbede.

302
264(1166) To send Esuto attack someone
Leaf of RICINUSCOMMUNIS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of OXYTENANTHERAABYSSINICA, Gramineae
Leaf of STROPHANTUS HISPIDUS, Apocynaceae
Burn the ingredients and put the ash on the ironstone shrine of Esu.
Draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation mentioning the name of
the person. Pour palm kernal oil on the shrine. Slaughter a dog and
pour the blood on the shrine.
'The red ara says so-and-so should be killed
Oparun says that so-and-so should lose his memory

Sagere has compelled him/her to wander.'

265(1172) To bewitch a person

Leaf of IPOMOEA NIL, Convolvulaceae
Leaf of SYNEDRELLA NODIFLORA, Compositae
Leaf of LUFFAACUTANGULA, Cucurbitaceae
Burn everything together and place the ash on a dried poached opossum
(CRICETOMYS GAMBIANUS). Add palm oil. Ask with divination (using a kola
nut with four lobes) where to place it for best effect. Recite the incantation.
'Ejinrin of Olokun (the sea goddess)

Ejinrin, you are the associate of Olokun.'

266(1173) To send Ogunto attack someone

Leaf of NYMPHAEA LOTUS, Nymphaeaceae
Leaf of CRYSANTHELUM INDICUM var. AFROAMERICANUM, Compositae
Leaf of ACANTHOSPERMUMHISPIDUM, Compositae 83
Leaf of PAUSINYSTALIA TALBOTII, Rubiacae
Unidentified leaf
Burn, draw the odu in the ash on the ironstone of a blacksmith.

303
267(1175)IranSangosieniyan Ika ogunda, 175
Ewa sese
Edun ara
A oto ewa sese yi edun ara ka., Da a sinu ina. A odaruko eni naa.

268(1176)Iransereresieleda Ose iwori, 229

Ewe ayin
Ewe orogbo
Ewe alubosa
Ose dudu
A ogun won mo ose dudu. A otefa lori iyerosun, a opo omo on. A obu ose
dudu si o kanrinkan. A ofi we ori ni osan legbee odo. A osi so ohun ti a n fe.

269(1178)Orisairansoponnasieniyan Ofun osa, 251

Ewe irokodu
Ewe ato
Ewe ito
Ewe isin
A ojo gbogbo won. A ofi tefa. A obo ogede abo meje sinu a k u f o agbada.
A oda lebu dudu le e pelu epo pupa. A of i obi beere ibi ti a ogbe e si.

304
267(1175) To said Sangoto attack someone
Leaf of PHASEOLUS LUNATUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One firestone
Wrap the leaf arround the firestone and throw it into a fire saying the name
of the person.

268(1176) To appease one's spirit counterpart

Leaf of ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS, Combretaceae
Leaf of GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae
Leaf of ALLIUM CEPA, Liliaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix. Place the mixture on
a sponge and wash the head at a river bank in the afternoon and ask for what
you desire.

269(1178) To send smallpox to someone

Leaf of STRIGA ASIATICA, Scrophulariaceae
Leaf of CHASMANTHERA DEPENDENS, Menispermaceae
Leaf of LANDOLPHIA DULCIS, Apocynaceae
Leaf OF ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA, Euphorbiaceae
Burn to a black powder. Draw the ODU in the preparation. Peel seven small
bananas, put them inside a broken pot. Cover the bananas with palm oil and
the ash. Using kola nut divination, ask where to put it.

305
270(1180)Sigidi ipaeniyan Idin rosun, 65
Ewe akika
Ewe ikakue
Ewe opapa
Ewe orupa
Eyele meje
A o jo o. A o fi eeru re ti a po pelu amo se Sigidi. A o ko ila eeke eni naa si
ni eeke. A o wa aso aloku ti eni ti a fe pa, a o ko si orun Sigidi. Ki babalawo
o wo akisa ni ale, ki o jokoo si egbe Sigidi pelu orin lenu bayii pe:
Idin aisun
Ma jeki o sun
Idin aisim
Babalawo ko gbodo sun titi Sigidi naa yoo fi pada de.

271(1189)Wiwaiyonuiyami Osa meji, 10

Eso akara oso
Ewe aje kobale
A o jo o. A o fi tefa. A o pe of o re. A o maa la a pelu epo pupa latigbadegba.
Aje n ke kara kara
Won ni eye oro lo wolu
Akara oso ki i je ki aje ko pa oso
Aje kobale o ni ki eye o ma ba le mi.

272(1191)Wiwaiyonuiyami Osa meji, 10

Ewe asaba
Ewe asofeyeje
A o gun un. A o tefa lori iyerosun. A o pe of o re, a o da a po. A o maa la
a pelu epo pupa.
Asofeyeje ba mi be iyami aje
Asaba ba mi be iyami aje.

306
270(1180) To kill somebody
Leaf of LECANIOIDISCUS CUPANIOIDES, Sapindaceae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf-of STACHYTARPHETA INDICA, Verbenaceae
Leaf of HYMENOCARDIA ACIDA, Euphorbiaceae
Seven pigeons
Burn the ingredients to ashes and mix them with clay to mould a human form.
Draw the person's facial marks on the model. Find some used clothes of
the victim and dress the figure with them. The I f a priest should wear rags and
sit with the figure at night singing thus: "Idinaisun that never sleeps, do not
allow this person to sleep. Idin aisun that never sleeps." The Ifa priest must
not sleep until the sigidi84of the figure has arrived back from its mission.

271(1189) To find favour with the witches

Fruit of CNESTIS FERRUGINEA, Connaraceae
Leaf of CROTON ZAMBESICUS, Euphorbiaceae
Burn the ingredients, draw the odu in the preparation. Recite the incantation.
Lick with palm oil from time to time.
'The witches roar
They say malevolent birds have arrived in town
Akara oso will never allow the witch to kill the wizard
Aje kobale says the bird should not perch on me.'

272(1191) To find favour with the witches

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA VOMITORIA, Apocynaceae
Grind, draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation, mix all together and
lick with palm oil.
'Asofeyeje, help me appease the witches
Asaba, help me appease the witches.'

307
273(1195)Wiwaiyonuiyami OSA MEJI, 10
EWE KERE YALE
EWE ELEMU
EYO ATAARE MESAN
A OGUN UN. A OPE OFO RE. A OFI SIN GBERE YIPO ORUN OWO.
AJE KO GBODO JE KERE YALE
ELEMU ONI KI IYAMI MA LE MU MI.

274(1200)Wiwaiyonuiyami OSA MEJI, 10

EWE DAGBA
EWE OGUN BERE
EWE KEKETU
EWE ININIRIN
ORI
A O lo O.A OPO OMO ORI. A OPE OF O RE. A OMAA FI PA ARA.
DAGBA NI DORI IYAMI AJE
OGUN BERE BA MI BE IYAMI
KEKETU KI I JE KI IYAMI OBINU
ININIRIN ONI KI WON OMAA RIN ERIN RERE SI MI.

275(1212)Wiwaiyonuiyami OGBE OYEKU, 17

EWE ATIBA
EWE PEREGUN
EWE IGBASEJO
IGBIN
A OGBELE SI ARIN ILE. A OKO GBOGBO AWON ELO SI I PELU IGBIN. A OPE OF O RE.
A OWA FI ERUPE BO O.
ATIBA BA MI BE IYAMI AJE
PEREGUN ONI KI AYE MI OGUN
IGBASEJO NI KI WON GBA RERE JO FUN MI.

308
273(1195) To find favour with the witches
Leaf of PANICUM sp., Gramineae
Unidentified leaf
Nine seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Grind, recite the incantation. Make small incisions around the wrist.
'Witches should never eat KERE YALE
ELEEMU says the witches will be unable to catch me.'

274(1200) To find favour with the witches

Leaf of CLERODENDRUM VOLUBILE, Verbenaceae 85
Leaf of LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of DIOSCOREOPHYLLUM CUMMINSI, Menispermaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind, mix with shea butter, recite the incantation. Use the preparation
to massage the body.
'DAGBA is the one that controls the witches
OGUN BERE, help me beg their favours

KEKETU will not let them be angry

ININIRIN says that they will smile on me.'

275 (1212) To find favour with the witches

Leaf of RHIGIOCARYA RACEMIFERA, Menispermaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Unidentified leaf
A snail
Dig a hole inside the house and fill it with the ingredients, together with

a snail, recite the incantation and cover with earth.

'ATIBA, help me appease the witches

PEREGUN says my life will be smooth

IGBASEJO says they should help me gather my blessings.'

309
276(1250)WiwaiyonuObaluaye OSA OFUN, 166
EWE AJADE
EWE POPO
AKUKO ADIYE
A OGBELE SINU ILE, A ODA AWON EWE SI I. A ODA OKUTA MEJE SI I.
A OPA AKUKO ADIYE, A OSI DA EJE ATI ARA RE SINU IHO NAA. A OTEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A ODA A SINU IHO NAA. A OPE OF O RE SI I, A OBO O.

277(1251)WiwaiyonuOsun OGBE GUNDA, 24

E F O YANRIN
ISU MARUN
OBI MARUN
ATAARE MARUN
EWE PEREGUN
EWE AWEDE (WERISA)
EWE ODUNDUN
EWE TETE
EWE RINRIN
EWE OSAN
EWE GBEGI
ORI
ADIYE ELESE MARUN (OMO IKASE)
A OFI EPO PUPA RO E F O YANRIN. A OGUN ISU MARUN NINU ODO. A O RA A
ROBOROBO LONA MESAN, A O BU E F O TI A RO SI I. A O GBE E SI IDI OSUN. A OKO OBI
ATI ATAARE SI IBE PELU. A O DA EJE ADIYE OLOMO IKASE MARUN SI I. A O SE IYOKU.
TI O BA JINA TAN, A O YO EDO, ORI, IWE, ORUN, EEGUN ATI ERAN AYA ADIYE NAA SOTO.
A O HA IYOKU FUN AWON ENIYAN JE. A O WE OSUN PELU AWON EWE WONYI. LEYIN
EYI, A O DA EPO ATI ORI SI I. A OWA K E BAYII. ORE YE E YE O.

310
276(1250) To obtain favours from Obaluaye
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passif loraceae
A cock
Dig a hole in the floor of the house, put the leaves inside it, together with
seven hard stones. Kill the cock and pour the blood inside the hole,
then place the body in it. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, throw the ashes in
the hole and cover the preparation.

277(1251) To obtain favours from Osun

LAUNAEA TARAXACIFOLIA, Compositae
Five DIOSCOREAsp., Dioscoreaceae
Five COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Five AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Leaf of DISSOTISROTUNDIFOLIA, Melastomataceae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of CITRUS sp., Rutaceae
Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Graminae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
One hen with five talons
Cook the first ingredient in palm oil. Pound five yams, make nine little
balls with the paste, add to the first preparation and place on the shrine of
OSUN with the third and fourth ingredients. Pour the blood of the hen, which
must have five talons, over the mixture. Cook the hen after removing the
Uver, head, gizard, meat of chest, neck and chest bone, and g ive to the people
to eat. Wash OSUN with the leaves. After this pour palm oil and shea butter
over it. At the end shout: "Ore YE E YE o."

311
278(1252)WiwaiyonuSango Okanran meji, 8
Ewe apara
Ewe abo rere
Orogbo kan
Eyin adiye kan
Ose dudu
A ogun un mo ose dudu, a ope of o re si i. A oko o sinu apo funfun kekere
a ofi ko ori aja.
Apara ba wa be Sango
Sango ko gbodo pa abo rere
Erowo ni t'eyin adiye
Orogbo nii be Sango l'orun.

279(1254)WiwaiyonuSango Olosun sara, 85

Ewe itakun arokeke
Lewu ope
Etutu owu
A ojoo, a ofi tefa. A ope of o re. A oko o sinu apo kekeke, a oso o.
A osi fi k o sinu ile.
Olosorun sara gaga bi eni pe yoo pani je
Bee ni ko le pani je
Arokeke ma j e ki Sango ro si odo mi
Ati Oya ti se enigbija re
Etutu owu bale tie
Lewu l'o ni ki agbara re o le.

312
278(1252) To obtain favours from Sango
Leaf of PENTACLETHRA MACROPHYLLA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae 86
Leaf of SENNA OCCIDENTALIS, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
One nut of GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae
One hen's egg
Black soap
Pound with the black soap, recite the incantation, put in a little white pouch
and hang it from the ceiling.
'APARA will beg SANGO to be with us

SANGO does not dare to kill the ABO RERE

The hen's egg is fresh and calm

It is OROGBO that appeases SANGO in heaven.'

279(1254) To obtain favours from Sango

Leaf of ADENIA CISSAMPELOIDES, Passif loraceae
Bark of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Cotton cloth
Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation. Tie in a little

cotton bag and hang it inside the house.

'Spirit of thunder who behaves ferociously as if it would devour people

Though it cannot consume people

AROKEKE, do not allow SANGO to drop thunderbolts on me

Nor OYA who is his supporter

As ETUTU OWU falls lightly to the ground

LEWU says that its power will diminish.'

313
280(1255)WiwaiyonuSango Osa okanran, 159
Ewe koko arira oja
Ewe ida orisa
Obi i f in
Obi pupa
Ori
Igbin
Ahun
A ogbe ile sinu ile, a oda awon ewe, igbin, ahun, epo, ori, obi si i ninu.
A opo eko gbigbona, a o da a si i lori. A o pe of o re. A o wa bo iho naa.
Osa kanran o rin kanran
Irin kanran kanran ni irin Sango ti o f i n ja
Ma rinrin kanran kanran re dele mi
Koko arira oja l'o ni o gbodo ja lajule mi
Orisa ki i ba ida re ja
Ero ni t'igbin
Ero ni ki o maa se nile mi ki o mama se ele
Enikan ki i gbowo ida s'ahun
Bi o ba de tenu bopo k i o si tenu bo ori
Mama se tenu bo eje nilee mi.

314
280(1255) To obtain favours from Sango
Leaf of XANTHOSOMA sp., Araceae
Leaf of SANSEVIERIA sp., Agavaceae
COLA ACUMINATA (white), Stercuhaceae
COLA ACUMINATA (red), Stercuhaceae
A snail
A tortoise
Palm oil
Shea butter
Dig a hole in the floor of the house. Put into it the leaves, snail,
tortoise, palm oil, shea butter. Make some hot corn meal and pour it
over the ingredients. Recite the incantation. Cover the hole.
'It runs fast and walks fast
SANGO walks fast when intending to strike
Do not walk quickly to my house
KOKO ARIRA OJA says you should not dare to fight on my premises
A deity never fights against its own sword
The snail is calm
So be calm in my house, don't be fierce
No one takes up a sword to kill a tortoise
When you arrive, taste the oil and the shea butter
Do not be bloodthirsty in my house.'

315
281(1256)OogunSangoatiOya Ika meji, 11
Isu oganlara
Ewe alupayida
Aso alaro (pupa)
Aso funfun
Tiroo
A ogun un pelu tiroo. A ofi tiroo tefa, a o fi le tiroo fun elegun Sango.
Ti elegun ba ti n seju ni ara yoo maa la wa loju orun. Ki Oya je ewe iya.

282(1257)WiwaojurereIfa Odi meji, 4

Ewe irawo ile
Irawo oke
Tannatanna meje
A o gun gbogbo re. A o tefa lori iyerosun. A o da won sinu owu. A o fi owu
funfun ati dudu we e. A ofi sinu igbadu i f a .

316
281(1256) To be possessed by Sangoand Oya
SENNA OCCIDENTALIS, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Red cloth
White cloth
Antimony
Grind with the antimony. Draw the ODU with the antimony.
Paint the eyes of the person to be possessed by SANGO with the mixture.
"When the ELEGUN winks his eye, lightning will split the sky". May OYA
eat the leaves of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae.

282(1257) To obtain favours from Ifa

Leaf of MITRACARPUSHIRTUS, Rubiaceae
Big glow worms
Seven small glow worms
Grind everything. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Wrap the ingredients
in cotton wool, tie with white and black threads. Put the preparation
inside the I F A bowl.

317
283(1258)Wiwe Ifa Ofun meji, 16
Ewe oora
Ewe amuwagun
Ewe tunpemu
Ewe alugbonron
Ewe odundun
Ewe rinrin
Ewe tete
Ewe alukerese
A orun won sinu omi, a ofi f o ikin. A otefa lori iyerosun. A o ki awon odu
merindinlogun. A o pe of o re.
Ora mo ra ki n ri se
Mo ra ki n bimo
Mo ra ki n lowo
Mo ra ki n kole
Mo ra yi lowo re
Ora mo ra ki n ri se
Amuwagun k'o mu wa mi gun
Tunpemu k ' o tun ipin mi se
Ona gbonron ni t'alugbonron
A tu odundun
A tu rinrin
Ina ki i j o
Ina ki i j o nipa odo
Ki ilee mi ko tutu
Te omo si obirin mi ninu
Te ire mo mi low o
Ojo iku
Ojo arun koo gbe mi o.

318
283(1258) For the consecration of Ifa palm nuts (used in divination)
Leaf of Rauvolfia vomitoria, Apocynaceae
Leaf of Acalypha ornata, Euphorbiaceae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of Triclisia subcordata, Menispermaceae
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS subsp. INCURVATUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of IPOMOEA INVOLUCRATA, Convolvulaceae
Crush all the leaves in water and wash the sixteen palmnuts with the mixture.

Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and recite the sixteen primary verses of I F A .

' ORA, I buy that I may work

I buy that I may get children

I buy that I may get money

I buy that I may build a house

I buy glory from your hand

ORA, I buy that I may prosper

AMUWAGUN, smooth over my situation

TUNPEMU, straighten my destiny

The path of ALUGBONRON is always straight

Fire will not burn

The path of o DUNDUN is fresh

The path of RINRIN is fresh

Fire never burns on the riverbed

May my home be cool and calm

Put children in my wife's womb

Press good fortune into my hands

On the day of death

319
On the day of illness, you should support me.'

320
 AWURE

284(1261)Amunigbale OGBE OYEKU, 17

EWE ERUMOGALE
EWE OLOSAN
ORI OGAN
OSE DUDU
A OGUN GBOGBO RE PELU OSE DUDU. A OMAA FI WE.

285(1264)Apamowo owo OYEKU MEJI, 2

EWE OWON
EWE APADA
OSE DUDU
A OGUN AWON EWE PELU OSE DUDU. A OPE OF O RE. A OMAA FI WE.
OWON PABI DA
K'IBI OLE BAA D'IRE FUN MI
APADA OKO BIRI NI K'o PA F I IBI DA SEHIN
EJI-OYE WA YE'BI KURO L'ORII MI.

321
 BENEFICENT WORKS

284(1261) To take land from someone

Leaf of CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anacardiaceae
The top of an ant hill
Black soap
Pound with black soap and bathe with the preparation.

285(1264) For the safe-keeping of money

Leaf of CHASMANTHERA DEPENDENS, Menispermaceae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Recite the incantation and wash the body with
the preparation.
'Owontransform evil
So that evil might become good fortune for me
Apada of the field, you must end evil
Eji-oye, come and overturn evil.'

322
286(1265)Aworo OBARA MEJI, 7
EWE OORA
A OGUN EWE, A OPO OPELU LOFINDA. A O PE OFO RE. GBOGBO OHUN TI A BA N TA
YOO MAA WU AWON ENIYAN.
GBOGBO OJA TI MO NI YII
KI WON O WA RA A
NI AKOKO TI MO FE
OORA LO NI KI WON WA RA O
OORA LONI KI WON O RA OJA TEMI YII O.

287(1267)Ida oja O FUN MEJI, 16

EWE ESISUN IGBA
EWE IREKE MEJE
EWE EPA MEJE
EWE AADUN MEFA
E FO ODU
E FO OSUN
OGEDE OMINI
EYE EGA
ERAN ESI
I YO
A O RI I SI AARIN OJA. A O GBIN EKUNKUN SORI RE.
IGBO GIDI L'A BA OMO ESI
IYO L'ONI K'ENI RERE O YO MO TEMI
ODU L'ONI K'ENI RERE O WA DURO TIMI
OSUN L'O NI K'ENI RERE O SUN L'ODO MI
AADUN L'O NI K 'IBUDO MI K'ODUN
ORANGUN MEJI MAA JE K'ENI RERE YA LE SUN.

323
286(1265) For traders to attract customers
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA VOMITORIA, Apocynaceae
Pound the leaves, mix with perfume. Recite the incantation.
Use to attract customers.
'All this merchandise of mine

They should come and buy

In the time that I want

OORA says they should come and buy

Oora says they should come and buy my merchandise.'

287(1267) To establish an open market

Two hundred leaves of PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
Seven leaves of SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM, Gramineae
Seven leaves of ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA, Euphorbiaceae
Unidentified leaf
SOLANUM AMERICANUM, Solanaceae 87
SOLANUM MACROCARPON, Solanaceae
MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
Palm bird (PLOCEUS CUCULLATUS CUCULLATUS)
Meat of a boar
Salt
Bury the ingredients in the middle of the market. Plant over them an ANANAS
COMOSUS, Bromeliaceae tree.
'In the thick forest we meet the offspring of the boar
Iyosays that benevolent people will rejoice with me

ODU says that benevolent people will stay with me

OSUN says that benevolent people will sleep with me

AADUN says that my dwelling is sweet

ORANGUN should allow benevolent people to call and sleep in my house.'

324
 288(1274)Ilomoise OKANRAN OGUNDA, 129
EWE AGUNMONA
EYELE KAN
IYO
A OTU IYE. A OFI EYELE RA INA. A OLA INU RE, A OKO IFUN RE JADE.
A OGE ORI ATI ESE RE PELU. A ODA IYOKU SINU ISASUN. A OSE E PELU EWE,
A OFI IYO ATI EPO SI I. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE, A ODA A SI I.
A OSI RO O PO. KI ENI TI O N WA OMO ISE MAA MU UN JE.
EWA WO AGUNMONA
EWA WO AGUNMONA
EKE KO SEE SE
EWA WO AGUNMONA.

289(1276)Imueniyan l'aso IWORI OBARA, 52

EWE POPOJUWARA
EWE AWEDE
EYIN ADIYE MERIN
IYO
A O SE AWON EYIN. A O BO O, A O LO AWON EWE. A O DA A SINU IKOKO, A O DA EPO,
IYO, EYIN ATI OMI SI I. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI I. A O SE E.KI A J E E.

290(1219) Imunikole OTURA IKA,201

EWE AKUDINRIN
EWE OOKUN
EWE IKI
EWE IMO
ESE AHUN
ESE AWODI
A O J O O. A O F I TEFA. A O BU LEBU RE SI OWO, A O SI F E E KURO LOWO.

325
288(1274) To attract apprentices
Leaf of CULCASIASCANDENS, Araceae
One pigeon (kill it and bleed it over the IKUN of I F A )
Sah
Pluck the feathers and roast the pigeon over a fire. Split it, remove the innards,
feet and head and put the rest in a cooking pot. Cook with the ground leaves,
salt and palm oil. Draw the ODU in IYERDSUN, recite the incantation and mix
the powder with the rest of the ingredients. Give it to the apprentice to eat.
'Come and see AGUNMONA
Come and see AGUNMONA

Lies are not good

Come and see AGUNMONA.'

289(1276) To acquire a set of impressive clothes

Leaf of LEEA GUINEENSIS, Leeaceae
Leaf of DISSOTISROTUNDIFOLIA, Melastomataceae
Four hen's eggs
Sah
Boil the eggs and remove the shells. Grind the leaves and put them in a pot
with palm oil, water, salt and the eggs. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix, cook
and eat at night.

290(1279) To help someone build a house

Leaf of ALBIZIA ZYGIA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of PHOENIX RECLINATA, Palmae
Leaf of CALAMUS sp., Palmae
Unidentified leaf
One foot of a tortoise
One foot of a black African hawk
Burn everything. Draw the ODU in the ashes. Place them on the hand and
blow them away.

326
291(1286)Imu nirise OGUNDA OGBE, 137
EWE ALO ELEWE ONIKA META
EWE ORIJIN
EWE SAWEREPEPE
ORI OLOGBO
OSE DUDU
A OGUN GBOGBO RE PO. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE. A ODA WON MO
OSE A OMAA FI WE LARAARO.
OLOMO A-JI-KI OLOMO A-JI-TE
AWON NI OLUWO AWO
TI WON D'IFA F'AWO
AWO KO N'ISE, AWO KO L'ABO
B'O BA JI, A WE'WO, WE'SE A MAA JEUN
AWO L'OUN O TI SE, MAA WE'WO WE'SE MAA JEUN
IFA NI ALO ONIKA META NI O PE KI WON O FI IRE TEMI LO MI
E MU ISE RERE WA A FI LO MI O
A T'ILE A T'ONA LAA FI I JIN OLOGBO
AT'AGBALA AT'ODE L AA FI I JIN EWEJIN
T'ERU T'OMO L'OGA OTI EEBO N MU
OGUNDABEDE LO REE DARI RERE TEMI WA
TA L'O NI E WA PE MI SI RERE
SAWEREPEPE L'O NI E WA PE MI SI RERE SAWEREPEPE.

327
291(1286) To find a job
Leaf of JATEORHIZA MACRANTHA, Menispermaceae
Leaf of COMMIPHORA AFRICANA, Burseraceae
Leaf of CYATHULA PROSTRATA, Amaranthaceae
The head of a cat
Black soap
Pound the ingredients together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite
the incantation. Mix with soap and use the soap to bathe every morning.
'We wake to greet the child, we wake to care for the child
They are the accolytes of the I f a priest
Who divine the oracle for the priest
The I f a priest has neither work nor trade
When he wakes, he washes his hands and feet and starts eating
The priest asked how could he just be washing his hands and feet before
eating
I f a says that alo (owner of three fingers) has already agreed that my good
fortune should be revealed to me
Bring me a good and lasting job
Both indoors and outdoors are always at the disposal of the cat
Both the backyard and front yard are always put at the disposal of EWEJIN
OGA, the European wine, gets both the slave and the sons
OGUNDABEDE, go and bring me good fortune
Who says you should come and call me for good fortune
SAWEREPEPE says you should come and call me for good fortune.'

328
292(1292)Imuode ri eranpa OFUN IWORI, 244
EWE ABO
EWE ABAFE
EWE AMUNIMUYE
ODIDI ATAARE
IRUN OYA
A OJO O, A OFI TEFA A ODA A SINU ADO IJAMO. A OFI AWO GBA A, A O SO OMO
ORUN.

293(1295)Isangbese OGBE OSE, 30

SOGUNRUN SEGE
EWE ESAN
EWE AKISAN
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU, A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A OPE OF O RE A OPO OPO,
A O SI MAA FI WE.
OGBE SINWO LERI BA MI SAN GBESE L'ORUN
AKISAN BA MI SAN AN
ESAN BA MI SAN AN
SOGUNRUN SEGE OKO E M A J E KI MI NI ORUN GBESE.

294(1297)Isangbese IWORI OF U N , 61
EWE E F U N K O JIYA
EWE IYA
EWE KORIKO
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN PO. A O PE OF O RE. A O SI MAA FI WE.
E F U N K O JIYA BA MI SANGBESE ORUN MI
IYA WA YA MI KURO NINU ISE
YAYA YA MI KURO NINU OSI.

329
292(1292) For a good hunt

Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 88

Leaf of PILIOSTIGMATHONNINGII, Lcguminosae Caesalpinoideae

Leaf of SENECIO ABYSSINICUS, Compositae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae

The quills of a porcupine

Burn everything, draw the odu with the preparation. Place in a small gourd

and cover it with black leather. Use as an amulet arround the neck.

293(1295) To be able to repay debts

OLDENLANDIA CORYMBOSA, Rubiaceae

Unidentified leaf

Leaf of TRIANTHEMA PORTULACASTRUM, Aizoaceae

Black soap

Pound with black soap. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation,

mix, and bathe with it.

' Ogbesinwoleri, help me to pay my debts

AKISAN, help me to pay my debts

Esan, help me to pay my debts

Sogunrunsege of the field ensures that I do not have debts.'

294(1297) To be able to repay debts

Leaf of PSYCHOTRIA PEDUNCULARIS, Rubiaccac

Leaf of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae

Leaf of PANICUM MAXIMUM, Gramineae

Black soap

330
Pound the ingredients, recite the incantation and bathe with the preparation.
' E f u n ko jiya, help me to repay my debts
Iya, come and save me from poverty
Yaya, take me away from misery.'

331
295(1301) Itaja IRETE OWONRIN, 217
EWE OPOTO FUNFUN
EEPO IRA
EWE INA
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE, A OPO OPO,
A O MAA FI WE.
INA NI KI E BA MI NA OJA TEMI
IRA NI KI E RA OJA TEMI
IBI OPOTO FUNFUN DA OJA SI, IBE NI GBOGBO AYE GBE I NA AN.
296(1309) Jekajeru OSE OTURA, 239
EWE GBURE
A O KO EWE SINU OMI, A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O DA IYEROSUN SINU OMI,
A O GBE E SI ABE ORULE. A O MAA PE OF O RE LARAARO.
GBURE
ETI MI GBO RE
GBURE
ETI MI GBO RE.

297(1334)Owo nini EJIOGBE, 1

EWE OLOGBOKIYAN
EWE AGBAWIKOWEE
OSE dudu
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE. A O SI MAA F I WE.
OLOGBOKIYAN GBOWO WA
AGBAWIKOWEE MAA LO REE GBOWO WA.

332
295(1301) For quick sales
Leaf of Ficus VALLIS - CHOUDAE , Moraceae
Leaf of B RIDELIAFERRUGINEA , Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of U RERAMANII , Urticaceae 89
Black soap
Pound with the black soap. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation,
mix, and bathe with it.
'Ina says that you are a customer for my merchandise
IRA says that you will buy my mechandise
Where white o POTO sets up his market, everyone is a customer.'

296(1309) To earn money quickly

Leaf of T ALINUMTRIANGULARE , Portulacaceae
Put the leaves in water. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, throw the powder into
the water. Place in a container near the ceiling and recite the incantation
every morning.
' GBURE
My ears hear good news
GBURE
My ears hear good news.'

297(1334) To obtain a lot of money

Leaf of P LEIOCERASBARTERI , Apocynaceae
Leaf of MILLETTIA THONNINGII, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Black soap
Pound with the black soap, recite the incantation and bathe.
' OLOGBOKIYAN, bring money now
AGBAWIKOWEE, go and bring money now.'

333
 298(1405)Owo nini IWORI OSE, 60
EWE RAWAYE
EWE TANNA POSO
EWE ASEFUN
A O lo O. A OPE OF O RE. A OMAA FI F O EKO TUTU MU LOJOOJUMO.
RAWAYE BA MI WA OWO TEMI FUN MI
TANNA POSO LO REE PA OWO FUN MI WA
GBOGBO ARA L'ASEFUN I F I SE AJE.

299(1458)Owo nini IRETE OSE, 225

EWE ASEFUN
EWE AHON EKUN
EWE IRU EKUN
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE, A O PO WON PO.
A O SI MAA FI WE.
GBOGBO ARA L'ASEFUN F I I SAJE
AHON EKUN LO NI KI IRE MI KI O MAA WON
IRU EKUN LO NI KI WON O D'ERU IRE WA F U N MI.

300(1470)Owo nini O F U N OBARA, 248

EWE DISOKE
EWE WONJO
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE. A O MAA F I WE.
DISOKE DI OWO FUN MI WA
WONJO WON OWO F U N MI WA.

334
298(1405) To obtain a lot of money
Leaf of COCHLOSPERMUM TINCTORIUM, Cochlospermaceae
Leaf of MIRABILIS JALAPA, Nyctaginaceae
Leaf of AERVA LANATA, Amaranthaceae
Grind. Recite the incantation. Drink with cold indian corn meal every day.
'RAWAYE, help me get my money
TANNA POSO, go and earn money for me
The body of ASEFUN always brings wealth.'

299(1458) To obtain a lot of money

Leaf of AERVA LANATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of TETRACERA sp., Dilleniaceae 90
Leaf of DRACAENA LAXISSIMA, Agavaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation
and bathe with it.
'The entire body of ASEFUN makes money
AHON EKUN says that my blessings are not small
IRU EKUN says that they should bring a lot of of riches to me.'

300(1470) To obtain a lot of money

Leaf of XYSMALOBIUM HEUDELOTIANUM, Asclepiadaceae
Leaf of HIBISCUS SURATTENSIS, Malvaceae 91
Black soap
Pound with the black soap, recite the incantation and bathe with it.
'DISOKE, make packets of money for me
WONJO, gather money for me.'

335
301(1481)Aforan OGBE OTURA, 28
EWE GBEGI DINA
EWE AGBON
EWE EESUN FUNFUN
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE.
A OPO OMO OSE. A O SI MAA FI WE.
OGBE ALARA BA MI GBE ORAN YII RA
GBEGI NI KI O FI GBEERA
AKUFO NI TI AGBON
ATATU NI TI GBEGI
AHONU L'EESUN HO.

302(1485)Aforan OGBE OTURA, 28

EREE SUNSUN
AGBADO SUNSUN
ATA SUNSUN
A O JO WON, A O FI TEFA, A O PE OF O RE, A O FI F O EKO TUTU MU.
A KI I GBIN EREE SUNSUN K'O HU
KI EJO MI YII K'O MA LE HU MO
A KI I GBIN AGBADO SUNSUN K'OHU
KI EJO MI YII K'O MA LE HU MO
A KI I GBIN ATA SUNSUN K ' O HU
KI EJO MI YII K'O MA LE HU MO
OGBE ALARA L'O NI KI EJO NAA K'O RA.

336
301(1481) To avoid a judicial procedure
Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Gramineae
Leaf of C OCOSNUCIFERA, Palmae
Leaf of PENISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
Black soap
Pound with the black soap. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.

Mix everything together and wash oneself with the preparation.

'OGBE ALARA, help me dismiss this case
GBEGI says it will be forgotten
Cracking is the destiny of AGBON
GBEGI is meant to be uprooted
The vibration of EESUN is harmless.'

302(1485) To avoid a judicial procedure

PHASEOLUS LUNATUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae (roasted bean)
ZEA MAYS, Gramineae (roasted maize)
ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae (roasted pepper)
Burn, draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation, eat with cold indian
corn meal.
'Roasted beans can never grow if planted
My case should not surface again
Rosted maize can never grow if planted
My case shall not come to light again
Roasted peppers can never grow if planted
My case should not come to light again
OGBE ALARA says that the case should be forgotten.'

337
303(1508)Afose OSE OBARA, 233
EWE AKUFODEWA
EWE IREKE
EGBO AKEREJUPON
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU, A O KO O SINU IWO AKO MALUU. TI A BA TI N FI AHON
KAN AN NI A O MAA PE OF O RE, TI A O MAA SO OHUN TI A FE.
AKUFODEWA SORO SE
ASE WAA NI T'IREKE
BI AKEREJUPON BA TA EGBO A KAN ILEPA.

304(1512)Afose OSE IKA, 237

EWE ASEWAA
EGBO AKEREJUPON
OWO EYO KAN
A O LO O, A O PO O MO OSE DUDU. A O K O O SINU AGOGO PELU ABERE META.
TI A BA TI N YO ABERE KURO NI A O MAA F I KAN AHON TI A O MAA PE OF O RE,
A O SI MAA SO OHUN TI A FE.
ASEWAA NI KI O MAA SE
BI AKEREJUPON TA EGBO A KAN ILEPA
ASE KANKAN NI TI OWO EYO.

338
303(1508) For immediate fulfilment of wishes
Leaf of AMORPHOPHALLUS DRACONTIOIDES, Araceae
Leaf of SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM, Gramineae
Root of SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM, Menispermaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, place inside the horn of a bull. Touch with the tip
of the tongue, recite the incantation and speak your wishes.
'Akufodewa, speak and act
To act at once is an attribute of irere
If the root of akerejupon grows, it touches red earth.'

304(1512) For immediate fulfilment of wishes

Leaf of IODESAFRICANA, Icacinaceae
Root of SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM, Menispermaceae
One cowrie
Black soap
Grind with black soap, place inside a bell, add three needles, remove a needle
and touch the tip of the tongue with it. Recite the incantation and speak your
wishes.
'Asewaa says you should act quickly
If the root of akerejupon grows, it touches red earth
To act quickly is an attribute given to cowries.'

339
 305(1519)Agadagodo imu eniyan (amunimuye) OFUN MEJI, 16
EWE ALOFOHUN
EWE IPANUMO ABO
EWE IPANUMO ABAFE
EWE IPANUMO ORO BOMUBOMU
IFA OKU EYO HORO KAN
OWO AHUN MEREERIN
AKUKO
A OFIFA OKU (IKIN IFA) SI OFUN AKUKO. A O GE E ORI RE KURO. A O KO GBOGBO
RE SINU AKUFO APE, A O SI SUN UN LAISORO TITI YOO FI JO TAN. A O KO O SINU EKISA.
A O GBE AGADAGODO LE E. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE, A O DA A SI I,
LEYIN EYI A O RAN AN PO PELU OWU FUNFUN ATI DUDU.
OFUN RURURU BI OYE MAKIN N'ILE IDO
OFUN MEJEEJI IWO L'AKOGUN ODE AJANA
WA LO REE MU (LAMORIN) TIYETIYE T'OGBON T'OGBON
IPANUMO ABO NII PA'HUN M'ABO L'ENU
IPANUMO ABAFE NII P'OHUN MO ABAFE N'IKUN
K'A YA'NU K'A MA LEE FO'HUN NI TI BOMUBOMU
ALOFOHUN L'O NI KI WON O MA LEE FO'HUN
NIJO AKUKO-DIE BA GBE'FA OKU MI NI KII LEE KO MO
T'OWO T'ESE L'AHUN I WO IGBA.
306(1520)Asogba OGUNDA MEJI, 9
EWE ARADO
EWE MESEN MESEN ITAKUN
EWE MESEN MESEN GOGORO
A O LO O. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PE OF O RE, A O PO O PO. A O MAA LA A PELU
EPO PUPA.
ASOGBA NI ORO T'ARADO
AWIDUNMO NI TI MESEN MESEN GOGORO ATI ITAKUN.

340
305(1519) To dominate someone
Leaf of JATEORHIZA MACRANTHA, Menispermaceae 92
Young leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 93
Young leaf of PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Young leaf of CALOTROPIS PROCERA, Asclepiadaceae
Cowrie formerly owned by a dead person
Four feet of a tortoise
One cock
Put the cowrie inside a cock's throat and cut off its h ead. Put everything in
a broken pot and burn without speaking. Put the ashes on a piece of cotton
cloth which must enter into contact with the underpart of a padlock. Draw
the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, mix with the ashes and bind all
with white and black threads.
'He is completely white like the harmattan [dry dusty wind] in the city of IDO
The two OFUN, you are the warriors of AJANA city
Go and capture the mind and the intelligence of so-and-so
Young leaves of ab O stop abo's voice from vibrating
Young leaves of ABAFE stop ABAFE's tomach from vibrating
Opening the mouth without being able to speak is of BOMUBOMU
ALOFOHUN says that they must not be able to speak
The day a cock swallows the cowrie of a dead person it ceases to crow
With arms and legs the tortoise retreats into its shell.'

306(1520) To make someone believe one's word

Leaf of DANIELLIA OGEA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of SCOPARIADULCIS, Scrophulariaceae
Grind, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation,
mix with the preparation and lick with palm oil.
'It is characteristic of ARADO that people accept her word
Sweetness is characteristic of MESEN MESEN GOGORO and MESEN MESEN ITAKUN.'

341
307(1531)Idiya OKANRAN ODI, 125
EWE ESO
SOSO EYIN
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
A OJO O. A OFI TEFA, A OPE OFO RE. A OFI FO EKO TUTU MU.
OKANRAN ODI ONI EMI KO GBODO NI AYA JIJA
ESO ONI KI AYA MI OMA SO
SOSO ONI KI AYA MI OMA SO.

308(1533)Gbenigboran EJIOGBE, 1
ESO POPOJIWARA
EWE MAKO
ATAARE MEJE
A OPIN ESO ANIDO SI WEWE, A OFI ATAARE MEJE SI I. A O lo EWE MAKO.
A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI I. A O FI OWU FUNFUN ATI DUDU GBA A,
A O FI SINU OYIN. A O MU SI ENU NIGBATI A BA FE BA OBINRIN LO PO, A O SO
OHUN TI A FE. LEHIN EYI, A O DA A PADA SINU OYIN.

309(1538)Ilaya O SE OYEKU, 228

EWE OMI
EWE KOLE OROGBA
EDUN ARA
A O LO O PO. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN A O DA A PO. A O FI F O EKO MU NI IGBA MEJE.

342
307(1531) For courage
Leaf of ELYTRARIA MARGINATA, Acanthaceae
ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae

Burn, draw the ODU in the preparation, recite the incantation and eat with hot

corn meal.

'OKANRAN odi says that I am not to be afraid

ESO says that my heart should not be afraid

SOSO says that heart should not be afraid.'

308(1533) For a woman to reach a climax at the same time as the man

Fruit of LEEA GUINEENSIS, Leeaceae

Leaf of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae

Seven AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae

Split the LEEA GUINEENSIS into pieces, add the seven AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA
nuts. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and mix with the preparation.

Grind the leaves of ABRUS PRECATORIUS. Place the fruit on the leaves.

Tie with black and white threads and dip in honey. When the man wants to

have intercourse with the woman, he should put the LEEA GUINEENSIS fruit in

his mouth, speak his wish, then put the fruit back in the honey.

309(1538) To protect against evil people

Leaf of BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Leaf of PERGULARIA DAEMIA, Asclepiadaceae

Firestone

Grind everything together, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, dilute with cold indian

corn meal, and drink seven portions.

343
310(1540)Imunijoye EJIOGBE, 1
EWE KOYEJO
EWE YEYE
EWE AKOKO
AKUKO ADIYE
ILEKE REFE
A O lo O.A OPA AKUKO ADIYE, A ODA EJE RE SI I. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE
OFO RE, A ODA A SI I. A OSIN GBERE MOKANLELOGUN SI ARIN ORI. A OFI RA A.
KOYEJO NI E FI MI JOYE
AFIJOYE NI TI YEYE
AFIJOYE NI T'AKOKO
BI ILE BA MO AKUKO GOGORO A JOYE
REFE L'OBA ILEKE.

311(1556)Irogundanu OSE IRETE, 240

EGUN TETE ELEGUN
EWE SEGUN SETE
EKU MEJI
EJA MEJI
A OJO O, A OFI TEFA SI I A OSIN IN SI ORITA, NI ENU IBODE ILU.

312(1557)Isegunijakadi OSE MEJI, 15

EWE ANSARE NU EKAN
POPORO AGBADO
EWE GBEGI
A OJO O. A OFI TEFA, A OPE OF O RE. A OSIN GBERE YIKA IBADI A OSI FI RA A.
ANSARE NU EKAN BA MI GBE OTA SUBU
POPORO AGBADO KI I BA OLOKO DIMU JA
ATATU NI TI GBEGI.

344
310(1540) To obtain a traditional title
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of UAPACA HEUDELOTII, Euphorbiaceae 94
Leaf of NEWBOULDIA LAEVIS, Bignoniaceae
One cock
Refe beads
Grind. Kill a cock and pour its blood over the preparation.
Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation. Mix all together.
Make 21 small incisions on the head. Rub the preparation on them.
'Koyejo says they must give me a title
Enthronement is an atribute of the leaf of yeye
Enthronement is an atribute of the leaf of akoko
Every morning, the great cock gets a title
Refe is the king of beads.'

311(1556) To prevent war

Spine of AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of PORTULACA OLERACEA, Portulacaceae
Two rats
Two fishes
Burn the ingredients, draw the odu in the preparation and bury it
at a crossroads at the entrance to the town.

312(1557) To win a fight

Leaf of IMPERATA CYLINDRICA, Gramineae
Cob of ZEA MAYS, Gramineae
Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Gramineae
Burn. Draw the odu in iyerosun, recite the incantation.
Make small incisions around the waist and rub the preparation into them.
'Ansarenu ekan, help me to knock down my opponent
Poporo agbado does not fight with the owner of the farm
Not to fall down is of gbegi.'

345
313(1561)Isegun inira IROSUN OTURA, 88
EWE OGEDE OMINI
EWE IKUPERO
EKURO OJU ONA
A OJO O. A OFI TEFA. A OBU U S'OWO, A OSI FE DANU.

314(1568)Isegun ota EJIOGBE, 1

EWE AKO EMIDO
EEPO IGBA
EWE ENU OPIRE
A O J O O, A O FI TEFA, A O PE OF O RE, A O F I F O EKO TUTU MU.
AKO EMIDO NII SEGUN OTA
IGBA GBA OTA NI LO S'ORUN
ENU OPIRE BA MI PA OTAA MI.

315(1601)Isegun ota OGBE IRETE, 29

EWE BOLE
EWE ATAPARA
EWE IRANGBON E F O N
A O J O O. A O F I T E F A , A O PE OF O RE. A O MAA F I F O EKO TUTU MU LOJO MEJOMEJO.
BOLE, BA MI BO OTA MOLE
ATAPARA BA MI PA OTA MI
IRUNGBON E F O N NII BA E F O N SEGUN
IRU NI MALUU FII SEGUN ESINSIN.

346
313(1561) To soothe someone's suffering

Leaf of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae

Leaf of DICHROCEPHALAINTEGRIFOLIA, Compositae

Palm kernels (found without the husks on the streets)

Burn. Draw the ODU with the preparation. Place in the palm of the hand and

blow away.

314(1568) To overcome enemies

Leaf of MANILKARA OBOVATA, Sapotaceae
Bark of LAGENARIA SICERARIA, Cucurbitaceae
Leaf of EUPHORBIA LATERIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Burn and draw the ODU in the ashes, recite the incantation, eat with cold
indian corn meal.
'AKO EMIDO is always victorious

IGBA, sweep my enemies to death

ENU OPIRE, help me kill my enemies.'

315(1601) To overcome enemies

Leaf of S IDALINIFOLIA, Malvaceae

Leaf of PHAULOPSIS FALCISEPALA, Acanthaceae"'
Leaf of TRIPOGON MAJOR, Gramineae
Burn. Draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation, eat with cold indian
corn meal every eight days.
'BOLE, help me to overthrow my enemy
ATAPARA, help me to kill my enemy

The buffalo uses its beard to overcome enemies

The cow uses its tail to overcome flies.'

347
316(1635)Isegun ota OSA IRETE, 164
EWE OJU ORO
EWE OSIBATA
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN MO OSE DUDU, A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE, A OPO OMO
OSE, A O MAA FI WE.
TEMI O L'A LE, TOPE, L'A LEKE ASEBI
OJU ORO NI O N LEKE OMI
TEMI O L'ALE
OSIBATA NI O N LEKE ODO
TOPE L'ALEKE
I FA NI ELEYUN
I FA NI O LEKE OTA
NI YOO SI RI EHIN ODI.

317(1665)Isuju IRETE OBARA, 218

EWE IJOKUN
EWE IBO
ODIDI ATAARE
AWO IJIMERE
ODIDI APARO
A O JO GBOGBO RE PO , A O FITEFA , A O PE OFO RE, A O KO WON SINU ADO LALE, LEYIN
EYI A O FIASO WAJI BO O. A O GBA A LAWO (NINU ATI LODE). A O SO OKUN MO ON A
O FIKO ORUN. A O SI I TI A BA FE LO ISUJU. A O DE E TI ABA FE PADA DI ENIYAN.
BIRIMU NI TI IBO
BIRIMU NI TI IJOKUN
BI IJIMERE BA NI A RI OUN L'AA RI I
BI IJIMERE BA NI K'A FE OUN KU, A FE KU
N'IBI APARO BA BA MO , OLOKO O LEE RI I.

348
316(1635) To overcome enemies
Leaf of PISTIASTRATIOTES, Araceae
Leaf of NYMPHAEA LOTUS, Nympheaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation,
mix with the preparation and wash with it.
' I will overcome my enemies as Ifa overcomes evil doers
OJU ORO floats on the water
I too will be on top
Osibata floats on the river
I F A stays at the top
That is I F A
Ifa overpowers his enemy
He willbe victorious.'

317(1665) To become invisible

Leaf of MUCUNAPOGGEI, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of LANDOLPHIA DULCIS, Apocynaceae 96
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
The skin of a small brown monkey
A whole partridge
Burn everything, draw the ODU with the preparation, recite the incantation,
pour at night into a gourd, cover with a blue cloth, wrap in leather with
the skin inside. Hang around the neck. Open the gourd to make yourself
invisible, close it to become visible again.
' Darkness is an attribute of IBO
Darkness is the character of IJOKUN
We see the monkey only when he wants us to see him
If the monkey says we should not see him, we cannot see him
Wherever APARO hides, the farmer can never see her.'

349
318(1666)Mayinhun EJIOGBE, 1
EWE EPA IKUN IGBO
EYIN AGBEDE
EYIN OPE
EWE AMUNIMUYE
ODIDI ATAARE
IYO
A OJO O. A OFI TEFA A OWE E MO OWU. A OMAA FI S'ENU NIGBA TI A BA FE SORO.

319(1672)Ola nini EJIOGBE, 1

EWE AJIDERE
EWE IRE
EWE ARERE
OSE DUDU
A OJO O, A OFI TEFA, A OPE OF O RE, A OPO OMO OSE DUDU A O SI MAA FI WE.
AJIDERE DI IRE GBOGBO WA
IRE O NI KI IRE GBOGBO WA
ARERE RE IRE GBOGBO WA.

350
318(166) To be obeyed

Leaf of DESMODIUM ADSCENDENS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae

GOSSYPIUM BARBADENSE, Malvaccae
Fruit of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Leaf of SENECIO ABYSSINICUS, Compositae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae

Salt

Burn, draw the ODU with the preparation, (place in a small cloth),

he with thread. Place in the mouth when speaking.

319(1672) To obtain much wealth

Leaf of FLABELLARIA PANICULATA, Malpighiaceae

Unidentified leaf

Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae

Black soap

Burn, draw the ODU with the preparation, recite the incantation,

mix with black soap and use to wash the body.

'AJIDERE, wrap up all the good things and bring them to me

IRE says that good things should come to me

ARERE bring good things to me.'

351
320(1676)Ola nini OGBE IRETE, 29
EWE AJIFA BI ALA
EWE OLOJONGBODU
EWE SOKUNKUN TARA
EYELE
IYO
A OGUN UN. A OSE E MO EYELE, A OFI EPO PUPA ATI IYO SI I. A OTEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A OPE OFO RE, A ODA A SI I. A OGBE E DE OJO KEJI KA TO JE E.
AJIRIN NI OBI ASUNGBADA JI GBADA
A DIFA FUN OGBE ATE TI YOO TI ORUN KOLA WALE AYE, O NI
AJIFA BI ALA YOO FA RERE TEMI WA FUN MI
OLOJONGBODU MAA GBE IRE TEMI BO WA
SOKUNKUN TARA, TARA NI KI E MAA GBE IRE BO WA
YIYE NI I YE EYELE.

321(1681)Segunsete OFUN IROSUN, 246

SEGUN SETE
IGBIN
IYO
A O GUN UN. A O SE E NINU APE, A O FO IGBIN KAN A O GE E SI ONA
MERINDINLOGUN. A O SE GBOGBO RE PO, A O SI F I EPO PUPA ATI IYO SI I.
A O PE OF O RE. A O JE O.
SEGUN SETE WA BA MI SE AWON OGUN ATI OTE NAA
IGBIN KI I TENU MOGI AI MA GUN UN.

352
320(1676) To obtain much wealth
Leaf of IPOMOEA CAIRICA, Concolvulaceae
Leaf of COMMELINAERECTA, Commelinaceac
Unidentified leaf
One pigeon
Salt
Grind. Cook with a pigeon, add palm oil and salt.
Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation and mix
with the other ingredients. Eat on the following day.
'AJIRIN is born to sleep freely and wake freely
Ifa divination was performed for OGBE ATE who would bring wealth
to earth from heaven
He said AJIFABIALA WILLbring my wealth to me
OLOJONGBODU, should bring my wealth
SOKUNDUN TARA, bring my wealth straight away
ELEYE ISalways glamorous.'

321(1681) To be winner in wars and revolts

PORTULACA OLERACEA, Portulacaceae
One snail
Salt
Grind, cook in a earthen pot, break a snail, cut it into sixteen pieces,
cook with oil and salt. Recite the incantation and eat.
'SEGUN SETE, come and help me win these wars and revolts
Once a snail starts to climb a tree, it will not turn back
until it reaches the top.'

353
322(1682)Ajidewe EJIOGBE, 1
EWE ELA IRINWO
OBI IFIN OKANLELOGUN
OBI ( IFA ) ABATA OKANLELOGUN
OROGBO OKANLELOGUN
EWE ARO
EWE APADA
EWE GBEGI
EWE TOTO
ATAARE
GUNUGUN
IRORE
OLONGO
OTA ODO MERIN-DILOGUN
A OGUN WON, A Olo AWON EJO SI OTO . A ODA GBOGBO RE PO. A OKO O SINU ADO.
A ODA EJE EYELE MEJE SI I. A Olo EWE ERUWA ODAN, A ODA A SI I. A Olo IKIN
IFA MERINDINLOGUN, A O DA A SI I. A O PA EWURE, A O DA EJE RE SI I. A O MAA FI
EKO TABI OTI MU UN.
N'IBI WEREWERE NI WON N B'LONGO
BI EWE BI EWE NI IRORE SEE RIN
ODOODUN L'ERUWA A D'EWE
SAKASAKA NI ARA IKIN N DA
OROGBO L'ONI KI N GBO S'ODE ISALAYE
OBI NI K' O MAA BI OTA A MI LO SODE ORUN
ATAARE KI I KERE K' O MA LEE TA'NI L'ENU
GUNUGUN KI I KU L'EWE.

354
322(1682) To remain young
400 leaves of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae 97
21 nuts of COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae (ABATA)

21 nuts of COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae ( I F A )

21 nuts of GARCINA KOLA, Guttiferae

Leaf of CROSSOPTERYX FEBRIFUGA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae

Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Graminae

Leaf of MARANTOCHLOA LEUCANTHA, Maranthaceae
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
A whole vulture or a vulture's head, enough for many people

Unidentified bird

The bird ESTRILDA MELPODA MELPODA

Gunpowder from sixteen rifle bullets

Pound the ingredients then grind the skin of a snake separately. Mix and
place inside a gourd. Kill seven pigeons and pour the blood into the gourd.
Grind the leaves of ERUWA ODAN. Grind the sixteen concecrated palm nuts
of Ifa together with the kola nuts. Drain the blood of a goat onto this , mix
and drink with hot indian corn meal or with alcohol.
'The OLONGO bird is always smart and healthy
The IRORE bird always moves smartly and acts young

Every year ERUWA becomes younger

IRIN is always strong

OROGBO should live to old age

Obi should send all my enemies to their deaths

ATAARE is always hot no matter how small

GUNUGUN never dies young.'

355
323(1683)Ajirere OGUNDA OGBE, 237
ORI OBO
ERAN IRO
EKO
OSE DUDU
A OLO O, A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A ODA A SI I, A OPIN IN SI MEJI. A OPO APA
KAN MO OSE DUDU, A OSI FI WE. A ODA APA KEJI SINU ADO IRERE.

324(1684)Ajodara OTURA OBARA, 203

EWE AJO
EWE MOBEJO
EJO KAN (TI KO NI ABUKU L'ARA)
OMO EYELE MERIN
OSE DUDU
A O JO WON NINU APE, A O LO O. A O FI TEFA, A O PE OF O RE. A O PA OMO EYELE
MERIN. A O DA EJE WON SI IKIN I F A . A O DA A SINU OSE DUDU, A O SI MAA F I WE.
AJO L'ONI BI WON BA TI RI MI KI WON O MAA JO
MOBEJO NI K ' O MAA MU GBOGBO WON JO L' ODO MI
OTUA WARA L' O NI KI WON O MAA SE WARAWARA JO L' O D O TEMI.

325(1687)Arimole EJIOGBE, 1
EWE WOROMOBA
EWE EKUNKUN
A O KO WON SINU APE KEKERE, A O PE OF O RE, A O RI I MO INU ILE.
WOROMOBA MAA GBOWO F U N MI WA
EKUNKUN L'O NI KI OWO KUN MI LOW O .

356
323(1683) To wake up feeling well
The head of a monkey
The meat of a baboon
Indian com meal
Black soap
Grind all together, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix and divide in two parts.
Mix the first part with black soap and wash the body with it. Place the second
part in a small gourd.

324(1684) To dance well

Unidentified leaf (which dances in the wind)
Unidentified leaf (makes soup taste hot)
A snake without any deformity
Four young pigeons
Black soap
Burn everything in a clay pot, grind. Draw the ODU with the preparation,
recite the incantation. Kill four young pigeons, spill the blood over a
concecrated palmnut and mix with soap. Bathe with it.
'AJO says whenever they see me they should dance
MOBEJO should make people dance around me

OTUA WARA says they should hurry to come and dance around me.'

325(1687) Preparation to bury in the ground in order to get money

Leaf of OCIMUMGRATISSIMUM, Labiatae
Leaf of ANANAS COMOSUS, Bromeliaceae
Place in a small pot, recite the incantation and bury inside the house.
' WOROMOBA, come and get money for me
EKUNKUN says that money will fill my hands.'

357
326(1690)Arimole ODI MEJI, 4
EWE PONMOSESEKI
EWE GBEGBE
IGBIN
A ODA WON SINU IKOKO PELU IGBIN. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE,
A O DA A SI I. A O GBE KOTO SINU ILE ATI SIN IN SI.
PONMOSESEKI L'ONI KI GBOGBO OBINRIN ILE YII K'o MAA BIMO
GBEGBE I G REE GBERE WA.

327(1698)Atorise IWORI MEJI, 3

EWE AKEKA
EWE I F O S I
A O DA WON SINU APE, A O SE E NINU OMI. A O PE OF O SI I. A O MAA F I WE ORI.
AKEKA K A ' W O IBI
IGBO KI I DI KI I F O S I MA YO RI
KI LAGBAJA O YORI.

358
326(1690) Prepaiation to bury in the ground in order to get money
Leaf of DYSCHORISTE PERROTTETTII, Acanthaceae
Leaf of ICACINATRICHANTHA, Icacinaceae
One snail
Place in a pot with a snail. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation,
mix. Bury inside the house.
'PONMOSESEKI SAYS that all the women in this household should have children
GBEGBE, go and bring good fortune.'

327(1698) To take bad luck from someone

Leaf of LECANIODISCUS CUPANIOIDES, Sapindaceae
Leaf of GOUANIALONGIPETALA, Rhamnaceae
Place in a pot, cook in water and recite the incantation. Wash the head.
'AKEKA, overcome evil
The forest is never so thick that the head of IFOSI DOESnot appear
May so-and-so solve all his problems.'

359
328(1699)Imuawoduro EJIOGBE, 1
ODIDI OGEDE WEERE
EWE ABAMODA
ORI
IGBIN MERIN-DILOGUN
AKUKO FUNFUN
A OGE SIIRI OGEDE, A OKO WON SINU AGBADA. A ODA ORI SIIRI A OJO GBOGBO
WON A OSI LO WON. A O TE AWON ODU MERINDILOGUN AKOKO LORI LEBU RE, A O PE
OFO RE. A O DA WON SINU AKENGBE. A O PA AKUKO FUNFUN , A O SI FI EJE RE KUN
ARA AKENGBE. A O MAA BU U LATI INU AKENGBE, A O SI MAA FIF O EKO TUTU MU.
ABAMODA KO NII JE KI WON O LE DAJU IBI SI MI L'ARA
I FA NI GBOGBO AJOGUN IBI O NI LE MU MI
TORIPE B'OGEDE BA PON TAN
GBOGBO T ' INU RE A D'ERO
IGBIN MA DI OMO ELERO AKOKO
ARA KI I NI ORI
ADIE FUNFUN KI I PADA K'o DI DUDU.

329(1700)Imu owoayekuro OSE OTURA, 239

EWE AMOWO AYE KURO
EWE OPOTO IDAJA OLORUN
A O FI OMI SE E NINU IKOKO. A O PE OFO RE. A O FI WE NI ORITA.
AMOWO AYE KURO L'O NI KI E MOWO KURO L'ARA LAGBAJA
OPOTO IDAJA OLORUN L'O NI K ' OWO O KURO L'ARA LAGBAJA
K'OLORUN K ' O DAJA FUN UN.

360
328(1699) To always have a good complexion
Fruit of MUSA SAPIENTUM var. PARADISIACA, Musaceae
Leaf of BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM, Crassulaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Sixteen large snails
A white cock
Shea butter
Pick a whole bunch of bananas and put them in a flat pot with the leaves.
Add shea butter, burn everything and grind. Draw the sixteen great Ifa verses
in the preparation, recite the incantation. Pour into a large gourd. Kill a white
cock and paint the gourd with its blood. Drink cold indian corn meal with
the preparation.
'ABAMODA WILL not let them turn the evil eye on me
IFA says that no evil spirit can overcome me
Because when the banana is ripe
Everything inside it becomes soft
The snail has become the owner of calm and tranquility
Life is never hard for the shea butter
The white hen never gets black.'

329(1700) To remove bad luck

Leaf of OCIMUMGRATISSIMUM, Labiatae
Leaf of FICUS SUR, Moraceae
Cook in a pot in water. Recite the incantation. Bathe with the preparation
at a crossroads.
'AMOWO AYEKURO says that you must take your hands from so-and-so
OPOTO IDAJA OLORUN says that people must take their hands from so-and-so
May OLORUN fight personally for him/her.'

361
 330(1722)Ipelaye OYEKU OGBE, 32
EWE ABORIKEFUN
EWE AAPE
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
A OJO WON, A OFI TEFA, A OPE OFO RE, A OFI FO EKO MU.
ABORIKEFUN JE KI EMI ODI ARUGBO
APEJE KI N PE L'AYE.

331(1723)Ipelaye OYEKU IWORI, 33

EWE ETO
EWE ELA
EWE AWAYEMAKUU
IGBIN MEJI
A OGUN WON. A OPA IGBIN MEJI, A OGE WON SI WEWE. A OSE GBOGBO RE PO.
A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE. A O JE E.
ETO O NI KI N TO L'AYE
ELA O NI KI N LA SI AYE
AWAYEMAKUU KI I TETE KU
OYEKU IWORI WA SO MI DI ARUGBO.

332(1800)Orire OGBE OBARA, 22

EWE ASAWAWA
EWE OJUUSAJU
EWE OMINI
EWE ORIJIN
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU, A O PE OF O RE, A O MAA FI WE.
ASAWAWA SA RERE WA
OJUUSAJU MU RERE SE ISAJU MI
IRE GBOGBO NI T'OMINI
ORIJIN ONI KI E FI RERE JIN MI.

362
330(1722) For a long life
Leaf of ANTIARIS TOXICARA, Moraceae
Leaf of CELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA, Ulmaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn, draw the ODU in the ashes, recite the incantation, eat with hot indian
com meal.
'ABORIKEFUN, let me become old
Ape help me to stay a long time on Earth.'

331(1723) For a long life

Leaf of DRACAENA SURCULOSA, Agavaceae
Leaf of CALYPTROCHILUM CHRISTYANUM, Orchidaceae''
Leaf of DRACAENA LAXISSIMA, Agavaceae
Two snails
Grind everything. Kill two snails, cut them in pieces, cook with
the preparation. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, eat.
'ETO says that I will stay long on Earth
ELA says that I should be rich on Earth
AWAYEMAKUU does not die quickly
OYEKU IWORI, come so that I may become old.'

332(1800) For good fortune

Leaf of PAVETTA CORYMBOSA var. NEGLECTA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of PETIVERIA ALLIACEAE, Phytolacaceae
Leaf of CROTALARIA PALLIDA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of COMMIPHORA AFRICANA, Burseraceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation and wash the body with
the preparation.
'ASAWAWA, bring good fortune here
OJUUSAJU, favour me with good fortune
Good fortune is of OMINI
ORIJIN says that you will grant me good fortune.'

363
333(1803)Orire OGBE OSA, 25
EWE ESISI PUPA
EWE AWERE PEPE
EWE PEREGUN
OSE DUDU
A OGUN GBOGBO RE PO MO OSE DUDU, A OPE OF O RE, A OFI WE ORI.
ESISI PUPA K'o PA RERE DA SODO MI
AWERE PEPE K'O PE RERE WA
PEREGUN PE RERE WA.

334(1847)Amudo OGUNDA OF U N , 151

EWE AWE FIN
EWE O F IN
EWE JAGANYIN
A O lo OLORI OLO, A ORA A ROBOROBO. A OWA SA A. A OMAA F I S'ENU NIGBA TI A
BA PADE OBINRIN TI A F E MU DO.

335(1854)Idaobimindurosile IRETE MEJI, 14

EWE ADAGBUDI META
EYO EKURO KAN
IYERE META
IYO
A O lo EWE IYERE, A OSE AWON ELO YOKU PO M O EKURO, A OF I EPO ATI IYO SI I.
A OT E F A LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE. A OPO IYERE TI A LO M O ON KI OKUNRIN O
je e.
ADAGBUDU T'o BA YA META KI I YAARA WON.

364
333(1803) For good fortune
Leaf of LAPORTEA AESTUANS, Urticaceae
Leaf of CYATHULA PROSTRATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Black soap
Pound together with black soap. Recite the incantation, wash the head with
the preparation.
'Red ESISI should bring good fortune to my side

AWERE PEPE should call good fortune to me

PEREGUN, call good fortune here.'

334(1847) To seduce a woman

Leaf of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Leaf of ABUTILON MAURITIANUM, Malvaceae
Leaf of CITRUS AURANTIUM, Rutaceae
Grind on stone, mould into small balls and dry them. Place in the mouth
when speaking to the desired woman.

335(1854) To keep a wife at home

Three leaves of TERAMNUS LABIALIS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
One kernel of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Three leaves of PIPER CAPENSE, Piperaceae 99
Salt
Grind the leaves of PIPER CAPENSE. Cook them with the palm kernel,
palm oil and salt. Draw the odu in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. Pour over
the preparation. Add also the ground leaves of TERAMNUS LABIALIS.
The man should eat the preparation.
'ADAGBUDU that sprouts three [shoots] that never separate from one another.'

365
 336(1861)Idi ibale OWONRIN OSE, 105
EWE MOIYA SE
EWE OLOGUNSESE
EJE AHUN
A OGUN AWON EWE MEJI A KOKO, A ODA EJE AHUN SI I, A OMAA FI F O EKO TUTU MU.
A OSIN GBERE SI IKUN A OF I RA A PELU.

337(1882)Iferanobinrin OGBE OSA, 25

EWE OLOMUYINRIN
EWE OMU OSUN
ESO IMUMU
A OLO WON. A OT E F A LORI IYEROSUN, A OPE OF O RE, A ODA WON PO. A OF I F O
EKO TUTU MU.
OLOMUYINRIN BA MI MU OKAN OBINRIN
IMUMU BA MI MU OKAN OBINRIN
OMU OSUN BA MI MU OKAN OBINRIN.

338(1899)Iferanobinrin IKA O F U N , 181

EWE SOBOHEE F U N F U N
OBO AGBEBO ADIE
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE, A O SI MAA F I WE.
SOBOHEE O NI KI OBINRIN SE OBO HEE HAN MI
OBO L'ADYIE SE HEE HAN AKUKO.

366
336(1861) For a young woman to recover her virginity
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of ERYTHRINA SENEGALENSIS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Blood of a tortoise
Grind the first two ingredients, mix with the blood of the tortoise.
Drink with cold indian corn meal. Make small incisions into the belly
and rub the preparation into them.

337 (1882) To be loved by a woman

Leaf of SCOPARIADULCIS, Scrophulariaceae
Leaf of PTERIS sp., Adiantaceae
Fruit of CYPERUS ESCULENTUS, Cyperaceae
Grind. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, mix.
Drink with cold indian corn meal.
'OLOMUYINRIN, help me win the woman's heart
IMUMU, help me win the woman's heart

OMU OSUN, help me win the woman's heart.'

338(1899) To be loved by a woman

Leaf of ASYSTASIAGANGETICA, Acanthaceae
A hen's cloaca
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Recite the incantation and bathe using
the soap mixture.
'Sobohee says that the woman's vagina should open completely
The hen's vagina is always completely open for the cock.'

367
 339(1905)Imunilobinrinpupo IWORI MEJI, 3
EWE OPE OLOWA
OKO ITU
ALAGEMO
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE. A O MAA FI WE.
IYAWO PUPO L'A BA NILE OPE OLOWA
ITU KI I FI OWO F E OBINRIN
ALAGEMO MI L'O MU AYA MI WA K O MI WARAWARA.

340(1908)Okunrindido OFUN OSE, 256

IYE GUNUGUN
IYE APARO
A O LO GBOGBO RE PO. A O T E F A LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE. KI OBINRIN F I ABE
YA ARA RE, KI O PO EJE RE MO OOGUN YII KI O F I SINU OUNJE FUN OKINRIN JE TABI KI
O F I SINU OTI F U N UN MU.
ATABO ATAKO APARO O GBODO YA ARAA WON
BI WON B A J O F O WON A SI JO BA
IBIKAN NAA NI T'AKO T'ABO IGUN N GUN SI
KI LAMORIN MA LE YA MI N'IGBA KOOKAN.

341(1910)Onfaobinrin OTURA OYEKU, 198

EWE OJU ORO
EWE OSIBATA
EWE ORIRO
EWE OGAN
A O J O O. A O T E F A LORI ESU.

368
339(1905) To acquire many wives
Leaf of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
The penis from a sparrow
A chameleon
Black soap
Pound the ingredients with black soap. Recite the incantation, bathe the body

with the mixture.

'We always meet plenty of wives in the house of o PE OLOWA

A goat does not spend any money to have sex

Chameleon, go and bring wives for me immediately.'

340(1908) To win the heart of a man

The feathers of a vulture
The feathers of a partridge (FRANCOLINUS BICALCARATUS BICALCARATUS)
Grind together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. The woman
should make a cut on her body and mix her blood with the medicine.
She should give it to the man mixed either in his drink or food.
'Female and male partridges do not dare part from each other

If they fly together, they perch together

Both the male and the female vulture lay in the same place

May so-and-so be unable to part with me.'

341(1910) To call back an unfaithful wife

Leaf of PISTIASTRATIOTES, Araceae
Leaf of NYMPHEA LOTUS, Nympheaceae
Leaf of ANTIARIS TOXICARIA, Moraceae
Leaf of COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM, Combretaceae 100
Burn. Place the ashes on the ironstone shrine of ESU and draw the ODU on them.

369
 342(1911)Orukaamudo EJIOGBE, 1
EWE YAGA
EWE APADA
EYIN ADIYE
A OMU OPO EWE YAGA, A OFI PA ORUKA L'ARA. A OGUN AWON EWE. A OYA
OKOOKAN NINU AWON EWE ORISI MEJEEJI SI MEJI. A OLU IHO SINU EYIN, A O PON
AWON AYAKU EWE TI APA OTUN, A O FI SINU IHO EYIN PELU ORUKA. A O TEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI I. A O FI AWON AYAKU EWE TO KU BO O. A O BU DIE NINU
AWON EWE T'A LO SI I. A O GBA A NI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN. A O FI ORUKA S'OWO
OSI. A O LO FI MU OBINRIN NAA, A O SI LO BA A LO PO.

343(1914)Isoye EJIOGBE, 1
EWE ONIYENIYE
EWE EERAN
EKU EMO
A O J O O. A O F I T E F A , A O PE OF O RE. A O F I F O EKO TUTU MU.
EERAN NI K' O MAA RAN MI LETI RE
ONA MERINDINLOGUN L'EWE ONIYENIYE NI
EMO L' O NI GBOGBO OHUN TI MO BA TI K O O MAA MO MI NINU.

344(1925)Isoye IROSUN OF U N , 91
EWE ARAN
EWE IYEYE
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
A O JO O. A O F I T E F A , A O PE OF O RE. A O MAA F I OMI LO O.
ARAN BA MI RAN IYE TEMI
IYEYE JE KI N NI IYE NIKUN.

370
342(1911) To have sexual relations with a woman
Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passifloraceae 101
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
An egg
Take a ring, rub it with plenty of YAGA leaves. Pound the leaves.
Choose a leaf from each of the plants and tear them in two. Make a hole
in the egg. Fold the right halves of the torn leaves into the hole in the egg
and put the ring inside. Cover the preparation with the left halves of the torn
leaves. Add more pounded leaves. Fasten with black and white threads.
Bury in bathroom, recite the incantation. Put the ring on a left finger and
touch the woman you desire.

343 (1914) To have a good memory

Leaf of HYDROLEA GLABRA, Hydrophilaceae
Leaf of DIGITARIAsp., Gramineae 102
One guinea pig
Burn, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. Eat with cold indian
corn meal.
'EERAN wih always remind me
The leaf of ONIYENIYE has always sixteen parts
EMO says that all things that I have learnt will stick to my mind.'

344 (1925) To have a good memory

Leaf of PLEIOCARPA PYCNANTHA, Apocynaceae
Leaf of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anacardiaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn, draw the ODU in the preparation, recite the incantation. Drink with water.
'ARAN, order my memory

IYEYE, help me keep my memory.'

371
345(1927)Isoye OBARA IWORI, 109
EWE AGBERIGBEDE
EWE ONIYENIYE
EWE ATORI
Ejo
A O JO O, A O FI TEFA, A O PE OFO RE, A O FI OMI LO O.
AGBERIGBEDE BA MI GBE IYE TEMI FUN MI
ONIYENIYE BA MI KO IYE TEMI FUN MI
ATORI BA MI TO IYE TEMI FUN MI
IYE TAARA NI T'EJO.

346(1947)Arisoyin EJIOGBE, 1
EWE SEFUN SEFUN
EWE OOYO
EYIN ADIYE
ORI OSIN
AWO IJIMERE
AADUN
OYIN
IYO
ABERE MERIN
A O SE EYIN, A O BO EEPO RE, A O GUN EWE SEFUN SEFUN ATI AADUN. A O DA WON
SINU ISASUN. A O DA ABERE, OYIN, APO ATI IYO, SI I PELU, A O SI SE E. A O TEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A O DA A. A O GBE ISASUN SINU IGBA FIFE TI KO NI OMORI. A O GBE E LE
ALAAJO LORI.

372
345(1927) To have a good memory
Leaf of SYMPHONIA GLOBULIFERA, Guttiferae
Leaf of HYDROLEA GLABRA, Hydrophilaceae
Leaf of GLYPHAEA BREVIS, Tiliaceae
A snake
Burn, draw the ODU in the preparation, recite the incantation, drink with water.
'AGBERIGBEDE, bring my memory
ONIYENIYE, recall my memory
ATORI, organise my own memory
A sharp memory is characteristic of the snake.'

346(1947) To be well spoken of when absent

Leaf of AERVA LANATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of CORCHORUS OLITORIUS, Tiliaceae
A hen's egg
The head of a small eagle (GYPOHIERAX ANGOLENSIS)
A little brown monkey
Sweet corn mixed with honey
Honey
Salt
Four needles
Boil the egg, peel it, grind a leaf of AERVA LANATA with ground popcorn.
Put inside a clay pot, add honey, palm oil, a little salt and the four needles.
Cook all together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN and pour on the preparation.
Place the pot on a tray on the patient's head.

373
347(1951)Ifaeniyansinule OYEKU MEJI, 2
EWE ADOSUSU
EWE EKUNKUN
IGBIN MERIN
A O GBE ILE, A O KO WON SINU RE. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O SI PE OFO RE.
ADOSUSU SO PE GBOGBO ENIYAN DURO TIMI
EKUNKUN NI KI ILE MI O KUN FUN ENIYAN
BI IGBIN BA KOLE RE A KUN.

348(1958)Ifaeniyansinule OGBE IRETE, 29

EWE ANIKANSEGBO
EWE ADOSUSU
EWE POPO
EWE GBEGI
A O GBE ILE SINU ILE, A O DA AWON EWE SI I. A O DA IFA OGBE ATE PELU OWO EYO.
A O TEFA, A O PE OF O RE, A O DA A SI I. A O DE E.
ANIKANSEGBO KI I SEGBO TIRE TI.
349(1974)Ifaeniyansinule OGBE IRETE, 29
EWE EPA
EWE ILEWO OLOSAN
A O LO O. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE, A O PO O PO, A O MAA FI LA OYIN.
AMU AYE YONU
WA MU GBOGBO ARAYE YONU SI MI
AMU ENI SUNWON L'OJU ENIYAN
WA MU MI SUNWON L'OJU ARAYE
EPA L'O NI KI WON O PANU PO F E TEMI
ILEWO OLOSAN KI I GBEHIN IWAJU NIGBE
ESO MI DI OYIN E MA ROJU SI MI.

374
347(1951) To attract many people to one's home
Leaf of COCHLOSPERMUM PLANCHONII, Cochlospcrmaceae
Leaf of ANANAS COMOSUS, Bromehaceae
Four snails
Dig a hole. Put the ingredients in it. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN.
Recite the incantation:
'Adosusu says that all people must stay with me
EKUNKUN says that my house must stay full of people
When the snail builds its house, it occupies it completely.'

348(1958) To attract many people to one's home

Leaf of MICROGLOSSAPYRIEOLIA, Compositae
Leaf of C OCHLOSPERMUMPLANCHONII, Cochlospcrmaccac
Leaf of ADENIA LOBATA, Passifloraceae
Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Gramineae
Dig a hole inside the house, put the leaves in it. Divine AGBE ATE
with cowries, draw the ODU in IYEROSUn, recite the incantation, pour over
the preparation and cover the hole.
'ANIKAN SEGBO NEVER administers his own rain-forest without success.'

349(1974) To attract many people to one's home

Leaf of ARACHIS HYPOGAEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of SPONDIAS MOMBIN, Anarcadiaceae
Grind, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, mix. Lick with honey.
'The one that makes people pleased
Shall make everybody glad to see me
The one that makes people attractive to others
Shall come and make me attractive to everybody
EPA says that they shall all like me
ILEWO OLOSAN never stays behind, but is always at the front
Respect me like honey, do not despise me.'

375
350(1981)Iferaneniyan Irete OGBE, 212
EWE ETI OLOGBO
EWE JIWINNI
OSE DUDU
A O GUN UN MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE, A O MAA FI WE.
ETI OLOGBO L'o NI GBOGBO YIN FERAN MI
JIWINNI L'O NI K'e MAA F E MI.

351(1984)Imueniyangboteni OGUNDA MEJI, 9

EWE AKOKO
EWE IRU
EWE ATA
KARAGBA IKOLE
IYO
A O LO WON, A O T E F A LORI IYEROSUN. A O K O WON SINU APO F U N F U N .

352(1988)Wiwaeniyant'osonu OSE OGUNDA, 235

EWE ORO AGOGO
EWE PEREGUN
EWE WAWA
A O GUN UN, A O T E F A LORI ESU.

353(1989)Imunibibeji IWORI OKANRAN, 53

EWE OBI EDUN
EWE OJU ORO WEERE
EWE ATA ISENBAYE
A O J O O PO. A O T E F A
LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE, KI OBINRIN MAA F I EPO LA A
LALAALE TI OYUN BA PE OGBON OJO.
OBI EDUN MAA JE KI IBEJI MI O WAYE.

376
350(1981)Togettheaffectionofpeople
Leaf of IPOMOEA HEDERIEOLIA, Convolvulaceae
Leaf of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap, recite the incantation. Bathe with the preparation.
'ETI OLOGBO says that everybody should love me
JIWINNI says that you should love me.'

351(1984)Tohaveone'sopinionaccepted
Leaf of NEWBOULDIA LAEVIS, Bignoninaceae
Leaf of PARKIA BIGLOBOSA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Leaf of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Salt
A broken calabash
Grind, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, put in a bag
of white cloth. Open it in the morning and at night. Repeat the incantation
and close the bag.

352(1988)Tofindamissingperson
Leaf of EUPHORBIA KAMERUNICA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Sapindaceae
Pound, draw the ODU on the ironstone shrine of ESU.

353(1989)To get twins103

Fruit of COLA MILLENII, Sterculiaceae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of CAPSICUM ANNUUM, Solanaceae
Burn all together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
The woman must lick the preparation with palm oil at night when her
pregnancy reaches 30 days.
'OBI EDUN, allow my twins to come into this world.'

377
 354(1992)Imu omo rin OGBE OKANRAN, 23
EWE AGBE
EWE AGBE
EWE ERUWA
A O KO GBOGBO RE SINU IKOKO TUNTUN. A O DA OMI TUTU SI I, A O PO O PO, A O SI
MAA FI WE OMO.

355(1996)Oseti omode ki ifiisunkun loru EJIOGBE, 1

EWE SAWERE
ERU
OSE DUDU
A O PE EWE YII NI SEKUNWIN, A O NA EWE NAA, A O DARUKO OMO. A O GUN UN PELU
OSE DUDU, A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PO O PO. A O MAA FI WE OMO OWO LALAALE.

356(1998)Aba OKANRAN MEJI, 8

IPANUMO ABO
IPANUMO ABAFE
IPANUMO IYA
ODIDI ATAARE
ORI LANKOKO
A O J O O. A O FI TEFA. A O WE OWU F U N F U N ATI DUDU MO ARA ABA. A O SI F I K O
IGI ABO.

378
354(1992) To make a baby leam to walk within five or six months
Leaf of LAGENARIA SICERARIA, Cucurbitaceae
Leaf of ECHINOPSLONGIFOLIUS, Compositae
Leaf of ANDROPOGON TECTORUM, Gramineae
Put all in a new pot. Add cold water, mix, wash the child with the preparation.

355(1996) To prevent children from crying at night

Leaf of LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM, Solanaceae
Fruit of CROTON LOBATUS, Euphorbiaceae
Black soap
Beat the leaf, calling the name of the child before plucking the leaf. Pound
with black soap, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix. Wash the baby every night
with the preparation.

356(1998) To arrest a madman

Tip of the leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 104
Tip of the leaf of PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Tip of the leaf of DANIELLIA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
The head of a male lizard
Burn, draw the ODU in the preparation. Tie with black and white threads to
a handcuffs. Hang from an ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae tree.

379
357(2001)Ajaso OSE OTURA, 239
ABEYO OGEDE MEJE
EESUN
AGBADO
EYO ATAARE AAJA MEJE
EWE AJASO
ISU OGANLARA
EWE APADA
ODIDI EKOLO KAN
IYE EYE AJE
EDUN ARA
A O LO O PELU EDUN ARA LORI OLO TI A GBE SORI ODO. A O TE ASO MERIN SILE, A O TAN
OWU AKESE SI WON LORI, A O WA DA OOGUN TI A LO SI WON LORI. A O DI WON PELU
OWU PUPA LONA OTOTO. A O WA TA OKOOKAN NI KOKO MO ETI ASO ALA TI A FI WE
OKU. A O FI EDUN ARA SI ARIN ASO ALA NAA. A O FI ASO PUPA BO O. A O RAN WON PO.
A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE. A O SI F O IYEROSUN SI ORI OOGUN.
O-YI-BIRI! PIWADA!!
AJASO N'T'AAYAN
AJASO N'T'IRE
ORUKO TI WON N P'OSUN NI KI I-SUN-DE-INU
EJE SUNUSUNU PAPO O T'ARA SE
B'EKOLO JUBA ILE A R'IBI LO
ABEYO NI T'EESUN
ABEYO NI T'OGEDE
PARADA
APADA PA A DA K ' O O TUN SE
AJIYE! DIDE N'LE!!

380
357(2001) To join cut parts of a body
Seven cut flowers of MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
ZEA MAYS, Gramineae
Seven seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Unidentified leaf
SENNA OCCIDENTALIS, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
An earthworm
The feather of an owl
Grind using a firestone on a stone placed on a mortar. Spread four pieces of
red cloth on the ground, place little pieces of cotton wool on them, put a little
of the preparation on each of the four pieces of cloth and bind each of them
separately and tightly with red thread. Tie each one to the edges of a white
shroud. Place the firestone in the middle of the shroud. Cover with a red
cloth. Sew all together. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Pour IYEROSUN on top of the preparation.
'Have the will to live, get up
To cut and rejoin is characteristic of the cockroach
To cut and rejoin is characteristic of the cricket
The name given to OSUN is light sleeper
Plenty of blood comes together to renovate the body
When the earthworm pays hommage to the earth, it finds its way through
When the elephant grass is cut, it always produces a new shoot
When the plantain tree is cut, it always produces a new shoot
Transform!
APADA, transform him and make him whole
The one that wakes to live, get up!'

381
 358(2002) Ajire ODI OTURUPON, 72
EWE ORIJIN
OSE DUDU
A O LO O, A O PO O PO MO OSE DUDU. A O PE OF O RE. A O MAA F I WE.
EWE ORIJIN L'O NI ORO GBOGBO KEE F I JI MI.

359(2003) Amueniyangigadikekere OTURA OSE, 210

EWE AWE
ATAARE
IYO
A O K O O SINU APE, A O F I OMI IYO ATI ATAARE SI I. A O F I SE AGBO. A O PE OF O RE.
A O MAA MU UN.
AWE JE KI LAMORIN YII O WE
GEGE BI O TI SE N F E O.

360(2004) Amunigbede OGBE OSA, 25

EWE OGBO
EWE IMO
EWE EERAN
OODE
AWOKO
A O JO GBOGBO ELO, A O LO IDE I F A , A O PO O PO. A O JO OODE PO MO EYE AWOKO.
A O FI T E F A , A O PE OF O RE. A O DA WON PO. A O GBE OOGUN MI, A O MU OMI
TUTU LE E.
OGBO L'O NI KI N MAA GB'EDEKEDE KIRI AYE O
IMO NI O PE KI N M'ESI I RE NI F I F O
EERAN NI O MAA RAN MI LETI GBOGBO E
KO MAMA S'EDE TI ODIDERE K I I MO
IGBA ALE, IGBA AARO, IGBA OSAN
WON KI I JE KI AWOKO O SIMI.

382
358(2002) To wake up well disposed
Leaf of Commiphora AFRICANA, Burseraceae
Grind, mix with black soap. Recite the incantation.
Wash yourself with the preparation.
'Orijin says you must pardon me for everything.'

359(2003) To reduce the stature of a very tall man

Unidentified leaf
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Salt
Place in a pot. Add water, salt and alligator pepper. Cook.
Recite the incantation and drink.
'Awe, let so-and-so become small again
Exactly as he wants to.'

360(2004) To be able to speak many languages

Leaf of NERVILIA UMBROSA, Orchidaceae 105
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of DIGITARIAsp., Gramineae 106
A parrot
An African song thrush
Burn everything. Grind ide i f a and mix. Burn a parrot and an African
song thrush. Draw the odu on the preparation, recite the incantation.
Mix everything together and drink with water.
'Ogbo says that I should master all the languages on Earth

IMO will let me know what reply to give

EERAN will remind me of everything

There is no language that the parrot cannot know

At night, morning or evening

They never give AWOKO (song thrush) bird any rest.'

383
361(2005) Ijeran IRETE OSE, 225
EWE ARUNJERAN
OBI
OGUNGUN ERANKERAN
A ORUN WON, A ODA IKIN IFA SINU IYEROSUN. A OFI TEFA. A OFO EEGUN
ERANKERAN SI I. A ODA OBI TI A FI DIFA SI I. A OTOJU RE FUN OJO MEJE.

362(2006) Ijifa oba OBARA MEJI, 7

EWE AKESE
OSE DUDU
A OGUN UN PELU OSE DUDU. A OMAA FI WE NI OWURO FUN OJO MEJI.

363(2007) Iji oku OBARA MEJI, 7

EWE ARABA
EWE ASIYELE
EWE EMU
EWE OJIJI
EWE AKUDINRIN
ASO OSUN
A ORUN WON SINU APE, A ORI ASO SINU OSUN. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PO O
PO. NI OJO KEJE, A O YO ASO KURO, A O SA A SI ABE ORULE (A KO GBODO SA A SINU
OORUN). FI ASO NAA BO OKU TI O TI KU KI O SI PE E NI EEMETA.

384
361(2005) To obtain meat to eat
Leaf of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
COLA ACUMINATA, Stercuhaceae
The bones of any animal
Squeeze the leaves. Put the concecrated palmnuts in IYEROSUN.
Draw the ODU in the preparation. Break the bones of the chosen animal
and add them to the mixture. Add the leaf of the same COLA ACUMINATA,
Sterculiaceae used for the divination. Keep for seven days.

362(2006) To obtain favours from the king

Leaf of GOSSYPIUMARBOREUM, Malvaceae
Black soap
Pound with black soap. Bathe for two mornings with it.

363(2007) To revive a dead person

Leaf of CEIBA PENTANDRA, Bombacaceae
Leaf of CHRYSOPHYLLUM WELWITSCHII, Sapotaceae
Leaf of OLDENLANDIA CORYMBOSA, Rubiaceae 107
Leaf of DALBERGIA LACTEA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of ALBIZIA ZYGIA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
A cloth dyed red
Squeeze in a clay pot. Dip cloth in red powder, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN
and mix. Leave for seven days. On the 7th day take the cloth, dry it under
the roof (not in the sun). To use, cover the dead person with the cloth and
summon him three times.

385
364(2008)Inuagbejosiwaju oba ODI IKA, 71
EWE ADOSUSU
EWE ASEFUN
EWE OGO ELEWUJI
EWE OWU
LEWU OPE
EWE OSE
EYELE KAN
AKUKO KAN
IGBIN MERIN
IKOKO KEKERE
A O KO AWON EWE SINU IKOKO, A ODA IGBIN LE E LORI. A O SI FI EWE OWU ATI
LEWU OPE BO O. A O PA EYELE ATI AKUKO ADIYE. A O KO ORI WON SINU IKOKO.
A O DA EWE OSE SI I. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O SI PE OF O RE SI I. A O WA DA
IYEROSUN NAA SI I. A O FI IKOKO MIIRAN BO O. A O SI GBE E SILE NIWAJU OBA.
B'A A BA MO 'BI A N RE A MAA MO BI A TI WA
A D ' I F A F'ORUNMILA T'O L'O FE OPO SI'LE
L'O FI AGBERE S'AAYO
L'O FI PANSAGA S'OBI
EHIN IGBA NAA WON BA F'ORUNMILA JE OBA AJALAYE
ARAYE GB'ARA JO WON L'AWON O NI D'ODO ORUNMILA JOSIN
I F A NI WON O SIN MI SIN MI
WON O F'ORI SIN BI EKU
I F A NI WON O SIN, SIN, SIN
OGO DE OMO ELEWUJI
ENIKAN SOSO NI MO PE
KI IGBA ENI O W A J E MI
ARA GBOGBO L'ASEFUN FI I S'OWO
IDIN KA WON WO, WON O PE
I F A NI TITI NI E WA MAA F'ORI FUN MI
AT'EWE AT'AGBA NII F'ORI BALE, L'ODO OBA

386
364(2008) To make a peasant dance in front of a king
Leaf of C OCHLOSPERMUM PLANCHONII, Cochlospcrmaceae
Leaf of AERVA LANATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of HILLERIALATIFOLIA, Phytolaccaceae
Leaf of G OSSYPIUM sp., Malvaceae
Leaf of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Leaf of ADANSONIA DIGITATA, Bombacaceae
One pigeon
One cock
Four snails
Put all the leaves (except the last three) in a clay pot, put the snails on top
and cover with leaves of GOSSYPIUM sp. and ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae.
Then add leaves of ADANSONIA DIGITATA, Bombacaceae. Draw the ODU in
IYEROSUN, recite the incantation and pour it on top of the preparation.
Kill the pigeon and cock and put their heads in too. Cover with another pot
and place it on the ground in front of the king.
'If we know not where we are going, we always know from where
we are coming
Ifa was consulted for ORUNMILA. who married a widow to manage his home
Who married a prostitute as his favourite
Who married an adulteress as wife
Afterwards, ORUNMILA was crowned king of AJAKAYE
The people of the Earth conspired that they would not pay homage to
ORUNMILA
I F A says they will worship and worship me
They will worship with their heads like the rat
I F A says they will worship and worship me
OGO has come, son of ELEWUJI
I called only one person
Two hundred people should answer me
ASEFUN always grows money all over its body
IDIN count them and see: they are not all here
I F A says you must come and worship me forever

387
 WON OF'ORI SIN BI EJA
OWU L'ONI T'EMI OMAA WU WON
AWUMO AWUMO NI LEWUU W'OPE
OPO ENIYAN GB'ARA JO K 'ee WA YO MO MI
NIBI OPOSUSU L'EWE ADOSUSU WA
AT'EWE AT'AGBA I F A NI E WA F A MO MI
PAMOO BI IGBIN I F A L'OKO PAMOO
IDINKA L' O NI K'EE MAA DINKU
K'EE MAA WA NI GBOGBO ILEE YIN.

365(2014)Imugileso OSA OGBE, 152

EWE YANMOTI
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
AWO LIILI
A Ojo O. A OF I T E F A , A OPE OF O RE. A OF I JE EKURU.
LIILI LO MU ESO WA T'IGI
ESO PUPO NI TI YANMOTI.

388
Both young and old always bow down before the king

They will worship with heads like fish

OWU says mine should always be attractive to them

That numerous people come together and come rejoicing to me

ADOSUSU is always in the midst of plenty

Both young and old, I F A says you should draw nearer to me

Gently, like the snail that crawls in the farm, gently

IDINKA says you must not be incomplete

You should come trooping out of your houses.'

365(2014) To make a tree giv e fruits

Leaf of S ESAMUMINDICUM , Pedaliaceae
Awhole fruit of A FRAMOMUMMELEGUETA , Zingiberaceae
The skin of a hedgehog
Burn, draw the ODU in the preparation, recite the incantation. Eat with EKURU.
'Hedgehog, go and take the fruit to the tree
Many fruits is a characteristic of YANMOTI.'

389
 366(2016) Imu irin ajodara IRETE MEJI, 14
EWE OJU ORO META
EWE APADA META
ATAARE META
OBI META
IGI AJE KOBALE
IKODE META
ITALE META
ALADI META
ALADEGBO META
A OKO GBOGBO WON SINU AGBADA, A OJO WON, A OFI TEFA, A OPE OFO RE, A OWA
DA A SINU ASO. A OSO OLENU PELU OWU FUNFUN.
OJU ORO KII KO'BI LOJU OMI
IKODE KII KO'BI L'OSAAN L'ORU
A KII RINNA K'A PADE ITALE
ALADI KII KO'BI L'OSAAN L'ORU
ALADEGBO KII KO'BI NINU IGBO
APADA NI K'O MAA PARI IBI DA FUN MI
ATAARE NI K'O MAA TARI IBI KURO L'ONA
OBI NI K'O MAA BI IBI KURO
IGI AJEOBALE NI KI O MA RI IBI BA L'ARA MI.

361(2018)Imuisuta IRETE OGUNDA, 220

EWE IYO ESIN
EWE OSE
OBE SILO
A O RUN AWON EWE SINU IKOKO. A O RE OBE SINU RE, A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O
PO O PO, LEHIN OJO MEJE. A O WA YO OBE KURO. A O SI FI GE ISU TI A F E GBIN.

390
366(2016) For safe travelling
Three leaves of Pistia stratiotes, Araceae
Three leaves of Uraria picta, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Three Aframomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae
Three Cola acuminata, Sterculiaceae
Croton zambesicus, Euphorbiaceae
Three red tail feathers of parrot
Three unidentified insects
Three unidentified ants
Three unidentified ingredients
Place all in a broken clay pot, burn. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,
recite the incantation. Put in a cloth and tie with white thread.
'OJU ORO never meets evil on the surface of the river
IKODE never meets evil by day or by night
We do not walk on the road where we would meet ITALE
ALADI never meets evil by day or by night
ALADEGBO never meets evil in the forest
APADA says that evil must always turn away from me
ATAARE says that evil must always be removed from my path
OBI says that evil must always be pushed far away
AJEOBALE says that he will never see evil on my body.'

367(2018) To make the yam grow well

Leaf of Tridax procumbens, Compositae
Leaf of Adansonia digitata, Bombacaceae
A small knife
Squeeze leaves in a clay pot, draw the ODIJ in IYERDSIJN, and mix the knife
into the recipe. On the seventh day take out the knife and use it to split
the yam that will be planted.

391
368(2019) Imuobinringbotoko OTURA MEJI, 13
EWE TESUBIYU
ESO TESUBIYU
A O JO O. A O PO EKU RE PO MO IYEROSUN TI A FI TEFA RE. A O GBE E LORI ESU.

369(2020) Imu ojoduro EJIOGBE, 1

EGBO IKAN WEWE
IPANUMO ABO
IPANUMO ABAFE
ODIDI ATAARE
EWE ABA
ALANTAKUN
A O JO WON. A O FI TEFA. A O DA WON SINU ASO. A O FI EWE ABA SI I.
A O FI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN SO O.

370(2024) Imu ojoro OBARA OSE, 120

E F O YANRIN
IYO
A O SE E, A O FUN OMI RE SOTO, A O DA IYO SI LE LABE ORUN TO MOLE KEDERE.
A O TEFA OBARA OSE LE E. A O DA OMI E F O TI A FUN SI I. A O PE OF O RE.
T'OMI T'OMI L'E F O O BO OJA
A KII F ' I Y O O PAMO K'oMA D'OMI
OBARA OSE WA LO REE SE'RI IJI NAA W'AYE
OBARA OSE WA LO REE SE'RI OJO NAA WA'LE.

392
368(2019) For a woman to obey her husband

Leaf of C OIXlacryma-jobi, Gramineae

Fruit of Coix lacryma-jobi, Gramineae

Burn. Mix the black powder with IYEROSUN. Use the preparation to draw

the ODU on top of the ironstone of ESU.

369(2020) To stop the rain

Root of Solanum torvum, Solanaceae
The tip of the leaf of Annona senegalensis, Annonaceae 108
A whole fruit of Aframomum melegueta, Zingiberaceae
A spider
Burn. Draw the ODU in the preparation. Place it in a cloth. Add leaves of
Ficus sp., Moraceae and tie with black and white threads.

370(2024) To make rain f all

Launaea taraxacifolia, Compositae
Salt
Cook. Squeeze the water from the leaves. Pour salt on the ground when the
sky is clear and draw the OBARA-OSE in it. Pour the water from the leaves on
the sah, after reciting the incantation.
'Vegetables always arrive at the market drenched in water
Salt cannot be wrapped without turning into water

OBARA OSE, go and direct the rain to the earth

OBARA OSE, go and direct the rain to the ground.'

393
371(2025)Imuole OKANRAN IRETE, 134
EWE ARERE MESAN
EWE IREKE MESAN
OROGBO MESAN
IGBIN MESAN
OBE KEKERE MESAN
A O KO GBOGBO ELO LO SIDII ESU. A O GBE ESU KURO. A O GBELE SI ABE ESU, A O
KOKO DA EWE ARERE SI I, LEHIN NAA A O DA IREKE ATI GBE SI I. A O PIN OROGBO SI
MEJI. A O DA A LEHIN EYI A O KO WON SINO IHO. A O PE OFO RE. A O GBE ESU PADA
SI AYE RE. A O DARUKO OHUN T'O SONU. A O MAA PE ESU FUN OJO MESAN. A O SI
MAA FUN UN NI IGBIN LARIN OJO MESAN YII. LEHIN TI A BA RI OHUN TI A RI WA TAN,
A O FO AWON IGBIN LORI ESU.

372(2028)Inisinmi OKANRAN OTURA, 133

EWE AGEMO OGO
EWE ARERE
ORI AJA
A O JO WON PO, A O FI TEFA TI A BA FE LO O, A O DA A SI ATELEWO, A O SI FE E DANU.

373(2029)Ipaojukokoroobinrin OSA MEJI, 10

EWE OLOBORITUJE
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
OKU OROMODIE
A O JO WON PO, A O FI EBU RE TEFA . KI OBINRIN FIFOEKO MU.
374(2030)Iwaohunt'osonu OBARA OGBE, 107
EWE EERAN
TI A BA LO EWE EERAN TI A FI N PAN EKO, TI A PE OFO RE GBOGBO OHUN TI A BA
GBAGBE LESE KAN NAA NI A O RANTI RE.
EWE EERAN K I O MAA RAN MI LETI O
EWE EERAN.

394
371(2025) To find stolen property
Nine leaves of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 109
Nine leaves of SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM, Gramineae
Nine GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae
Nine snails
Nine small knives
Take all to ESU. Then remove ESU from his place temporarily. Dig a hole
where he was. Place first a leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, then add
SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM and the small knives. Split GARCINIA KOLA in two,
place it inside the hole. Put ESU back. Say the name of the stolen item.
Invoke ESU for nine days and praise him, giving him a snail everyday.
When the stolen item is found, break the snails over ESU.

372(2028) To be able to rest

Leaf of LAGGERA ALATA, Compositae
Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 110
The head of a dog
Bum everything together. Draw the ODU on the preparation. To use it,
place it in the palm of your left hand and blow it away.

373(2029) To cure a woman from greed

Leaf of JATROPHA CURCAS, Euphorbiaceae 111
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
A dead little chicken
Burn everything. Draw the ODU in the preparation. Give it to the woman to
eat with cold indian corn meal.

374(2030) To find something that is lost

DIGITARIA Sp., Gramineae 112
If a person uses this leaf and recites the incantation, then that person will
remember immediately all that has been forgotten.
'A leaf of EERAN should make me remember
A leaf of EERAN.'

395
 ABILU

375(2034)Agadagodoimueniyan OBARA OSE, 120

EWE ALOFOHUN
AKUKO ADIYE T'o n KO
A O lo EWE ALOFOHUN, A OFI PA AGADAGODO. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A OFI PA
ARA AGADAGODO. A OWE E L'ASO A OSI GBA A L'OWUU FUNFUN ATI DUDU. A OFI
SINU AWO, A OGE ENU AKUKO ADIYE, A OSI GBA EJE RE SI ARA AGADAGODO, A OJE KI
o GBE. A OWA PE OF O RE, LEHIN NAA A OPE ORUKO ENI TI A F E DE. A OSI DE
AGADAGODO PA. ENI NAA K O NII LE YA ENU SORO NIWAJU ADAJO.
ENI T'O BA MU NI N'IYE L'O MU'NI
OBARA ose WA LO REE MU LAMORIN N'IYE
ALOFOHUN L'O NI KI LAMORIN O MA LEE FOHUN
AKUKO'DIE KII RENUU FOHUN.

376(2036)Abusi Ofun o YEKU, 243

EWE SEFUN SEFUN
EWE O F IN
A O J O O PO, A O F I LEBU RE TEFA, A O DA DIE S'OJU ESE ENI NAA.

396
 EVIL WORKS

375(2034) To bewitch a person

Leaf of JATEORHIZA MACRANTHA, Menispermaceae 113
A cock
Grind the leaf and rub it with a padlock. Draw the ODU on IYEROSUN and
rub it on the padlock. Tie with white and black thread. Put on a flat plate.
Slice the cock's beak and drop its blood on the padlock. Let it dry, cover
with a cotton cloth. Recite the incantation. Call the person's name and lock
the padlock. He won't be able to speak during the process.
'He who catches a person's senses utterly ensnares him

OBARA-OSE, go and arrest this person's senses

ALOFOHUN says that this person should not be able to speak

The cock does not have a mouth for speaking.'

376(2036) To give someone a swollen leg

Leaf of AERVA LANATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of ABUTILON MAURITIANUM, Malvaceae
Burn together, draw the ODU in the preparation, put part on the footprint of
the person.

397
377(2038) To avert a woman from having sexual intercourse with another man
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of SECURINEGA VIROSA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of MERREMIA KENTROCAULOS, Convolvulaceae
The penis of a dog
The handle of an axe of a coconut collector
Pound some of the leaves and put them into a pot, put the dog's penis on
the IYEROSUN, then draw the ODU. Pour on a tree sap. Keep for sixteen days.
Clean the dog's penis with the leaves and keep it inside the house. Touch
the woman's body with the penis then put it inside a hole in the axe's handle.

378(2039) To avoid cures

PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS, Euphorbiaceae
Grind, recite the incantation and drink with hot indian corn meal.
'EHIN OLOBE says that the sickness should not be cured.'

379(2040) To render a penis impotent

Leaf of DiSCOREA ROTUNDATA, Discoreaceae 114
Salt
Go to a flowing river and pick three leaves of DISCOREA ROTUNDATA.
Place one above the other. Add a lot of salt. Draw the o BARA OKU
(OBARA-OYEKU) with the salt. Lie down naked on the ground where you
have drawn the ODU. Wrap and tie up the preparation with a rope before
getting up from the ground. Throw the preparation in the river.

398
 380(2043)Ayogo OTURA OGBE, 197
OGOMO OPE
ODIDI ATAARE
EERU AWONKA
Emi
ORI AWODI
A O j o O PO, A OFI TEFA, A OPE OFO RE, A ODA A SINU ASO. A OFI OWU DUDU ATI
FUNFUN. A O FI KO SI IWAJU ILE ENI TI A FE LE LO.
KI LAMORIN MA LE GBE ILE RE MO
EMI KII GBE ILE ANA
EERU NI KI E FI RU U KURO N'ILE RE
KI ILE RE OYO L'OKAN RE
ASANGBONLO NI TI AWODI
ATAARE KII BA EERU GBELE K'OGBADUN
KI LAMORIN MA GBADUN NILE RE MO.

381(2044)Ibaerueniyanje OBARA OFUN ,121

EWE AWEFIN
EWE OBOBO
EWE BANABANA
A O J O O. A O FIT EFA . A O GBA LEBU RE, A O SIN NI GBERE SI ORUN OWO ENI TI A FE
BA ERU RE JE. A O FI OOGUN PA A .

382(2045)Idajasile EJIOGBE, 1
ETU IBON
A ODA ETU IBON SINU APAADI, A O FI INA SI I ( AKO NI JE KI EFUN RE KAN WA LOJU
KI AWA NAA MA BA DASI IJA NAA). A O PE OF O RE.
NIJO INA BA F'OJU B'ETU
NIJO NAA NII TUKA
EJIOGBE L'ONII DANDAN NI K ' OO LO REE GBE BI BA WON
EJIOGBE AJATUKA NI INA OUN ETUU JA.

399
380(2043) To drive an occupant out of the house
A young leaf of ELAELS GUINEENSLS, Palmae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA, Annonaceae
The head of a black African hawk (MILVUS MIGRANS PARASITUS)
A rat
Bum, draw the odu in the ash, recite the incantation, place in a cloth.
Tie with black and white cotton thread. Hang outside the front door of
the person you want to drive away.
'So-and-so should not be able stay in this house any more
EMI does not sleep in its nest for more than two days
You must use EERII to send him out of his house
That so-and-so's house should be separated from his mind
Flight is the destiny and characteristic of the eagle
ATAARE and EERU cannot stay in the same house peacefully
So-and-so should no longer have peace in this house.'

381(2044) To destroy someone's propert y

Leaf of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Leaf of FICUS MUCOSO, Moraceae 115
Leaf of ALBIZIA ADIANTHIFOLIA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Burn the ingredients, draw the odu in the ash. Make small incisions
on the wrist of the person whose property you want to destroy and rub
the preparation over them.

382(2045) To provoke a fight

Gun powder
Put the gun powder inside a broken clay pot, light with a match.
(Do not let the smoke reach your eyes, otherwise you too will take part in
the fight). Recite the incantation.
'The day that fire sets eyes on gunpowder
That day it will explode
EJIOGBE, this very day you must carry evil to them
EJIOGBE, fire and gunpowder always fight till they part.'

400
383(2046) Ida nilese IROSUN OGUNDA, 84
EWE EDA
EWE IDAKERE
EKU EDA
KUMO BARA
A OJO O. A OFI TEFA LORI YANGI. A OFI EKU EDA SI I, A OMAA FI KUMO BARA
LEEMEJE FUN OJO MEJE, A OSI MAA PE OF O RE. A OMAA BO OPELU APE.

384(2047) Ifi eniyan sejo IRU EKUN, 225

EWE IRU EKUN
EWE BOMUBOMU
EWE INA
EWE OLOYIN
A O lo O. A OTEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE, A O DA A SORI ESU, A O DA ADI
GBIGBONA SI I PELU.
IRU EKUN WA LO REE MU LAGBAJA
BOMUBOMU WA LO REE BO O LOJU
KANKAN L'EWE INA JOMO
OJO OMODE BA WA OYINRIN AYE NII RI T'ORUN
ADI WA LO REE DI LAGBAJA.

401
383(2046) To make someone break his arm or leg
Leaf of DESMODIUM sp., Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of CLEMETIS HIRSUTA, Ranunculaceae
An unidentified rat
A club used to break open melons to extract the seeds
Burn both leaves to a black powder. Draw the ODU in the preparation,
anoint the head of ESU, place the rat on top. Beat the rat with the club
seven times every day for seven days. Cover everything with a clay pot.

384(2047) To involve someone in a judicial process

Leaf of DRACAENA LAXISSIMA, Agavaceae
Leaf of CALOTROPIS PROCERA, Asclepiadaceae
Leaf of URERA MANII, Urticaceae 116
Leaf of STRIGA ASIATICA, Scrophulariaceae
Grind, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. Anoint the head of
ESU and pour hot palm kernel oil on top.
'Iru ekun, go now and catch so-and-so

BOMUBOMU, go now and cover his face

INA leaf instantly burns a child

The day a child searches for o YINRIN on Earth he will only find it in heaven

Adi, go and bewitch so-and-so.'

402
385(2048)Ifinarunseeniyan OGBE IROSUN, 20
EWE IROSUN
EWE ORO
EWE KASAN
EWE PATONMO
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
OPOLO KAN
A O lo O. A OFI AKISA MU OPOLO. A OTE E LORUN, KI ENU RE LE YA. LEHIN NAA
A OWA KO EWE TI A LO SI I LENU, A ODA ATAARE SI I, A OSI TUN BU EWE SI I LENU.
A OWA FI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN SO ENU RE. A OFI APE BO OMO ORI AKITAN.
LEHIN OJO MEJE, A OFI SINU OPARUN FI SUUKU AGBADO DI I. A OMAA MU UN LATI
INU OPARUN PELU APO, A OSI MAA RAN AN SI ENIYAN.

386(2051)IGbankan lowo eniyan OSA OFUN, 166

EWE AGOGO OGUN
EWE AJE KOBALE
EWE ETITARE
EWE IBEPE DUDU
ESO IBEPE DUDU
OPOLO KAN
A O LU IHO SINU ESO IBEPE, A O DA EWE SI I, A O PA OPOLO SI I. A O TEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI. A O RI I MOLE.

403
385(2048) To provoke itching in someone
Leaf of BAPHIA NITIDA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 117
Leaf of IRVINGIA GABONENSIS, Ixonanthaceae
Leaf of SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae
Leaf of MIMOSA PUDICA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
A whole fmit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingibaraceae
A toad
Pound the leaves on a stone. Catch the toad with a piece of bread, hold its
neck tightly and when it opens its mouth put the pounded leaves inside.
Add some AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA and more leaves. Tie the frog's mouth
with black and white thread. Put it where people put refuse and cover it with
a clay pot. Leave it for seven days, then put it inside a bamboo pole, using
a corn cob to close it. Later on, take it out of the bamboo with pincers and
send it to the person you want to afflict.

386(2051) To usurp so mebody's property

Leaf of HELIOTROPIUM INDICEON, Boraginaceae
Leaf of CROTON ZAMBESICUS, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of GLINUS OPPOSITIFOLIUS, Aizoaceae
Leaf of CARICA PAPAYA (black), Cariacaceae
Fruit of CARICA PAPAYA (black), Cariacaceae
One toad
Make a hole in the fruit, put the leaves inside it, kill a toad, also place it
inside the fruit. Draw the odu on iyerosun. Mix and bury it in the ground.

404
387(2052)Ileninilu OKANRAN IWORI, 124
EWE ESURU
EWE INA
EWE ESISI FUNFUN
EWE AARAGBA
EWE OLOYIN
EWE EFINRIN OSO
A O JO WON PO. A O TEFA LORI ESU. A O DA ADI SI I, A O SI MAA MU EPO FUN ERO RE.

388(2055)Imueniyanditalaka OTURUPON IROSUN, 186

EWE ABIRIKOLO
EWE ARIRA
YIMIYIMI
OMI IHO ALAKAN
A O J O O, A O FI TEFA, A O BU LEBU RE SI OWO A O F E LU ENIYAN.

389(2056)Imunikowarapa IKA OSA, 176

EWE ESUSU
EWE KASAN
EWE EGBE
ESO YANMOTI
A O JO WON PO, A O F I T E F A , A O PE OF O RE, A O BU DIE SI OJU ESE ENI NAA.
AJOKO BIRIKI KALE NI T'ESUSU
ASUBULEBU NI T'EGBE
NIBI ENI YANMOTI BA SUBU SI
NIBE NITA TAN SI.

405
387(2052) To expel someone from town
Leaf of DIOSCOREADUMETORUM, Dioscoreaceae 118
Leaf of URERA MANII, Urticaceae 119
Leaf of TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of BRIDELIA ATROVIRIDIS, Euphorbiaceae 120
Leaf of STRIGA ASIATICA, Scophulariaceae
Leaf of HOSLUNDIA OPPOSITA, Labiatae 121
Burn everything together, draw the ODU in the preparation
and anoint the head of ESU. Add palm kernel oil. To neutralize
the effect (if you change your mind), drink palm oil.

388(2055) To impoverish someone

Leaf of CROTALARIA LACHNOPHORA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae'"
Leaf of PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
A scarab beetle
Water from a crab hole
Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ash. Place the black powder in
the palm of the hand and blow it in the direction of the person.

389(2056) To send someone epilepsy

Leaf of SACCHARUM SPONTANEUM var. AEGYPTIACUM, Gramineae
Leaf of SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae
Unidentified leaf
Fruit of SESAMUM INDICUM, Pedaliaceae
Burn everything together, draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation.

Put a litde of the preparation on the person's footprint.

'Sitting around till night is characteristc of ESUSU

Fahing over is a characteristic of EGBE

Wherever the seller of yanmoti shall fall

There he will stop selling.'

406
390(2057)Imuni l'alakala OGBE OFUN, 31
EWE AWEFIN
EWE AJISOMOBIALA
EWE ORI
ADIYE
A O JO WON PO, A O FI TEFA, A O PA ADIYE. A O DA EJE RE SI WON LORI. A O LA INU
ADIYE SI ONA MEJI LATI AYA. A O KO WON SINU AKUFO APE. A O DA ADI LE E LORI.
A O KO ORUKO ENI NAA, A O FI SINU APE, A O SI GBE E LO SI ORITA.

391(2059)Imunisewere OGUNDA ESE KAN, 9

EWE APIKAN
ODIDI ATAARE
ESO AIDAN
ALUBOSA ELEWE
I LE AGBON
IMI ELEDE
A O GUN WON PO. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE. A O FI OMI TABI EMU
FUNFUN LO O.
APIKAN ABIISE MO NIWIN WIRI WIRI
AIDAN LO NI WERE T I N O DAN WO LARA LAMORIN K ' O MU UN
TOROTORO L'AGBON RIN
PELU ISORO NI KI LAMORIN O MAA RIN KAO
ELEDE KO IMI AJA
KI LAMORIN O KO GBOGBO AWON ENIYAN RE
ALUBOSA LO REE SA WERE BA LAMORIN.

407
390(2057) To send nightmares to someone
Leaf of OLAX SUBSCORPIOIDEA, Olacaceae
Leaf of BIDENSPILOSA, Compositae
Leaf of BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae 123
One chicken
Burn the leaves to a black powder, draw the ODU on the ash. Kill a chicken
and pour the blood over the preparation. Cut the chicken in two pieces at the
breast. Place the preparation inside the chicken's body and put it in a broke n
clay pot, adding palm kernel oil. Write the name of the person (or say it)
and put it in the pot. Place at a crossroads.

391 (2059) To make someone go mad

Leaf of DATURA METEL, Solanaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Fruit of TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Pig excrement
Wasp's nest
Pound everything, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Drink with water or palm wine.
'APIKAN will quickly make a child mad
AIDAN says that the madness I intend to inflict on this person should work

A wasp walks with poison

So-and-so should walk arround with difficulty

The pig rejects the excrement of the dog

This person will reject all his people

ALUBOSA, gather madness and inflict it on so-and-so.'

408
392(2060) Imunisewere OFUN MEJI, 16
EWE WONRONWONRON
EWE INA
EWE ESISI FUNFUN
EWE OLOYIN
EWE ODAN EKI
EWE AARAGBA
ORI AJA DIGBOLUGI
AASAA GBIGBE
A OJO WON PO. KI ENI TI O n SE OGUN BU OTI LILE (OTI OYINBO) S'ENU. KI OFI
LEBU NAA KUN EWE ODAN EKI MEJE. LEHIN NAA, KI OWA TEFA PELU OBEKE TABI OBE
ESU. KI OSI PE OF O RE.
NI WONRONWONRON L'OJUU RE
N'IJO TI A BA KO WONRONWONRON SI INA
NI I DI WERE L'OJIJI
KANKAN BAYII L'EWE INA JOMO
WARAWARA NI OMODE BO OKO ESISI
LAMORIN WA OLOYIN AYE
WARAWARA NI K'o RI OLOYIN ORUN
ILE OGBA A NI I SE AARAGBA
K'O YA DIGBOLUGI, K'o YA A DI WERE
AJA T'o YA ASINWIN F A RI PE NI DIGBOLUGI.

409
Leaf of STERCULIATRAGACANTHA , Sterculiaceae
Leaf of U RERAMANII , Urticaceae 124
Leaf of T RAGIABENTHAMII , Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of STRIGAASIATICA , Scrophulariaceae
Leaf of Ficus THONNINGII , Moraceae
Leaf of B RIDELIAATROVIRIDIS , Euphorbiaceae 125
The head of a rabid dog
Tobacco powder
Burn everything. The person making the preparation must drink whisky or
gin, then place the ashes on seven leaves of Ficus THONNINGII using a curved
knife used to decorate calabashes. Recite the incantation.
'May madness cover his eyes

The day we set wonronwonron on fire

It suddenly becomes mad

Leaf of ina will sting a child very quickly

With haste a child will leave a field full of esisi stinging leaves

So-and-so searched for oloyin of the earth

But he should meet oloyin in heaven

AARAGBA SAYS there is no place in the house

He should become enraged and mad

When a dog is mad we call it rabid.'

410
393(2065)Imunisewere OSE OTURA, 23
EWE IGBO
EWE GBOGBONSE
EGBO ISUMERI
EWE TABA TUTU
OMIKAN
A O GUN UN NINU ODO, A O SA A GBE. A O TUN GUN UN. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN,
A O PE OF O RE. A O DA A SINU OMIKAN. A O RO O SINU IGO. A O FI I F E KEKERE FUN
UN MU.
IGBO A BI IYI MO L'ORI BIRI LO YI LAMORIN LORI
GBOGBONSE A BI ISE'MO NIWIN WARAWARA
ISUMERI L'O NI K I OPOLO LAMORIN O RIRI O
EWE TABA TUTU T'O MU ABI IKO MO LOYI BIRI
K'OYI WERE O MAA K O LAMORIN
NIJOJUMO L'OMIKAN KAN
IKANRA NI KI LAMORIN O MAA BA KIRI.

394(2068)Ipabo IRU EKUN, 225

ESO AKARA AJE
ESO EJINRIN
EETAN EYIN
ATA PUPA
A O JO WON PO. A O F I T E F A , A O PE OF O RE. A O BU DIE SI ORI ITO OBINRIN.
AM'OBO WU AKARA AJE.

411
393 (2065) To make someone go mad
Leaf of CANNABIS SATIVA, Cannabaceae 126
Leaf of UVARIA AFZELTI, Annonaceae
Root of CRINUM ZEYLANICUM, Amaryllidaceae 127
Leaf of NICOTIANA TABACUM, Solanaceae
Sour water with fermented corn starch
Pound. Spread in the sun to dry, pound again, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,
recite the incantation. Mix with sour water and corn starch. Put it in a bottle
and administer it in cup-sized portions.
'Marijuana, that turns people's heads, go and turn so -and-so's head

GBOGBONSE makes a child become mad very quickly

Isumeri says that so-and-so's brain should become unclear

TABA TUTU, if it is strong, will make a child feel dizzy

The dizziness of madness takes hold of so-and-so

Everyday OMIKAN remains sour

So-and-so shall always walk about in a bad mood.'

394(2068) To make a woman's vagina swell

Fruit of CNESTIS FERRUGINEA, Connaraceae
Fruit of MOMORDICA BALSAMINA, Cucurbitaccae 128
Small fruit of ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, Palmae
Ripe ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Burn together, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation. Put some on
the place where the woman has urinated.
'AKARA AJE makes the vagina swell.'

412
 395(2072)Ipaeniyan OKANRAN IRETE, 134
EWE IKAN
EWE ILA
ESO APIKAN
ORUPA
ERU IGI ORUBA
A OjoWON, A OFI TEFA, A OFI SINU OUNJE FUN ENIYAN JE, A SI LE FI SINU OMI FUN
ENIYAN MU.

396(2078)Iranaisunsieniyan OYEKU IROSUN, 35

EWE OPARUN
EWE YUNYUN
A OJO WON A OBU LEBU RE SI ABE ENI, A OTEFA LORI RE, A OSUN LEE LEHIN TI A BA
DARUKO ENI TI A KO FE KI OSUN.

397(2080)Iranejosieniyan OYEKU OSA, 40

EDO EJO
IRU ILA
OGA (AYE) MEJI
AKUKO ADIYE
A ODA AWON ESO SI INU OGA. A OSIN IN SI ETI ODO (TI OMAA N GBE LEEKAN
L'ODUN). LEHIN TI AWON ESO NAA BA HU. A OHU IGI RE. A OboEEPO IGI IRU ILA,
A OSI boEEPO EDO EJO. A OHUN WON PO. A OFI SINU OGA OMIRAN. A OSIN IN SI
BALUWE FUN OJO MEJE. A OYO OKUN KURO. LEHIN EYI, A OSO AKUKO ADIYE MOLE
NINU ILE. A OPE OF O PELU ORUKO ENI NAA. A O LA OKUN MOLE YOO DI EJO, YOO LO
BA ENI TI A RAN AN SI. EJO NAA YOO WA PA AKUKO ADIYE L'ABO.

413
395(2072) To poison someone
Leaf of SOLANUM INCANUM, Solanaceae
Leaf of ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS, Malvaceae
Fruit of DATURA METEL, Solanaceae
HYMENOCARDIA ACIDA, Euphorbiaceae
Ashes
Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ashes. Give it to the person to eat with
food or water.

396(2078) To prevent someone from sleeping

Leaf of OXYTENANTHERAABYSSINICA, Gramineae
Leaf of ASPILIAAFRICANA, Compositae
Burn everything, put under a mat, draw the ODU on top and sleep over it
having said the name of the person you wish to prevent from sleeping.

397(2080) To make a snake attack someone

C ISSUSPRODUCTA, Vitaccac
Dried seeds of ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS, Malvaceae
Two live chameleons
Put the seeds inside one of the chamaleons. Bury it in a river bank
(which dries only once a year). After a while the seeds will sprout and
become plants. Uproot them. Peel the ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS and
the CISSUS PRODUCTA. Braid them and place them inside the second chameleon.
Bury in bathroom for seven days. Remove the thread. Put a cock inside
the house. Say the name of the person to be affected. Hit the thread on
the ground: it will become a snake which will bite the victim and kill
the cock on its return.

414
398(2082)Iranibisieniyan OTURA MEJI, 13
EWE IJA OKE
EWE ABIRIKOLO
A O LO WON, A O TEFA L'ORI ESU. A O PE OFO RE.
IJA OKE NI KI WON MAA BA LAMORIN JA
ABIRIKOLO JE KI LAMORIN O MAA BINU
OTUA MEJI TU IJA BA A.

399(2089)Iranonigbamejisieniyan O FUN OYEKU, 243

ESO APIKAN
Odidi ATAARE
I LE AGBON ILE
ILE AGBON OKO
OKUNRUN
A O GUN WON PO , A O SA WON GBE. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O FI SINU OUNJE,
OMI TABI OTI. A O BU WON SI ILORO ENU ONA.

415
398(2082) To send evil to a person

Leaf of EHRETIA CYMOSA, Boraginaceae

Leaf of CROTALARIA LACHNOPHORA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 129

Grind, draw the ODU over ESU. Recite the incantation.

'IJA OKE says that evil should attack so-and-so

ABIRIKOLO wih let so-and-so become angry

OTUA MEJI get him into fights.'

399(2089) To send cholera to someone

Fruit of DATURA METEL, Solanaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
House wasp's nest
Field wasp's nest
A millipede
Pound everything until dry. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN.
Mix with food or water, gin or rum. Pour some on the threshold of the house.

416
 400(2090) Abiluisoeniyannu OBARA IWORI, 109
IYEROSUN (OPARUN)
ATA PUPA
EYELE (AKO FUN OKUNRIN)
EYELE (ABO FUN OBINRIN)
A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE, A O FI ATA PUPA SORI OKOKAN AWON ODU
TI A TE. A O KO WON SINU IGBA. A O GBE E LO. SI ODO JINJINNA. A O KO ESE EYELE
SI I, LEHIN EYI, A O JE KI ODO GBE IGBA LO. A O SI JIN EYELE SINU ODO.
ERI KII SAN K'O BOJU WEHIN
I F A BA MI PARAN MO WON N'IKUN K'ORA
OPARUN OKO PARAN MO WON N'IKUN
OBARA KOSI I F A BA N KO WON N'IYE KURO KI WON O MAA LO
KI LAMORIN O SONU K'O MA WA MO O
A T U F O L'EYELE E TA NU IGBO
ATIGBODEGBO L' EYELE E KU U SI
KI LAMORIN O LO REE KU SI ATODANDODAN.

417
400(2090) To make a person get lost
Powder of OXYTENANTHERA ABYSSINICA, Gramineae
Red ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
One pigeon (male for men)
One pigeon (female for women)
Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, place a red pepper on each IYEROSUN drawing, and
place everything inside a calabash. Go to a distant river. Place the feet of
the pigeon in the calabash. Let the river take the calabash away. Afterwards
throw the pigeon in the river.
'The river does not look backwards when it is running

I F A , help me destroy their senses totally

OPARUM OKO, destroy their senses

OBARA KOSI, Ifa help me remove their senses to make them stray

May so-and-so get lost and never return

A pigeon flies about restlessly in the bush

A pigeon dies while flying from one bush to another

So-and-so should die while roaming strange places.'

418
401(2091) Epeisepeleeniyan OGBE IRETE, 29
EGBO OROGBO
EGBO SENIFIRAN
EGBO ATA
EGBO AKERE JUPON PUPA
ODIDI ATAARE MEJE
ORI OKA
ORI ERE
ISASUN (ISASUN TUNTUN)
EMU (GIDI)
OGURO (GIDI)
SEKETE GIDI
OTI OYINBO
A OGE GBOGBO AWON EGBO (SI KEKEKE). A O KO WON SINU ISASUN, A O DA ESO
ATAARE SI I. A O DA EMU SI I, A O KO ORI AWON EJO SI I. A O SE WON PO. TI OMI
RE BA GBE. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PO WON PO. A O FI ASO FUNFUN RAN APO
KEKERE. A O KO AWON ELO SI I. A O MU OKAN NINU AWON EGBO PO MO EEGUN ORI
OKA, A O FI KAN AHON.

402(2092) Itieniyansikoto OWONRIN IRETE, 104

EWE AKUKO
EWE OJIJI ITAKUN
EWE DAKE
AKERE
A O JO WON PO. A O TEFA LORI ESU. A O YAN AKERE, A O FI LE ORI ESU, A O DA ADI
SI I. A O FI APE BO O. A O MAA SI I WO, A O SI MAA FUN OJO MEJE, A O SI MAA
DARUKO ENI NAA SI I PELU.

419
401(2091) To curse somebody
Root of GARCINIA KOLA, Guttiferae
Root of SESBANIA PACHYCARPA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Root of ZANTHOXYLUM SENEGALENSE, Rutaceae
Root of SPHENOCENTRUM JOLLYANUM, Menispermaceae
Seven whole fruits of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
The head of a type of boa constrictor
The head of a boa constrictor
Palm wine
Wine from palm straw
Honey beer
Gin
Cut all roots into pieces about ten centimeters long. Put in a clay pot, and
add seeds of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA. Pour the liquids on top, add the heads
of the snakes. Cook until dry. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Mix everything.
Sew a smah bag of white cloth and put everything in it. Take one of
the roots, and the cranium of the snake and touch them with the tongue.

402(2092) To make someone fall into a well

Leaf of HELIOTROPIUM INDICUM, Boraginaceae
Leaf of BRACHYSTEGIA EURYCOMA, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of PAUSINYSTALIA MACROCERAS, Rubiaceae
A striped frog
Burn everything together. Draw the ODU on ESU. Roast the striped frog.
Put it over ESU and cover it with palm kernel oil. Cover with a clay pot.
Open it and proclaim the name of the person who you want to fall in a well,
daily, for seven days.

420
403(2093) Iyonile OSE MEJI, 15
EWE OJU ORO
EWE ESISUN PUPA
EWE ESISI
EWE AARAGBA
A O LO O, A O FI SINU OWU. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A SI I. A O FI OWU
FUNFUN ATI DUDU SO O. A O JU U SINU ODO.

404(2096) Magun OGBE OKANRAN, 23

EWE EKUNKUN
EWE ESISI FUNFUN
EWE EDO AGBONRIN
EWE KASAN
IYO
A O JO WON. A O SIN GBERE MEJE S'ORI IYAWO, MESAAN SORI OKO.

405(2098) Oruka aluwo IWORI ODI, 49

ALURO
OBU OTOYO
A O JA EWE ALURO, A O DA A MO OBU OTOYO. A O FI ORUKA SI I. A O SO WON PO.
A O SIN IN FUN OJO MEJE. LEHIN EYI, A O FI IGI MU UN TABI KI A FI SI OMO-IKA.
A O F I LU ENIYAN, A O PE OF O RE, ENI NAA YOO SI RO ( L O W O RO LESE).
ALURO NI KI O RO
ATI OWO ATI ESE RE NI KI O RO.

421
403(2093) To expel someone from his/her house
Leaf of PISTIA STRATIOTES, Araceae
Leaf of PENNISETUM PURPUREUM, Gramineae
Leaf of TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiceae
Leaf of BRIDELIA ATROVIRIDIS, Euphorbiaceae 130
Grind on a stone, put in cotton wool Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN.
Tie with black and white threads. Throw in a river.

404(2096) To kill one's wife's lover

Leaf of ANANAS COMOSUS, Bromeliaceae
Leaf of TRAGIA BENTHAMII, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of DIOSCOREAsp., Dioscoreaceae
Leaf of SMILAX KRAUSSIANA, Smilacaceae
Salt
Bum everything, make seven small incisions on the head of the wife and
nine cuts on the husband's head.

405(2098) To cause and treat paralysis

Leaf of SCHRANKIALEPTOCARPA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae
Magnesium sulphate
Pick a leaf of SCHRANKIA LEPTOCARPA, add some magnesium sulphate.
Take a ring, tie everything together and bury it in the ground for seven days.
Remove with a stick or a finger and hit someone with the preparation,
proclaiming the incantation. The person will be paralysed (to cure him, put
urine in his mouth).
'Aluro says that he will be paralysed

His hands and feet will be paralysed.'

422
406(2101)Orukapadimo EJIOGBE, 1
EWE PADIMO
A O RE ORUKA SINU OMI TI A RI EWE SI, A O JE KO PE DIE. A O PE OF O RE.
A O FI GBA IDI OBINRIN. OKUNRIN MIRAN KO SI NI LE GORI RE MO.
EWE PADIMO LO NI KI N PADIMIMO
BI OBINRIN BA N WE LODO A PADIMO
BI OKUNRIN BA N WE LODO A PADIMO.

423
406(2101) To close someone's vagina

Leaf of MIMOSA PUDICA, Leguminosae Mimosoideae 131

Make an infusion with the leaves. Immerse a ring in this infusion, recite

the incantation. Strike the woman's buttocks with the ring to prevent other

men from possessing her.

'PADIMO says that she must close her vagina

When a woman bathes in the river she closes her vagina

When a man bathes in the river he hides his penis.'

424
 IDAABOBO

407(2102) Agbero Iwori oyeku, 48

EWE ODAN EKI
EWE AARAGBA
EWE ABO
ODIDI ATAARE
ESO AGBA
OPOLO IJOKUN
A O J O O. A O FI TEFA. A O F I SIN GBERE SI ARA, A O F I PA A.

408(2103) Agbo omode IWORI MEJI, 3

EWE FEMO LOJU TOKI
EWE AGBASA
ALUBOSA ELEWE
A O SE E, A O PE OF O RE, KI OMODE MAA MU UN KI O SI MAA FI WE LARAARO.
FEMO LOJU TOKI M A J E K'O KU
AGBASA MAA GBE ARUN SA LO
ALUBOSA BA WA SA ARUN YII DANU.

425
ANTIDOTES TO "EVIL WORKS" OR "PROTECTIVE WORKS"

407(2102) To prevent someone from beating you

Leaf of F ICUSTHONNINGII, Moraceae

Leaf of BRIDELIA ATROVIRIDIS, Euphorbiaceae 132

Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 133

A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae

Fruit of STACHYTARPHETA INDICA, Verbenaceae
A large toad

Burn, draw the ODU in the ashes. Make a small incision on the body and rub

the preparation into it.

408(2103) To protect a child

Leaf of HYPTIS SUAVEOLENS, Labiatae
Leaf of CLAUSENA ANISATA, Rutaceae
Bulb of ALLIUM AESCALONICUM, Liliaceae
Boil in water, recite the incantation. The child must drink and wash with

the preparation every morning.

'FEMO LOJU TOKI, do not let the child die

AGBASA, carry away this disease

ALUBOSA, help me to take away this disease.'

426
 409(2104)Aihewu OBARA OKANRAN, 113
ESO OJE
EWE ELU
ADIYE DUDU
IGBIN
OSE DUDU
A O LO WON, A O SE DIE KU, A O PO IYOKU PO MO OSE DUDU. A O BU U WE. A O PO
IYOKU MO ADI AGBON, A O MAA FI PA ARA.

410(2105)Aikuaya OYEKU OTURA, 43

EWE OJIJI IGI
EWE AGBA
EWE EGBA
ERAN EWURE
IYO
A O LO WON. A O SE ERAN EWURE PELU EPO PUPA, IYO ATI AWON EWE TI A LO.
A O PO O MO IYEROSUN TI A FI TEFA. KI AYA O JE E LEEKAN SOSO.

411(2106)Ailu IKA OYEKU, 168

EWE OJUSAJU
EWE IMI ESU
EWE LELEURE
A O JO O. A O FI TEFA. A O SIN GBERE SI ORI A O SI FI PA A.

427
409(2104) To prevent the onset of grey hair
Unidentified fruit
Leaf of LoNCHOCARPUS CYANESCENS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
A snail
A black hen
Black soap
Grind everything, mix with black soap. Wash with the preparation.
Mix the rest with coconut oil and rub over the body.

410(2105) To prevent a wife from dying

Leaf of DALBERGIA LACTEA, Leguminosae PapiUonoideae
Leaf of LANDOLPHIA TOGOLANA, Apocynaceae 134
Leaf of RHIZOPHORA RACEMOSA, Rhizophoraceae
Goat meat
Salt
Grind the leaves. Cook the goat meat with palm oil, salt and ground leaves.
Mix with the iyerosun powder used to draw the odu. The woman must eat it
all in one go.

411(2106) To prevent being attacked by someone

Leaf of PETIVERIA ALLIACEAE, Phytolacaceae
Leaf of AGERATUM CONYZOIDES, Compositae 135
Unidentified leaf
Burn everything. Draw the odu in the ashes. Make small incisions on
the head and rub the preparation into them.

428
 412(2107)Ailuawo IWORI OYEKU, 48
EWE AWEREPEPE
EWE ETIPON GLA
EWE KOKO
EWE OPOLO
A O JO WON PO A O TEFA. A O SIN GBERE MEJE SI AYA BABALAWO. A O FI RA A,
A O SI KO IYOKU SINU ADO. TI WON BA NA AWO. KI BABALAWO BU NINU OGUN INU
ADO KI O SIN GBERE SI OJU APA KI O FI PA A. ENI NA AWO YOO WU KU NI.

413(2108)Apagun OWONRIN OBARA, 97

EWE GBEGI
EWE EGELE
EWE AJILEKEGE
A O JO O. A O PE OFO RE. A O KO LEBU RE SINU OWU FUNFUN ATI DUDU. A O FI SINU
APO.
AJILEKEGE KII KURO NITA
ITA LA BA AJILEKEGE.

414(2112)Apakan OGUNDA MEJI, 9

ESO APIKAN
OROMBO JAGANYIN
IRUN OYA
A O JO WON PO, A O TEFA .A O KO O SINU OMI OROMBO JAGANYIN. A O DA A SI ENU
ONA IKAN.

429
412(2107) To prevent a babalawo from being attacked
Leaf of CYATHULA PROSTRATA, Amaranthaceae
Leaf of BoERHAViA DIFFUSA, Nyctaginaceae
Leaf of CoLOCASiA ESCULENTA, Araceae 136
A frog
Burn everything together, draw the ODU in the preparation. Make seven
small incisions on the chest of the BABALAWO and rub the preparation into
them. Keep the rest in a small gourd. If the BABALAWO is attacked, you
should make small incisions on the bruises and rub the leftover preparation.
The body of the attacker will swell and he will die.

413(2108) To protect against agressive preparations

Leaf of ELEUSINE INDICA, Gramineae
Leaf of EUPHORBIA HIRTA, Euphorbiaceae
Leaf of ELEUSINE AFRICANA, Gramineae
Bum everything to a black powder. Recite the incantation. Tie with white
and black cotton threads. Store in a pocket.
'AJILEKEGE does not leave the threshold of the house
AJILEKEGE is always found in front of the house.'

414(2112) To kill termites

Fruit of DATURA METEL, Solanaceae
Hair of cutting-grass (cane rat)
Juice of CITRUS AURANTIUM, Rutaceae
Burn together the first two ingredients. Draw the ODU of I F A on the ash,
add the orange juice. Sprinkle wherever you have termites.

430
415(2113)Atepa IRETE IROSUN, 216
EWE ILOSUN
EWE EERAN
EWE TOLO
A O JO O, A O TEFA. A O FI SIN GBERE SI ESE.

416(2114)Erofunijaobinrin OGBE OGUNDA, 24

EWE TETU
ORI
IGBIN KAN
IYO
A O LO EWE TETU, A O DA OMI IGBIN SI I. A O YAN IGBIN, A O GE E SI ONA
MERINDILOGUN. A O KO WON SINU APE, A O DA EWE, ORI, ATI, IYO SI I. A O TEFA LORI
IYEROSUN, A O DA IYEROSUN SI I. A O RO O PO. A O FUN OBINRIN JE.

417(2115)Idaobinrindurosile OFUN IKA, 252

EWE IYERE
EWE EYIN
EWE IMO
OJU OLOGBO
A O LO WON. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O SIN GBERE SI ABE OJU, A O FI RA A.

418(2116)Funalaaare ODI IWORI, 64

EWE IKUYE
EWE EKUYA
EWE IRAWE IGBO
EWE IRAWE ODAN
A O JO WON PO, A O FI LEBU RE TEFA, A O PE OFO RE. A O DA A SINU EPO PUPA, A O
MAA LA A, A O TUN MAA FI PA ARA NI OJO MEJE MEJE.

431
415(2113) Protection against someone who trod on an "evil work"
Leaf of Pennisetum polystachion, Gramineae 137
Leaf of Digitaria sp., Gramineae 138
Leaf of Pennisetum hordeoides, Gramineae
Bum everything, draw the ODU. Make small incisions around the foot.

416(2114) To calm a troublesome woman

Unidentified leaf
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii, Sapotaceae
One snail
Salt
Grind the leaves, add the liquid from a snail, cut it into sixteen little pieces.
Put everything in a pot with shea butter and salt. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,
pour on the preparation, mix. Give to the woman to eat.

417(2115) To keep a wife at home

Leaf of Piper capense, Piperaceae 139
Leaf of Elaeis guineensis, Palmae
Unidentified leaf
One cat's eye
Grind everything, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Make an incision under
the eye and rub the preparation into it.

418(2116) To drive evil away from a sick person

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of Cleome gynandra, Capparaceae
Leaf of Chlorophora excelsa, Moraceae
Leaf of Daniellia oliveri, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Burn everything to a black powder. Draw the ODU in the powder,
add palm oil. Lick and rub over the body every seven days.

432
419(2117)Imu were IRU EKUN, 225
EWE AMUNIMUYE
EWE ABO
EWE ALOFO
EWE ABA
ADIGBONRANKU
OGA
EYIN EYELE
A OJO WON PO, A OFI LEBU RE TEFA. A O KO O SINU OWU FUNFUN ATI DUDU, A OSO
o PO. A OFI SINU AGOLO. A ODA OTI LILE SI I. A OYO DIE SENU, A OSI LO BA WERE
NAA SORO.

420(2118)Iriran oogun buburu OTURA IWORI, 199

EWE IKUPERO
EWE OPEPETILESO
EWE TOTO GBINGBIN
A O GBE ILE SINU ILE, A O KO GBOGBO ELO SI I. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN.
A O RO O PO MO ON. A O FI ERUPE BO O.

421(2120)Iweju IRETE MEJI, 14

EWE OLOOTO
IGBIN KAN
A O LO EWE, A O SE IGBIN LOTO. A O SE GBOGBO RE PO PELU EPO PUPA ATI IYO.
A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O DA A PO MO ON. A O JE E.

433
419(2117) To arrest a lunatic
Leaf of SENECIO ABYSSINICUS, Compositae
Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae 140

Leaf of JATEORHISA MACRANTHA, Menispermaceae

Leaf of Ficus sp., Moraceae

An unidentified beetle

A chameleon

An egg of a pigeon

Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ash. Place in a cotton cloth, tie with

white and black threads. Put inside a tin, add gin. Put a little in the mouth

and speak to the mad person.

420(2118) Protection against "aggressive works"

Leaf of DICHROCEPHALA INTEGRIFOLIA, Compositae

Unidentified leaf

Leaf of SCADOXUS CINNABARINUS, Amarillydaceae

Dig a hole in the house, place everything in it. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN,

and pour over the preparation, then mix. Cover with earth.

421(2120) To be clairvoyant

Leaf of GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM, Asclepiadaceae

One snail

Salt

Grind the leaves, boil the snail, then cook everything with oil and salt.

Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, mix with food and eat.

434
422(2121)Idaabobo lowoafose OYEKU MEJI, 2
EWE PEREGUN
EWE SAWEREPEPE
EWE APASA APESE
OSE DUDU
A OGUN WON, A OSA WON, A OSI JO WON. A OWA TE AWON ODU IFA MERIN AKOKO,
PELU GRUNGUN MEJI. A OPO OMO OSE DUDU A OMAA FI WE TABI KI A FI SIN GBERE
SI ARA (A KO GBOGBO JE E TI A OBA FE KI AWON OGUN DAADAA TI A SE SARA BAJE).
IGI PEPEPEPE
IGI PASEPASE
O NI OUN NI WON N PE NI PEREGUN
PEREGUN ELEPE
PEPE FUN MI NIGBA YII O PEREGUN ELEPE
SAWEREPEPE IFA NI OPELEPE FUN WA SAWEREPEPE.

435
422(2121) Protection from curses
Leaf of DRACAENA FRAGRANS, Agavaceae
Leaf of SPILANTHES FILICAULIS, Compositae
Unidentified leaf
Black soap
Pound, dry in the sun, sift. Draw the first four ODU and ORUNGUN MEJI.
Mix with black soap and use it to wash, or make incisions on the body
and rub the preparation into them (not to be eaten, otherwise the other
preparations you have made will cease to work).
'The tree kills curses
The tree kills all evil spells
He said it is what they call PEREGUN
PEREGUN the master of curses
Help me destroy all curses in my life, PEREGUN master of curses
SAWEREPEPE I F A will kill the person who says the curse.'

436
423(2122)Idaabobo lowoaigboran IRETE MEJI, 14
EWE ODUNDUN
EWE RINRIN
EWE TETE ATETEDAYE
EYIN ADIYE
EYELE
IGBIN
OSE DUDU
IYO
A O LO WON. A O FO EYIN ADIYE SI I. A O PA EYELE SI I, A O FO IGBIN A O GE
WON WELEWELE. A O SE WON PO, PELU IYO ATI EPO PUPA. A O TEFA, A O PE OFO RE.
A O FUN ENI NAA JE, TABI KI A JO O, KI A FUN UN LA, A SI LE PO O MO OSE DUDU FUN
WIWE.
OHUN T'EYELE BA SO F'OMO RE NI I GBO
ORUNMILA NI O WA SE TAN
TI GBOGBO OMO TI MO BA BI O GBO TEMI
EEWO ORISA, IGBIN KI I K O ORO SI ARA WON LENU
EEWO ORISA OHUN I F A BA WI NI ODU N GBA
GBOGBO OHUN TI MO BA WI NI KI OMO YII O GBA.

424(2123)Idaabobolowoaye IKA OSA, 176

EWE ALUKI
IRIN KOLO
AKARA IDI ESU
A O JO WON, A O F I T E F A , A O SIN GBERE SI AWON ORIKEE RIKEE ARA A O F I PA A.

437
423(2122) Protection against stubborness
Leaf of KALANCHOE CRENATA, Crassulaceae
Leaf of PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA, Piperaceae
Leaf of AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS, Amaranthaceae
Fresh eggs
A pigeon
A snail
Salt
Black soap
Grind the leaves, add the eggs, kill the pigeon and the snail, cut them into
pieces and cook all the ingredients together with the salt and palm oil.
Draw the odu, recite the incantation and give it to the person to eat,
or burn it and make the person lick the black powder, or mix with black soap
and make the person wash with it.
'Whatever the pigeon tells its offspring, they have to accept

Orunmila says it is time

For all the children I have borne to obey me

Orisa forbids snails to reject each other

Orisa forbids I f a to contradict its verses

May this child accept everything I say.'

424(2123) Protection against enemies

Leaf of ASPARAGUS AFRICANUS, Liliaceae
A gourd which is broken in the presence of Esu
Excrement from an earthworm
Burn everything. Draw the odu in the ash. Make small incisions over
the joints of the person and rub the preparation into them.

438
 425(2125)Idaabobo lowoejo OSE OGBE, 227
IPANUMO ABO
IPANUMO ABAFE
IPANUMO IYA
ODIDI ATAARE
EWE AROJOKU
ORI EJO
A OJO WON PO. A OTEFA. A OPE OF O RE. A OSIN GBERE YIKA ORUN OWO ATI ORUN
ESE. A OFI PA A, EJO KO SI NI BU NI JE.
OSE OGBE ABINUFUNFUN BI EMU
A D'IFA FUN ERINLOJO EJO TI N TI ORUN BO W'AYE
IPANUMO ABO KII J'ABO O Y A ' NU
IPANUMO ABAFE KII J'ABAFE O S'ORO
IPANUMO IYA KII J'IYA OMI
ATARUGBO EJO AT'OMIDAN EJO
OSE OGBE I F A M A J E WON O LEE YA'NU SAN MI
ORO ATAARE KII RORO DE EEPO.

426(2129) Idaabobo lowoepe OFUN IWORI, 244

SAWEREPEPE
ATAARE
ORI
A O LO EWE SAWEREPEPE MO ORI. A O SIN GBERE SI ARA, A O FI RA A TABI KI A PO O
MO ATAARE, KI A MAA FI RA ARA.
WA BA MI PA EPE TI WON F I MI SE YII
SAWEREPEPE BA MI PA ELEPE FUN MI.

439
425(2125) Protection against snake bites
Young leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae141
Young leaf of PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae
Young leaf of DANIELLA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Leaf of ECLIPTA ALBA, Compositae
A snake head
Bum everything, draw the ODU in the ash. Recite the incantation.
Make cuts around the wrists and ankles and rub the preparation into them.
Snakes will never bite this person.
'OseOGBE, who froths with anger, like the froth of the white palm wine
We consulted IFA about 164 snakes that were coming from heaven to earth
The young leaf of ABO does not allow ABO to open its mouth
The young leaf of ABAFE does not allow ABAFE to speak
The young leaf of IYA does not lack water
Both old snakes and young snakes
OSE OGBE, do not allow them to open their mouths to bite me
The venom of ATAARE never stings before reaching the pod.'

426(2129) Protection against curses and evil spells

Leaf of CYATHULA PROSTRATA, Amaranthaceae
Fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOXUM subsp. PARKII, Sapotaceae
Grind the leaf with the shea butter, make small incisions into the body
and rub the preparation into them, or mix with AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA
and rub over the body.
'Come and help me kill this curse that they have put on me
SAWEREPEPE, help me kill the person who has cursed me.'

440
427(2130)Idaabobo lowoejo OKANRAN MEJI, 8
EWE ENISA OOGUN
EWO ISU
EKU KAN
EJA (KEKERE) ARO KAN
A O KO GBOGBO RE SINU EWE ENISA OOGUN, A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE.
A O SIN I SI ARIN ONA TORO.
OKANRAN MEJI LO KAN EJO MOLE
EKU T'O KU KO LE JE EWO
EJA T'O KU KO LE JE EWO
ENISA OOGUN KO LE SA OOGUN RE.

428(2133)Idaabobolowoeranko OKANRAN IWORI, 124

IPANUMO ABO
IPANUMO ABAFE
IPANUMO IYA
ATAARE
IGBIN
IYO
A O LO WON, A O SE IGBIN PELU EPO PUPA, IYO, ATA ATI ATAARE. A O TEFA LORI
IYEROSUN. A O PE OF O RE. A O PO WON PO, A O SI JE E.
IPANUMO IYA NII PA'HUN MO IYA L'ENU
IPANUMO ABAFE NII PA'HUN M'ABAFE L'ETE
IPANUMO ABO NII PA'HUN M'ABO L'ENU
ERANKOKERANKO KO NII LE BA MI JA NI TEMI
IGBIN KI I GB'OWO IJA SI ARA WON N'IJU
OKANRAN IWORI MAA JE K'ERANKO O BA MI JA NI TEMI.

441
427(2130) To cancel a lawsuit
Leaf of RITCHIEA CAPPAROIDES var. LONGIPEDICELLATA, Capparaceae
DIOSCOREA sp., Dioscoreaceae (cooked and mixed with oil and salt)
A rat
A marsh fish
Tie the leaf round the ingredients, draw the odu in iyerosun,
recite the incantation. Bury the preparation in the middle of a narrow road.
' Okanran meji, go and knock down the case
A dead rat cannot eat ewo (pure of DIOSCOREA)
A dead fish cannot eat ewo
The leaf of enisa oogun cannot cast a spell on its own body.'

428(2133) Protection against wild animals

Young leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae142
Young leaf of PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae
Young leaf of DANIELLA OLIVERI, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae
Seed of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
One snail
Salt
Grind the leaves. Cook them with the snail, oil, salt, pepper and
AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA. Draw the odu in iyerosun. Recite the incantation.
Mix everything together and eat.
'It is the young leaf of iya that stops it from opening its mouth
It is the young leaf of abafe that stops it from opening its mouth
It is the young leaf of abo that stops it from opening its mouth
No wild animal will be able to fight me
Snails never fight with each other in the forest
Okanran iwori, do not let the wild animals fight me.'

442
429(2146)Idaabobo lowoibi IRETE MEJI, 14
EKAN PEPE MERIN-DILOGUN
OGEDE (ABO) OMINI MERIN-DILOGUN
ATAARE MERIN-DILOGUN
EWE ATORI MERIN-DILOGUN
EWE ITO MERIN-DILOGUN
EWE EKUNKUN MERIN-DILOGUN
IYE ETU KAN
A O DA EKUNWO IYO SI ILEELE (LAIBEERE IYE T'O JE). A O TE IRETE MEJI LE E LORI, A O
PE OFO RE, A O KO GBOGBO WON DA SINU IHO, A O FI IKOKO AJERE BO O, A O GBE APE
OMI TUTU LE E LORI.
EKUN L'A BA IRETE MEJI L'OJU OPON
ITO L'O NI KI MI TO ARA IWAJU
BIRI L'OGEDE DAGBO TIRE L'AJUBA
ATORI WA BA MI TUNWA MI SE
GBOGBO ARA L'ORISA FI FETU
EKUNKUN L'O NI K'AJO TEMI O MAA KUN.

430(2147)Idaabobolowoibi OFUN MEJI, 16

EWE GBEGBE MANITIGBE
A O JA OPOLOPO EWE GBEGBE MANITIGBE. A O LO O KUNNA, A O SA A LOORUN. A O
TEFA A O PE OFO RE. A O PONMI INU IHO ALAKAN WOO. A O MAA LA A PELU OMI.
AKAJA WOGBO OMO OGUN
OORI FEGEJE OMO ALORAN
ALAKAN GBARIRI WOSA NI I SE OMO ILOSEOJIKAN
GBEGBE L'O NI KI IRE O MAA GBE OWO MI
EEWO ORISA, OMI ILE ALAKAN KI I DANU.

443
429(2146) Protection against evil
Sixteen pegs of DIALIUM GUINEENSE, Leguminosae Caesalpinoideae
Sixteen fruits of (female) MUSA SAPIENTUM, Musaceae
Sixteen fruits of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Sixteen leaves of GLYPHAEA BREVIS, Tiliaceae
Sixteen leaves of LANDOLPHIA DULCIS, Apocynaceae
Sixteen leaves of ANANAS COMOSUS, Bromeliaceae
One ACROCERAS ZIZANIOIDES, Graminae
Pour a handful of salt (without ever having checked its price) on the ground.
Draw the IRETE MEJI on top, recite the incantation. Place all ingredients in a
hole, cover with a clay pot full of perforations. Place another pot filled with
fresh water on top.
'IRETE MEJI is always found in plentiful quantities in the I F A bowl

ITO says that I should be equal to my ancestors

Banana trees grow in circles in the field

ATORI, come with me and help me to improve my manner

ORISA loves the guinea fowl with body and soul

EKUNKUN says that my circle will be full of people.'

430(2147) Protection against evil

Leaf of ICACINA TRICHANTHA, Icacinaceae
Pick plenty of leaves. Grind well and dry in the sun. Draw the ODU, recite
the incantation. Mix with water from the hole of a crab, then lick the water.
'He who hunts with a dog, child of OGUN
Huge tree of oo RI, son of chief ALORAN

The crab rushes to enter his hole, son of ILOSEOJIKAN

GBEGBE says that fortune must stay in my hands

ORISA forbids the water inside the crab's shell from running away.'

444
431(2147)Idaabobo lowo ibi OFUN MEJI, 16
EWE AHUN
ODIDI ATAARE
AHUN
A OJO WON PO, A OFI LEBU RE TEFA, A OPE OFO RE. A OMAA FI FO EKO TUTU MU
FUN OJO MEJE.
MA JE KO HUN MI AHIIN
BI IMI BA BI MI TI MO SAFA PANI
MA MA JE K'O HUN MI
ORG GBOGBO KI I HUN AHUN.

432(2171)Idaabobo lowo ija EJIOGBE, 1

EKO
ODIDI ATAARE
A OHAN EWE IGI EKO. A OPON ODIDI ATAARE NI EWE, A OFI IYEROSUN TEFA, A OPE
OFO RE. A OTUN PAN EKO NAA L'EWE. A OFI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN GBA A TITITI A O
FI NI RI EWE NAA MO. A OSO OMO AJA ILE.
EKO EE GBE NU AGBONON JA
ERINLOJO ATAARE NI N BE NINU ILE KAN SOSO
A KI I GBOJA WON L'ODE
IFA MA JE KI WON O JA ARA WON NI IYAN
OWU DUDU OWU FUNFUN O GBODO JA ARA WON N'IYAN TI O D'IJA.

445
431(2147) Protection against evil
Leaf of ALSTONIA BOONEI, Apocynaceae
A whole fruit of AERAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
One tortoise
Burn everything together. Draw the ODU in the ash. Recite the incantation.
Eat with cold indian corn meal every night for seven days.
'Do not let it harm me, AHUN

If I feel angry and call I F A to kill someone

Do not let it harm me

There is nothing that can harm AHUN.'

432(2171) Protection against being involved in fighting

Unidentified leaf
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Remove the leaves from around the cornmeal paste. Wrap the AFRAMOMUM
MELEGUETA in the leaf. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Rewrap the EKO again and bind with black and white threads until the leaves
can no longer be seen. Hang it from a pole near the house.
'Wrapped EKO never fight with each other in the basket

164 seeds of ATAARE live in the same pod

Nobody ever hears their fight outside

I F A , do not allow them to argue with one another

Black thread and white thread must never argue to the point of fighting.'

446
433(2172)Idaabobo lowo ijamba OFUN MEJI, 16
EWE EYOFO
EWE EFO
ODIDI ATAARE LEAN
EJA EFO
A O JO GBOGBO RE, A O TEFA. A O PE OFO RE. A O FIFO EKO TUTU MU L'EEKAN NAA.
E YOFO YO MI NINU IBI
E FO GBE MI FO NINU IBI
EJA EFO GBE MI FO NINU IBI.

434(2177)Idaabobo lowo iji OYEKU OGBE, 32

EWE owo
A O LO O.A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OFO RE. A O PO O PO. A O SIN GBERE SI
ARA A O FI PA A.
OWO L'oNI KI WON DEWO FUN MI
ENI T ' O NA OYEKU, A RI JA OGBE.

435(2178)Idaabobo lowo iku ojiji EJIOGBE, 1

EWE BUJE WEWE
EWE APADA
ODIDI ATAARE KAN
OPOLO
A O J O O, A O PE OFO RE, A O SIN GBERE MERINDILOGUN SI ORUN OWO ATI SI ORI.
A O FI RA A.
IKU SI ONIBUJE MO
SINIYANMO SINIYANMO
APADA PA ORI IKU DA LODO MI
BI WON BA MU OPOLO , BI KOBA JO EJA A A FI SILE.

447
433(2172) Protection against accidents
Leaf of TEPHROSIA ELEGANS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of PLEIOCERAS BARTERI, Apocynaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Unidentified fish
Burn everything, draw the odu, recite the incantation.
Eat everything with cold indian corn meal.
' E Y O F O , save me from harm
E F O , save me from harm
EJA E F O , save me from harm.'

434(2177) Protection against strong winds

Leaf of BRILLANTAISIA LAMIUM, Acanthaceae 143
Grind. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation, mix everything.
Make small incisions into the body and rub the preparation into them.
'Leaf of o WO says that he should respect me
He who hits o YEKU will experience the fury of OGBE.'

435(2178) Protection from sudden death

Leaf of CREMASPORA TRIFLORA, Rubiaceae
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
A toad
Burn everything. Recite the incantation. Make sixteen small incisions around
the arm and sixteen on the head. Rub the preparation into them.
'Death fails to recognise ONIBUJE
He who fails to recognise people, he who fails to recognise people
Apada, turn death away from me
If a person catches a toad and sees that it does not resemble a fi sh,
he releases it.'

448
 436(2180)Idaabobo lowo iku ojiji IROSUN MEJI, 5
EWE OSUN
EWE OSUNSUN
EWE AREHINKOSUN
OTA NINU IROKO
IYO
A O JO WON PO. A O FI LEBU RE TEFA IROSUN MEJI. A O PE OFO RE. A O PO O PO,
A O FI FO EKO TUTU MU LEHIN ONNJE ALE.
IKU KI I GUN ORI IGI OSUN NIFE
NIJO TI IKU BA GUN ORI IGI OSUN NI IKU SUN LO
OSUNSUN NI OUN YOO FI MAA SUN IBI SIWAJU
AREHINKOSUN KI I RI JA SONPONA
IYO NI OUN YOO FI YO GBOGBO IBI NAA JADE
OTA INU IROKO L'OUN O FI KO GBOGBO IBI KURO.

437(2190)Idaabobo lowo iro pipa momi OGBE OSE, 30

EWE ABIRIKOLO
EWE ALUPAYIDA
EWE OLA TABESE
EWE AKISAN
A O JO WON PO. A O FI TEFA. A O FI OWU DUDU ATI FUNFUN WE E. A O GBA A
L'ONDE. A O MAA SO O MO IDI.

438(2191)Idaabobo lowo isonu OGUNDA OGBE, 137

EWE KOKO
AKARA EGBE
A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O KO AKARA EGBE SINU EWE KOKO, A O DA IYEROSUN SI I.
A O GBE E LO SI IDI ESU, A O DA A SI I.

449
436(2180) Protection from sudden death
Leaf of BAPHIA NITIDA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 144
Leaf of CARPOLOBIA LUTEA, Polygalaceae
Leaf of ScADOXUS CINNABARINUS, Amaryllidaceae
A bullet embedded in a CHLOROPHORA EXCELSA, Moraceae
Salt
Burn everything. Draw the ODU in the black powder. Recite the incantation.
Mix everything and eat with cold indian corn meal after dinner.
'Death never climbs the tree of OSUN at I f a
On the day that death climbs the tree of OSUN, he falls into a deep sleep
OSUNSUN says that he will indeed push evil away
AREHINKOSUN never experiences the wrath of SONPONA
Salt will extract all evil
The bullet in the mahogany tree will collect all evil and send it away.'

437(2190) Protection from false accusations

Leaf of CROTALARIA LACHNOPHORA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae 145
Leaf of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Unidentified leaf
Leaf of TRIANTHEMA PORTULACASTRUM, Aizoaceae
Burn everything. Draw the ODU in the ashes. Wrap in black leather,
tie with black and white threads then tie this around the waist.

438(2191) Protection from the loss of possessions

Leaf of COLOCASIAESCULENTA, Araceae 146
Dry bean cake
Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Place the dry bean cake in the leaf of COLOCASIA
ESCULENTA (coco yam), add the IYEROSUN powder. Carry it to ESU and anoint
him with it.

450
 439(2194)Idaabobo lowo iwo IRETE OWONRIN, 217
EGBO ODAN EKI
ESO WERENJEJE
A O JO O, A O FI LEBU RE TEFA. A O SIN GBERE SI ORIKERIKE ARA OMO NAA A O FI RA A.

440(2195)Idaabobo lowo magun OSA ODI, 155

EWE TABA (TUTU)
IFUN AHUN
IFUN AKUKO
A O GE WON SINU IGO, A O DA ADI SI I. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O PO WON PO.
A O MU SIBI KAN.

441(2196)Idaabobo lowo ogun ODI IROSUN, 65

ISU EMINA
OBI MEJI
IKO-ODE MEJI
A O JA IKO-ODE MEJI, A O KO WON SINU APO FUNFUN KEKERE. A O FI PEPE OPE GE
ISU EMINA SI WEWE, A O KO WON SINU APO. A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN, A O PE OF O RE,
A O FI OBI MEJI PELU OWO RA A.
DEERE L'EMINA-AN SO DEERE.

451
452(2194) Protection against poisoning
Root of FICUS THONNINGII, Moraceae
Fruit of ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Burn everything, draw the ODU in the ash. Make cuts on the joints of the child
and rub the preparation into them.

440(2195) Protection against magun147

Fresh leaf of NICOTIANA TABACUM, Solanaceae
Intestine of a tortoise
Intestine of a cock
Cut the ingredients in pieces and place them in a bottle. Pour palm oil on top.
Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Mix everything and drink one spoonful.

441(2196) Protection against war

DIOSCOREA BULBIFERA, Dioscoreaceae
Two nuts of COLA ACUMINATA, Sterculiaceae
Two red parrot feathers
Pluck two red feathers from a parrot, put them in a small white bag.
Cut DIOSCOREA BULBIFERA in pieces, add the bark from a palm tree branch
and put them in the bag. Draw the ODU in IYEROSUN, recite the incantation.
Rub two COLA ACUMINATA and some money with the preparation.
'EMINA carries its fruit with tranquility.'

452
 377(2038)Adooyo IKA OTURUPON, 177
EWE IMANIJEJE
EWE IRANJE ELUJU
EWE TANIPOPORO
OKO AJA
ERA AAKE ELEYIN
A O GUN WON PO, A O DA A SINU IKOKO. A O FI OKO AJA LERI IYEROSUN A O TEFA,
A O PO WON PO. A O DA OMI INU IBO IGI SI I. A O GBE E PAMO FUN OJO MERIN-
DILOGUN. LEHIN EYI A O FI EWE FO IBO OKO-AJA. A O YO OKO-AJA KURO NINU RE,
A O MU UN WO IMI ILE. A O FI KAN OBINRIN LARA. A O SI DAA PADA SINU IBO RE.

378(2039)Abiluaisan IRU EKUN, 225

EHIN OLOBE
A O GUN UN, A O PE OFO RE, A O SI MAA MU UN PELU EKO GBIGBONA.
EHIN OLOBE LO KII SAN OLUBE BARUBARU.

379(2040)Abiluoogunapako OBARA OYEKU, 108

EWE KOKO
IYO
A O LO SI ETI ODO TI N SAN. A O JA EWE KOKO META. A O KO WON LORI ARA WON.
A O DA EKUNWO IYO LE WON LORI. A O TEFA OBARA OKU (OBARA-OYEKU) LORI IYO.
NI IHOHO A O DOBALE. A O KO ENU SI OGANGAN IBI TI A TEFA SI. A O PA OGUN PO.
A O FI OKUN SO O. LEHIN NAA A O DIDE NILE. A O JU OGUN SI INU ODO TI N SAN.

453
442(2197)Idaabobo lowo ojukokoro Odi meji, 4
Ewe alupayida okanlelogun
Ewe akesinmaso
Eso akesinmaso
Ewe lapalapa
Odidi ataare
Oku omo adiye
Eeru
A O jo gbogbo re po, a o tefa lori lebu re. A O da a mo adi, a o si maa la a
leemeji l'ose.
Eewo orisa adie t'o ku kii duro wo agbado
Eewo orisa ewure ile kii duro wo ewee lapalapa lati je
Ma duro wo yii
Eeru ina kii tun pada di ogunna
Oju kokoro ti n be l'oju lamorin yii
Odi mejeeji wa lo ree di ojuu re
K'ohun olohun o ma wu u mo.

443(2199)Idaabobo lowo ole Esekan ofun, 126

Ewe kooko esule
Ewe oora
Odidi ataare kan
A O jo won. A O fi tefa, a o pe of o re. A O da won sinu ado. A O fi k o enu
ona ile.
Kooko esule ree su ole l'oju
Oora ma j e k i ole gbe n kan mi ra.

454
442(2197) Protection against greed
21 leaves of URARIA PICTA, Leguminosae Papilionoideae
Leaf of BIDENSPILOSA, Compositae
Fruit of BIDENSPILOSA, Compositae
Leaf of JATROPHA CURCAS, Euphorbiaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
A chicken
Grey ash
Burn everything, draw the ODU with the black ash, recite the incantation.
Mix with palm kernel oil. Lick twice a week.
'ORISA forbids, a dead fowl cannot look back on the sweetcorn
ORISA forbids, a tame goat cannot hope to eat LAPALAPA leaves

Do not hope to see this

Grey ash from the fire will not become live coals again

The greediness in this person's eyes

Odi mejeeji will cover his/her eyes

That other people's property be no longer coveted.'

443(2199) Protection against a thief

Leaf of PANICUM SADINII, Gramineae
Leaf of RAUVOLFIA VOMITORIA, Apocynaceae
A whole fruit of AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA, Zingiberaceae
Burn everything. Draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation.
Place in a gourd and hang at the entrance to the house.
'KOOKO ESULE, cover the eyes of the robber
OORA, do not allow the robber to take my things away.'

455
444(2200) Imu ole sile OGUNDA OGBE, 137
EWE LAMULE
EWE ABO
EWE OKUNKUN
A OJO WON, A OFI TEFA, A OPE OF O RE, A ODA WON SINU IGBA, A OSI FI K O ABE
ORULE.
LAMULE BA MI MU OLE SILE K'o MA LE LO
ABO BO OLE MOLE
OKUNKUN M A J E KI OLE ORINA LO.

445(2205) Idaabobo lowo ogbe OGUNDA OSE, 150

EWE LAALI
EWE ANSARE NU EKAN
EWE IYO ESIN
EWE JIWINNI
A OJO WON NINU APE KEKERE, A OF I LEBU RE T E F A , A OPE OF O RE. A OSIN GBERE
MOKAN LELOGUN SI ORI. A OF I OGUN RA A .
ANSARE NU EKAN
KII S'ASAN
ANSARE NU EKAN
KII S'ASAN.

446(2215) Idaabobo lowo ota OSE OTURA, 239

EWE AMOWO AYE KURO
EWE SEWO SESE PEPE
A OLO WON. A OPE OF O RE SI I. A OSIN GBERE MOKANLELOGUN SI ORI, A OSI F I RA A.
AMOWO AYE KURO WA MOWO OTA KURO L'ARA MI
SEWO SESE PEPE BA MI SEGUN OTA MI.

456
444(2200) To arrest a thief
Leaf of CASSIA AREREH, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae
Leaf of ANNONA SENEGALENSIS, Annonaceae"^
Leaf of PALMAE sp., Palmae
Bum everything. Draw the ODU in the ash, recite the incantation.
Place in a small calabash and hang in the house.
'LAMULE, help me restrain the robber so that he cannot escape
ABO, hypnotise the robber so that he cannot move
OKUNKUN, prevent the robber from seeing the way out.'

445(2205) Protection from cuts 1 4 9

Leaf of LAWSONIA INERMIS, Lythraceae
Leaf of IMPERATA CYLINDRICA, Gramineae
Leaf of TRIDAX PROCUMBENS, Compositae
Leaf of ACALYPHA CILIATA, Euphorbiaceae
Burn everything in a small clay pot. Draw the ODU in the black powder,
recite the incantation. Make 21 small incisions into the head and rub
the preparation into them.
'To run into a field full of thatch
There must be a reason

To run into a field full of thatch

There must be a reason.'

446(2215) Protection from an enemy

Leaf of OCIMUMGRATISSIMUM, Labiatae
Leaf of ALCHORNEA LAXIFLORA, Euphorbiaceae
Grind everything, recite the incantation. Make 21 small incisions
into the head and rub the preparation into them.
'AMOWOAYEKURO, come and take my enemy's hands off my body
SEWOSESEPEPE, help me to defeat my enemies.'

457
447(2216) Idaabobo oba lowoiku ODI OYEKU, 63
EWE OLOYERE
EWE IMO
EWE APE
A O LO WON, A O TEFA LORI IYEROSUN. A O SIN GBERE MOKANLELUGBA SI ORI, A O SI
FI RA A.

458
447(2216) To protect the king from death

Unidentified leaf

Unidentified leaf
Leaf of CELTIS INTEGRIFOLIA, Ulmaceae
Grind everything, draw the ODU in IYEROSUN. Make 201 small incisions into

the head and rub the preparation into them.

459
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