Common herbs used by the Bwiti tribe

The Bwiti tribe, indigenous to Gabon and Cameroon, is known for their use of plant-based medicines in their spiritual and healing rituals.

The plant-based medicine they use is known as iboga, which is derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant. However, besides iboga, the Bwiti tribe also uses many other herbs for treating various ailments. Here are some of the common herbs used by the Bwiti tribe for healing:

1. Mbonga: The bark of the mbonga tree is used to make a tea that is believed to have pain-relieving properties and can treat various ailments like fever, cold, and flu.

2. N'gadi: The bark of the n'gadi tree is used as a sedative, and it is believed to alleviate anxiety and induce relaxation.

3. Woumbila: The leaves of the woumbila plant are ingested or applied topically for their healing properties, which is believed to help with pain, inflammation, skin infections, and even fever.

4. Kaya: The Kaya plant is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including chest pains, stomach pains, ulcers, and others. The roots and bark of the Kaya plant are boiled, and the resulting infusion is consumed orally.

5. Eboga: Eboga is a related plant to iboga and is used similarly to iboga to treat ailments such as pain, fever, and general malaise.

6. Onga: The bark of the Onga tree is traditionally used to treat conditions like diarrhea and other digestive problems.

7. Eyenzi: The leaves of the Eyenzi plant are used to make a tea that is believed to help with heart problems, high blood pressure, and flu-like symptoms.

It's worth noting that traditional herbal remedies used by the Bwiti tribe may not have undergone clinical trials to prove their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, there can be risks associated with taking herbal remedies without proper guidance, so it is highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using traditional remedies like the ones used by the Bwiti tribe.