Measles, known as Ita or Kokoro Igbono in Yoruba herbal medicine, is an endemic disease that has been present for generations, with recurrent outbreaks occurring at irregular intervals. The Yoruba people believe that measles transmission increases after the rainy season, particularly during the dry months of February, March, and April, when many other ailments also tend to emerge.
To fortify children and prevent illnesses during the dry season, elders prepare special herbal remedies, passing down traditional knowledge that has been effective in protecting younger generations from measles and other seasonal diseases.
Symptoms of Measles (Ita/Kokoro Igbono)
Measles usually starts with a fever, followed by the three “C”s:
✅ Cough
✅ Coryza (Runny Nose)
✅ Conjunctivitis (Red, Watery Eyes)
After about 9 to 11 days following infection, a rash or spots appear, signaling the outbreak of the disease.
Yoruba Herbal Remedies for Measles
1️⃣ Neem Leaves & Bitter Leaf Decoction
🔹 Ingredients: Neem leaves (Dongoyaro), Bitter leaves (Ewuro), Ginger, Honey
🔹 Method:
- Boil neem leaves and bitter leaves in water for 20 minutes.
- Add grated ginger and let it steep.
- Strain and mix with honey before drinking twice daily to boost immunity and ease symptoms.
💡 Neem and bitter leaf are known for their antiviral and immune-boosting properties.
2️⃣ Ewe Ipin (Jatropha Leaf) & Efirin (Scent Leaf) Bath
🔹 Ingredients: Jatropha leaves (Ewe Ipin), Scent leaves (Efirin), Warm water
🔹 Method:
- Boil Jatropha and scent leaves in water.
- Allow to cool and use the infusion for bathing to soothe skin irritation and reduce fever.
💡 This herbal bath helps calm the rash and reduce itching.
3️⃣ Agbo Ita (Herbal Concoction for Measles)
🔹 Ingredients:
- Ewe Akoko (Newbouldia Laevis)
- Ewe Efinrin (Scent Leaf)
- Ewe Ebolo (Solanum Nodiflorum)
- Ewe Osan (Orange Leaves)
- Honey
🔹 Method:
- Boil all the leaves together in a large pot of water.
- Allow to cool, strain, and mix with honey.
- Drink one cup daily for general protection and treatment.
💡 This traditional “Agbo” detoxifies the body and boosts resistance to infections.
Preventive Yoruba Herbal Practices for Measles
✔ Shea Butter (Ori) & Camwood (Osun) Application: Applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and protect against rashes.
✔ Palm Kernel Oil (Adi Agbon) & Local Herbs: Used for skin hydration and reducing irritation.
✔ Bitter Kola (Orogbo) Chewing: Believed to help cleanse the body and boost immunity.
✔ Ewe Akoko Infused Water: Given to children as a protective herbal drink before the dry season begins.
Final Thoughts
Traditional Yoruba herbal medicine has been used for centuries to prevent and manage measles through herbal drinks, baths, and topical treatments. While these remedies have stood the test of time, modern medicine also emphasizes vaccination as the most effective prevention.
Combining traditional herbal knowledge with modern healthcare ensures better protection and faster recovery from measles (Ita/Kokoro Igbono).
🔍 Have you or your family used any of these traditional remedies? Share your experiences! 😊🌿
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