Know the leaves and herbs of Omulu - Obaluaê!

To know the leaves and herbs of Omulu - Obaluaê is to walk the sacred path of healing. Each Orixá has its specific herbs that vibrate in tune with its energy. Thus, they are the most appropriate for use in healing works, obligations, thanksgiving or requests.

To use the herbs correctly, it is important to know a little more about this powerful Orixá of pandemics, healing and death. Also, the classification of leaves and herbs is fundamental to avoid indiscriminate use. So get to know all Omulu's leaves and herbs, their characteristics and respective uses.

Leaves and herbs of the Orixás

Itã (African legend) tells that the leaves and herbs of the Orixás were cultivated and protected by Ossain, who has control of all plants. Xangô, the Orixá of justice, decided that everyone should have access to healing coming from the plants, asking his wife, the astute and warrior Iansã, to solve the problem.

It was then that Iansã, who controls the winds with her eruexim (an instrument made of horsehair, associated with a fan), entered the kingdom of Ossain and spread some herbs for each corresponding Orixá. Therefore, some leaves are specific to some Saints, others are for a group of Orixás and others belong only to Ossain.

For those who don't think that itãs are the best explanations for why each herb belongs to each Orixá, you can also observe the energetic correlation between them. For example, Obaluaê herbs have a lot of relation with healing, cleansing and protection, among other characteristics attributed to the Orixá.

Who is Omulu?

Known as the Physician of the poor, Obaluaê is also called Omulu or Xapanã, the latter name not being pronounced, at the risk of attracting diseases, according to the creed. Each name is related to a phase of life or vibration of the Orixá, explaining its various roles within the African pantheon.

He is the most feared in the Afro cults because of several itãs that relate him to the plague, pandemics and a fury without equal. On the other hand, he is also the respected and beloved doctor who heals the wounds of the body, mind and soul with his simplicity and strength.

Son of the wise Nanã, who provided the clay for creation, and Oxalá, who gave life to human beings, Obaluaê is merciful like his father and strict like his mother. Bound to the earth, he controls the eguns (lost spirits) and does not forgive those who act in bad ways. He knows the secrets of death, cleaning the body at the time of disembodiment.

He is represented having his body covered with a straw vestment, which covers him from head to toe, because no mortal can look directly at his golden light, of an unmatched beauty. He carries with him his xaxará, made of palm leaf, conch and beads, which he uses to sweep away diseases, spells and any kind of evil that afflicts his children.

What is the importance of leaves and herbs for the Orixás?

Omulu's - or any other Orixá's - leaves and herbs are fundamental to establish the link with the Saint, after all, they have a similar energetic field, thus facilitating the process. So much so, that when someone is going to initiate himself, he uses the herbs of his corresponding Orixá in the process.

In addition, they are also used for specific purposes such as:

- Smoking: many herbs are perfect for smoking, either in their fresh or dehydrated version. They can have several purposes, depending on each energy field reached. In other words, there are specific herbs for cleansing or disobsession, others for prosperity, calming and the like;

- Baths: baths are powerful and should always be done under supervision, especially if using hot herbs. In this case, the herbs and leaves are fundamental for the bath to work properly, and other ingredients can be added, such as stones, food, perfumes and others;

- Remedies: it is not news to anyone that herbs are recognized for their medicinal properties, whether for making syrups, teas or poultices. It is essential to understand what each herb is for, and if it is related to the right Orixà, it may even have better healing results;

- Works: very common in Umbanda, Candomblé and other non-Christian religious lines, the works are a useful and delicate tool to achieve specific goals. There are also the ebós, which are works with the goal of cleansing and rebalancing, all using herbs and leaves of the specific Orixás;

- Amaci: this is a process in which knowing the herb of each Orixá is fundamental, as it is an initiation ritual done with mediums, to increase the energetic connection between their guides and them, in order to initiate incorporation. For it to happen, specific herbs are used at the initiation and in its preparation, days before, for cleansing and opening.

- Offerings: another use of the herbs of Omulu and other Orixás is the preparation of offerings. For it to make sense and not displease the Saint, it is fundamental to choose the correct leaves and herbs, avoiding quizilas (things that displease the Orixá), thus making the right choices for each one.

What are the most used herbs in Umbanda?

Certainly, guinea is one of the most used leaves in Umbanda, mainly because of its cleansing potential, but there are several other herbs and Orixà leaves that are used in the most diverse ways, either in traditional uses or even decoration.

A good example of the use of Orixá leaves for decoration is the number of people who use the swords of Ogum / St. George at the entrance of the house for protection. One can also cite the swords of Iansã for prosperity, arruda for protection, with me-nuém-pode for evil eye or even pepper plants inside the house.

Although many herbs are constantly used in Umbanda, such as lavender, sage, babosa, aroeira and others, there is a special group affectionately called the 7 herbs. They are the combo that should be in every house for various uses, being composed of arruda, guiné, rosemary, comigo-ninguém-pode, espada de São Jorge, manjericão and pimenteira.

How are herbs classified?

The classification of herbs is simple, helping in their handling and careful use. This is because it is divided into three main groups: hot, warm and cold herbs. They are related to the field of action and potency of each plant, as well as the main point of action.

The warm herbs are very aggressive and must be used with caution and guidance. The warm herbs have a role of balance, balancing the forces of other plants used and acting in a strong way, but not so intense. The cold herbs are used for specific purposes, being more delicate in the treatment, but powerful in intention.

The main utility of hot herbs is the removal of astral larvae, miasmas and any other type of denser energy that is impregnated in the astral field or environment. Just as they can cleanse even the heaviest energies, can also cause flaws in the magnetic field, so it is essential to use carefully.

The warm herbs also have this cleansing capacity, being, however, more delicate in dealing with their energy. Thus, they are used together with the warm herbs and end up helping to balance their action, reconstituting the aura, if necessary. They also help to maintain the fluidity of energy during baths and smokings and even after them.

Cold herbs are delicate in dealing with your energy field, but powerful for specific purposes. This is because they act in unique vibratory patterns, being perfect for performing spells and requests. Usually, they are classified as attractants - which help attract something specific, like luck, for example; energizers, with the goal of energizing; and calming, which help bring calm andtranquility for the body, mind and place used.

Omulu leaves and herbs

According to Jêje-Nagô traditions, herbs are classified based on certain attributes to decide which orixá they belong to. These include color, appearance, where they are most easily seen, texture of their foliage and flowers, smell, size and several other attributes.

Another detail used in the classification of herbs is their relationship with the four elements, earth, fire, water and air, associating them to the equivalent Orixà. In the case of Omulu's leaves and herbs, they are usually more rustic, resistant and generally linked to healing and protection. See which are the main ones and their uses.

Agapanthus

Also known as African lily or Nile flower, the Agapanthus is a beautiful and resistant plant, with purple and white flowers, thus being associated with Omulu and his parents, Nanã and Oxalá.

It is used to decorate pejis (Orixá's house or saint's room, where the altar or conga is located). In addition, it is also commonly used to perform baths for Omulu, without having its use recognized in medicine.

Agoniada

Agoniada is a medicinal herb, also called agonia, arapuê or jasmim-manga. It is perfect for purifying the children of Santo, as well as helping to prepare the beads by washing for the process of initiation of the children of Omulu/Obaluaê.

All the obligations of this Orixá count with the presence of the agoniada plant, being used also as a remedy against colic, improve the menstrual flow and also treat problems of the respiratory tract, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Alamanda

Also with hardy foliage and more rustic flowers, Alamanda is a decorative plant, but is commonly used in natural medicine to treat skin ailments by applying the tea to the affected site.

As Omulu's herb, it is mainly used in unburdening baths to ward off bad energies, doing the job more gently than some hot herbs.

Lavender

Far beyond a spice, purple alfavaca is an Omulu herb and is easy to grow, though not as common. In natural medicine, it is used primarily as a support for healthy weight loss.

Besides, the purple alfavaca is used in Omulu's obligations, being also indicated for cleansing baths and for unloading works, helping to balance the energy.

Lavender

A favorite of Umbanda and Candomblé for cleaning in general, lavender is an easy plant to grow, forming a bush that can reach up to 1 meter.

It is also used in all head obligations of the children of Obaluaê/Omulu, as well as in defumations that focus on the removal of negative energies and harmonization of energy, giving more spirit and tranquility.

Araticum-de-areia

The araticum of sand or malolô is a small tree that originated in Africa, with small edible and very aromatic fruits. Its use in folk medicine is directed to combat intestinal problems and rheumatism.

As one of Omulu's herbs, it is mainly used in decargo, reserving the use of the leaves for this, however, care should be taken in its handling, as it is a strong herb.

Assa-fish

Easily confused with weed because it is found on sidewalks and growing among other plants, the assa-peixe is rich in nutrients and has great anti-inflammatory and expectorant action.

In Umbanda and Candomblé, it is used in eboris (offerings to the head Orixá), as well as in cleaning the environment or auric field, either through defuming or baths.

Babosa

Aloe vera is one of the best medicinal plants, being useful in many situations. It is also used to nourish, give strength to hair and treat skin problems, even improving acneic skin.

As an Omulu leaf, it is usually used dry, without the gel, to do smokings in the environment or on the person who is in need of the heaviest cleansing and even healing.

Purslane

Although it may seem only decorative, the bellflower is also an excellent food, rich in nutrients, as well as helping to treat burns and accelerate skin healing.

Beldroega is one of Omulu's herbs, and is used more in smokings than baths, for cleansing purposes. It is also used in the purification of Orixá stones.

Carobinha do Campo

The carobinha do campo or jacaranda is a large tree, whose stem bark is very thin and grayish, having several uses in medicine, as well as its leaves. It treats mainly skin and intestinal disorders.

This Omulu herb is one of the 21 herbs used in Candomblé's Ariaxé or Umbanda's Amaci. This rite is performed during the medium's initiation into Umbanda or the making of the yáô in Candomblé, being important milestones in these religions.

Canena Coirana

Canena coirana is a lesser known plant, but is a great aid for liver problems, if used with caution and the guidance of someone with herbal experience.

This is another of Omulu's herbs and has great application in various liturgies of the African matrix religions. This is because, given its versatility, it can enter into all obligations.

Capixingui

The capixingui, also called lixeira because of the roughness of its leaves, is a tree that reaches 10 meters, with simple and very resistant leaves. Its survival in bad conditions is so great that it is used to reforest degraded areas.

Its versatility is also found in terreiros, as it can be used in all head obligations. In addition, it is also great for stronger baths, focused on eliminating heavy load, as well as shaking.

Cassia

Cassia, Golden rain or Acacia is a small tree, widely used for its decorative effect and mainly for its resistance. With its flowering in bunches, it is not only ornamental, but also widely used in natural medicine to treat skin ailments.

In Umbanda, it is also used in amacis, various types of baths and especially in abôs, which are stronger unloading, cleansing and purification baths.

Onion of the bush

The wild onion is a well-known natural remedy and, despite its name, it is edible. Besides being beautiful, it is used to treat bacterial infections and respiratory tract problems.

Although it is one of Omulu's herbs, onion do mato has no ritualistic use, being consumed only as medicine. Thus, no rites or other uses for this plant are described.

Greater celidonia

Also known as wart grass, chelidonia or swallow grass, the greater celidonia is native to North Africa and usually grows among rubble, walls and places considered inhospitable.

One of Omulu's powerful medicinal herbs, it treats skin, gallbladder and liver problems. It produces a milky yellow sap that is toxic if ingested or in contact with the eye or mucous membranes.

Lead liana

A parasitic plant that sucks the sap from the host plant until it dies, the lead vine is also called fios de ovos, cipó dourado and xirimbeira. It has balsamic, healing, emollient and expectorant action, and can also be used for skin problems.

The lead vine is one of the herbs of Omulu used in amacis, baths, abós and washing of beads of the children of Santo. It is also commonly used in head obligations to this Orixá.

Friar's rope

Native to Africa, the cordon de frade is also known as cordon de Saint Francis, nerve mending, corindiba and pau de praga. It is used in natural medicine to cure respiratory infections, urinary inflammation and as an anti-hemorrhagic.

The friar's cord is used in cleansing baths, since it is one of Omulu's herbs. In addition, it acts very well in processes of unloading done on the children of this Orixá.

Coriander

Usually used as a seasoning in daily Brazilian cuisine, especially in the Northeast region, cilantro is also widely used in natural medicine as a way to combat gas and regulate gastrointestinal functions.

Although it is used in the foods of Obaluaê/Omulu, cilantro is also widely used in the preparation of the celebrations called caruru, in which a banquet of northeastern foods is prepared and offered to the Orixás.

Cotieira

Belonging to the Atlantic Forest biome, the cotieira is a tree that reaches 20 meters in height. Also called boleira, andá assu, cotia fruit or purga do gentio, the cotieira has long been used as a purgative.

Although this Omulu herb has no ritualistic use within Umbanda or Candomblé, it is widely used as a wound cleanser for large animals, with strictly veterinary use.

Erva-Moura

The erva moura, also known as black mary or maria pretinha, grows in the midst of rubble and landfills, presenting black fruits that, although edible, are very similar to the belladonna, highly toxic.

In Umbanda and Candomblé, it is used to make cleansing baths for the children of Omulu, and is useful in natural medicine to help treat wounds and ulcers that are difficult to heal.

Brazilian Estoraque

The storax is a resistant plant and very aromatic, being used to make incense and hygiene and beauty products. In addition, its medicinal use is recognized, with strong action in combating the most diverse types of infections.

Because it is one of Omulu's herbs, the estoraque is used in smokings and baths for the children of this Orixá. For this, the powder of the resin extracted from its stem is used, dehydrated and ground.

Fig Benjamin

The Fig tree is quite common in landscaping, due to its rustic beauty and resistance, without needing much care to develop.

In medicine, it is used as a bath against rheumatism and wounds, however, in African traditions, it is one of Omulu's herbs, being used to clean stones and tools. It is also strongly indicated to treat people who are suffering with some kind of obsession.

Gervão

Studied by Fiocruz as one of the natural sources for the cure of leishmaniasis, the gervão, or verbena, is an aromatic plant that originates a purifying incense used in several religions.

Easy to find all over the country, gervão grows on the sidewalks and is easily cultivated. In Umbanda, it is used in amacis, baths, preparation of guides for Omulu and also firmness.

Guararema

The guararema is a large tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It is also called ibirarema, pau de mau cheiro, garlic tree and ubaeté.

Because it is a very strong plant, it is one of Omulu's most used herbs for cleansing very dense energies and even discharging and shaking. Baths performed at crossroads such as those of mi ami ami and arria-se are also done with this plant.

Wild mint

Easily found on any vacant lot and mistaken for a weed, wild mint is hardy and very aromatic. Used to produce essential oil, it can also be used as a natural remedy for skin and respiratory problems and of course, spice, despite its name.

In Umbanda, it is used as one of the herbs of Omulu in Ori obligations, abôs and cleansing and purification baths, for those who are children of this Orixá. It can also be used as an ingredient in Santo's cooking.

Jenipapo

Widely used to treat anemia and constipation, the jenipap is a very common plant in the Northeast of the country. Despite its striking flavor, the fruit is widely used, but the power is concentrated on its leaves.

Among Omulu's leaves and herbs, the jenipap foliage is widely used, mainly because of its ease of access. Usually, jenipap is one of the components of the heavier or cleansing baths of unloading.

Jurubeba

A hardy and resistant plant, Jurubeba is bitter, but excellent for health, being much appreciated in cooking in various compositions. It acts mainly in problems involving the liver and spleen.

Like other Omulu herbs such as the jenipap leaves, Jurubeba is mainly used for heavy cleansing or cleansing baths. It can also be used for various obligations.

White castor bean

The white castor bean should not be ingested, but it is used in different ways in natural medicine. This is because, despite being a resistant and hardy plant, it contains a certain degree of toxicity. In external use, it is appropriate to act as an emollient, cicatrizant and analgesic.

Given its energetic cleansing potential, white castor oil plant is one of Omulu's main herbs for performing shaking in order to eliminate denser energies in the magnetic field.

Onion Mangrove

Very common in flooded areas, mangroves and even near sea water, the mangrove onion is a resistant plant and usually creates a large root system to survive. Its bitter taste does not limit the consumption of the pods and reeds.

Its ritualistic use is mainly related to shaking, and can be performed even at home, always with the proper guidance of someone who dominates the use of Omulu's herbs.

Red mangrove

A landmark in many mangroves, its overhanging roots are a sight to behold, making the red mangrove - also known as cobbler - one of the most admired herbaceous specimens in this biome.

Only the flowers and leaves of the mango tree are used for ritualistic purposes. Normally this is one of Omulu's herbs used for cleansing and cleansing baths.

Purple basil

Perfect for use as a seasoning or even a decorative element in cooking, purple basil is an excellent natural remedy against menstrual cramps and strengthen the respiratory and immune systems.

This Omulu herb is perfect to be used in cleansing smokings, either of the house or of the person. Also, it is used in Ori obligations of Obaluaê/Omulu.

Moss

Moss usually grows in places where other plants would not survive, needing only a little moisture, shade and organic material. In natural medicine, it is commonly used to treat hemorrhoids, through topical use.

When it comes to ritualistic application, this Omulu herb is extremely broad and can be inserted in the head obligation of any Orixà, given its power of adaptation and strength of growth.

Panacea

Panacea, also called lazy arm, is more common in the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast regions, needing little to live, but can not withstand intense cold. It is usually used to treat skin problems, rheumatism, liver and spleen, and is also a great cicatrizant.

Panacea is one of Omulu's herbs and can also be used for ritualistic purposes. It is usually used for Omulu's obligations as well as for cleansing and cleansing baths.

Beach sting

Ornamental plant extremely adapted to sandy soils and poor survival conditions, the beach prickly pear is also used to prepare remedies for the urinary tract, working as a great diuretic.

It is only in Bahia that the beach prickly pear is associated with Omulu's herbs, without having a ritualistic use assigned to it. In this way, it is much more representative than sacred.

Imperial piteira

From the agave family, the imperial piteira can also be called furcreia, piteira, uroatá-açú, gravatá-açú, pita and piteira-estriada. It is a very decorative shrub, thorny and extremely resistant. Its fibers were used by the natives to make bows and to heal wounds.

Rustic and beautiful, imperial piteira is one of Omulu's herbs that can be used in the home.

Quitoco

Chitoco is also known as madre cravo or lucera, and its use is recommended for the treatment of problems afflicting the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be applied to abscesses for their reduction.

In Umbanda it is normally used to compose herbal baths aimed at the heaviest discharge, always with guidance or even cleaning of the energy field.

Elderberry

Elderberry is a well-known medicinal plant, being a shrub that gives delicate white flowers and clusters of black berries, which should not be eaten. Its flowers are used to treat colds, inflammations and viral infections.

Associated with the Omulu group of herbs, elderberry is also known to treat skin conditions such as measles, chickenpox and scarlet fever. It has no ritualistic use in Umbanda or Candomblé.

Sumaré

Sumaré is a more resistant type of orchid, found naturally intertwined in tree branches and palm trunks. In popular medicine, it is used to treat skin inflammations, relieving boils, panarices and erysipelas. It has no ritualistic use.

White trumpet

The white trumpet is also known as trombeta or white skirt, being indicated in natural medicine for affections of the cardiovascular tract. Consumed in the form of tea, it can have a hallucinogenic effect and in excess can even cause death. It can be used in cleansing baths as an Omulu herb.

Stinging nettle

The papaya nettle is a type of cansanção, also called arre devil, causing a burning sensation if it comes into contact with the skin. It grows easily in any type of soil, but its handling is dangerous because it can cause blisters on the skin. It is said that at harvest time, the person has to remain silent and so nothing bad will happen.

As one of the strongest Omulu herbs, nettle is used in baths to eliminate egos and astral larvae, and can only be used from the neck down to avoid damaging the energy field of the crown.

Field Velamen

Velame do campo is a very well known plant, both for its application in natural medicine and for Umbanda and Candomblé. One of the best known herbs of Omulu or Obaluaê, it is depurative and diuretic, being widely used for skin problems.

Used in all the most important obligations, such as ebori, the velame do campo has to be present in the feituras de Santo and ebôs of Omulu's children.

Real Velam

Known more commonly as true velam or bush velam, it is widely used in natural medicine for the treatment of skin ailments and rheumatism. It is a small tree with leaves covered in an easily recognizable white down.

Because it is also one of the main herbs of Omulu, it is used in abôs and head obligations of this Orixá. It is also a powerful herb for heavier shaking and is directly associated with the image of Omulu.

How can Omulu's leaves and herbs assist in your life?

The leaves and herbs of Omulu, the doctor of the poor, are associated with the healing of various diseases, especially those affecting the skin, just like the Orixá, who was born covered with sores.

However, its use goes much further, helping to cleanse the aura and drive away evil spirits, always with the help of father Omulu. Atotô Obaluwàiyé Akosì-Sapakta Toto run Jagun! Atotô! A jìí bèrú! (Let us be silent in respect to Obaluayê! Silence! We wake up in fear!).