There are certain things a woman should never joke with – her health, her hormones, and her heritage. Ewedu sits right at the centre of all three. This humble green leaf, often overlooked and reserved for amala and gbegiri affairs, holds a powerful secret, one that every woman, regardless of age or status, deserves to know.
In a world where wellness trends are imported, expensive, and sometimes ineffective, ewedu offers a local solution with global impact. Also known as jute leaf or Corchorus olitorius, ewedu is more than just soup; it’s food, medicine, beauty treatment, and a silent healer that has served African women for generations. But only a few understand its full potentials. So, the question is no longer “do you eat ewedu?”, but rather “Do you know what it’s doing for you?”
Why every woman needs ewedu
Ewedu is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K; these are nutrients that play a critical role in female wellness. These vitamins help improve skin glow, hormonal balance, menstrual regulation, fertility and immune defence. The presence of fibre and antioxidants makes it a detoxifier, flushing out harmful toxins from the body, naturally. In the traditional Yoruba medicine, women who had just given birth were given ewedu, daily.
It wasn’t just culture, it was science backed by practice. Its anti-inflammatory properties helped heal the womb, its iron content prevented anaemia, and its smooth consistency eased digestion. A 2021 study published in the African Journal of Food Science, confirmed that ewedu contains beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and over six immune-supporting compounds. These nutrients are essential for women at different life stages; from puberty to pregnancy to menopause.
Fertility, periods and hormonal harmony
For women battling irregular periods, or fertility challenges, ewedu is a gentle ally. Its natural compounds help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress, a known hormone disruptor. The presence of phytosterols helps regulate oestrogen levels, which influences everything from menstrual flow to mood swings.
Many local midwives recommend ewedu with bitter leaf and ugwu in preconception diets to boost ovulation and strengthen the uterus. And while that may sound like folklore, women across Nigeria are now rediscovering this green magic.
The skin, hair and anti-ageing miracle
Beyond the belly, ewedu works wonders on the skin. Its vitamin E and Omega-3 content reduces inflammation, acne, and signs of ageing. Women, who drink ewedu or use it as a face mask report smoother skin and reduced breakouts. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was believed to bathe in jute leaf-infused water for her legendary glow.
Today, Nigerian women are starting to use ewedu not just in soups, but in smoothies, teas and DIY (Do-it-yourslf) skin masks. As a hair treatment, ewedu nourishes the scalp, boosts blood circulation, and helps reduce dandruff. Mixed with aloe vera or coconut oil, it becomes a natural conditioner packed with nutrients for length retention.
Mental health and mood booster
Women are more likely to deal with anxiety and hormonal depression. Ewedu, surprisingly, helps. The magnesium in it is known as nature’s chill pill. It calms the nerves, improves sleep, and helps with brain clarity. Combine that with vitamin B6 and you have a leafy antidepressant, no side effects, no prescription, just local goodness.
Why this matters now, especially in Nigeria
With rising food prices, unstable medical systems, and increasing health risks, Nigerian women need local solutions. Ewedu is cheap, accessible and packed with more benefits than most imported “superfoods”. Sadly, many are abandoning it for foreign options. The truth is that ewedu is a wellness revolution hiding in plain sight.
How to use ewedu for maximum benefit
Ewedu can be used for optimal purposes, as follows:
1. Blended drink: Boil and blend ewedu with ginger, lime and a pinch of turmeric. Take on an empty stomach.
2. Soup form: Cook with little salt, add locust bean (iru) and enjoy with amala or brown rice.
3. Face mask: Blend raw ewedu, add honey and apply to the face for 15 minutes.
4. Hair rinse: Mix boiled ewedu water with coconut oil and massage into scalp.
Conclusion
Ewedu is more than soup. It is science, strength and a symbol of African womanhood. Every woman deserves to feel balanced, beautiful, bold and sometimes, that journey starts with a leaf we’ve taken for granted. So, the next time you pass by the ewedu seller, don’t walk past. Walk into wellness, because every woman needs ewedu, not just for her plate, but for her power. That’s ewedu for you!
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