Do you know Girdlepod? Girdlepod is a plant originating from West Africa and has long been used for traditional medicine. Girdlepod has branched stems with small green leaves and small white flowers in the middle.

Girdlepod (Mitracarpus scaber) is locally known as Irawo ile (Yoruba), Ogwungwo/Obuobwa (Igbo), and Gudal (Hausa) in Nigeria.

Health benefits of Girdlepod

• Treat skin diseases:

  Girdlepod has antifungal and antibacterial properties that are effective in the treatment of several skin ailments like ringworm, boils, rashes, dermatosis, and scabies.

• Treats Aches and pains:

  Girdlepod is a great pain reliever. It can be used to relieve toothaches, earache, headaches, body aches, and arthritis pains.

• Improves eye health:

  Girdlepod is rich in vitamin A which is great for eyes.

• Improves the Immune System:

  Girdlepod is rich in omega3 fatty acids, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. These minerals help the body boost its immune system and fights infections. Girdlepod also helps the body treat amenorrhea and hepatitis.

• Sore throat:

  In Senegal, girdlepod is used for the treatment of sore throat and leprosy.

How to use girdlepod

For the skin:

• Wash the leaves and flowers.
• Blend, pound or mash with the palm of hands to get the juice.
• Rub the juice on the affected area.
• Or, mix the juice with shea butter and rub on the affected area.
• Use thrice daily

For other uses:

• Wash the leaves and flowers.
• Blend or pound to get the juice.
• Drink the juice.
• Or, boil the plant for 20 minutes, strain and drink.
• Or, boil the plant and use the water for bathing.