Names:

  • General: Stinking weed; Wild coffee; Black coffee; Nigerian senna.
  • Hausa: Raidore.
  • Igbo: Nsigbu muo; Okpa muo.
  • Yoruba:  Yawan rai; Rere.

Description:

It is an annual undershrub, subglabrous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae (pea). It is unarmed, slender, upright and short-lived (annual or biennial), growing up to 2.5 m tall depending on location and is distinguished by an unpleasant odour. It has compound leaves which consist of 3-7 pairs of leaflets that are 2-10 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width with pointed tips. There is a conspicuous dark-coloured gland near the base of the stalk of each leaf. The flowers have five yellow petals and are borne in small clusters in the upper leaf forks. It is bisexual, slightly irregular, zygomorphic, pentamerous, hypogynous, thin, ovate- acuminate, and caducous. The fruit is somewhat flattened, straight or slightly sickle-shaped, pod measuring about 7.5-13 cm long and 8-10 mm wide. The seeds are numerous in each pod and make a rattling sound when dry.

Cultivation/Propagation

  • The seeds are dispersed by water or in mud sticking to animals, humans, machinery and vehicles. They may also be spread as a contaminant of agricultural produce.
  • The dried seeds can be scarified (by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds) before sowing to speed germination.

Medicinal Benefits

Medicinal Benefits

  • It is known to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antimutagenic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, laxative, analgesic, chloretic, laxative, blood purifying, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, laxative, antihypertensive, febrifuge, sedative, antifungal, stomachic, tonic and diuretic properties.
  • Used for the treatment of the following:
    • Hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatism, diabetes, whooping cough, convulsions, heart diseases, snakebite, asthma, fever, and flu.
      • Acid reflux, indigestion, parasitic worms in the intestines, stomach cramps and distension.
    • Postpartum haemorrhage, cleaning of the womb/tubes, and menstrual pains
    • Typhoid fever, malaria, coughs and colds, headaches, and thrush. 
    • Skin problems like rashes, bug bites, psoriasis, and eczema.
    • Iron deficiency anaemia, joint discomfort and edema.
    • Renal calculi, kidney problems, liver problems,
    • Gonorrhea and other urinary tract problems.
    • Hypertension, dropsy, biliousness.
    • Ringworm and eczema
    • Snake and dog bites.
    • Prostate disorders. 
    • Anxiety.
  • Used to detoxify the liver, to cure internal bacterial and fungal disorders, to kill parasites and viruses
  • It enhances immunity and promotes perspiration.

Other Benefits:

  • The seeds are dried, roasted then ground into a powder and used as a coffee substitute.
  • Steamed leaves, seeds, and flowers can be consumed like a vegetable.

How it is Used:

  • Hot Infusion of the leaves is taken as tea twice a day for the treatment of the following:
    • Afterbirth problems including (haemorrhage), cleaning womb and tubes.
    • Bilious fever, ordinary fever, stomach-ache, and to ease menstruation.
    • Fevers, coughs and colds, headaches and thrush
    • Gonorrhea and other urinary tract problems.
    • Kidney problems, and intestinal worms.
    • Calming of the nerves
  • The leaves are pounded and mixed with wood ash and applied for the treatment of skin disorders like leishmaniasis and eczema.
  • The dried flowers and roots are brewed into a tea to cure gastrointestinal difficulties, colds, flu, and circulatory disorders.
  • Ointment made from the leaves is used to treat ringworm and other skin conditions.
  • Roasted seed is used for prostate problems, reduce fevers and promote sedation.
  • The plant is boiled and gargled for treating throat troubles.
  • The tincture of the root is rubbed onto rheumatic areas.

Reported Side Effects/Caution:

  • Consumption of C. occidentalis seeds has been shown to be toxic in children.
  • It should be avoided by pregnant women.

References: