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Within Afrikan communities a herbal bath is a very ancient Afrikan tradition and is still being practised throughout the continent. “Ekyogero” is the name and is an example of an ancient Afrikan tradition that is still being practised in many communities in Uganda and even though the use of Ekyogero is widespread in Uganda, it is said by elders to be more common among the tribes from central, western and south western Uganda.
From the communites in Uganda, this ancient spritual herbal protection bath is a must for a newborn baby which is said to cure diseases, clean babies skin and is a form of blessing. The grandmother is said to have the sole responsibilty of gathering particular herbs to bathe the baby and is also instructed to show the girls in the family how to carry out this process. In total 10 different herbs are used which include plants, leaves, roots and tree barks, the herbs used have been used for centuries with negative effects.
Olweza, Ebombo, Omwolola and Omwetongo are a few examples of the different types of herbs that are used. The herbs that are used are then pounded, boiled (some say with warm water) and then used to bathe the baby except the head. Ekyogero is used to cleanse and to give the baby a smooth skin, treat skin rashes (which is locally called Nnoga or Enoga), treat abdominal colic. It is also believed to bring good luck to the baby and to ward off curses whilst making the baby more loveable and to bring the baby peace.
The herbs used which have anti bacterial and anti fungal properties with essential oils is firstly given orally to the baby and that is by giving the baby a few drops in their mouth and this is before they are given the special bath. This is said to protect them against diseases like Malaria or Diarrhoea. This herbal concoction is also to help boost their appetite and to clean their digestive system. They are bathed in the herbs from the first day of birth up to three months and in some communities the mothers also massage the herbs on their skin during this time.
