Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of isambakhulu through stories, taboos, beliefs and science.
Quick facts about Isambakhulu
Scientific Name
Type and how it looks like
Erect, flowering deciduous woody herb or shrub
Common names:
Often confused with the stinging nettle, or rather in Luhya body of knowledge this plant is taken to be one with the stinging nettle, thus the name isambakhulu which translates to ‘one that burns painfully’.
Other Luhya names for Isambakhulu:
Isambakhalu
Interesting facts and importance of Isambakhulu in Luhya culture
Among the trees and shrubs of Kakamega Forest National Reserve. This plant is taboo plant that women were not allowed to cut or harvest as it was believed that such action would result in pregnancy loss through miscarriage. Further, it is a plant of medicinal value among the Luhya, whose leaves are powdered and taken in hot water orally to treat cancer.
References
- Image [Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
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