Iru (Locust Bean)
fermented
Irú (Yoruba) or Daddawa (Hausa) or Eware (Edo) or Sumbala (Bambara) or Narghi (Fula) or Zwuaii (Tyap) is a type of fermented and processed locust beans or Soybean used as a condiment in cooking. It is similar to ogiri and douchi. It is popular throughout West African cuisine. It is used in cooking traditional soups like egusi soup, okro soup (ila), Ewedu soup, and ogbono soup.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Consume 1–2 tablespoons daily as a condiment or side dish.
- Do not heat — high temperatures destroy live cultures.
Interactions & contraindications
May affect blood pressure
Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure medication.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect blood sugar
Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.