🪘Yoruba & West African Medicine

Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark)

Milicia excelsa

About Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark)

Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) (Milicia excelsa) is a herb used in the Yoruba & West African Medicine tradition to help with Fever, Malaria, Diabetes, and Liver Support. The bark is the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Milicia excelsa (commonly known as African teak, mvule or iroko) is a tree species from tropical Africa. It is one of two tree species yielding timber known as iroko, the other being Milicia regia. It is threatened by habitat loss. The seed is mainly dispersed by bats.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Bark · internal
🫖

Decoction

1–2 cups daily
  • Add 1–2 tsp of dried Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) to 2 cups of cold water.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  • Strain and drink warm.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb is processed through the liver, which is already working harder during pregnancy — generally used cautiously and not at high/concentrated doses without guidance. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Liver-processed compounds can appear in breast milk — generally used cautiously and in moderation.

Children

Use Caution

A child's liver is still developing its full drug/herb-processing capacity — these herbs are generally used cautiously and at reduced, age-appropriate doses.

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
  • Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely

Warnings

⛔ Diabetes Medications

May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect blood sugar

Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)

Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.

Processed by the liver

Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)

Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Nigeria, Benin, West Africa

Climate

Tropical savannah

Habitat

West African tropical forests, savannahs, and traditional Yoruba healing gardens

🌿 To see Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • West African herbal shops and markets
  • African grocery stores in major cities
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Igi Nla (Iroko Tree Bark), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.