🪘Yoruba & West African Medicine

Physic Nut (Awora)

Jatropha gossypifolia

About Physic Nut (Awora)

Physic Nut (Awora) (Jatropha gossypifolia) is a herb used in the Yoruba & West African Medicine tradition to help with Skin Health, Wound Healing, Fever, and Constipation. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly known as bellyache bush, black physicnut or cotton-leaf physicnut, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The species is native to Mexico, South America, Gujarat State (India) and the Caribbean islands. It is a declared noxious weed in Puerto Rico and is naturalised in northern Australia, including Queensland where it is listed as a Class 2 declared pest plant. It grows to 2.5–4 m (8.2–13.1 ft) high. The three lobed leaves...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Physic Nut (Awora) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Physic Nut (Awora) 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 Physic Nut (Awora) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Physic Nut (Awora) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Physic Nut (Awora).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Physic Nut (Awora) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

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

Pregnancy

Likely Safe

This herb is a high-fiber/mucilage-type remedy, generally among the gentler options in pregnancy. As with any fiber-rich herb, take with plenty of water and space apart from prenatal vitamins or medications, which it may slow the absorption of.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; space apart from other oral medications.

Children

Likely Safe

Fiber/mucilage herbs are generally gentle and food-like; use age-appropriate amounts and ensure adequate fluid intake.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ 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 drug absorption

    Watch for: Any oral medication taken around the same time

    High-fiber or mucilage-rich herbs can slow or reduce how much of another oral drug is absorbed — space doses a couple of hours apart.

    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 Physic Nut (Awora) 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 Physic Nut (Awora), 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.