Health Living:Medicinal and Culinary Use of Spices-Grains of Selim (Eru/Uda)

Grains of Selim are the seeds of an evergreen aromatic tree called Xylopia aethiopica, which can grow up to 20 metres high and is commonly found in the savanna regions of West Africa. The dried fruits have both medicinal and culinary uses.

Grain of Selim is widely used in traditional medicine in West Africa for its therapeutic properties. The dried fruits are used to treat respiratory conditions such as cough, bronchitis, and chest congestion. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it useful in the management of body pains,rheumatism, and arthritis. In addition,

Grain of selim is commonly used in post-partum care to aid uterine contraction, improve blood circulation, and promote recovery after childbirth, and it is believed to possess antimicrobial properties that help in treating infections and digestive disorders.

The grain of selim also called uda by the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria and Eeru by the Yoruba people has culinary use commonly used as a spice in making pepper soup.