Discover the 10 most commonly used herbs in Cuban Santería

"It is heard the sound of a crier/ Who says this……"

Which Cuban doesn't remember the tune of "Yerberito Moderno," that popular song sung by the queen of salsa, Celia Cruz, which illustrated the unimaginable qualities of each herb for countless purposes, both medicinal and spiritual?

As part of the deep-rooted and rich Afro-Cuban tradition, which plays a prominent role in the wide array of cultural and religious expressions on the island, many people here resort to countless rituals or remedies that it offers to resolve emotional conflicts, rid themselves of negative energies, travel abroad, or attain eternal happiness.

The role of nature, particularly that of plants, is significantly prominent in this context, with their variety being as extensive as the benefits attributed to each one.

In this regard, we have taken the time to compile for our readers the ten most commonly used herbs in Cuban santería, supported by primary research that encompassed various sales spots and herb vendors in Havana.

Similarly, we address the documented works of Cuban historians and anthropologists Lydia Cabrera and Natalia Bolívar, as well as the notes from the botanical dictionary of Juan Tomás Roig.

1. Rompezaragüey:

"Kátta kátta! Rompezaragüey breaks the bad luck." This is one of the most popular sayings associated with the Yoruba deity Changó. It is used for cleansing rituals and home purification, and it removes "salación" and witchcraft. A cross made from this plant is placed behind the door, and another is drawn lower down with cocoa butter.

Also known as "Quita-Maldición," it grows in the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Florida, and tropical America, along riverbanks, hills, and brush. "With just one bath of zaragüey, rue, parsley, apasote, piñón, paradise tree, and alacrancillo – all boiled – the body is freed from a mañúnga," quotes Lydia Cabrera in her book El Monte.

2. Trailblazers:

It is the name assigned by the herbalists of Havana to Eupatorium villosum SW., a small wild shrub with aromatic leaves, used in purifying baths and also for brewing to treat colds. It is associated with the deities Asowano and Oshún.

3. Salvadera:

According to Cabrera, when a corpse leaves the house or when family and friends return from the burial, they are "cleansed" with branches of this plant along with a bitter broom. It produces a fruit similar to a small almond, and when mixed with almond oil, it acts as a very strong purgative. Additionally, the boiled leaves are used as an emetic.

4. Scare the Dead:

It is used in baths against Ikú (death) and is utilized for baths and protections behind the door. According to Natalia Bolívar, this plant breaks bad luck, and when combined with Quitamaldición, Rompezaragüey, and a tablespoon of rice, it is boiled for use in three baths. Afterwards, the herbs are removed and left beside a palm tree.

5. Álamo:

It also belongs to Changó as one of the main trees dedicated to this orisha, used in the omiero for the throne and the omiero for consecrating and cleansing his attributes. It is said that when Changó is angry, he is calmed with the leaves of the poplar, adding rompezaragüey and culantrillo, as the first time the drums were played for this saint was precisely in the shade of the poplar tree.

The lustrations with the sap of the poplar eliminate all negative influences from the body. "The poplar absorbs all the bad and takes it away," says Lydia, which is why it is used in cleansing rituals to dispel the worst sorcery and drive away evil spirits from the home.

In medicinal uses, the Poplar is utilized in strengthening medicinal baths to reduce leg inflammations and to heal rashes. It can also be prepared as a decoction to strengthen the nerves, and with the seeds, a liquid preparation is made that promotes hair growth and darkens it.

6. Verbena:

It belongs to Yemayá and, as Cabrera states, the one collected on June 24th, in the early morning, is left to dry, combined with the heart of a swallow, and crafted into a talisman that serves for anything one desires.

For medicinal use, the infusion of Verbena acts as an emetic, and its sap, mixed with olive oil, is used for hair care.

7. Siguaraya: Its owners are Changó and Elegguá. It eliminates negativity and witchcraft when used in baths and home cleaning. The complete ritual is performed with Florida water by Murray, a real of aguardiente, ponasí leaves, and an egg white. All these ingredients are mixed together and sprinkled on the walls and floor of the house. Afterwards, it should be swept outwards while chanting repeatedly: “Siguaraya bota pa’ fuera.”

8. Artemisa: From Osain del Monte, Obbatalá, and Babalú Ayé, this plant is found in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles, Mexico, and South America. It is very effective in purifications and baths, and is often used to treat fever through friction, after having the root and branches steeped in alcohol for several days.

With camphor, alcohol, and incense from the plant, or with rosemary, coastal cinnamon, carquesa, sea sage, and incense, it is used to combat rheumatism, and the decoction, consumed like common water, reduces inflammation of the appendix. It is fragrant, bitter, and excellent for poultices; it is also said to be used to induce abortion.

9. Marjoram:

As Cabrera states, when marjoram grows abundantly, it is a sign of prosperity; if it wilts or fails to thrive, it signals ruin. A small sprig, by itself, possesses the power of an amulet (iggidé) and should always be carried in the pocket.

"Marjoram is very particular, and no other plant's leaves should be added to its infusions," advises Lydia. The infusion of this aromatic plant, native to Europe, is used as an antispasmodic and is given to women in labor.

10. Rue:

Changó is also known for being the "witches' plant"; in the house where this plant grows, ndoki (dark spirits) cannot enter. "Having a ruda plant in the yard is a precaution. You never know who lives next door," says Cabrera.

Rue is an aromatic and medicinal herb cultivated in gardens. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and has a very strong scent, but it is highly valued as a home remedy for rubs and baths. According to Gómez de la Maza, it is "stimulant, nerve-soothing, and a powerful emmenagogue (menstrual). It is primarily used as an emmenagogue, often combined with juniper, saffron, and wormwood."

If you enjoyed our compilation or know of other plants that are equally important for the practice of Santería in Cuba, feel free to leave your comments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herbs in Cuban Santería