What is the spiritual meaning of Nzu?
Nzu is a very important symbol in Igbo culture because it signifies some of the most important and spiritual attributes of Igbo world-view such as purity, clean heart, justice, sincerity, truth and faithfulness. These attributes build and strengthen communal living and peaceful co-existence.
What is the side effect of Nzu?
It contains excess lead that causes low potassium and iron, muscle weakness, nerve damage, inflamed stomach, poisoning and low blood level,” the physician stated.
What is the function of Nzu in the body?
It detoxifies the body. Studies may suggest that Nzu may help in detoxifying the body of harmful toxins. It is claimed that they prevent toxins from being absorbed by the body.
What does Nzu mean in Igbo?
chalk
In Igbo it is nzu, in Edo orhue. As Thomas documented, this chalk is used in multiple ways – as an offering to the deities and ancestors, as a medicine, as a symbol of purity, of good fortune and hospitality. It is a sacred substance.
What is the English name for Nzu?
In different countries, calabash chalk is known by different names such as Calabar stone (English), la craie or argile (French), nzu or ulo (Igbo in Nigeria), mabele (Lingala in Congo), ndom (Efik/Ibibio in Nigeria), poto, shilè (Ghana) and umcako (Zulu in South Africa).
Does Nzu cause ulcer?
“I have seen many people being treated for lead toxicity, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), very low red blood cells (severe anaemia), ulcers and nerve damage due to chronic consumption of nzu.” “This is to bring to your notice that calabash clay is unhealthy and dangerous,” he concluded.
Can Nzu prevent pregnancy?
The results demonstrate that maternal exposure to Nzu dose-dependently affects pregnancy outcome by potentially inhibiting maternal weight gain, fetal growth, and causing resorption or loss of pregnancy. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001, compared to control.
What is the benefit of licking Nzu?
Nzu/ulo also known as Calabash white chalk is a clay (earth product) many Africans have been using to treat morning sickness, vomiting and cravings in pregnant women for time immemorial. They believe it works for them and it also make the baby grow strong bones.
Does Nzu prevent pregnancy?
What happens to your body when you eat clay?
Clay is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth for a long period of time. Eating clay long-term can cause low levels of potassium and iron. It might also cause lead poisoning, muscle weakness, intestinal blockage, skin sores, or breathing problems.
Where is Nzu gotten from?
The chalk is available in powder or molded spheres and is made from mining pits, anthills, or by mixing clay, wood ash, salt, and sand. Majorly, it is composed of kaolin but also contains lead, arsenic, and chromium.
What are the health benefits of eating Nzu?
It is used as antacid, antidiarrheal,[6] contraceptive,[7] nutritional supplement,[8] wound healing, and skin beautification agent. [2] It is also used for the treatment of skin diseases,[9] fetal growth and wellbeing during pregnancy,[2] and sociocultural activities.
What is the benefit of eating clay?
Clay can help absorb toxins, so many support earth eating as a way of relieving stomach issues, such as food poisoning. Although geophagia may not begin as a mental health concern, over time, eating dirt could come to resemble an addiction.
What are the disadvantages of licking Nzu?
The toxic elements found in nzu can cause gastrointestinal disorders including nausea and gastritis or gastric ulcer. Even in low amounts it can affect the child behavior and ability to learn. The toxic elements found in nzu can cause gastrointestinal disorders including nausea and gastritis.
Does Nzu cause anemia?
What does eating soil do to your womb?
Some of the side effects of eating soil include constipation and faecal impaction. Soil may also interfere with the absorption of nutrients, and can also suppress appetite which may cause the foetus to receive insufficient nutrients for developing well in utero.
What causes a woman to eat soil?
Many pregnant women crave dirt or clay. Experts haven’t yet discovered a clear reason why this happens. One theory links pica cravings to iron deficiencies. Another theory suggests these cravings develop as an adaptive response to the way the immune system changes during pregnancy.
Does Nzu cause miscarriage?
The results demonstrate that maternal exposure to Nzu dose-dependently affects pregnancy outcome by potentially inhibiting maternal weight gain, fetal growth, and causing resorption or loss of pregnancy.
Can eating soil cause infertility?
These trace elements may have an adverse effect on fertility. Eating soil is also hazardous in that it can predispose you to worm infections, which can contribute or aggravate the iron deficiency and cause anaemia.
How to propose to a girlfriend in Igbo traditional marriage?
Unfortunately, tradition doesn’t recognize the modern kind of proposal where the man gets down on one knee and proposes to his girlfriend. The first step of the Igbo traditional wedding rites is the groom visiting the bride’s immediate family accompanied by his father or the eldest member of his family if his dad is deceased.
What are the stages of Igbo marriage?
According to the Ndigbo traditions and customs, the Igbo traditional wedding/ marriage involves the following stages: Marriage Introduction/ Proposal/ Inquiry ( Iku Aka or Iju Ese ) – This happens pre-wedding, and here, the bride and groom’s family get to meet and be formally introduced; Consent From Her Umunna / Extended Family – This is
Is dowry accepted in Igbo culture?
It is only accepted if the family accepts the groom/ finds him worthy to marry their daughter. The dowry is not an exchange or money to buy the women but has a significance in Igbo culture. Dowry is also practiced in many parts of the World, even during Biblical times.
What is a traditional wedding in Igboland?
Marriage is a communal thing in Igboland, like everywhere else in Nigeria, so you (the groom) are expected to ask her clan for her hand in marriage in accordance with the Igbo custom and tradition. According to the Ndigbo traditions and customs, the Igbo traditional wedding/ marriage involves the following stages: