Prekese

A single pod of Prekese infuses soups with richness and the body with vitality.

– Popular Ghanaian Quote

Prekese is the Ghanaian name for the Aidan fruit (Tetrapleura tetraptera), commonly known as Aidan or Aridan in Nigeria and Benne in Cameroon. This distinctive, elongated pod has a dark brown, woody exterior that becomes rigid when dried. In Hausa, it is referred to as Dawo.

Measuring about 15–25 cm in length, the pod has a ribbed surface with four prominent, wing-like ridges running along its length. It contains a sweet, aromatic pulp interspersed with small, flat seeds. The fruit emits a strong, musky fragrance that intensifies when crushed or soaked, making it a unique addition to culinary and medicinal applications.

Prekese is a revered plant deeply rooted in West African traditions, particularly in countries like Ghana. Valued for its cultural and spiritual significance, it is widely used as a spice in traditional dishes and holds a central role in healing practices passed down through generations, symbolizing both nourishment and holistic well-being.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Prekese

Due to its exceptional medicinal and nutritional properties, it is regarded as nature’s gift for health and wellness. It helps manage colds, fevers, and skin conditions, while its role in postpartum care underscores its contribution to overall vitality.

Its diverse nutritional profile includes essential compounds like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, vitamins (notably vitamin C), minerals (such as calcium and iron), and essential oils. These components contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a versatile remedy for various health conditions.

Key Health Benefits

1. Immune Support
   It strengthens the immune system, thanks to its antioxidants and nutrient content, helping the body combat infections and illnesses.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation
   Known for its glucose-controlling properties, prekese is widely used in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
3. Heart Health
   By lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it promotes cardiovascular health. Its anti-inflammatory effects further support a healthy heart and circulatory system.
4. Digestive Health
   It aids digestion by relieving indigestion, soothing the stomach, and promoting overall gut health, partly due to its astringent tannins.
5. Weight Management
   Its high fiber content and metabolism-regulating properties make it beneficial for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Respiratory Support
   Prekese has traditionally been used to alleviate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
7. Wound Healing and Pain Relief
   With potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, prekese helps heal wounds, reduce swelling, and manage pain. Its essential oils and tannins make it effective when consumed as a decoction or applied topically.

Prekese Tea and High Blood Pressure

Globally, approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 have high blood pressure, with nearly half unaware of their condition. The condition is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where about 75% of cases remain untreated.

High blood pressure contributes to an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually, accounting for 12.8% of all deaths worldwide. It becomes increasingly common with age, affecting over half of adults by 60–69 and nearly three-quarters by 70–79, posing a significant health and economic burden.

Notably, one of the primary reasons many people consume Prekese tea is its exceptional effectiveness in regulating blood pressure. This high blood pressure menace could be better managed, controlled, or even prevented if Prekese tea became a household staple.

Affordable and easy to prepare, it requires nothing more than boiling a single pod and drinking the tea warm once daily. This simple practice not only helps prevent hypertension but also supports those already struggling with it.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Beyond its health benefits, Prekese holds deep cultural and spiritual importance, particularly in Ghanaian communities. Its use in rituals reflects its symbolic value in promoting spiritual harmony, fertility, and protection.

Spiritual Cleansing
Prekese plays a pivotal role in spiritual cleansing rituals, especially in rural Ghana. It is believed to purify both the body and spirit, removing negative energies and fostering inner balance. This practice is often performed to restore harmony within individuals and communities.

Fertility and Marriage Rituals
In traditional Ghanaian culture, Prekese is a key element in fertility and marriage ceremonies. It symbolizes blessings, prosperity, and fertility, often used to sanctify unions and ensure fruitful partnerships. Its presence in these rituals underscores its role in promoting growth and continuity.

Ritual Protection
Prekese is sometimes used in protective rituals to ward off evil spirits and negative influences. Its aromatic properties and spiritual associations are thought to create a barrier of protection around homes or sacred spaces. In the Ghanaian community, it is believed that placing four Prekese pods, one at each corner of a room, helps ward off negative energy.

Post-Birth Ceremonies
In some traditions, Prekese is used in rituals to protect newborns and mothers. Its inclusion in these ceremonies is believed to ensure health, prosperity, and spiritual protection for the child and family.

Culinary Uses

Prekese with its distinct flavor and aroma, is a staple in many West African cuisines. Keep in mind: Prekese is gently crushed and warmed near the fire to soften it and release its aroma before being added to the dish. Here are some of its culinary uses:

1. Soups and Stews
   Prekese is commonly added to soups and stews, such as Ghanaian light soup and palm nut soup, to enhance flavor. Its sweet, musky aroma infuses the dish, enriching its taste.
2. Seasoning
   The dried or fresh pods can be used as a seasoning, either whole or broken into smaller pieces, to release their flavor during cooking.
3. Beverages
   Prekese is used in the preparation of teas and drinks. Its pods are boiled to create a spiced beverage with health benefits, often combined with ingredients like ginger and hibiscus.
4. Meat and Fish Dishes
   Prekese is added to meat and fish dishes to complement their flavors and provide a unique depth, while also aiding digestion.
5. Herbal Soups for Recovery
   Postpartum dishes often feature prekese for its restorative properties, adding nutritional value and aiding in recovery.

Herbal Remedies With Prekese

Detox

Ingredients:

• 4 pods of Prekese
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
• Half a handful of cloves
• Half a handful of Negro pepper
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon or lime

Instructions:

1. Wash all ingredients thoroughly in a salt solution.
2. Cut the ginger, turmeric, garlic, and Prekese into small pieces. Crush the cloves and Negro pepper.
3. Add all ingredients to a cooking pot, fill with water, and bring to a boil.
4. Once warm, strain the mixture and serve, adding the juice of lemon or lime to taste.
5. Drink a cup morning and evening before meals.

Treating Lumps / Tumor

Ingredients:

• 2 pods of Prekese
• 3 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
• A handful of soursop leaves
• A handful of guava leaves
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon or lime

Instructions:

1. Wash all ingredients thoroughly in a salt solution.
2. Add the Prekese, ginger, soursop leaves, guava leaves, cinnamon stick, and garlic to a cooking pot. Fill with water and bring to a boil.
3. Strain and serve the drink warm, adding the juice of lemon or lime to taste.
4. Drink a cup morning and evening before meals. Continue daily for a month to observe gradual but significant improvements.

Prekese and Garlic Cold Infusion

Ingredients:

• 3 pods of Prekese
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 1 liter of water
• 1 lemon or lime

Instructions:

1. Break the Prekese pods into halves and cut each garlic clove in half.
2. Wash both thoroughly.
3. Place the Prekese and garlic into a pot or container with a lid, and fill it with about 1 liter of water.
4. Cover and let the mixture steep for 24 hours.
5. Strain and serve, adding lemon or lime juice to taste.

Benefits:
This infusion helps reduce phlegm, cleanse the kidneys, and supports diabetes management.

Postpartum Care

Ingredients:

• 3 pods of prekese
• A handful of scent leaves
• A handful of turkey berry leaves
• 4 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
• Half a handful of cloves

Instructions:

1. Wash all the ingredients thoroughly in a salt solution to remove impurities.
2. Place the cleaned ingredients in a pot and fill with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then strain the mixture.
4. Serve warm, consuming one glass in the morning and evening after meals.

Benefits:

• Aids in soothing postpartum sores and alleviating pain.
• Supports blood purification and restoration of lost blood after childbirth.

Prekese and Plantain Pseudo Stem Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 pod of prekese
• 1 plantain pseudo stem
• 1 plantain leaf

Instructions:

1. Wash the prekese, pseudo stem, and plantain leaf thoroughly.
2. Cut into the plantain pseudo stem to create a hole or cavity about 5 inches deep.
3. Cut the prekese into small pieces and fill the hole halfway.
4. When you create a hole in the plantain pseudo stem, it naturally fills with sap from the stem. This sap becomes infused with the prekese pieces placed inside.
5. Cover the hole with the plantain leaf and tie it securely.
6. Let it sit overnight.
7. The next day, untie the leaf and collect the sap that has accumulated in the pseudo stem.
8. Drink half of the sap in the morning and the other half in the evening.
9. Repeat the process as needed for more sap.

Usage for Severe Wounds:

• Clean the wound thoroughly and apply the sap directly to the affected area.
• Continue drinking the sap daily for enhanced healing.

Benefits:

• Promotes rapid healing of severe wounds.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Fights infections effectively.

Prekese & Susumasa for Conception

Ingredients for Drink:

• 1 pod of prekese
• 2 handfuls of hibiscus flowers (sobolo)
• 1 handful of boundary tree leaves (susumasa)

Instructions:

1. Wash all the ingredients thoroughly.
2. Boil the prekese and hibiscus flowers (sobolo) together for 5 minutes.
3. Add the boundary tree leaves (susumasa) and let the mixture boil for another 5 minutes.
4. Strain and drink three times daily after meals.

This drink helps support reproductive health and may aid conception by balancing the body’s hormonal environment.

Ingredients for Enema:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 handful of boundary tree leaves (susumasa)

Instructions:

1. Wash the ginger, garlic, and boundary tree (susumasa) leaves thoroughly.
2. Boil the boundary tree leaves (susumasa) while blending the ginger and garlic.
3. Once the leaves are boiled, add the blended ginger and garlic to the mixture, stir to combine, and strain.
4. Use this as an enema, repeating the process after 4 days if necessary.

This enema helps restore the womb’s health, address womb-related issues such as sores or pain, and support overall reproductive wellness.

Low Sperm Count / Weak Erection

Ingredients:

• 3 pods of prekese
• 2 handfuls of guava leaves

Instructions:

1. Wash the prekese and guava leaves thoroughly in a salt solution.
2. Hard boil the prekese, then immediately remove from the heat.
3. Add the guava leaves to the pot and cover it.
4. Allow the mixture to steep, then strain and serve the infusion warm.
5. Drink one glass twice daily.

Benefits:

• Supports improved sperm count and quality.
• Helps enhance erection strength and overall sexual health.

Blood Tonic

Ingredients:

• 2 pods of prekese
• 2 bulbs of onion
• 5 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 handful of hibiscus flowers
• 1 handful each of fresh and dried pawpaw leaves

Instructions:

1. Wash all the ingredients thoroughly in a salt solution.
2. Boil the prekese, onion, ginger, and garlic together, excluding the pawpaw leaves.
3. Add the fresh and dried pawpaw leaves halfway through the boiling process.
4. After adding the pawpaw leaves, let the mixture boil for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, strain, and serve the infusion warm.
6. Drink twice daily.

Benefits:

• A great tonic for individuals with anemia and sickle cell disease.
• Helps improve blood health and circulation.

Products from Prekese

Powder

1. Selection and Cleaning: Choose fresh, mature pods. Wash thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
2. Drying: Slice the pods into smaller pieces to speed up drying. Spread them in a well-ventilated area under sunlight or use a dehydrator. Ensure the pieces are completely dry and brittle.
3. Grinding: Grind the dried pieces into a fine powder using a blender, spice grinder, or a commercial grinding machine.
4. Sieving: Sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve to remove larger particles, ensuring a smooth consistency.
5. Storage: Store the powder in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight, to preserve its potency.

Oil

1. Preparation: Select mature, fresh pods and clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
2. Drying: Slice the pods into smaller pieces and allow them to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area or use a dehydrator until they are completely dry.
3. Infusion: Crush or grind the dried pieces and combine them with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or shea butter oil. Use a ratio of about 1 part Prekese to 3 parts oil.
4. Heating: Gently heat the mixture using a double boiler for about 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the heat is low to prevent burning or degrading the oil’s quality.
5. Cooling and Straining: Allow the infused oil to cool completely, then strain it through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove solids.
6. Storage: Transfer the Prekese oil into a clean, airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality and shelf life.

Charcoal

1. Collect the hard parts of Prekese, ensuring all fleshy portions are removed.
2. Burn the hard parts thoroughly to produce charcoal.
3. Grind or blend the Prekese charcoal into a fine powder.
4. Store the powdered charcoal in an airtight container for later use.

Incense

1. Preparation: Break the Prekese pod into smaller pieces to ensure even burning.
2. Burning Surface: Place a charcoal disc on a heat-resistant surface, such as an incense burner or metal dish.
3. Ignition: Light the charcoal disc and let it heat until it glows red and is covered with a layer of ash.
4. Adding Prekese: Place the Prekese pieces on the hot charcoal. The heat will release the aromatic smoke.
5. Ventilation: Allow the fragrant smoke to spread, ensuring the area is well-ventilated.
6. Safety: Monitor the burning process and keep it out of reach of children or flammable materials.

Final Thoughts

The journey through exploring prekese has unveiled its remarkable potential as both a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse. As we’ve seen, it is packed with valuable compounds contributing to its reputation for supporting immune health, reducing inflammation, and even managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Its uses in traditional remedies, from teas to infusions, underscore its deep integration into local practices across West and Central Africa. Additionally, the plant’s role in aiding digestion, improving reproductive health, and managing infections further enhances its medicinal value.

Whether used in the kitchen for its flavoring or in herbal formulations for therapeutic benefits, prekese has proven itself to be both versatile and effective. The combination of its nutritional profile and medicinal properties makes it a valuable herb for holistic health.

This journey highlights the important role that traditional herbs like prekese play in modern wellness, encouraging a return to natural remedies and sustainable health practices. As always, further research and integration of these traditional uses with modern science will continue to uncover even more about its potential.