Ayilo

Ayilo, also known as ayilor, hyile,[1] and ferinkasa, is a Ghanaian term for bentonite clay.[2][3] It is a baked solid white clay usually taken by pregnant women.[4][5] They are usually baked into egg-shaped balls.[6] Ewes call it agatawoe/agatawe, Gas called it ayilo, English call it kaolin and the Akans call it shirew/shile.[7][8]

Ayilo in Ghana

Location

Ayilo is mostly made in Anfoega in the Volta Region of Ghana.[9]

Uses

Ayilo is claimed to manage nausea and to prevent diarrhoea, discomfort, and other pregnancy-related conditions. It is also used as a beauty enhancement.[10] It also used for irritable bowel syndrome[7] and for traditional medicinal purposes.[11]

Effects

When consumed too much by pregnant women might lead to anaemia. Chemical elements such as arsenic, boron, aluminium, and nickel found in Ayilo might harm individuals who consume it.[7] It also causes constipation and addiction.[12][13][14]

Other countries

Ayilo is known as mabele in Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Cameroon as calaba.[15] Nsu in Nigeria

References
  1. "Use Hyile / Ayilo (Bentonite Clay) To Open Your Third Eye!". GhanaStar. 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  2. "Stop Wasting Money!: Ayilor Is All The Magic You Need For A Luxuriant Hair". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  3. Boateng, Kojo Akoto (2016-06-09). "Beauty shouldn't break your bank – Lydia Forson". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  4. Dalaba, Maxwell A.; Nonterah, Engelbert A.; Chatio, Samuel T.; Adoctor, James K.; Watson, Daniella; Barker, Mary; Ward, Kate A.; Debpuur, Cornelius (2021-07-15). "Culture and community perceptions on diet for maternal and child health: a qualitative study in rural northern Ghana". BMC Nutrition. 7 (1): 36. doi:10.1186/s40795-021-00439-x. ISSN 2055-0928. PMC 8281629. PMID 34261513.
  5. "Weird cravings during pregnancy". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  6. "Pregnant women who eat 'baked clay' at risk". GhanaWeb. 2016-07-09. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  7. "'Ayilo': Ghana's white gold that has quietly boosted the economy for decades". myinfo.com.gh. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  8. "Should People Crave For Ayilo?". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  9. "'Ayilo': Ghana's white gold that has quietly boosted the economy for decades". GhanaWeb. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  10. "Hidden Beauty Facts About Shile/Ayilo You Never Knew". Nima 24. 2020-08-15. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  11. "11 benefits of bentonite clay: How to use it and side effects". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019-05-22. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  12. "Eating Of Ayilo Causes Anaemia". Peacefmonline.com. 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  13. Eshemokha, Udomoh (2021-02-20). "Ayilo has no benefits: Harmful effects of eating Ayilo during pregnancy". Nigerian Health Blog. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  14. "Eating Ayilo Could Be Harmful: Dr Sarpong". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  15. "Mabele, Calaba, Ayilo (Kaolin Clay)". Alowa Foods. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
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