The use of Impepho

Impepho (also imphepho in isiZulu) is a collective name applied to approximately 250 species from the genus Helichrysum, in the family Asteraceae.[1][2] The name impepho is used in isiXhosa, spoken predominantly in the Eastern Cape, while isiZulu speakers from KwaZulu-Natal use imphepho.[3] The word helichrysum derives from the Greek helios (sun) and 'chrysos' (gold), a reference to the yellow flowers common across the genus.[4]The species grow widely across South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho, mostly in grasslands and savanna areas with adequate rainfall.[5] They are drought-resistant, wind-resistant, and tolerant of light frost.[6]

Uses

Impepho is primarily associated with prayer, cleansing and ancestors.[7]Burning impepho is understood as the primary means of establishing communication between the living and ancestral spirits.[8] The smoke is believed to carry prayers and messages to the ancestors and to create the conditions under which a ritual can properly take place.[9] According to academic Mpumelelo Ntshangase of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, "impepho is a way of communicating with the ancestors and it must be burned before most ceremonies can be performed... without imphepho, traditional rituals cannot be performed."[10]

In sangoma practice, impepho is burned during consultations, initiation rites, divination sessions, and ceremonies, when an ancestral spirit is believed to be restless or demanding.[11] It enables the sangoma to see through the ancestor's eyes what is wrong with the client.

The herb is also eaten by sangoma initiates in some traditions.[12][13]

Impepho is burned during ceremonies marking births, deaths, marriages, and transitions, with the smoke usually engulfing the entire interior of the room. Its mostly used at initiation schools by sangoma and other traditional healers.

Some churches in South Africa like iBandla lamaNazaretha (Shembe Church), have integrated impepho into Christian worship, with members encouraged to burn it during prayer.[14][15]

In Lesotho, impepho is burned to fumigate sick rooms.[16]

During covid in south Africa, some locals soaked their bodies in Impepho steam (ukufutha) as a form of chest and nasal remedies.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Matrose, Neliswa A.; Obikeze, Kenechukwu; Belay, Zinash A.; Caleb, Oluwafemi J. (August 2021). "Impact of spatial variation and extraction solvents on bioactive compounds, secondary metabolites and antifungal efficacy of South African Impepho [Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet]". Food Bioscience. 42 101139. doi:10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101139.
  2. ↑ "Ibutho Ithongo Impepho Manuscript". Ibutho Ithongo Group. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  3. ↑ Belani, Aviwe; Oladimeji, Kelechi Elizabeth; Hyera, Francis Leonard; Matubatuba, Chrys; Juzang, Ivan J (14 September 2022). "Can the Use of Impepho Leaves Extend beyond Traditional to Modern Medicine? An Opinion". Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. doi:10.25159/2520-5293/11872.
  4. ↑ Akaberi, Maryam; Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Azizi, Narjes; Emami, Seyed Ahmad (October 2019). "Everlasting flowers: Phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Helichrysum". Industrial Crops and Products. 138 111471. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111471.
  5. ↑ "Ibutho Ithongo Impepho Manuscript". Ibutho Ithongo Group. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Ibutho Ithongo Impepho Manuscript". Ibutho Ithongo Group. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "Impepho: Meaning and Uses". Cova Advisory. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "Imphepo – The Controversial Smudging Herb". Mystic Crystals. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  9. ↑ "Impepho: Meaning and Uses". Cova Advisory. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "Imphepo – The Controversial Smudging Herb". Mystic Crystals. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "Sangomas: Traditional Roles, Initiation and Media Portrayals". The Go To Guy. 2025-05-11. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  12. ↑ "Imphepho is not a smudge". Phytoalchemy. 30 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  13. ↑ "Imphepo – The Controversial Smudging Herb". Mystic Crystals. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  14. ↑ Mashabela, James K. (23 January 2024). "Revisiting African Spirituality: A reference to Missiological Institute consultations of 1965 and 1967". HTS Teologiese Studies. 80 (1) a9022. doi:10.4102/hts.v80i2.9022.
  15. ↑ "Ibutho Ithongo Impepho Manuscript". Ibutho Ithongo Group. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  16. ↑ "Helichrysum odoratissimum". PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  17. ↑ "We spoke to a traditional healer about Covid-19". City Press. 2020-03-27. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
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