If you’ve ever seen a round, greenish-yellow fruit climbing or hanging on village fences, chances are you’ve come across Tagiri. “Tagiri” in Yoruba, is also known as the “Christmas melon” in English, a powerful fruit used for both practical and medicinal purposes. At first glance, it looks like just another type of gourd. It is round/oval in shape, green with white patches when unripe, and turning yellow when ripe. Inside, it has soft pulp and seeds like other melons.
This unique fruit has been valued for its healing, protective, and domestic uses. It is often kept in homes, farms, and even children’s rooms because of the many benefits people believe it carries.
Let’s explore some of the benefits of Tagiri; the Christmas melon.
Benefits of Tagiri (Christmas Melon)
Though this fruit may appear ordinary, Tagiri holds a special place in traditional medicine and everyday life.
1. Respiratory Health
Boiled extract made from Tagiri are traditionally used to ease cough, catarrh, asthma, and other chest-related issues.
2. Malaria & Fever Relief
Many households include Tagiri in herbal remedies to fight fever and malaria symptoms.
3. Boosts Immunity
The fruit is believed to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. Poultry rearers use it to boost the immunity of the birds and prevent viral diseases like Marek’s and Newcastle diseases. The extract from the fruit bulbs are extracted, boiled, or fermented in water, then given to the chickens/birds to boost their health.
4. Protection For Children
A popular practice is placing Tagiri under children’s beds to ward off sickness and unseen spiritual attacks.
5. Natural Repellent
Farmers and households use Tagiri as a protective charm to keep snakes, lizards, and insects away from their environment.
6. Crop Preservation
Some farmers believe storing grains with this fruits chase off pests naturally.
The hard shell of tagiri can also be hollowed out and used as containers for storing liquids or dry items. The dry shells are often used to make traditional musical instruments like shakers and rattles, which play an important role in cultural ceremonies.
While these uses are rooted in tradition, it’s important to note that Tagiri has many traditional uses, it is not a fruit you eat like oranges or bananas. It must be prepared properly because it can be toxic if wrongly consumed. So, always consult a qualified herbal practitioner before using it for treatment.
Need Tagiri? We Can Help
Finding Tagiri in the market isn’t always easy, and not everyone knows where to look. That’s why at Iyaloja Direct, we can help buy it for you fresh from our Mile12, Oyingbo, Ketu Market runs at wholesale price.
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