The ceiba is the most sacred tree in Cuban spiritual tradition, and its leaves carry that respect into your baths and cleansings. Each order is one fresh bunch of ceiba leaves, ready for your spiritual work.
Why is the ceiba tree sacred?
In Santería and Palo, the ceiba is honored as a home for spirits and ancestors and a place where the Orishas are close. In Lucumí practice it's associated with Iroko, the spirit of the great tree. Practitioners greet the ceiba with respect and never cut from it carelessly.
How are ceiba leaves used?
- Spiritual baths: the leaves are torn into water for a strong, protective cleansing.
- Despojos and limpiezas: the bunch is passed over the body to remove heavy energy.
- Offerings and ceremony: leaves are used on altars and in work where the strength of the ceiba is needed.
Your godparent or olorisha will tell you how ceiba fits into your own work, since every house has its own way.
Why buy it from El Viejo Lázaro?
We've been a botanica in Miami since 2003, and fresh herbs are what our customers count on us for. In Lucumí practice every ewe belongs to Osain, the Orisha of the forest, so we handle sacred leaves like ceiba with care from the moment they arrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is ceiba used for in Santería?
Ceiba leaves are used in spiritual baths, cleansings and offerings. The tree is honored as sacred, a home for spirits and ancestors, so its leaves are valued for protection and strength.
Is the ceiba the same as Iroko?
In Cuban Lucumí practice the ceiba is associated with Iroko, the spirit of the great tree that is honored in Yoruba tradition.
How much do I get?
One fresh bunch per order, enough for a typical spiritual bath.
Do you ship fresh leaves?
Yes. We ship fresh herbs anywhere in the United States from our store in Miami.
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