Cundiamor Herbs

Cundiamor is a climbing vine with small leaves and bright orange fruit, known in English as bitter melon and in Lucumí as ejinrin. It's one of the herbs most closely tied to San Lázaro, the saint our store is named after. Each order is one fresh bunch.

What is Cundiamor used for?

Cundiamor belongs to Babalú Ayé, the Orisha syncretized with San Lázaro. It's used in baths and cleansings when someone wants protection for their health, relief from heavy energy, or to ask Babalú Ayé for his blessing.

How do people use it?

• Spiritual baths: the vine and leaves are torn into water for a cleansing bath.
• Despojos: the bunch is passed over the body to remove negative energy.
• Altar work for San Lázaro: Cundiamor is placed with offerings to Babalú Ayé, especially around his feast day on December 17.

Many people combine it with other herbs of Babalú Ayé like Escoba Amarga. Your godparent or olorisha will tell you exactly how it 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, led by Oba Oriate Nelson Hernández, and fresh herbs are one of the things our customers count on us for most. In Lucumí practice every ewe belongs to Osain, the Orisha of the forest, so we treat these leaves with respect from the day they arrive. We ship fresh herbs anywhere in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Which Orisha does Cundiamor belong to?

Cundiamor belongs to Babalú Ayé, who is syncretized with San Lázaro in Cuban tradition.

What is Cundiamor called in English and Lucumí?

In English it's bitter melon. In Lucumí it's known as ejinrin.

How much do I get?

One fresh bunch per order, enough for a typical spiritual bath.

Do you ship fresh herbs?

Yes. We ship fresh herbs anywhere in the United States from our store in Miami.