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 is mined primarily from a village in the Volta Region. It is first mined in the form of colored kaolin rocks from deep down the land. The rocks are then broken into smaller fragments and the colored parts are peeled off before pounding or grinding into powder. The powdered clay is mixed with water and shaped into egg like pieces and sun baked.

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][unreliable source?]} 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