Isiwasho Vulakuvaliwe, Vula Zonke

How to Use Siwasho: Traditional Methods and Meanings Explained

Siwasho is a spiritual mixture commonly known as bath salts. It may contain various herbs (imithi), roots, powders, oils and sometimes crystals or perfumes. It’s used for spiritual cleansing, protection, attracting luck or love, and removing bad energy.

The terms you’ve mentioned Uyageza, Uyachela, Uyagquma, Uyaphalaza, Uyaphephetha, Uyabethela Ngaso, Upinde okulume, Uyafutha are deeply rooted in traditional African spiritual practices, particularly within Zulu and Nguni cultures. These practices are often used for cleansing, healing, protection, and connecting with ancestors. Below is an explanation of each term in relation to Siwasho 

1. Uyageza (or Geza) – Spiritual Cleansing Bath

 Uyageza refers to a spiritual cleansing bath. It involves using water mixed with siwasho or herbs, muthi (traditional medicine), or spiritual oils to wash away negative energy, bad luck, or spiritual impurities. This practice is commonly used to purify the body, mind, and spirit.

How It’s Used:

• Preparation: Siwasho is mixed with water (sometimes warm or cold, depending on the intention).
• Application: Use the mixture to wash your entire body, focusing on areas like the head, hands, and feet, which are believed to be energy points.
• Intention Setting: While bathing, pray, meditate, or speak your intentions aloud, asking for purification, protection, or blessings.
• Frequency: This can be done daily, weekly, or as needed, depending on the situation (e.g., after a spiritual attack or before an important event). Bathing is done early in the morning or late at night, often in a quiet, private place.
• More Tips: You can also involve washing specific items like clothes, tools, or sacred objects to remove negative energy.

2. Uyachela – Sprinkling or Anointing

Uyachela: Sprinkling siwasho or herbal water around your home, car, business, or on a person. To bless or protect a space or person, chase away evil spirits, or attract luck.e energy.

How It’s done:

• Mix water with Siwasho (herbs or muthi) in a container.
• A branch (often imphepho or a special stick) or hand is used to sprinkle water, It is often sprinkled at doorways, corners, or specific areas needing cleansing.
• Focus on your intention, such as protection, healing, or blessing.

3. Uyagquma – Steam Bath or Fumigation

Uyagquma is a traditional steam bath or fumigation ritual. Inhaling steam from boiling herbs or siwasho mixtures. Opens spiritual pathways, clears blockages, and helps with dreams or messages from ancestors.

How It’s Used:

• Boil water with Siwasho or herbs in a pot.
• Cover yourself with a blanket and lean over the pot to inhale the steam.
• Allow the steam to cleanse your body and energy field.
• Pray or meditate during the process to enhance its spiritual effects.

4. Uyaphalaza – Induced Cleansing (Vomiting)

Uyaphalaza is a ritual that involving a cleansing ritual where a person drinks a herbal mixture (i.e Teaspoon of the siwasho in 100ml water) to induce vomiting. This practice is believed to cleanse the body of toxins, negative energy, spiritual impurities, hexes or deal with witchcraft.

How It’s Used:

• Prepare a herbal mixture (consult a traditional healer for guidance).
• Drink the mixture on an empty stomach.
• The person vomits to release internal spiritual and physical toxins.
• Follow up with rest, hydration, and setting intentions for spiritual renewal.

5. Uyaphephetha – Smudging or Smoke Cleansing

Uyaphephetha refers to the practice of smudging or using smoke from burning herbs (Siwasho) to cleanse a person, object, or space. This ritual is often used to connect with ancestors and remove negative energy.

How It’s Used:

• Burn dried herbs (e.g., imphepho or Siwasho) in a fire-safe container.
• Use the smoke to cleanse your body by waving it over yourself.
• Smudge your home or sacred objects by directing the smoke around them.
• Pray or speak to your ancestors during the process.

6. Uyabethela Ngaso – Anointing with Oil or Herbs

Uyabethela Ngaso involves anointing the body with spiritual oils or herbal mixtures (like Siwasho mixed with oil or water) to seal or protect something (like a house or body) from harm, attract blessings, protection, or specific energies. This practice is often used in conjunction with prayers or rituals.

How It’s Used:

• Apply a small amount of Siwasho mixture or oil to your wrists, forehead, or other pulse points.
• Siwasho may be buried, hidden, or applied at corners of a property.
• Focus on your intention, such as attracting love, success, or protection.
• You can also anoint candles, mojo bags, or sacred objects to amplify their energy. Sometimes done under the guidance of a traditional healer.

7. Uphinde okulume - Repetition or Reinforcement Ritual

Upinde Okulume refers to practices aimed at protecting oneself or others from harm, evil spirits, or negative influences. This can involve the use of Siwasho herbs, oils, or rituals to create a spiritual shield. do it again until it works repeating rituals to strengthen them. Some spiritual tasks require repetition to be effective.

How It’s Used:

• Wear or carry protective herbs, amulets, or oils.
• Perform a cleansing ritual (e.g., Siwasho or Uyaphephetha) to remove negative energy.
• Pray or call upon your ancestors for protection and guidance.

8. Uyafutha – Inhalation or Fumigation

Uyafutha involves burning siwasho to create smoke. inhaling the smoke or steam from burning herbs (including Siwasho) for spiritual cleansing, healing, or connecting with ancestors.

How It’s Used:

• Burn Siwasho or herbs on a coal stove, incense burner, or fire.
• Inhale the smoke or steam to cleanse your energy field.
• Use this practice during meditation or prayer to enhance spiritual connection.

Connection to Siwasho (Bath Salts or Herbal Salts)

Siwasho is a key component in many of these practices. It is often mixed with muthi (traditional medicine) or herbs to create powerful cleansing and healing mixtures. Here’s how Siwasho is traditionally used:

• Cleansing Baths: Mixed with water for Uyageza or Siwasho baths.
• Steam Baths: Added to boiling water for Uyagquma.
• Smudging: Burned as part of Uyaphephetha.
• Anointing: Used in Uyabethela Ngaso for anointing the body or objects.
• Protection: Incorporated into Upinde Okulume rituals for warding off evil.

General Tips for Using These Practices

Each of these practices often uses siwasho mixed with muthi (herbs) depending on the desired outcome , protection, attraction, healing, etc. Guidance from a traditional healer (isangoma or inyanga) is often recommended to ensure proper usage. Regular practice strengthens the connection to your ancestors and enhances the effectiveness of the rituals. These practices are deeply rooted in African spirituality and are used to maintain balance, health, and harmony in life. Whether you’re cleansing, protecting, or connecting with your ancestors, these rituals offer powerful ways to align with your spiritual path. Always approach them with respect and mindfulness.