Yazidi Folk Medicine + Nature Knowledge

Research document for ezdixan.de, Module: Cultural Studies / Êzdîkî Learning Created: 2026-05-22 | Status: research synthesis Sources: Açıkyıldız 2010, Allison 2001, Spät 2018, Kreyenbroek 1995/2009, AMAR Foundation Folk Medicine Project, ezipedia.de, Bahzani.net, collections Aparan/Tbilisi/Krasnodar, Yezidi Cultural Heritage Project (KRG), Pîr-midwife tradition Sheikhan

Note: Hawar-Latin alphabet (Latin, Kurmanji-based). Latin plant names for unambiguous botanical identification. Disclaimer: Folk medicine recipes are ETHNOGRAPHY, NOT a medical recommendation. Consult a doctor before use.

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CONTENTS

1. Basic principle: illness, healing, the sacred
2. Pîr families & healing professions
3. Healing plants, systematic catalogue
4. Home-remedy recipes
5. Women’s medicine & midwife tradition
6. Çavê Xerab, evil eye & protective rituals
7. Sacred trees & plants
8. Taboo plants
9. Sacred animals
10. Taboo animals
11. Animal symbolism & ritual slaughter
12. Nature calendar & astrology
13. Index & word list

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1. BASIC PRINCIPLE: ILLNESS, HEALING, THE SACRED

In the Êzîdî tradition, illness is never purely physical. Three causes are distinguished:

Hawar	EN	Description
Nexweşiya Cesteyî	Bodily illness	Herbal/dietary treatment
Çavê Xerab	Evil eye / envy-illness	Talismans + rituals
Bandora Cinan / Bandora Pîranê	Spirit / saint influence	Pîr prayers + Lalîş pilgrimage

Healing always combines substance (plant, food) + word (prayer, Qewl) + touch (Pîr’s hand, Lalîş water). Whoever takes only Western medicine and ignores the spiritual is traditionally considered incompletely treated (Spät 2018:154).

Seven sacred elements of healing

Following the symbolism of the Heft Sirran (Seven Angels), every remedy is assigned to an angel:

1. Av (Water) → Şêx Hesen, cooling healing power
2. Agir (Fire) → Şêx Şems, warming healing power
3. Ax (Earth) → Şêx Ebû Bekir, grounding healing power (Berat pellets, healing earth)
4. Ba (Air/Breath) → Sicadîn, pneumatic healing power (prayer, incense)
5. Nan (Bread/Grain) → Nasirdîn, nourishing healing power
6. Roj (Sun/Light) → Fexredîn, radiating healing power (sunbaths for infants)
7. Heyv (Moon) → Şêx Adî, cyclical healing power (lunar calendar for herb harvesting)

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2. PÎR FAMILIES & HEALING PROFESSIONS

Certain Pîr lineages are hereditarily responsible for medical functions:

Pîr lineage	Healing mandate
Pîrê Hesin Çinaryê	Wound healing, broken bones
Pîrê Mem Şivan	Snake bites, scorpions; “the hand of Pîr Mem” is considered an antidote
Pîrê Cerwa / Pîrê Cerî	Cholera, plague, epidemics, folk memory of plague years
Pîrê Hesmamana	Women’s medicine, midwifery
Pîrê Sînê	Eye diseases (trachoma)
Pîrê Pivê / Pîrê Çiyê	Mountain healing herbs, gathering
Pîrê Bûb / Pîrê Bûbekir	Eye ailments + headache, blesses the Berat
Pîrê Reş	Mental illnesses, “black” diseases (depression, “seized by Cinan”)
Şêx Mend	Snakes, “Şêx Mend ê tirsa marî” (Şêx Mend, fear of the snake), see §9

Source: Kreyenbroek 1995:131–145, Açıkyıldız 2010:79–83.

Midwives (Pîrê Nisa / Pîra Bavê)

Experienced women from Pîr families, knowledge passed orally to daughters. Pîr-midwives know 30–50 women’s herbs.

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3. HEALING PLANTS: SYSTEMATIC CATALOGUE

3.1 Lamiaceae & aromatics

1. Şalye / Şalî: Sage (Salvia officinalis / Salvia spp.)

• EN: Sage
• Folk-medicinal use:
• Tea for sore throat + cough + hoarseness
• Mouth rinse against gum inflammation
• Compress against sweating (especially menopause)
• Recipe: 1 tbsp dried sage leaves, 250 ml boiling water, steep 10 min, sweeten with honey (Hingiv). 3× daily.
• Source: AMAR Folk Medicine Project Dohuk 2019, Faryma 1989 (Aparan)

2. Cetir / Zatar / Çetir: Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum / Thymus vulgaris)

• EN: Thyme, wild thyme
• Sacred: Cetir is the plant of Şêx Şems: burned during the light prayer.
• Folk-medicinal use:
• Bronchitis, asthma (inhalation)
• Weak digestion (infusion after a fatty meal)
• Antiseptic: as a rinse for wounds
• Vermifuge (against worms in children)
• Recipe (bronchitis): 2 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp honey + juice of one lemon in 250 ml hot water. 3–4× daily hot.
• Incense: Burn dry Cetir twigs, cleanses the room after illness. The Zatar mixture (Cetir + sumac + sesame) as a spice also has a home-remedy function.
• Source: Açıkyıldız 2010:106, Bahzani.net

3. Pîng / Mêwj / Nane: Mint (Mentha spicata / Mentha piperita)

• EN: Mint (spearmint / peppermint)
• Folk-medicinal use:
• Gastrointestinal complaints (infusion)
• Flatulence, colic (especially in infants: very dilute infusion)
• Headache (forehead compress with crushed fresh mint)
• Fever-reducing (compress with mint + vinegar)
• Recipe: 1 handful fresh mint + 500 ml water, simmer 5 min, cool, with honey.
• Yoghurt variant (Dew): Buttermilk + fresh mint against nausea and summer heat (see Cuisine doc §62).

4. Apsîn / Wermut / Avşane: Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium / Artemisia spp.)

• EN: Wormwood, mugwort
• Folk-medicinal use:
• Worm cure (especially children: very bitter, dose with care!)
• Stomach tonic for loss of appetite
• Against malaria-like fever (historical: Sinjar marshes)
• WARNING: High doses toxic (thujone), traditionally only a 3-day course.
• Incense: Apsîn incense against insects and against Cinan (spirits) in sick rooms.
• Source: AMAR Folk Medicine, Pîr-midwife survey Sheikhan 2018

5. Rîhan / Reyhan: Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Use: stomach, nausea, fresh leaves under the pillow for restful sleep.

6. Mey-Mantik / Memeyîk / Pûng: Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

• Strongly effective: for colds, but TABOO in pregnancy (induces labour).

7. Mêran / Maran: Oregano (Origanum vulgare / Origanum syriacum)

• Antiseptic, infusion for bronchitis.

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3.2 Asteraceae & bitters

8. Bûbêbig / Babûng: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Use: eye inflammation (compress), stomach ache (tea), wound healing (bath), infants (highly diluted).

9. Hingirîn / Hingar: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Use: stopping bleeding (fresh crushed leaf on the wound), women’s medicine (cycle regulation), tea for stomach pain.
• Êzîdî myth: Women of the Pîr families say the plant “was touched by the hand of Şêx Şems”, the small white flowers are seen as a sun symbol.

10. Karî / Karîvan: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Spring salad (see Sawûka §6 Cuisine doc), liver tonic, worm cure.

11. Geliyan / Cixare-gulî: Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

• Use: wound salve (flowers macerated in olive oil), skin rashes, cold sores.

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3.3 Apiaceae

12. Bexdenûs / Bexdenûz: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

• Use: diuretic (infusion), bad breath (chew), iron deficiency.

13. Şîvît / Şivit: Dill (Anethum graveolens)

• Use: infant colic (very dilute), milk-promoting for nursing mothers.

14. Zîre / Zireh: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)

• Use: flatulence, digestion: a daily companion to lamb dishes.

15. Banîs / Razyan: Anise (Pimpinella anisum) / Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

• Use: infant colic, nursing mothers (milk production), cough.

16. Gîya / Riyan / Kuzbure: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

• Digestion, calming, externally for wasp sting.

17. Karî Beyaz / Anîsona Berhin: Khella (Ammi visnaga)

• Asthma remedy (historical: Sinjar). Modern khellin research confirms the effect.

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3.4 Liliaceae & alliums

18. Sîr / Sîrê Spî: Garlic (Allium sativum)

• Sacred: “Sîr” has a protective function against Çavê Xerab in many invocations (see §6).
• Use: infections (internally + externally), high blood pressure, worms.
• Cold recipe: 3 cloves crushed garlic + 1 tbsp honey + 1 lemon + 250 ml warm water. 1× morning, 1× evening.

19. Pîvaz / Pîvazê Sor: Onion (Allium cepa)

• Use: insect sting (apply fresh onion), cough (onion-honey syrup), throat inflammation.
• Onion-honey syrup: chop 1 large onion + 4 tbsp honey in a glass, steep 12 h, strain juice, 1 tbsp every 2 hours for cough.

20. Sîrim / Sîrê Çolê: Wild garlic / ramsons (Allium ursinum / Allium victorialis)

• Spring herb for Sawûka. Blood-cleansing.

21. Pîvazê Şîn / Çîvk: Spring onion

• Spring vitamin source.

22. Zembîlê Bûbê: Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis / Muscari spp.)

• Symbolic: Sersal decoration, NOT a healing plant (bulb is toxic!).

23. Sosin / Susin: Lily (Lilium spp.)

• Symbolic (purity), salve from flowers in olive oil for burns (mild).

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3.5 Trees: medicinal

24. Hinar / Hinarê: Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

• Sacred: Highest sacred symbol, the 7 or 365 seeds inside represent the 7 archangels or the 365 days of the year. The fruit stands for the unity of creation. Central at Çarşemiya Sor.
• Folk use, fruit: Juice against anaemia, pomegranate molasses as a seasoning.
• Folk use, peel (Kelpora Hinarê): Dried, ground or as infusion, strongly effective against diarrhoea and tapeworms (tannins + punicalagin + alkaloid pelletierin).
• Recipe against diarrhoea: 1 tsp ground pomegranate peel + 1 cup hot water, steep 10 min, strain. 3× daily. WARNING: Taboo in pregnancy (pelletierin), reduce for children.
• Folk use, flowers (Gulê Hinarê): Infusion as mouthwash for bleeding gums.
• Source: Spät 2018:175, AMAR Folk Medicine

25. Gûz / Goz: Walnut (Juglans regia)

• Sacred: Old walnut trees are considered the dwelling of saints/Cinan, they are NEVER felled. Sheikhan walnut trees at shrines are venerated as “Şîvana Çiyê” (mountain guardians).
• Folk use:
• Walnut kernels: brain strengthening (old signature theory: form resembles the brain)
• Green walnut shells (Cûzîna): pickled: digestion
• Walnut leaves (Pelê Gûzê): infusion against skin rash, eczema, athlete’s foot (bath)
• Walnut oil: hair care, against psoriasis
• Walnut-leaf bath against eczema: Boil 100 g dried walnut leaves in 2 L water for 15 min, strain, add to bathwater. 2× weekly.

26. Zeytûn: Olive / olive tree (Olea europaea)

• Sacred: Symbol of peace. Sacred oil of the Mor-Kirin baptism: the infant is anointed with olive oil consecrated at Lalîş.
• Folk use:
• Rûnê Zeytûnê (olive oil): universal: skin, hair, ear drops (warm for earache), constipation (1 tbsp on empty stomach), wound healing (salve base).
• Pelê Zeytûnê (olive leaves): infusion against high blood pressure and fever (oleuropein, confirmed by modern pharmacology).
• Source: Açıkyıldız 2010:88, Bahzani.net (Bashiqa olive oil production for centuries).

27. Tût: Mulberry tree (Morus alba / Morus nigra)

• Syrup from the fruit for sore throat, mulberry wine traditionally.

28. Hejîr: Fig (Ficus carica)

• Dried figs + milk overnight: for constipation. Fig sap (latex of the leaf stalk) for warts (folk medicine).

29. Sêv / Sêvê: Apple (Malus domestica)

• Grated + carrot for diarrhoea (pectin-rich). “Sêvê Çiyê” (mountain apples) traditionally.

30. Hejîrkurî / Hejîra Spî: Wild fig (Ficus)

• Sacred in some Sheikhan villages, shrine tree.

31. Berû / Mazî: Oak (Quercus brantii / Quercus aegilops)

• Sacred: Sacred trees, old oaks in Sheikhan are seen as the seat of Şêx Şems, Şêx Hesen.
• Use: oak-bark infusion (Mazî) against diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, tannins for leather production.
• Oak galls (Mazû): dried, ground, against sore throat.

32. Bî / Berebî: Willow (Salix spp.)

• Willow bark against fever and pain (salicin: precursor of aspirin). Well-known folk medicine.

33. Pelûd / Şikeftkanî: Sumac tree (Rhus coriaria)

• Sumac berries: juice against diarrhoea, omnipresent as spice.

34. Şîpîn / Şepatan: Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)

• Sinjar desert tree. “Manna” (honey secretion of scale insects) was traditionally collected, sweet, healing for cough irritation.

35. Çinar: Plane tree (Platanus orientalis)

• Sacred: Sacred tree. “Pîrê Hesin Çinaryê” derives its name from the Çinar. Old plane tree at Lalîş.

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3.6 Other plants

36. Hingiv / Hingivê Çiyê: Honey (mountain honey)

• Sacred: Honey is regarded as a healing substance, “sweetness of the sun”.
• Use: all wounds (antibacterial), cough syrup (with onion/garlic), tonic for the sick, infant nutrition from the 1st year (botulism risk before, traditionally preserved by waiting practice).
• Wound salve: Pure mountain honey + olive oil 1:1, apply with sterile compress.

37. Tovê Kundir / Tovê Gindor: Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

• Use: worm cure (especially tapeworm), prostate (modern: phytosterols), bladder weakness. Recipe: 50 g shelled seeds in the morning on an empty stomach, laxative 2 h later.
• Pumpkin-seed oil: highly prized in Sheikhan, dark green, nutty.

38. Spînax / Spînaxa Çolê: Wild spinach (Spinacia oleracea / Beta vulgaris ssp.)

• Sawûka spring herb, iron, blood formation.

39. Tirşik / Tirşok: Sorrel (Rumex acetosa / Rumex spp.)

• Sawûka herb, vitamin C, blood-cleansing.

40. Gezgezk / Gezne / Dezû: Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Use: Sawûka herb, infusion for rheumatism (also flogging therapy), iron deficiency.

41. Tûjik / Tûjk: Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

• Spring herb, vitamin C, blood-cleansing.

42. Silq / Silk: Chard (Beta vulgaris)

• Spring herb.

43. Çayîr / Cayîr: Meadow clover / fenugreek (Trifolium / Trigonella foenum-graecum)

• Fenugreek in Sucuk sausage and as a tonic for nursing mothers.

44. Reşke / Tovê Reşke: Black seed / Nigella (Nigella sativa)

• Sacred: “Tovê Şîfayê”, “seed of healing”, in many Êzîdî proverbs as a universal remedy.
• Use: immune system, allergies, diabetes support, externally for hair.
• Black seed oil: on bread at breakfast.
• Source: Bahzani.net, folk medicine Sheikhan

45. Kunêr / Tovê Kunêr: Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

• Tahini and sesame oil: strengthening. Sesame seeds for nursing mothers.

46. Kete / Madder: Madder (Rubia tinctorum)

• Root-red for egg dyeing at Çarşemiya Sor and fabric dyeing. Rûnas is the term.

47. Gul / Gulê Gulistanê: Rose (Rosa damascena)

• Sacred: Symbolic (Lalîş gardens).
• Rose water (Ava Gulê): cosmetic, soothing, in sweets.
• Rose-petal tea: anti-inflammatory, women’s medicine.

48. Mîra / Sirba: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Cough irritation, stomach: careful (blood pressure).

49. Aloeya Têxistî / Sebr: Aloe vera

• Popular in the diaspora: burns, skin.

50. Henar-Mêwe: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris / Berberis crataegina)

• Berries in pilaf, root medicinal (berberine) for infections.

51. Sosin Berf / Berfîn / Şîlanê: Snowdrop (Galanthus spp.)

• Spring herald: symbolic (no remedy, rather taboo due to toxicity).

52. Fritillaria: Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis / Fritillaria persica)

• Hawar: Lalîza Şahanî / Sêlê Şahî (Sinjar form)
• Sacred: In some Êzîdî regions a sacred spring flower. Taboo to pick in sacred valleys.
• See cross-reference: research-ezdiki-fritillaria-vocab.md

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4. HOME-REMEDY RECIPES

4.1 Against colds (Serma / Sermaketî)

Recipe 1, Çay tonic drink:

• 1 cup hot black tea + juice of 1/2 lemon + 1 tbsp honey + 1 crushed clove of garlic + pinch of black seed.
• Drink hot before sleep, cover warmly.

Recipe 2, Inhalation:

• Pot of hot water + 2 tbsp dried thyme (Cetir) + 1 tbsp eucalyptus leaves (if available) + simmer 5 min.
• Inhale under a towel for 5–10 min.

Recipe 3, Onion-honey syrup: See §19. 1 tbsp every 2 h for cough.

Recipe 4, Chest compress: Hot cloth with crushed boiled potatoes + mustard flour, wrap in fabric, on the chest for 20 min.

4.2 Against headache (Serêş / Êşa Serî)

Recipe 1, Mint forehead compress: Crush fresh mint, in gauze cloth + vinegar + cold water, on the forehead 30 min. Recipe 2, Temple salve: Peppermint oil (1 drop) + olive oil (1 tbsp), gently rub on temples. Recipe 3, Pîr prayer: For “spiritual” headaches (suspected Çavê Xerab): Pîr Bûb is visited, who places Berat clay on the forehead and speaks Qewl (Allison 2001:142).

4.3 Against stomach pain (Êşa Zikê)

Recipe 1, Chamomile-anise tea: 1 tsp chamomile + 1 tsp anise seeds + 250 ml water, steep 10 min. Recipe 2, Pomegranate-peel tea: For diarrhoea: see §24. Recipe 3, Yoghurt cure: For irritable stomach: 3× daily a bowl of fresh Mast (yoghurt) with a little honey. Recipe 4, Cumin water: 1 tsp cumin in 250 ml hot water, steep 5 min, for bloating. Recipe 5, Wormwood infusion: For suspected worms: very dilute, maximum 3 days (see §4 warning).

4.4 Against cough (Kuxik)

Recipe 1, Onion-honey (see §19). Recipe 2, Thyme-honey: 2 tsp Cetir + 1 tsp honey + hot water. 3–4× daily. Recipe 3, Radish-honey: Hollow out a large black radish (Tirb/Tirba Reş), fill with honey, collect juice for 12 h, take by the tablespoonful.

4.5 Wound treatment (Birîn)

Standard protocol Pîr-Hesin-Çinaryê:

1. Cleansing with Ava Kaniya Spî (sacred Lalîş water), symbolic + factual (spring water usually clean).
2. Honey–olive-oil salve (see §36).
3. Dressing with walnut leaves (antiseptic).
4. Pîr prayer over the wound.
5. Fresh dressing every 24 h.

4.6 Against burns (Şewîn)

Recipe 1: Fresh aloe vera + yoghurt (Mast) 1:1, apply thickly. Recipe 2: Cold-milk compresses. Recipe 3: Marigold-oil salve.

4.7 Snake bite / scorpion (Mar / Dûpişk)

Immediate protocol:

• Cut open the wound, wash blood out with Lalîş water if available, otherwise clear.
• Immediately to Pîrê Mem Şivan or Şêx Mend (see §9.5).
• Folk-medicinal: garlic-onion-salt paste on the bite (draws venom), cabbage leaf over it.
• Modern: Get medical help at once! Folk recipes are documented but do not replace anti-venom.

4.8 Against insomnia (Bê-Xewî)

• Hot milk + honey + nutmeg
• Rose water on the pillow
• Apsîn incense (clears “bad dreams”)

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5. WOMEN’S MEDICINE & MIDWIFE TRADITION

The Pîrê Hesmamana / Pîrê Bavê (midwives from Pîr families) are the central bearers of women’s knowledge. Knowledge is transmitted orally.

5.1 Pregnancy (Ducanî)

Herb	Use	Safety
Ginger (Zencefîl)	Nausea	safe
Anise (Banîs)	Nausea	safe
Parsley (Bexdenûs)	moderate	NOT in large amounts (induces labour)
Wormwood (Apsîn)	TABOO	abortifacient
Pennyroyal (Pûng)	TABOO	abortifacient
Pomegranate peel (Kelpora Hinarê)	TABOO	induces labour
Black seed	moderate	avoid in first trimester
Dates (Xurma)	Birth preparation	last 6 weeks daily 6 pieces

5.2 Birth (Zayîn)

Midwife practice:

• Smoke the birth room with Apsîn (clears Cinan)
• Hot Çay with cinnamon (Darçîn) to strengthen contractions
• Berat pellet under the pillow
• After birth: treat umbilical cord with olive oil + charcoal
• Bury the placenta under a walnut or pomegranate tree (Allison 2001:96)

5.3 Postpartum (40 days: Çilewra / Çilî)

• Mother stays 40 days in the house (Çila Zayînê)
• Daily strengthening dish: Pelûda Şîrê Dayikê (see Cuisine doc §21)
• Yoghurt + garlic + honey in the morning
• Taboo: no “cold” foods (traditional humoral medicine), no sour fruits

5.4 Milk production (Şîr-Zêdekirin)

• Fenugreek tea (Çayîr)
• Anise infusion
• Date-almond Pelûd
• Millet porridge

5.5 Cycle complaints

• Yarrow (Hingirîn): cycle regulator
• Lady’s-mantle tea (regionally known as “Pelîda Mêran”)
• Chamomile belly compress for cramps
• Iron: red beets, nettle, spinach

5.6 Infertility (Bê-Zaroktî)

Traditionally multi-step:

1. Women’s pilgrimage to Lalîş, to Kaniya Spî and Kefe Şêx Adî.
2. Touching the Pirayîya Wesan / Hêla Mêrebê (prayer stone for fertility).
3. Diet: lots of dates, sesame, almonds, millet porridge.
4. Black-seed oil daily.
5. Pîr prayer (Du’a).

Source: Allison 2001:91–98, Spät 2018:166.

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6. ÇAVÊ XERAB: EVIL EYE & PROTECTIVE RITUALS

Çavê Xerab (“evil eye”) is a central concept of Êzîdî folk medicine. The envy of another person can cause physical damage: especially in infants, beautiful women, pregnant women, new marriages, new livestock.

6.1 Diagnosis

Symptoms: sudden weakness, headache without cause, infant crying, animal illness, sleep disturbances, yawning without tiredness.

Tests:

• A Pîr drops glowing charcoal into water: if it cracks loudly = Çavê Xerab confirmed.
• A cut onion in a bowl of water: forms certain patterns.
• Lead pouring (Qurşûn-Avêtin): molten lead into cold water, the form gives information.

6.2 Protective talismans

Hawar	EN	Use
Çavê Mavî	Blue eye / Nazar	At the cradle, around the neck, on the car, at the house entrance
Tilismê Mor	Consecrated talisman	Cloth inscribed by the Pîr, around the child’s neck
Berat	Lalîş clay pellet	Carry / swallow
Sîr-Zêr	Garlic + gold thread	At the cradle
Dirîlê Spî	White cloth strips	Tied to sacred trees with a wish

6.3 Healing rituals

Smoke ritual (Tütsîn): Burn black-seed, wormwood, rosemary, bay leaf; carry the child three times through the smoke. Water healing (Avê Mor): Pîr speaks Du’a over a bowl of water, the patient is washed with it. Children’s knot game (Çawê Spî): A knot is tied, an animal led backwards through the threshold. Salt throwing (Xwê-Avêtin): A handful of salt thrown over the shoulder while reciting formulas.

Source: Spät 2018:140–150, Açıkyıldız 2010:84–86.

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7. SACRED TREES & PLANTS

7.1 Trees

Hawar	EN	Sacred status
Hinar	Pomegranate	Symbol Heft Sirran, Çarşemiya Sor
Gûz	Walnut	Shrine trees, seat of saints
Zeytûn	Olive	Peace symbol, Mor-Kirin oil
Berû / Mazî	Oak	Şêx-Şems trees, Lalîş & Sheikhan
Çinar	Plane tree	Pîr-Çinaryê, healer lineage
Mêw / Tirî	Grapevine	Lalîş vineyards, ritual wine
Hejîr	Fig	Regional shrine tree
Bî	Willow	Water element, fever healing
Tût	Mulberry	Pîrê-Mem shrine
Daristana Lalîş	Lalîş forest	The entire forest sacred

7.2 Plants

Hawar	EN	Sacred function
Cetir	Thyme	Şêx-Şems plant (incense)
Reşke	Black seed	“Tovê Şîfayê”, healing seed
Hingiv	Honey	Solar essence
Gul	Rose	Lalîş gardens, rose water for Mor-Kirin
Mêw	Grapevine	Mey is ritually permitted (Allison 2001:74)

7.3 Lalîş spring plants

In the Lalîş valley grow protected sacred plants that may not be picked:

• Lalîza Lalîş: endemic lily/tulip plant
• Berûzîna Spî: white oak form
• Gulê Şêx Adî: rose of Şêx Adî (delicate pink rose)
• Wild herbs of the Kaniya Spî

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8. TABOO PLANTS

8.1 Strictly taboo (all Êzîdîs)

Marûl / Xes: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

• Complete food taboo (see Cuisine doc §1).
• Reasons:
• Myth 1 (Sheikh Adi persecutors): Enemies of Şêx Adî hid in a lettuce field, collective memory.
• Myth 2 (phonetic): “Marûl” sounds like “Melek Tawus” or vice versa, protection from desecration.
• Myth 3 (Açıkyıldız 2010:101): Lettuce leaf shape resembles the snake at the Lalîş gate, capsule of the saint.
• Myth 4 (Spät 2018:115): Lettuce contains “cold spirit” linked to the weak materiality of the world, Êzîdî purity avoidance.
• Application: Do not eat, do not offer, do not buy for an Êzîdî household. Strictly observed in the diaspora.

Beraz: Pig (see Cuisine §1)

8.2 Regionally taboo

Beans (Fasûlî / Lobî / Bakla)

• Taboo for some Şêx lineages and Pîr lineages: especially black beans (associated with mourning and Cinan).
• Permitted in laxer families.

Cabbage (Kelm)

• Ritually avoided in some Pîr families on sacred days.

8.3 Caution plants (not taboo, but ritual)

• Apsîn (wormwood), only for healing, no continuous consumption
• Pûng (pennyroyal), taboo in pregnancy
• Pelê Zeytûnê: olive-leaf tea only as a remedy

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9. SACRED ANIMALS

9.1 Tawûs / Tawûsî Melek: Peacock (Pavo cristatus)

Highest Êzîdî symbolism. The peacock is the earthly manifestation of the angel peacock Tawûsî Melek, God’s first angel, lord of the world, and director of creation.

Aspect	Detail
Status	Most sacred animal
Symbol	Seven sacred colours in the tail = Heft Sirran
Treatment	NEVER kill, NEVER eat, NEVER dishonour
Representation	Sancak (bronze peacock standard) carried by Qewwalan through the villages
Myth	Tawûsî Melek was tested by God, remained faithful, received dominion over the world

Source: Açıkyıldız 2010:67–78, Kreyenbroek 1995:91–103.

9.2 Ga / Boğa: Bull (Bos taurus)

Çarşemiya Sor sacrificial animal. A white bull is slaughtered at Lalîş (see Cuisine §3).

Aspect	Detail
Status	Highly sacred sacrificial animal
Occasion	Çarşemiya Sor (Êzîdî New Year)
Symbol	Strength, earth, fertility
Note	The bull is not sacred in general, but the sacrificial bull is sacred; its meat is Simat (sacred meal)

9.3 Pez / Berx: Sheep / Lamb (Ovis aries)

Wedding / mourning / festival sacrifice.

Aspect	Detail
Status	Sacred in function (sacrifice)
Occasion	Wedding (Berxê Dawatê), mourning memorial, child baptism
Slaughter	Ritual: NOT facing Mecca (that would be Islamic), facing Lalîş, with Qewlê Qurbanê

9.4 Hesp: Horse (Equus caballus)

Sacred horsemanship.

Aspect	Detail
Status	Noble companion, highlighted in folk art
Symbolism	Şêxs ride white horses to festivals
Folk belief	The white horse of Stîya Êzî (sainted Êzî) leads the deceased to the afterlife
Taboo	The horse is NOT eaten (applies to most Êzîdîs)

9.5 Mar: Snake (Serpentes)

The black snake at the Lalîş gate, THE iconic symbol.

Aspect	Detail
Status	Sacred, guardian of the Mêrê Dîwanê gate
Myth	The snake closed the hole in Noah’s ark with its body, saving creation
Image	Black snake carved in stone at the main portal of Lalîş, periodically re-blackened
Pîr protection	Pîrê Mem Şivan and Şêx Mend are snake Pîrs, bitten pilgrims are brought to them
Killing	Snakes are traditionally not actively killed: Êzîdîs keep distance, let them pass
Veneration	Snake-bite healers wear a snake symbol

Source: Açıkyıldız 2010:48–56 (Lalîş architecture), Spät 2018:106.

9.6 Stêrk / Lêqlêq: Stork (Ciconia ciconia)

Aspect	Detail
Status	Sacred (good-luck bringer)
Folk belief	Stork on the roof = luck and fertility
Taboo	Killing is taboo (also in lax families)

9.7 Şahîn / Bazî: Falcon (Falco spp.) / Eagle (Aquila spp.)

Aspect	Detail
Status	Noble birds, companions of the saints
Symbolism	Eagle over Lalîş = Şêx Adî among his disciples
In Qewl	Şêx Adî is described with eagle qualities (powerful eye, height)

9.8 Mêş / Hingivê Mêşê: Bee (Apis mellifera)

Aspect	Detail
Status	Sacred (producer of honey)
Symbolism	The bee state = model of communal order
Practice	Beekeeping widespread in Sheikhan & Bahzani, sacred honey

9.9 Kewên Spî: White doves (Columba spp.)

Aspect	Detail
Status	Sacred (purity)
Symbolism	Soul of the deceased, peace symbol
Practice	Released at Lalîş, sacred act

9.10 Kûçik / Sêr: Dog / guard dog

Aspect	Detail
Status	Useful but ambivalent
Function	Guard dog, NOT an indoor pet (ritual purity)
Food taboo	Dog meat strictly taboo, self-evident

9.11 Pisîk: Cat

Aspect	Detail
Status	Housemate, rather neutral
Folk belief	A black cat is not a bad omen as in Europe, but a symbol of watchfulness

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10. TABOO ANIMALS (for eating)

Hawar	EN	Taboo status	Reason
Beraz	Pig	Strict, all Êzîdîs	Unclean, as also in Islam
Dîk	Rooster	Regional (Pîrê Sînê et al.)	Rooster as relative of the peacock (peacock-angel)
Masî	Fish	Sheikhan region, Lalîş	Taboo near sacred water (Kaniya Spî)
Xezal / Karxezal	Gazelle / deer	Some tribes	“Reincarnated animals”
Tawûs	Peacock	Strict, all	Highest sacred animal
Stêrk	Stork	Strict, all	Sacred
Kewa Spî	White dove	Strict, all	Sacred
Hesp	Horse	Strict	Noble animal
Kûçik	Dog	Strict	Unclean
Pisîk	Cat	Strict	Housemate
Mar	Snake	Strict	Sacred

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11. ANIMAL SYMBOLISM & RITUAL SLAUGHTER

11.1 Ritual slaughter (Qurban / Qurbankirin)

Preparation:

• The slaughterer is usually a Şêx or experienced father of the family
• The animal (sheep, bull) is turned toward Lalîş: not toward Mecca
• Water to drink before slaughter (eases suffering)
• Qewlê Qurbanê is spoken
• The cut is swift, blood completely drained
• Entrails processed separately
• Bones must not be broken in a lamb sacrifice (Sheikhan)

Festival sacrifice occasions:

• Çarşemiya Sor (bull)
• Cejna Cemaiyê (sheep)
• Wedding (lamb)
• Birth (hen: in families where the rooster is taboo)
• Funeral memorial (40th day: lamb)
• Pilgrimage return (lamb)

11.2 Animal symbolism in Qewl & folklore

Animal	Symbolic meaning
Peacock	Tawûsî Melek, highest angel
Bull	Earth, creative force
Sheep	Humility, willingness to sacrifice, the Êzîdî people
Dog	Watchfulness, loyalty, but NOT ritually pure
Snake	Protection of the world, guardian
Falcon	Şêx Adî, sharp gaze of the saints
Horse	Journey, war, sacred rider
Bee	Community, flowing sweetness
Dove	Soul
Stork	Luck, return (spring)
Crow	Death, admonisher (folk)

11.3 Forbidden animal-related behaviour (teaching)

• Do not torment animals: a sacred commandment
• Do not imitate animal sounds while eating
• Do not eat carrion (except ritually slaughtered animals)
• Do not drink blood

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12. NATURE CALENDAR & ASTROLOGY

Êzîdî folk medicine follows a lunar calendar for plant harvesting:

Lunar phase	Healing activity
New moon (Heyva Nû)	Sowing, beginning
Waxing moon (Heyva Bilind)	Gather plants for building-up effects
Full moon (Heyva Tijî)	Highest potency, Lalîş pilgrimage
Waning moon (Heyva Nizm)	Gather roots, “reducing” healing

Spring harvest (April–May): Sawûka herbs, highest vital force. Autumn harvest (Sept–Oct): Roots, peels, storage supplies. Winter: Incense, dried provisions.

12.1 Stars (Stêrk) & healing power

• Sirius / Stêrka Şivan: the Dog Star, marker of the summer dog days (hot, do not bloodlet)
• Çêla Heft Birayan / Pleiades: seven angel stars
• Whoever is born “under a bad star” (Stêrka Reş) receives a Tilismê Mor.

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13. INDEX & WORD LIST

13.1 Plant index (Hawar: EN, Latin)

Hawar	EN	Latin
Şalye	Sage	Salvia officinalis
Cetir / Zatar	Thyme	Thymus serpyllum/vulgaris
Pîng / Nane	Mint	Mentha spicata/piperita
Apsîn	Wormwood	Artemisia absinthium
Rîhan	Basil	Ocimum basilicum
Pûng	Pennyroyal	Mentha pulegium
Mêran	Oregano	Origanum vulgare
Bûbêbig	Chamomile	Matricaria chamomilla
Hingirîn	Yarrow	Achillea millefolium
Karî	Dandelion	Taraxacum officinale
Geliyan	Marigold	Calendula officinalis
Bexdenûs	Parsley	Petroselinum crispum
Şîvît	Dill	Anethum graveolens
Zîre	Cumin	Cuminum cyminum
Banîs	Anise	Pimpinella anisum
Razyan	Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare
Gîya / Kuzbure	Coriander	Coriandrum sativum
Sîr	Garlic	Allium sativum
Pîvaz	Onion	Allium cepa
Sîrim	Wild garlic	Allium ursinum
Hinar	Pomegranate	Punica granatum
Gûz	Walnut	Juglans regia
Zeytûn	Olive	Olea europaea
Tût	Mulberry	Morus alba/nigra
Hejîr	Fig	Ficus carica
Sêv	Apple	Malus domestica
Berû / Mazî	Oak	Quercus brantii
Bî	Willow	Salix spp.
Pelûd	Sumac tree	Rhus coriaria
Şîpîn	Tamarisk	Tamarix spp.
Çinar	Plane tree	Platanus orientalis
Hingiv	Honey	(Apis mellifera)
Tovê Kundir	Pumpkin seeds	Cucurbita pepo
Spînax	Spinach	Spinacia oleracea
Tirşik	Sorrel	Rumex acetosa
Gezgezk	Nettle	Urtica dioica
Tûjik	Watercress	Nasturtium officinale
Silq	Chard	Beta vulgaris
Çayîr	Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum-graecum
Reşke	Black seed	Nigella sativa
Tovê Kunêr	Sesame	Sesamum indicum
Rûnas	Madder	Rubia tinctorum
Gul	Rose	Rosa damascena
Mîra	Liquorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Henar-Mêwe	Barberry	Berberis vulgaris
Lalîza Şahanî	Crown imperial	Fritillaria persica
Mêw / Tirî	Grapevine	Vitis vinifera
Marûl / Xes	Lettuce (TABOO)	Lactuca sativa
Beraz	Pig (TABOO)	Sus scrofa domesticus

13.2 Animal index

Hawar	EN	Latin	Status
Tawûs	Peacock	Pavo cristatus	Most sacred
Ga / Boğa	Bull	Bos taurus	Sacrifice
Pez / Berx	Sheep / lamb	Ovis aries	Sacrifice
Hesp	Horse	Equus caballus	Sacred (do not eat)
Mar	Snake	Serpentes	Sacred
Stêrk / Lêqlêq	Stork	Ciconia ciconia	Sacred
Şahîn	Falcon	Falco spp.	Sacred
Bazî	Eagle	Aquila spp.	Sacred
Mêş	Bee	Apis mellifera	Sacred
Kewa Spî	White dove	Columba	Sacred
Kûçik	Dog	Canis	Eating taboo
Pisîk	Cat	Felis	Eating taboo
Dîk	Rooster	Gallus	Regional taboo
Masî	Fish	Pisces	Regional taboo (Sheikhan)
Xezal	Gazelle	Gazella	Some tribes taboo
Beraz	Pig	Sus	Strict taboo

13.3 Disease word list

Hawar	EN
Nexweşî	Illness
Sermaketî / Serma	Cold
Kuxik	Cough
Tab / Germetî	Fever
Êşa Serî / Serêş	Headache
Êşa Zikê	Stomach ache
Êşa Diranê	Toothache
Êşa Guhê	Earache
Birîn	Wound
Şewîn	Burn
Hêkirin	Swelling
Xwîn	Blood
Marketin	Snake bite
Dûpişkketî	Scorpion sting
Çavê Xerab	Evil eye
Bê-Xewî	Insomnia
Bê-Zaroktî	Infertility
Ducanî	Pregnancy
Zayîn	Birth
Çila Zayînê	40-day postpartum
Şîr-Zêdekirin	Milk production
Wir / Pîlûş	Worm infestation

13.4 Healing terms

Hawar	EN
Şîfa	Healing
Derman	Medicine / remedy
Giya / Giyayê Şîfayê	Healing herb
Pîr	Saint / healer lineage
Pîr midwife	Pîrê Hesmamana / Pîra Bavê
Du’a	Prayer (healing prayer)
Berat	Sacred clay pellet
Ava Mor	Consecrated water
Tilismê Mor	Talisman
Tütsî	Incense
Qurşûn-Avêtin	Lead pouring (diagnosis)
Xwê-Avêtin	Salt throwing (ritual)
Bandora Cinan	Spirit influence

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SOURCES & LITERATURE

• Açıkyıldız, Birgül (2010): The Yezidis. The History of a Community, Culture and Religion. I.B. Tauris, London., Pîr families pp.79–83, animal symbolism pp.67–78, food taboos pp.99–108.
• Allison, Christine (2001): The Yezidi Oral Tradition in Iraqi Kurdistan. Curzon Press, Richmond., Pregnancy/birth pp.91–98, illness rituals pp.140–160.
• Spät, Eszter (2018): Hola Hola Tawûsî Melek: The Religion of the Yezidis., Folk medicine pp.140–180, animal symbolism pp.95–130, taboo plants p.115.
• Kreyenbroek, Philip G. (1995): Yezidism, Its Background, Observances and Textual Tradition. Edwin Mellen Press., Pîr/Şêx lineages pp.131–160, animal symbol pp.85–110.
• Kreyenbroek, Philip G. (2009): Yezidism in Europe: Different Generations Speak about their Religion. Harrassowitz.
• AMAR International Charitable Foundation: Yezidi Cultural Heritage Project / Folk Medicine Survey (2018–2022), interviews with midwives in Dohuk camps, folk-medicine database.
• ezipedia.de: online knowledge portal, sections “Healing Plants”, “Animals”, “Taboos”.
• Bahzani.net: Bashiqa/Bahzani community portal, folk recipes.
• Faryma, Şikoyê Hasan (1989): Êzdîyên Kavkazê û Welatê Wan (Aparan/Tbilisi), Caucasian folk-medicine records.
• Yezidi Cultural Heritage Project (KRG, from 2017): plant and healing-knowledge documentation in Sheikhan, Sinjar, Bahzani.
• Pîr-midwife survey Sheikhan (AMAR 2018–2019): oral tradition, 22 midwives interviewed.
• Folklore collections Tbilisi (Georgian Academy of Sciences, Caucasus Studies): Êzîdî Aparan/Tbilisi material.

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RELATED DOCUMENTS

• research-ezdiki-cuisine.md, sister document with festive foods, everyday fare
• research-ezdiki-religion-culture.md, religious foundations
• research-ezdiki-folklore.md, folklore and customs
• research-ezdiki-heilige-genealogie.md, Pîr/Şêx lineages
• research-ezdiki-fritillaria-vocab.md, Fritillaria vocabulary
• research-ezdiki-sakraltexte-vollstaendig.md, Qewl prayers in healing contexts
• research-ezdiki-final-synthesis.md, overall synthesis

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DISCLAIMER

This document is ethnographic-cultural-scientific. Folk-medicine recipes are documented as part of the intangible cultural heritage and do NOT replace modern medical treatment. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, the chronically ill and children should consult a doctor before using herbal remedies. Taboo plants such as wormwood and pennyroyal carry a toxicity risk.

Êzîdî taboos (lettuce, pig, regionally rooster/fish) are culturally-religiously binding and are fully observed in the diaspora, they are explained in detail in this document for that reason.

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Status: 2026-05-22 · Sirr-taboo word “[Unspoken]” · Êzîdî conventions: Tawûsî Melek, Lalîş, Sersal (not “Newroz”), Cilê Spî, Şêx Adî, Xwedê (= God, never “Allah”), Sinjar/Şingal, Hawar-Latin (Bedirxan 1932), Cindî-Cyrillic, Deq.