What Is Nep Nep (Neb Neb)? Senegal's Acacia Nilotica Pods Explained
If you have Senegalese, Gambian or Guinean family, you have probably heard the women talk about nep nep. The small, dark, twisted pods sit in almost every Senegalese market and in many homes across West Africa. Here's what nep nep is, the names it goes by, how it's traditionally prepared, and what to know before you use it.
Nep nep at a glance
What it is: the dried seed pods of the Acacia nilotica tree (now also called Vachellia nilotica)
Other names: neb neb, nep-nep, gonakié (French), babool (India), gum arabic tree, Egyptian thorn
Where it grows: across the Sahel, West and East Africa, the Middle East and India
Sold as: whole dried pods or ground powder
What is nep nep?
Nep nep (also spelled neb neb) is the Wolof name for the seed pods of the acacia nilotica tree, a thorny tree that thrives in dry climates. The pods are long, dark brown and bumpy, a bit like a string of beads. They're naturally rich in tannins, plant compounds with a strong, drying, astringent effect, which is why the pods taste very bitter and make the mouth pucker.
How nep nep is used across Africa
Acacia nilotica is one of the most useful trees in the Sahel, and almost every part of it has a traditional use:
- Women's traditional care in Senegal. Nep nep is best known as part of Senegalese women's traditional hygiene and beauty rituals, passed down from mothers and grandmothers.
- Infusions. The pods are rinsed and simmered in water to make a dark, bitter infusion, prepared according to family tradition.
- Mouth care. In parts of Africa and India, the twigs of the same tree are chewed as a natural toothbrush, like a chewing stick.
- Leather and dye. In Kano, Nigeria, the tannin-rich pods have long been used to tan and dye leather a reddish color.
- Gum. The tree also produces a gum related to gum arabic.
How to prepare nep nep pods
The traditional way is simple: rinse a handful of whole pods, simmer them in water for 10 to 20 minutes until the water turns dark brown, then let it cool and strain it. Some people crush or grind the pods first for a stronger result. Always follow the directions on your package, and use it as intended.
An honest word on safety
Nep nep is a traditional botanical, not a medicine, and there's very little modern research on how people use it at home. Its tannins are strongly astringent and can irritate delicate skin.
Doctors advise against washing or steaming inside the vagina with any herbal preparation, because it can upset the body's natural balance and lead to irritation or infection. If you have discharge, itching, odor or pain, see a doctor or nurse, since those can be signs of an infection that needs treatment. Avoid nep nep if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and talk to your healthcare provider first if you take medication or have a health condition.
How to store nep nep
Keep the pods sealed in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and sunlight. Stored dry, whole pods keep for a long time. Throw them out if they turn moldy or smell damp.
Buy nep nep
Visit Yado African & Caribbean Market at 1651 E 87th St in Chicago, or order online with shipping across the U.S. We also carry many other Senegalese and West African favorites.
Nep nep questions
Is nep nep the same as neb neb?
Yes. Nep nep, neb neb and nep-nep are different spellings of the same Wolof name for acacia nilotica pods.
What is nep nep called in English?
It comes from the acacia nilotica tree, also called the gum arabic tree, babul or Egyptian thorn. The pods are sometimes sold as acacia nilotica pods or babool pods.
Is nep nep the same as gum arabic?
Not exactly. Nep nep is the tree's seed pods. The tree also gives off a gum, but most commercial gum arabic comes from related acacia species.
Is nep nep safe?
It's a traditional botanical with little modern research on home use. Don't use it inside the body, avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and check with your healthcare provider if you take medication or have a health condition.
Where can I buy nep nep near me?
At Yado African & Caribbean Market in Chicago, or online from our store with fast U.S. shipping.
