Ayilo facts for kids

Ayilo in Ghana

Ayilo, also known as ayilor, hyile, or ferinkasa, is a special type of baked clay from Ghana. It is a solid white clay that is often shaped into egg-like balls. This clay is a form of bentonite clay. Different groups in Ghana have their own names for it. For example, the Ewes call it agatawoe or agatawe. The Ga people call it ayilo. The Akan people know it as shirew or shile. Sometimes, it is also called kaolin.

Where Does Ayilo Come From?

Ayilo is mainly made in a town called Anfoega. This town is located in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Why Do People Use Ayilo?

For a long time, some people have used Ayilo for different reasons.

• Some believe it helps with nausea, which is a feeling of sickness in the stomach.
• It is also thought to help prevent diarrhea and other stomach problems.
• In some traditions, Ayilo is used for beauty purposes.
• It has also been used in traditional medicine for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

What Are the Dangers of Eating Ayilo?

Even though some people use Ayilo, eating it can be harmful.

• If someone eats too much Ayilo, especially pregnant women, it can lead to anemia. Anemia means your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
• Ayilo can contain harmful chemical elements. These include substances like arsenic, boron, aluminium, and nickel. Eating these can be very bad for your health.
• Consuming Ayilo can also cause constipation, making it hard to go to the bathroom.
• Some people find it very hard to stop eating Ayilo once they start.

Ayilo in Other Countries

Ayilo is not just found in Ghana. Similar types of clay are known in other countries too.

• In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this type of clay is called mabele.
• In Cameroon, it is known as calaba.