Traditional’ sauna’ therapy in Ethiopia is emerging as a popular treatment in urban areas

Saba Yilma, a traditional Ethiopian sauna therapist, is able to regulate the temperature of her “weyba tis” by emitting plumes of fragrant smoke from beneath a heavy leather cloak, despite her face being caked in honey and her hair being slathered in butter.

Saba, a member of a burgeoning community of young urbanites, is perched on a chair amid a small fire of smoldering branches and herbs. Users assert that the beauty treatment is capable of alleviating a variety of ailments, including birth-related trauma and pains.

“I experienced a slight discomfort in my lower back and thighs.” Saba, who is in her late 20s, expressed her relief following a session at the Fana Weyba resort and salon in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.

The enterprise is operated by Fana Gebremedhin, who introduced the practice from her hometown of Raya in the northern region of Tigray over two decades ago. She is on the brink of opening her third retreat in the capital.

“When I started this business it was only older women who were using this service,” Fana explained. “Now the vast majority of our clients are modern young women.”

There is preliminary evidence that the weyba tree, which serves as the primary fuel source for the fire, has medicinal properties for rodents and rats.

The potential benefits of weyba extract to humans were not investigated in a study published last year in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The study discovered that weyba extract could be used to develop treatments for “managing immune-related disorders.”

“We acknowledge that additional research is required; however, we have independently demonstrated that it is effective in alleviating skin issues, headaches, and hip and joint pain,” stated Workinesh Birru, the state minister of culture of Ethiopia.

Laboratory evidence is unnecessary for Mistir Desalegn. Whenever she is in the capital, she undergoes the treatment at least once a week.

“The feeling I have after using the Weyba Tis is very good,” according to her. “My face shines.”