If you’ve ever had a cold in Nigeria, chances are someone—your mother, grandmother, or a neighbor offered you agbo (a local herbal concoction) before you even considered going to the hospital.
For centuries, herbal remedies have been a trusted part of African culture, with people relying on plants, roots, and natural extracts to treat illnesses. However, in recent years, misinformation about herbal cures—especially on social media—has led many Nigerians to reject modern medicine in favor of unproven herbal treatments.
But are herbal remedies actually effective, or are we putting our health at risk? Let’s separate fact from fiction.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine, also known as traditional or alternative medicine, involves the use of plants, roots, and natural substances to treat illnesses. Some well-known Nigerian herbal treatments include:
- Agbo – A bitter herbal mixture used for malaria, typhoid, and detoxification.
- Dogonyaro (Neem leaves) – Claimed to cure everything from fever to diabetes.
- Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola) – Believed to prevent infections and boost immunity.
- Uda Seed (Negro Pepper) – Often used after childbirth for healing.
Many of these herbs have medicinal properties. In fact, some modern drugs are derived from plants. For example:
- Aspirin, used for pain relief, was originally extracted from willow bark.
- Quinine, used to treat malaria, comes from the Cinchona tree.
- Metformin, a diabetes drug, was inspired by compounds found in the French lilac plant.
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information
As a pharmacist, I have worked with many plants to assess their medicinal properties, and some turned out great. My final year project even assessed a plant that showed greater analgesic activity compared to morphine and other opioid. So, clearly, herbal medicine has value, but not all herbal remedies are safe or effective, and that’s where the problem starts.
The Problem With Herbal Medicine in Nigeria
1. Lack of Dosage Control
When you take paracetamol, you know the exact dose (500mg per tablet). But when you drink agbo, how do you know how much is too much?
Many herbal treatments are not standardized, which means:
- There is no precise dosage measurement.
- The active ingredient concentration is unknown.
- Overuse can lead to toxicity and organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys.
A study has linked excessive consumption of herbal bitters to kidney damage due to their high concentration of alkaloids and tannins.
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
2. No Scientific Testing or Regulation
Modern drugs go through years of scientific research, testing, and approval by organizations like NAFDAC (Nigeria), FDA (USA), and WHO (World Health Organization) before they are released to the public.
Many herbal products, however, are sold without proper quality control.
In 2022, NAFDAC banned several herbal aphrodisiac drinks after reports showed they contained dangerous chemicals linked to kidney failure.
Source: NAFDAC Public Health Alert
3. Herbal Remedies Do NOT Cure Chronic Diseases
One of the biggest health misinformation trends in Nigeria is the claim that herbal remedies can cure chronic diseases like:
- Cancer – Some claim that pawpaw leaves, soursop, or bitter kola can cure cancer. There is no scientific proof of this.
- Diabetes – Neem leaves and turmeric do not cure diabetes. Diabetes requires medical management.
- HIV/AIDS – No herbal remedy can cure HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are the only proven treatment.
The danger is that many Nigerians abandon modern treatment in favor of herbal concoctions, leading to severe complications or even death.
Source: World Health Organization
Can Herbal Medicine & Modern Medicine Work Together?
Yes. Herbal medicine is not the enemy, but it must be used responsibly. Here’s how:
1. Use Herbal Medicine as a Complement, Not a Replacement
- Herbal teas, like ginger and honey, can help with sore throats, but they do not replace antibiotics when needed.
- Bitter kola may boost immunity, but it cannot cure viral infections like COVID-19.
2. Verify Health Claims From Trusted Sources
Before believing or sharing health tips from WhatsApp, check credible sources like:
3. Consult a Qualified Health Professional
If you want to use herbal medicine, speak to a pharmacist or doctor first to ensure it is safe and won’t interfere with other medications.
Science & Tradition Can Coexist
Traditional medicine is part of our culture, but modern medicine is based on science, evidence, and safety. Instead of seeing them as rivals, we should find a responsible way to integrate them for better healthcare.
