Abuja, Nigeria — A surge in the use of online herbal remedies in Nigeria has sparked concerns over their safety and efficacy, with stories of adverse health effects emerging as the trend grows. Oke Bola, a woman in her early 40s, experienced difficulty breathing after taking a fertility supplement she purchased online.
The supplement, Jinja Herbal Mixture, is marketed for its antioxidant, anti — inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties but has been linked to potential kidney and liver stress at higher doses, according to a 2025 study.
The proliferation of unverified herbal remedies is fueled by Nigeria’s traditional reliance on natural cures and the widespread use of the internet for medical advice. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are being used to promote these products, often with little to no regulation. Bola’s experience is not an isolated one.
Another user, Temi Ahondiwura, reported worsened vision problems after using a herbal eye treatment she bought through Facebook.
The product claimed to treat multiple eye conditions but ended up exacerbating her vision issues. Pharmacist Akinade Akinlolu and Dr Egemba Chinonso Fidelis have noted the increasing number of cases involving unverified herbal remedies.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is responsible for regulating herbal products in Nigeria, but the rapid spread of misinformation and the volume of online advertisements make effective enforcement challenging.
As Nigeria grapples with this trend, there is a pressing need for increased public awareness and stricter regulation to protect citizens from the potential dangers of these unverified herbal remedies.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Isaac Olufemi Ojo
