ITU
A renowned pharmacist and natural medicine expert, Dr. Imoh Johnny, has called on Nigerians to embrace indigenous herbal medicine for holistic healing, warning that the heavy reliance on synthetic drugs and a westernised lifestyle is contributing to a surge in degenerative diseases.
Johnny made the call during a special health talk session organised by Health and Fitness Nation (HFN) at the West Iran Sports Centre, Itu Local Government Area.
Speaking on the theme of wellness through natural remedies, the senior lecturer and postgraduate coordinator in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, said, “In life, don’t rush, go gently.” He stressed that many of the ailments ravaging modern society—including hypertension, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and sexual dysfunction—could be addressed through time-tested herbal solutions.
He described hypertension as a persistent elevation in blood pressure, often linked to stroke and sexual dysfunction, and recommended the use of natural herbs traditionally used by older generations. These include Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa), which is rich in phytochemicals and effective in blood pressure control when taken 1–2 hours after preparation; unripe papaya (Carica papaya) soaked for four days and refrigerated; garden eggs (Solanum aethiopicum); mistletoe (Viscum album), which can be boiled or taken as powdered tea; and avocado seed (Persea americana), either dried and powdered or boiled fresh. He also mentioned soursop leaves (Annona muricata) as highly effective in cancer prevention and hypertension control, and emphasised the value of green leafy vegetables, which increase nitric oxide for improved blood flow. A combination of cinnamon, clove, original gin, ginseng, maca root, and ashwagandha, he added, can also help regulate blood pressure. Garlic (Allium sativa), due to its allicin content, and a mix of coconut water and lime were also recommended for heart health.
On diabetes, Dr. Johnny noted that the condition arises when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. He recommended herbal options such as bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), neem (Azadirachta indica), coconut water mixed with osu (a local extract) for wound healing, Hunteria umbellata (especially in water-extracted form), bitter melon (Momordica charantia), and cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Addressing sexual health and vitality, Dr. Johnny explained that true sexual arousal follows a natural path from the mind to the brain, heart, and finally the reproductive organs, warning that synthetic drugs bypass this pathway and may disrupt the body’s natural processes. For natural aphrodisiacs, he recommended Sida acuta (wire weed), especially when combined with utin ewa, and Cnestis ferruginea, whose root can be soaked and taken daily for 21 days. The roots of both plants can be combined and soaked in water or original gin. He also mentioned African walnut (Ekom) as a potent aphrodisiac, and turmeric (Curcuma longa) for its rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil and poke root were cited as effective for detoxification, treating breast lumps, and serving as laxatives and purgatives.
On prostate health, Dr. Johnny advised the use of Boerhavia diffusa, a known diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb, and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), which supports urinary tract function. He suggested including these herbs in meals or taking their juice extracts. For ulcer management, contrary to popular belief, he encouraged the consumption of pepper and recommended remedies such as mango stem bark (Mangifera indica), which contains mangiferin and can be soaked and taken daily for 21 days, and dry powder of native pear (Dacryodes edulis), which helps manage ulcer pain and heal the stomach lining.
Johnny concluded by emphasising the importance of returning to nature for holistic healing and urged the public to embrace herbal medicine not merely as an alternative, but as a foundational path to wellness. “Plants have always been the foundation of pharmaceutical science,” he said. “Let’s return to our roots for a healthier, more sustainable future.”
The health talk drew a large and attentive audience from the Itu community and was part of Health and Fitness Nation’s ongoing campaign to promote preventive healthcare through natural medicine, exercise, and public enlightenment.
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