Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe, Expert Warns Nigerians

 

The Chief Executive Officer of Bioharb, Mohammed Adamu Daggo, has warned Nigerians against assuming that every herbal product is safe simply because it is made from natural ingredients.

Daggo said the growing interest in herbal and botanical wellness products had made it increasingly important for consumers to understand what they were taking, how such products should be used and when to seek professional medical advice.

He acknowledged Africa’s long history of traditional herbal practices as an important part of its cultural heritage but cautioned against using that history to

justify exaggerated claims about natural products.

“Being natural does not automatically make a product safe for everyone. Plants contain active compounds, and people need to understand that herbal products should be approached with the same seriousness we apply to other health-related decisions,” Daggo stated.

He explained that the effects of botanical ingredients could vary depending on their preparation, concentration and intended use, as well as an individual’s health condition and medications.

The Bioharb chief particularly urged people living with chronic illnesses not to abandon prescribed treatments in favour of herbal products promoted as guaranteed cures.

According to him, responsible wellness should encourage informed choices rather than create false expectations.

“People should not have to choose between appreciating natural wellness and receiving proper medical care. Both conversations can exist, but we must be clear about the limitations of herbal products,” he said.

 

Daggo also urged businesses in the botanical wellness industry to prioritise consumer education and responsible marketing, noting that consumers deserved accurate information about product ingredients, appropriate usage and the evidence supporting health claims.

He encouraged Nigerians to adopt a broader approach to wellness that includes balanced nutrition, physical activity, adequate rest and preventive healthcare.

He said discussions about health should not focus only on what people should take when they become ill but also on everyday habits that contribute to their wellbeing.

“Wellness should not begin only when someone becomes sick. It should be part of how we live, the decisions we make and the attention we give our bodies every day,” he stated.

The messages form part of Bioharb’s Back to the Roots campaign, which encourages Africans to reconnect with their botanical heritage while embracing modern knowledge and responsible health practices.

The campaign seeks to promote a balanced understanding of natural wellness rather than present herbal products as substitutes for established medical treatments.

Daggo noted that traditional knowledge could provide useful starting points for scientific research but stressed that such knowledge must be carefully investigated before medical conclusions could be drawn.

He said the future of botanical wellness would depend on how effectively businesses built consumer trust through transparency and responsible communication.

He urged consumers to become more curious about the products they use and take a more proactive approach to their health.

“The goal should not simply be to encourage people to buy herbal products. It should be to help them make better decisions about their wellbeing,” Daggo said.