20/06/2025
The role of Traditional Medicine Practitioners towards advancing Traditional and complementary medicine: Opportunity and Challenges*
A webinar of The Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery(CeHMDD), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo), presented by
*HDr. Adetola SOYEMI*
(BSc.Hons.Botany, M.E.B, Ibadan)
18/06/2025
Socrates once said, "there is only one good; knowledge and one evil; ignorance. This statement should guide us in all our actions especially when it comes to our health. Too many people do not have the slightest idea of how to maintain personal health and unfortunately too many also have very wrong notion about Traditional African medicine. They see it as unethical, crude, fe**sh , barbaric, unprofessional and savage. Often, these derogatory submissions have been sponsored to keep the attention of the people away from herbal medicine.
When illness strikes, we rely on our medical doctors to cure us with drugs. What we fail to realize is that "the cure" comes from within. Nature has provided us with a wondrous immune system and what we have to do is to take care of this inner healing force. This may look too simple, but our modern lifestyles have gotten us off the right track, with fast food, alcohol abuse, drug dependencies, a polluted environment and a high-tech stress. Nature intended to fuel our inner healing force with a *right natural substance* to enable the body to function up till its full potential. Nature's resources- whole foods, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other natural bounties are designed for use in our immune system and this is what traditional medicine is all about. Going natural and building the immune system. However, because most of us have profound lack of knowledge as to what our bodies need to function properly, we find ourselves out of balance and susceptible to all sorts of illness.
As a little boy, I had longed to study pharmacy, I cherished it so much and for three years I couldn't meet up the cut off mark, so I was offered a provisional admission to study
Botany, a mere knowledge of plants as people see it. That year, our department organized a freshers' orientation programe for all the Botany students, the guest speaker was Prof. Ebeneezer Olapade (of blessed memory), the director of NARL specialist clinic in Ibadan. He spoke so eloquently
on his escapades in traditional medine, he was so audacious, well informed, successful and versatile. When he was done I saw how related Botany is to pharmacy, I made up my mind to become a herbalist and to toe the path of Ethnobotany, an aspect that deals with the study of medicine plants and their applications. So, my interest grew so strong from my year one and indeed I made everyone who came across me fall in love with Botany. Then, people just want to show me a plant so that I can mention the Botanical name, it was fun and captivating.
The role of traditional medicine Practitioners can not be overemphasized in the global polity. Today, in Nigeria, traditional medicine has been institutionalized and fully recognized by the government. This has been the fight for ages. Now, every state in Nigeria has Traditional medicine board which is expected to regulate the traditional medicine practice in respective state. Traditional medicine has been proven to be effective and safe, so there is need to cascade the ethics to every catchment in other to build the confidence of the people towards the practice. I will briefly talk on the following pionts which Practitioners need to embrace to help propagate adequately traditional medicine practice in Nigeria.
1) Getting clinics and outlets registered with the state Alternative medicine board.
2) Engaging in skills acquisition in maintaining a standard outlet.
3) Organizing an outreach from time to time.
4) The use of social media, print medicine and other multi media platforms for the propagation of the healing prowess and success of herbs.
1) It is important for a Traditional medicine Practitioner to get his or her clinic registered with the state Alternative medicine board. This will boost the confidence of the elite who are conscious of what always go into their mouth. This will send a signal that the practice is legit and formal. For example, *Adelite herbal clinic* is registered with the Ogun state Alternative medicine board, OGAMB, and I am also licensed to practice within the state. Our facility was inspected and considered fit for operation. This has encouraged many people to patronize and trust us for their health needs.
2) Practitioners should acquire knowledge and skills on how to use simple medical
tools like stethoscope, Thermometer, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter etc. Also to learn simple medical terminologies .. Should also learn to be conversant to required examinations and text results. This will allow proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
3) Outreach organization is a key to promoting traditional medicine practice. I have had many of these in my catchment. Selling oneself and the service to the immediate environment..to let people see what you can offer and how herbs may be of immense benefits to them. Providing free medical test and giving medication at a very discounted rate.
4) Social media is the in thing now as far as global awareness is concern. Practitioners should learn to be on social media from time to time to educate the world on the use of herbs , the advantages and the dont's. Social media has helped me greatly has a Traditional medical practitioner with thousands of followers on Facebook (Adelite herbal), Twitter, Whatsapp (Adelite herbal consult), Instagram and YouTube.( Adelite Herbal TV).
Like every other sector or business, their are opportunities and challenges.
The wide spread of quacks should not be neglected by the government. This area has been left with little or no attention. The board should intensify a means to check those who put the health of people at risk for their selfish gains. There are many quacks amongst those that hawk, some of them mix drugs with their concoction for faster results. They should be properly monitored.
Also, most of the Orthodox medical personnel poss threat and lots of challenges to the practice because they see it as competitive and degrading, hence advise people against the intake of traditional medicine, telling them, it destroys the liver and the kidney. Medical doctors need to be properly oriented on herbal medicine.
3)Integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems is challenging due to differing approaches, lack of trust, and regulatory hurdles.
Protection of Traditional Knowledge:
There's a need to protect the intellectual property rights of indigenous communities and prevent the exploitation of their traditional knowledge.
Practitioners are also exposed to many opportunities, nevertheless, these commence immense advantage and deep encouragement.
Potential for New *Discoveries:*
Traditional medicine practices, particularly herbal medicine, hold the potential for the discovery of new therapeutic agents and treatments.
*Community Engagement:*
Traditional healers often have strong community ties and are trusted by their patients. This fosters a sense of community ownership in healthcare.
Lastly, it posses a great opportunity to meet people and provide a platform to be heard by a large number of people. Like what I am enjoying through this webinar now.
Herbal medicine has given me the opportunity to meet great people home and abroad, some I have not met physically and yet been very incitive and supportive. My medication has travelled the world over, it's being a great opportunity so far.
Thank you all for listening. I am highly honored to be listened to.
If you find this write-up educative, informative and good, please share.
HDr Adetola Soyemi.
Director
🍃Adelite herbal clinic
Email :adeliteworld@gmail.com
Facebook : adelite herbal clinic / Adelite herbal consult.
Twitter: adelite herbal
