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By Josfyn Uba
In recent years, there has been a remarkable shift towards exploring natural healing and the benefits of Africa’s long abandoned traditional/alternative medicines. African communities are increasingly seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems.
So much so that even some African governments and organizations have begun to promote the integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems. There is a growing research interest, funding, and policy frameworks aimed at validating and conserving traditional medicinal knowledge.
Mrs. Isioma Omoregie, Chief Executive Officer, CRELT Ltd, an alternative healthcare and herbal supplements production line in Edo state told Daily Sun that this shift reflects a complex blend of cultural pride, practical healthcare needs, economic considerations, and growing validation of traditional medicine’s value.
Omoregie, who originally trained as a computer analyst left her job to concentrate on exploring the benefits of nature in its entirety, today, leads a team of trained entrepreneurs in full scale production of herbal supplements in Benin City.
She spoke on people’s new found love for natural healing without side effects and the power of herbs and posited that this movement aims not only at healthcare improvement but also at preserving indigenous knowledge systems for future generations.
What inspired you to start your own business in herbal supplements and food spices?
My passion for natural healing without side effects and the power of herbs inspired me to start this business. Growing up as an African, I witnessed the positive effects of herbal remedies in my family and community.
I grew up watching my grand aunty, a traditional birth attendant using different herbs and roots to treat various ailments. I remember seeing her using some herbs to prepare medications for pregnant women, those who were seeking to conceive and even those who had just delivered babies. She was a well sought after woman in the community because of her proficiency and knowledge.
All these sparked the desire to share these benefits with a broader audience through high-quality herbal supplements and food spices.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards exploring our hitherto forgotten or long abandoned traditional/alternative medicines. Can you help us make a sense of this?
Africans have abandoned our original ways of life. In fact, I would be safe to say that we had thrown away all that made us Africans. We had drifted away from our wholesome, natural heritage and embraced excessively processed foods. As a result, we now face a rise in unfamiliar and preventable illnesses.
But like you said, there’s a silent shift back to retracing our steps back to our origin and that is quite heartwarming. Many African communities are increasingly seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems. Traditional medicine is often viewed not just as a health solution but also an important part of our cultural identity and ancestral wisdom,
The time has come to retrace our steps, reclaim our traditional lifestyles, and revive the use of our rich natural remedies for better health and well-being. They offer numerous benefits that can enhance well-being and vitality in a short period of time without side effects. Embracing these natural resources can lead to a profound shift in our health and wellness perspectives. It is our duty as operators in this ecosystem to make Nigerians understand that herbal supplements and natural foods are not just alternatives but vital components of a healthy lifestyle.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your venture, and how did you overcome them?
Of course, just like anyone starting up any kind of business in Nigeria, there are several challenges. For me, one major difficulty was navigating through the regulatory landscape for herbal supplements in Nigeria.
I took the time to educate myself about the requirements and built relationships with local authorities to ensure compliance. Additionally, funding and finding reliable suppliers was another hurdle, but I overcame these by family support and networking within the herbal community to establish trustworthy connections which is very essential.
Were there any specific role models or experiences that influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
My grand aunty like I mentioned earlier, who was a traditional healer and midwife, profoundly influenced my journey. Her knowledge and respectful approach to nature taught me the importance of authenticity and responsibility in herbal practices. Additionally, reading about successful entrepreneurs in the wellness space inspired me to pursue my vision with confidence and authenticity.
What motivated you to focus specifically on herbal supplements and food spices?
The rich cultural heritage of herbal remedies in Africa of which Nigeria is not left out motivated me to focus on this area. I recognized the growing demand for natural and holistic health solutions to combat the fallout of modern lifestyle, and I wanted to offer products that not only taste good but also provide health benefits rooted in traditional knowledge.
How do you go about sourcing the herbs and spices used in your products?
I prioritize local sourcing to support farmers and ensure freshness. I visit farms, built relationships with local growers, and have established partnerships to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality herbs and spices. I also conduct thorough research to ensure we are utilizing sustainable practices.
But what would you say that makes your products unique as compared to others in the market?
Our products stand out due to their authenticity and the combination of traditional knowledge with modern quality standards. We focus on small-batch production, which allows us to maintain quality and freshness, and we emphasize educating our customers about the specific health benefits of each product. We are very intentional about our quality control unit, the hygienic conditions of our factory and general cleanliness of our environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness
What are some of the biggest challenges you have encountered in the herbal supplement and food spice industry?
One of the biggest challenges is competition from mass-production of products whereby some smart alecs may want to cut corners on quality with a view to maximize profit. That is an issue in this business. Additionally, the lack of consumer awareness about the differences in product quality can sometimes hinder market growth. We tackle these challenges through education and by highlighting our unique sourcing and natural ingredients without addictive. Our products are wholesome and nature-based completely.
How do you ensure the quality and safety of your products?
When you are intentional about giving your clients the best quality, you must o all out to achieve it and maintain that standard. We conduct rigorous quality control checks at every stage of production, from sourcing to packaging. Our products are tested for purity and potency, and we are committed to transparency, providing customers with information about our natural components, dosage and clear health benefits.
How do you envision your products contributing to the well-being of your community and society as a whole?
I envision our products helping to promote healthier lifestyles and greater appreciation for natural remedies within our community. By providing people with access to high-quality herbal supplements and food spices, we can contribute to improved health outcomes and a deeper connection to our cultural heritage.
Have you engaged in any initiatives or programs to educate people about the benefits of herbal supplements and natural foods?
Yes, I have organized workshops and community medical outreach events aimed at sensitizing people on the outstanding benefits of herbal supplements and the importance of dietary spices. We also utilize the social media and content marketing to reach a wider audience with informative articles and videos.
We believe that we will be able to create awareness with periodic sensitization programmes. But I think we are going back to our roots
What are your future plans for your business, especially in terms of product development or expansion and what are your plans for collaboration?
I plan to expand our product line by introducing new formulations designed to address specific health concerns, such as immune support and stress relief. Additionally, I am exploring online sales channels to reach national and international customers.
We are actively seeking partnerships with wellness influencers and nutritionists to promote our products and expand our outreach. Collaborating with local health stores and wellness centers is also a goal to improve visibility and access.
How do you keep yourself updated on industry trends and changes in consumer preferences and what advice would you give to other women looking to start their own businesses?
I stay informed by attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and actively engaging in online forums. Networking with other entrepreneurs and professionals in the herbal and wellness sectors helps me stay abreast of emerging trends and consumer interests.
My advice would be to positively impact humanity and embrace your vision with resilience. Surround yourself with supportive networks and mentors, and don’t hesitate to seek help or guidance. Empowering yourself through knowledge, personal development and skills is essential, as is staying true to your values and mission in business.
What practices or habits have you found most helpful in managing stress and staying motivated?
Regular mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, have helped me to manage stress. Additionally, working with nature is living- therefore maintaining a healthy balance by prioritizing self-care and setting aside time for my family and hobbies keeps me motivated and energized.
