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Mohammed Adamu Daggo, Chief Executive Officer of Bioharb, has cautioned 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 makes it increasingly important for consumers to understand what they are taking, how products are intended to be used and when professional medical advice is necessary. Africa’s long history of traditional herbal practices remains an important part of its cultural heritage, but that history should not be used 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.
The effects of botanical ingredients can depend on their preparation, concentration and intended use, as well as an individual’s health condition and medications. He particularly urged people living with chronic illnesses to avoid abandoning prescribed treatment in favour of herbal products promoted as guaranteed cures. Responsible wellness, Daggo said, 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.
He also called on businesses within the botanical wellness industry to prioritise consumer education and responsible marketing. Consumers deserve accurate information about product ingredients, appropriate usage and the evidence supporting any health claims.
Beyond product safety, Daggo encouraged Nigerians to adopt a broader understanding of wellness that includes balanced nutrition, physical activity, adequate rest and preventive healthcare. Too many conversations about health focus only on what people should take when they become ill, rather than the everyday habits that contribute to 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.
These messages are among the ideas informing 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 is intended to promote a balanced understanding of natural wellness, rather than position herbal products as replacements for established medical treatment.
Daggo noted that traditional knowledge can provide useful starting points for scientific research, but that such knowledge must be carefully investigated before medical conclusions are drawn. For Bioharb, the future of botanical wellness will depend on how effectively businesses build trust through transparency and responsible communication.
He concluded by urging consumers to become more curious about the products they use and more proactive about 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.
