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By Josfyn Uba
In an era where wellness and natural remedies are increasingly taking center stage in the Nigerian health conversation, few figures are as dedicated to the craft as Isioma Omoregie.
Omoregie, a trained Computer analyst ditched the comfort of posh corporate environment to pursue her passion to promote natural healing and a commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems for future generations
As the creative hand behind Crelt Herbal Tea Products, Omoregie has carved a unique niche, blending traditional herbal wisdom with modern entrepreneurial rigor.
The future of nature based and herbal medicine in Nigeria is moving toward a professionalized, evidence-based industry, a shift driven by advocates like Omoregie who bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern standards.
Ultimately, this sector depends on a shift from secrecy to science—where traditional knowledge is documented, validated through clinical trials, and produced under strict hygiene and regulatory standards.
Recently, Daily Sun met her at a conference in Benin City where she discussed her journey in the wellness industry, the vision behind Crelt Herbal Tea, and why she believes the future of health and business lies in returning to nature. In her words, “I see a future where Nigerian herbal products are the first line of defense in every home, not a last resort.”
You were originally a computer analyst but you have now finally moved to health and wellness in a complete embrace of nature’s abundance. Can you tell me about this transition?
In the computer world, I was dealing with zeros and ones—very rigid and cold actually. I realized that while data is important, life itself is organic and more important. I traded the screen for the soil because I wanted to solve problems that actually grow and heal, not just problems that blink on a monitor. My ‘light bulb moment’ came when I saw my own community struggling with health issues that simple, natural solutions could fix. And I know that if I explore the benefits of nature to add value to lives. From way back in the days of my grandparents, we know the power of natural healing. I desire to harness the power of herbs to achieve maximum benefits.
So, my transition was inspired by a deep passion to promote natural healing without side effects and a commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. We are Africans and we are rich in our culture. I know our tradition very well and it is not evil. I am proud of our cultural heritage. We should be proud of our heritage. I cannot trade my Africanness for anything in the world because that’s who I am. I attend conferences everywhere and I proudly sell my Africanness. While I was growing up, I witnessed the positive impact of herbal remedies from my paternal grandmother who was a traditional birth attendant. She left a he legacy behind in the community.
Reclaiming ancestral wisdom
Like I said, when I was growing up, I saw my paternal grandmother using some of those traditional methods and herbs to heal people with different ailments. She was very good in attending to pregnant women, intending mothers and so on. She prepared herbal remedies for certain physical injuries that were effective. In fact, she was the go-to-woman in the community.
I witnessed the positive effects of herbal remedies in my family and community, and that sparked my desire to share these benefits with a broader audience through high-quality herbal supplements and food spices. My passion for natural healing and the power of herbs inspired me to start this business.
I can tell you that our ancestors didn’t have pharmacies; they had the forest. They enjoyed longevity. They had good health and even when they fell ill, they would get herbs and roots and prepare herbal remedies to take care of themselves. Yes, they were not literate but they were knowledgeable in their traditional forms. They were wise and well rooted in their culture. It also formed their moral compass in which they lived. I dare say that if we lose this knowledge, we lose our identity. It is critical for us, and future generation to reclaim our traditional wellness systems and traditional herbal solutions because it is our own technology. It is sustainable, it is local, and it works.
But most importantly, we must start documenting that which we have now. We must not leave it to oral documentation or we risk losing it. If all the local knowledge on these herbs and health solutions die with the elders, we will become entirely dependent on foreign systems for our own survival. That will be disaster. Africans are unique in every way. We should realize our potentials and maximize it. We cannot continue to deceive ourselves. This is our way of life and it has never failed us. We must return to our roots. Even the white man has his tradition and roots.
Can you take us through the sourcing part of your product and where exactly do yo you get your raw materials from?
“People see the fancy packaging, but they don’t see the journey”. It’s early mornings in the rain, navigating rough bush paths, and sitting with farmers in Benin City to understand the soul of the plant. It’s about ‘dirt-under-the-fingernails’ labor ensuring the roots are harvested at the right time and the leaves are humidified and processed correctly. It’s not a boardroom job; it’s a boots-on-the-ground reality. But I enjoy every bit of the journey.
It will interest you to know that Nigerians are beginning to invest in herbal farms. You see acres of land essentially used to grow various herbs and spices. We have moringa farms, cotton seeds, lemon grass, zobo and a lot more. I prioritize local sourcing to support farmers and ensure freshness. I visit farms, build relationships with local growers and establish partnerships to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality herbs and spices. I also conduct thorough research to ensure we are utilizing sustainable practices.
Aside from harvesting from other people’s farms, I also have my own farm where I grow these herbs too so with this I do not go out of stock. I always have where to fall back on for my raw materials. Constant supply of raw materials is the soul of natural health and wellness venture. The market is right there
You have been in this natural health business for some years. Can you give me a sense of the shift in daily wellness from your interaction and observation from people generally now?
Definitely. People are tired of feeling ‘off’ and relying on harsh chemicals. Nigerians are gradually but significantly moving back to their basics. They are looking inwards into nature based solutions. They are asking, “What am I putting into my body?’
The shift is tangible because people are seeing results in their own families. When you feel a change in your energy or digestion after using a natural remedy, you don’t go back to the synthetic stuff. You stick to what you know and what works for you. Our ancestors used it, too.
The challenge is sourcing for these herbs however, comes from infrastructural development. Expansion of cities, and logging activities are rapidly destroying the natural habitats where many of these medicinal plants grow. And sometimes, it becomes pretty difficult for sourcing and availability. I can tell you that as bushes are cleared to make way for buildings or locals go to fetch firewood, critical species are becoming harder to find, forcing collectors to venture deeper into remote areas, which increases the time and cost involved in procurement.
Another factor is Climate change and environmental degradation. This crazy weather disruptions and climate patterns are affecting the growth and quality of medicinal plants. Experts have noted that these stressors can cause physical abnormalities in plants, potentially altering their medicinal potency or overall value. We do observe that, too.
Subsequently, as the availability of these herbs decrease due to these pressures, the market prices for these raw materials would rise significantly. This makes it increasingly expensive to maintain a steady supply chain
How have you overcome regulatory hurdles?
For me, the biggest hurdle was simply being taken seriously. Many regulators see ‘herbal’ and think, it’s ‘unrefined.’ I broke through by refusing to cut corners. I treated my herbal business with the same documentation and discipline I used when I was a computer analyst. I showed them that ‘traditional’ does not mean ‘unorganized.’ Once we met the safety standards without losing our soul, the doors began to open. And here, we are today. We are here to stay.
At Crelt Herbal Tea, we use a simple rule: Ancient wisdom, modern safety. We honor traditional recipes passed down through generations, but we test them with modern science. We ensure every batch is free from contamination. You don’t have to choose between ‘science’ and ‘nature. We bring them together to make sure that our customers get the best of both.
From your engagement with farmers and growers, can you say some about the ripple effect on the economy from the SMEs?
Sure, there’s a good amount of economic and sustainable development from this ecosystem. The SME’s are the major drivers of Nigerian economy. When I buy raw materials from a local farmer, that money doesn’t just go into a bank account; it goes into their children’s school fees, their home repairs, and their community.
Local sourcing creates a ‘chain of dignity.’ There is direct income generation to the farmers thereby bypassing the long, multi-stage supply chains that often leave farmers with only a small fraction of the final product’s value. This puts more money directly into the hands of the producers.
It helps validate and preserve traditional botanical knowledge. By prioritizing indigenous herbs and spices, we keep ancestral agricultural practices relevant in a modern economy. This fosters a sense of pride and cultural preservation within the farming communities who hold this deep-rooted knowledge. It helps sustain our agricultural practices of quality as farmers are guided toward practices that protect the soil and biodiversity rather than depleting it. It gives the farmer a reason to keep their land productive and keeps the wealth within our own soil rather than exporting it. There’s so much inherent in this sub-sector
What do you make of the future for nature based and herbal products in Nigeria?
I see a future where Nigerian herbal products are the first line of defense in every home—not a ‘last resort.’
The future of herbal medicine in Nigeria is moving toward a professionalized, evidence-based industry, a shift driven by advocates like myself who bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern standards.
My approach is transforming the sector by moving away from unregulated and “crude” towards processed, packaged, and stable herbal products that mimic the reliability of pharmaceutical goods. We are also here to create an economic incentive for farmers to treat medicinal herbs as high-value cash crops
As a practitioner, what would you say that modern medicine misses visa vis our traditional solution based practice?
The medical community often looks at the symptom; we look at the person. By not collaborating, they miss the ‘whole-body’ approach. Herbs don’t just treat the headache; they nourish the body so the headache doesn’t return. If we collaborate, we could combine the speed of modern medicine with the restorative power of nature. It would be an unbeatable team.
What’s your advice for the young entrepreneur yeaning to venture out of the corporate enclave?
If you are stuck in a corporate office feeling that ‘pull,’ know this: The comfort of a salary is a cage, even if the cage is gold.
My advice? Start small, but start now. You don’t need a massive factory; you need a vision and the willingness to get your hands dirty. The uncertainty is the price you pay for freedom. Don’t let the fear of ‘what if’ stop you from discovering what you were actually born to do.”
How do you envision Crelt Herbal Tea impact globally in years to come and your legacy?
I plan to lead this by building processing centers that are clean, efficient, and accessible. We are moving from the ‘village secret’ to ‘global standard.’ I want the world to recognize that Nigerian herbs are world-class.”
My goal is for Nigerian herbal practices to be recognized globally, similar to how Ayurveda from India or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that have been integrated into international wellness systems.
It is also a clear demonstration to the youths that agriculture and herbal medicine are high-tech, high-value career paths—rather than just subsistence labor—the movement creates a sustainable ecosystem where young scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs can thrive.
We are building a lasting legacy which means that Nigeria can achieve a level of healthcare autonomy. When a country can produce its own preventative medicines and supplements from its own soil, it reduces dependence on expensive, imported synthetic pharmaceuticals, creating a more resilient and self-sufficient society.
Ultimately, this work aims to leave behind a documented, sustainable, and respected heritage—ensuring that the rich botanical wealth of the land is not lost to time, but preserved and refined to serve both the Nigerian people and the global community for generations to come.
