ABSTRACT
Introduction: Herbal medicine has been a vital part of healthcare in Lagos for generations, with traditional healers like Babalawos and Oniseguns addressing various ailments, while in Ilorin, Alfas and Herbalists combine Islamic teachings with herbal remedies, demonstrating a deep understanding of local flora and customizing treatments to meet the community's unique health needs.
Aim: This research aimed to assess the level of public knowledge regarding the safe utilization of herbal treatments in Lagos and Ilorin, Nigeria.
Method: A total of 148 participants were involved in the study, and data were collected through interviews and questionnaires.
Result: The findings indicated that residents reported the usage of 11 herbal medicines, with Agbo atogbe (Ocimum gratissimum } being the most frequently mentioned plant in Lagos (24.3%) and Ilorin (28.3% citation frequency). Conversely, Agbo gbogbonise (Moringa oleifera) had the lowest citation frequency in Lagos (11.4%) and Ilorin (6.0%). These herbal remedies involved various plant parts and were prepared as concoctions, decoctions, or powders for oral or topical administration.
Conclusion: The study reveals a significant awareness and utilization of herbal treatments among the residents of Lagos and Ilorin. However, this variability in knowledge underscores the necessity for improved public education and the implementation of standardized guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of these remedies. Additional research is needed to investigate the factors influencing these preferences and to devise strategies for enhancing public understanding and safe practices regarding herbal medicine use.
Keywords: Herbal remedies, Resident awareness, Safe use, Kwara and Lagos Metropolises, Nigeria
Key words: Keywords: Herbal remedies, Resident awareness, Safe use, Kwara and Lagos Metropolises, Nigeria
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