The Head of the Clinical Department at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), Dr Mavis Boakye-Yiadom, says herbal medicine in Ghana has evolved significantly and is now widely accepted, safe, and increasingly integrated into mainstream healthcare.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Tuesday, March 24, she noted that public confidence in herbal medicine has grown due to scientific research, professional training, and stricter regulation.

“Initially, it was difficult for somebody to say I’m going to use herbal medicine because we were not too sure of where it’s coming from and the safety of that product,” she explained. “But now the acceptance is going far in Ghana.”

Dr Boakye-Yiadom pointed out that herbal units are now attached to many district hospitals, allowing patients to access approved herbal treatments within formal healthcare settings. She added that the CPMR itself operates a clinic that has become a trusted destination for those seeking herbal-based care.

Beyond public facilities, she said private clinics run by trained medical herbalists many of whom graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology are also expanding access to professional herbal medicine services across the country.

According to her, studies show that between 70% and 80% of Ghanaians rely on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare needs, underscoring its continued relevance in the national health system.

She further highlighted that some herbal products have undergone rigorous scientific testing. One such product is “Mibima,” a malaria treatment developed by the CPMR.

“We have done research into it and we know that within seven days, uncomplicated malaria is cleared,” she said, recommending it as an option for patients who prefer herbal treatment.

Dr Boakye-Yiadom also mentioned “Lippia tea,” used to support relaxation and manage mild hypertension, noting that such products are backed by published research.

Crucially, she advised the public to prioritise safety by checking for certification from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) before using any herbal product.

“If a product has the FDA registration number, it means it has undergone safety analysis and the dosage is appropriate,” she explained, detailing how products are tested from animal studies to dosage validation before approval for human use.

Her comments come amid broader efforts to formalise and regulate Ghana’s herbal medicine sector, which has grown into a multi-million cedi industry. The sector is supervised by bodies such as the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, CPMR, and the FDA under national legislation.

Ghana’s herbal medicine tradition, rooted in centuries-old practices, has now been integrated into over 50 government hospitals and strengthened through formal education and research. However, the industry continues to face challenges, including deforestation and illegal mining, which threaten the availability of key medicinal plants.

Despite these concerns, Dr Boakye-Yiadom insists the country has made significant progress.

“We are not just taking the medicines as we want,” she said. “They have been researched into, and we are taking the right thing.”