Ghana’s Herbal Medicine Gains Acceptance & Safety
Why this is here: The integration of herbal medicine into over 50 government hospitals demonstrates a formal shift in Ghana’s healthcare system toward incorporating traditional practices alongside conventional medicine.
Herbal medicine in Ghana is now widely accepted and safer due to research, training, and regulation, according to Dr. Mavis Boakye-Yiadom.
The Head of Clinical Department at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) stated public confidence has grown significantly. Herbal units now exist in many district hospitals, integrating treatments into mainstream healthcare.
The CPMR operates a clinic and private clinics run by trained herbalists are also expanding access. Between 70% and 80% of Ghanaians reportedly use herbal medicine as their primary healthcare. Products like “Mibima,” for malaria, and “Lippia tea,” for hypertension, have undergone scientific testing.
Dr. Boakye-Yiadom stressed the importance of checking for Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) certification to ensure product safety and appropriate dosage, detailing a rigorous testing process. The sector is now a multi-million cedi industry with oversight from several national bodies.