6 Must-Know Medicinal Plants in Nigeria (Uses & Growing Tips)

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Have you ever been advised to boil ginger with honey to relieve a stubborn cough? Or chewed a scent leaf to ease a sore throat? In Nigeria, these practices aren’t unusual, they’re part of everyday life. Across the country, many people rely on wild edibles and medicinal plants in Nigeria not just for flavour, but for their healing properties.

From managing blood sugar to treating malaria, these plants remain a trusted part of traditional healthcare. But they do more than just heal. In this article, we’ll explore some of Nigeria’s most valued wild edibles and medicinal plants, their health benefits, and why it’s essential to protect and preserve them.

Types of Wild Edible Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

Wild edibles and medicinal plants aren’t hard to find in Nigeria; the real challenge is knowing what they are. Some grow by the roadside, others pop up behind houses after the rain. Here are some of the most common plants and their uses:

1. Scent Leaf – Nchuanwu

Scent leaf is common in Nigerian backyards and gardens. It’s often used in pepper soup, but it also serves as a natural remedy for:

• Coughs
• Stomach discomfort
• Mild infections

People drink it as tea or squeeze the leaves to extract the juice.

2. Bitter Leaf — Onugbu

Bitter leaf is known for its strong taste and is widely used in traditional soups. Its leaves contain compounds like vernonioside and lactones, which have:

• Antimalarial properties
• Antibacterial effects
• Antioxidant benefits

Preparation includes squeezing or boiling the leaves and drinking the juice warm or raw, often on an empty stomach.

3. Moringa

Often called a “miracle plant,” moringa leaves and seeds are rich in:

• Vitamins A, C, and E
• Minerals like iron and calcium

Common uses:

• Boosting energy and immunity
• Supporting skin health
• Reducing inflammation

Moringa is consumed as tea, added to soups, or used in powdered form. In northern Nigeria, it’s known as zogale and is also valued by nursing mothers for enhancing milk production.

4. Alligator Pepper

Alligator pepper contains gingerols and natural oils that help treat:

• Mouth sores
• Digestive problems
• Throat irritation

It’s usually chewed raw or mixed with local herbs for stomach upsets or used for antimicrobial effects.

5. Bitter Kola

Bitter kola is a natural remedy for:

• Chest congestion
• Fatigue
• Inflammation

Rich in kolaviron, a powerful antioxidant, it protects against infections and supports lung function. Nigerians chew it for colds, energy boosts, appetite control, or blood sugar management.

6. Bush Mango – Ogbono

Bush mango seeds are known for:

• Weight loss
• Cholesterol control
• Digestive health

Seeds are ground and added to meals or consumed in powdered form. They also serve as a thickening agent in ogbono soup.

How to Grow Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

Growing your own wild edibles and medicinal plants is a simple way to ensure you always have access to these natural remedies. Whether you live in a rural area or an urban apartment, many of these plants are easy to cultivate.

1. Scent Leaf (Nchuanwu)

• Planting: Sow seeds in well-drained soil or plant cuttings from an existing plant.
• Care: Requires partial sunlight and regular watering.
• Harvest: Leaves can be harvested after 6–8 weeks, ideally before flowering for best flavor and potency.

2. Bitter Leaf (Onugbu)

• Planting: Sow seeds in fertile soil or use stem cuttings.
• Care: Prefers slightly acidic soil and partial shade. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
• Harvest: Leaves can be picked when mature, typically after 8–10 weeks.

3. Moringa

• Planting: Sow seeds directly into soil or start seedlings in pots.
• Care: Requires full sunlight and minimal watering once established.
• Harvest: Leaves can be picked once the plant is 6–8 months old; young leaves are most nutritious.

4. Alligator Pepper

• Planting: Sow seeds in small pots with well-draining soil and keep them moist.
• Care: Prefers shaded areas and protection from strong winds.
• Harvest: Seeds can be collected after the plant matures in 2–3 years.

5. Bitter Kola

• Planting: Plant fresh seeds in shaded, fertile soil.
• Care: Keep soil moist and protect young plants from direct sunlight.
• Harvest: Fruits mature after 5–6 years, but seedlings can be nurtured in pots for urban gardening.

6. Bush Mango (Ogbono)

• Planting: Sow seeds directly in soil or use seedlings from nurseries.
• Care: Requires partial sunlight and regular watering.
• Harvest: Seeds and fruits can be collected after 5–7 years, depending on growth conditions.

Tips for Urban Gardening

• Use pots or raised beds if you don’t have backyard space.
• Group plants with similar sunlight and water needs together.
• Mulch soil to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Encourage local pollinators like bees by planting flowers nearby to support overall plant health.

How to Safely Use Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

While wild edibles and medicinal plants are powerful natural remedies, it’s important to use them safely. Proper preparation, dosage, and awareness of potential interactions can help you maximize benefits while avoiding risks.

Preparation Tips

• Boiling and brewing: Many plants, like scent leaf and bitter leaf, are best boiled as tea or juice to release their beneficial compounds.
• Raw consumption: Some, like bitter kola or alligator pepper, are traditionally chewed raw. Ensure they are clean and free from pesticides.
• Powdered form: Moringa and bush mango seeds can be ground into powders. Measure carefully to avoid overuse.

Dosage Guidelines

• Start with small amounts when trying a new plant, especially for children or older adults.
• Observe for any allergic reactions or digestive discomfort.
• Certain plants, such as bitter leaf, may be too strong for children in raw form—dilution is recommended.

Interactions with Medications

• Some plants can interact with modern medications. For example:

  • Bitter leaf or moringa may affect blood sugar medications.
  • Bitter kola could influence blood pressure drugs.

• Always consult a doctor or herbal practitioner familiar with both traditional and modern remedies before combining treatments.

Storage Tips

• Store dried leaves and seeds in airtight containers to preserve potency.
• Keep powders in cool, dry places to prevent mold or contamination.
• Use fresh plants within a few days if possible, especially leafy greens like scent leaf.

Why These Plants Still Matter in Everyday Nigerian Life

In some areas, these plants are called bush plants, while others see them as “poor man’s medicine.” But for many Nigerians, they’re essential for:

• Daily survival
• Treating common ailments without hospitals
• Maintaining cultural practices

Even in towns, market women sell dried herbal remedies wrapped in newspaper. However, younger generations often forget these practices, especially when they move to cities.

As indigenous plants disappear from compounds, footpaths, and forests, the culture tied to them disappears too.

Conservation Efforts for Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants

These plants were once abundant in backyards and farmland. Today, clearing land and urbanization threaten their survival. Communities are taking action through:

Teaching People in Communities

• Towns and villages are training people to recognize and use wild plants.
• Schools are planting small herbal gardens for children.
• Farmers and community leaders hold workshops to preserve knowledge.

Leaving Space for Nature on Farmlands

• Farmers leave small areas uncultivated to allow herbs to grow naturally.
• This ensures continued access to wild edibles and medicinal plants.

Growing Plants at Home

• Urban households plant moringa, scent leaf, and bitter leaf in gardens or containers.
• These plants provide food and medicine without requiring long-distance sourcing.

Bridging Tradition with Science

Historically, herbs were undervalued if not manufactured in labs. Today:

• Doctors sometimes recommend supplements like moringa or bitter leaf alongside conventional treatments.
• Researchers validate the effectiveness of traditional practices and investigate safe dosages.
• Traditional healers provide knowledge science hasn’t yet fully explored.

By combining traditional wisdom and modern science, more Nigerians can benefit from effective, culturally relevant care.

MORE ON BIODIVERSITY IN NIGERIA:

• Bats, Myths, & Science: Nigeria’s Nighttime Winged Pollinators
• Nigeria Endangered Species: Causes, & Conservation Efforts [2025]
• The Role of Forests in Preserving Nigeria’s Ecological Wisdom (2025)

Conclusion: Nigeria’s Natural Pharmacy

Wild edibles and medicinal plants in Nigeria have been a vital part of life long before modern medicine. They keep people healthy, support cultural traditions, and are integral to daily survival.

To preserve this natural pharmacy:

• Learn the names of these plants
• Grow them if possible
• Teach younger generations
• Support conservation efforts

By protecting these valuable plants, we preserve not just our health, but our roots and cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

Can I take wild edibles and medicinal plants with regular medications?

It depends on the plant and the drug. Consult a doctor or herbal practitioner who understands both traditional and modern approaches.

Are these plants safe for children?

Many are, but dosage matters. For example, bitter leaf juice might be too strong. Start small and observe or get guidance from someone experienced.

Where can I find them if I don’t live near a farm or forest?

Local markets are a good starting point. Some vendors sell dried herbs in powder or tea form.

Can these plants treat serious diseases?

They help manage symptoms or boost recovery but are not magic cures. Consider them supportive, not replacements for medical care.

How can I grow these plants at home?

Many, like moringa and scent leaf, are easy to grow in small gardens or containers. Ensure proper sunlight, water, and space for healthy growth.