A newly published book, *Herbal Spices: Local Foods As Medicines*, has identified and validated local foods as effective treatments for common ailments, including malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, infertility, erectile dysfunction, fibroids, and more.
The book reinforces the crucial role of diet in disease prevention and healing, providing scientific evidence for food-based medicine.
In a foreword to the book, a pharmacognosist at the University of Lagos and a prominent advocate of herbal medicine, Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, emphasized the increasing recognition among health professionals that food is not just supplemental but central to global health.
Odukoya described the book as „a song without end,“ highlighting its ongoing contribution to achieving radiant health and longevity at an affordable cost. „It is necessary to study our local foods and traditional diets to promote the well-being of the populace. The reader will benefit greatly from the primary benefits of eating local foods,“ she stated.
Divided into ten chapters, Herbal Spices covers topics ranging from common diseases and their natural remedies to herbal treatments for reproductive health and chronic conditions such as hypertension and cancer. It provides step-by-step guidance on preparing herbal treatments, offering readers practical insights into alternative healing methods. „This book is a compendium of practical activities for you to try out. It answers the questions of students of herbal medicine and nutrition,“ Prof. Odukoya remarked.
Authored by a seasoned herbalist, pharmacognosist, and health researcher, Chukwuma Muanya, the book unveils evidence-based and scientifically authenticated herbal remedies for a range of chronic illnesses. “This book provides insight into preventing and treating diseases using nature’s gifts. Food is more than sustenance—it is medicine,“ Muanya explained. He presents natural treatments for a variety of conditions, demonstrating how local foods can serve as powerful medicinal tools.
With over 25 years of research in herbal medicine, Muanya, who also holds degrees in Botany and Pharmacognosy from the University of Lagos, aims to bridge the knowledge gap in preventive medicine. He argues that poor diet is the leading cause of many diseases, surpassing the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. „Food is not just about satisfying hunger; it is deeply tied to heritage, culture, and overall well-being. A little attention to what we eat can change lives,“ he stated.
The book, published by EPH Business Network Limited (ISBN: 9789787744239), explores how traditional cultures interwove food and medicine, showcasing how specific foods aid in regulating cardiovascular health, balancing blood sugar, controlling inflammation, and supporting digestion. It also sheds light on the failure of conventional medicines, citing drug resistance, treatment failures, and adverse reactions as growing concerns. „Many of the drugs we rely on are losing their effectiveness, but nature has always provided solutions,“ Muanya added.
Endorsed by esteemed professors and health professionals, including professor of Pharmacy and Director General of Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Martins Emeje, the book is being hailed as a vital resource for individuals seeking to harness the power of nature for better health.
To Emeje, the book “provides specific steps in preparing home remedies based on results of empirical research.“
“Everyone can take responsibility for their health by making informed dietary choices,“ said former Guardian editor Eluem Emeka Izeze.
With its comprehensive approach to natural medicine, Herbal Spices is a must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of food and herbs in modern healthcare.
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