As herbal medicine gains ground, experts warn on misuse

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An expert in alternative health has called on Ugandans to embrace herbal medicine while maintaining discipline in its use and continuing to seek guidance from qualified health professionals.

Alternative medicine plays a critical role in improving health outcomes, especially in the face of rising non-communicable diseases, Dr Godfrey Kayiwa, director of FOHOW International Uganda, said.

“Alternative medicines are very important to all of us, Kayiwa said. “While I encourage people to always visit doctors, we should also strongly consider traditional and herbal medicine because they are natural.”

He noted that many conventional drugs are chemically processed, whereas herbal medicine is largely natural. However, he emphasised that proper usage is key to achieving desired results.

“When you start treatment, you must follow instructions strictly,” he explained. “You cannot begin today and then skip several days. Consistency is what helps the body respond well to treatment.”

Kayiwa also highlighted the growing burden of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and stroke, urging the public to pay closer attention to diet and lifestyle.

In 2014, the Ministry of Health carried out the National NCD Risk Factor Survey, which found that one in four adults had high blood pressure, 1.4% had diabetes, 14.5% were overweight, 4.6% obese, 12% were using tobacco, and 28.5% were consuming alcohol.

The survey further revealed that about 76.1% of people with high blood pressure were not aware of their condition or taking any form of medication.

“As people grow older, above 30, 40, or 50, they must be more mindful of what they eat. Some foods are not suitable for certain blood groups, so understanding your body is very important,” he said.

He encouraged regular health check-ups, including knowing one’s blood group and understanding personal health risks, noting that such knowledge can guide better lifestyle and treatment decisions.

On the role of food, Kayiwa stressed that nutrition is the foundation of good health. “Food is the first medicine. What we eat plays a major role in preventing and managing disease,” he said.

While promoting herbal medicine, Kayiwa, cautioned against unregulated products on the market. He advised Ugandans to seek treatment only from registered and credible providers to avoid harmful mixtures.

“There are people mixing substances without proper knowledge. The public should rely on genuine and certified organisations,” he said.

Kayiwa further revealed that FOHOW also uses specialised machines designed to support body systems through biotechnology.