Nigerian culture is diverse and complex, and the beliefs and practices related to health and healthcare vary widely among different ethnic and religious groups. That said, there are some general themes that emerge in Nigerian health beliefs and practices.
One common belief in Nigeria is the importance of traditional or alternative medicine. Many Nigerians believe that traditional remedies, such as herbs and spiritual practices, can be effective in treating various health conditions. This belief may be based on cultural traditions or a lack of trust in Western medicine.
In this article, we shall investigate the common traditional beliefs and behaviors that are associated with health in Nigeria.
1. Using coconut water to neutralise the effect of drug
Using coconut water to neutralise the effect of drug is another common myth among Nigerians. Unfortunately, It is not advisable to try to neutralize the effects of a drug by using coconut water or any other substance.
Consuming drugs can have various effects on the body, some of which may be dangerous or even life-threatening. If you have taken a drug and are experiencing negative effects or have concerns about your health, it is crucial to seek medical help right away.
Do not try to self-medicate or use coconut water or any other substance to reverse the effects of the drug. Always follow the instructions and warnings provided with any medication and seek medical advice if you have any questions or concerns.
2. Using palm oil to treat poison and itching
There are several traditional uses of palm oil that have been passed down through the years. One such use is in the treatment of poison ingestion. It is believed that consuming palm oil can help reduce the harmful effects of poison by inducing vomiting and removing toxic substances from the body.
In addition to its use in the treatment of poison ingestion, palm oil has also been traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as itching and rashes. In this case, the patient is often directed to take a bath and apply an ointment made from palm oil over their body.
3. Mixing many herbal concoctions to treat malaria
There are many traditional herbal remedies that are believed to have the ability to treat a wide variety of ailments in Nigeria. People seek out traditional herb vendors, who are responsible for diagnosing their symptoms and prescribing a herbal concoction to treat their condition. These herbal remedies are often made from various plant parts, such as roots, bark, seeds, and leaves.
Some of the ailments that these herbal concoctions are used to treat include malaria, erectile dysfunction, fever, typhoid, piles, and body pains.
One of the most well-known herbal remedies in Nigeria is called agbo or agbo jedi-jedi. This remedy is made from a combination of water extracts of various plant parts, including leaves, bark, roots, and more. It is said to be effective in treating malaria, typhoid, hemorrhoids, measles, and stomach aches.
4. Using urine to treat Conjunctivitis (Apollo)
When a patient has Apollo, another age-old traditional health technique is to wash the face with the patient’s urine. This was done for a long time.
They have that believe that the chemical makeup of the urine helps to clear the eyes and bring down the swelling in the eyes.
5. Using incisions to get rid of bad blood
In some traditional medical practices, it is common for practitioners to use blades to make incisions on the affected areas of the patient’s body. This is believed to help rid the body of “bad blood,” which is thought to be the cause of the illness, particularly in cases of swelling.
The incisions are then treated, and it is believed that this helps the patient regain their health.
6. Putting spoon in person’s mouth during a seizure or convulsion
This myth is one of the oldest myth in Nigeria. Nigerians truly believe that putting spoon in the mouth of anybody having seizure or convulsion will stop them from swallowing their tongue. unfortunately , there is no scientific evidence that support this myth.
During a seizure or convulsion, it is not advisable to put any object, including a spoon, into a person’s mouth. This is because seizures and convulsions can cause a person to involuntarily bite down hard, potentially leading to injury for the person or for you.
To keep the person safe and comfortable during a seizure or convulsion, it is best to gently move them away from any objects that could cause harm, such as sharp objects or furniture. It is also important to protect their head by placing a pillow or blanket under it. If possible, try to prevent the person from falling.
If the seizure or convulsion lasts longer than a few minutes or if the person does not regain consciousness after the episode, it is important to seek medical assistance. Seizures can be caused by various conditions, and it is essential to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider.
