Nigerians Lament Double Standards in Herbal Medicine, Link Rise in Kidney Disease to Unregulated “Agbo” Consumption

Nigerians have taken to social media to decry what many describe as hypocrisy and double standards in the perception of traditional medicines across different regions of the country.

According to several online commentators, herbal mixtures packaged and sold in the Southeast are often branded as “fake drugs,” while similar concoctions from the Southwest are praised and promoted as “Agbo” — a natural remedy for various ailments.

One frustrated Nigerian wrote:

“When packaged in the Southeast, they call it fake drugs, but when packed in the Southwest, they call it Agbo. I can’t imagine that my people are left with no options of medical care but have to depend on Iya-Alagbo without any certification or laboratory testing.”

Health experts have repeatedly warned that unregulated herbal concoctions can be harmful, noting that many are prepared under unhygienic conditions and mixed with unknown substances. These concerns come as reports of kidney-related diseases continue to rise nationwide.

Public health advocates are now urging the government and regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC to implement strict testing and certification processes for all forms of traditional medicine, regardless of their origin, to ensure safety and fairness in public perception.

As the debate continues, Nigerians are calling for more access to affordable, verified healthcare options — and an end to the bias that labels one region’s herbal products as “fake” while glorifying another’s as “authentic.”