How to Start a Herbal Medicine Business in Nigeria

Written here are some essential tips and how it can help startups in this field start a successful herbal medicine business in Nigeria.

Herbal medicines depend on numerous herbal healing plants which are used in the practice or business of herbal medicine in Nigeria, Africa and globally, these herbs have been in existence for long and during the ancient times was the mode of curing diseases which has in many ways be proven effective. Unlike the genetically modified drugs which we can easily get from the drugstore, herbal medicine attracts no fear of toxicity as it is a natural healing tool.

Modern technologies have brought us allopathic medicines which are most costly and less effective than herbal medicine but with the knowledge of the safety of herbal cures which poses no after effects in the body and over health, people are now awakening into venturing in this business which is not only generally healthy, effective but also profitable.

•    Herbal medicine business entails the growing of medicinal herbs and in most cases, its practice. It is not like other farming business which you might engage in by just gaining a little knowledge, this kind of business needs careful and intensive training which will provide you with an opportunity to know which herbs are medicinal, what it can cure and how to administer it.

•    Note, there is a difference between venturing into herbal business or been a practitioner of herbal medicine, going into herb business will require you to be focused in the growing of such herbs and then supplying to herbal medical practitioners for use and you can acquire your knowledge by working with a professional in that field.

 

But being a herbal practitioner is quite different although some of them can conveniently grow their own herbs but gains knowledge by attending medical schools that offers such courses and training, in Nigeria, there is still this ideology about practitioners of herbal medicine who are commonly called herbalists but they are just into phytotherapy or herbalism which is a practice that requires the use of medicinal herbs and plants as health supplements and for medical treatments.

•    Decide on what kind of herb(s) that you will like to start, know that diversity is better in this kind of business; you should not be focused in the growing of just one type of herb, though you should start with few first and then expand it later.

•    Depending on what kind of herbs you choose will make you know who your suppliers and customers have to be such as holistic health practitioners, naturopaths etc., but try as much as possible to widen your sales beyond the needs of your customers by supplying as well to other a retail stores that deals on herbs and its products.

 

In order to facilitate your sales as well, you can have your own herb store where you sell those herbs from your farm so that customers can come to either the farm or the store. Make sure that the store is situated near your target market because it will make you not to be limited only to your known suppliers as the store can draw in more people or passers-by to your business, adding to sales and profits.

•    Find a land that will be suitable for the cultivation of such crops, you can start from your home if you have enough space outside or rent a small piece of land but make sure that the land has a good soil composition.

•    In this type of farming practice it is best advised to go organic in order to prevent the use of genetically modified drugs, growth hormones, pesticides etc., which can cause harmful effects on the growth and quality of such herbs due to the harsh and unfavourable chemicals used in its production.

•    Herbal medicine business in Nigeria might need a government approval and certification but make sure you ask the appropriate authorities to know. In some parts of the world, the sales of medicinal herbs may not be regulated by appropriate authorities but in Nigeria, there are herbal medicine authorities such as the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency etc., which helps in the development and regulation of medicinal herbs and its practice. They can help to enlighten and direct you more.

Herbs are the natural cure for numerous diseases, sickness and others, it possesses no side effects and is cheaper than the conventional drugs in some cases, but that is not the only good side of this business as it doesn’t require much capital but adequate care and knowledge to make you earn lots of profits.