Small stories, big health lessons (episode five)

<h3>"But it's natural..."</h3> One Saturday afternoon,Faramade received a package from her aunty in the village. She was unpacking the package when her roommate,Wura,walked in."Fara,what's that red thing in that bottle?""It's Agbo. My aunty sent it from the village. I love it so much,though it's bitter""Agbo? What medicine is it? What is it used for?""Well..... everything I guess""Everything?""Yes. Grandma says it's cleans the blood,remove toxins,helps the stomach,and makes the body stronger"Wura stared at her."Ahh...Only that bottle? What exactly is inside?""I don't know o. I just know my grandma is the one making it""You don't know?""Ehn now. But it's very strong o. Don't be deceived that the bottle is small""How do you know it's strong abi good?""That's what grandma and aunty said. And I've used it a few times too. And you know my uncle Kola now? He said it works pretty well for him."Wura sighed. "And how much are you supposed to take?""Small now""Small as how"Faramade laughed"Heiiii Wura kilode? What's with all the questions? I just take one capful"Wura looked at the unlabeled bottle in her friend's hand."Fara listen. You don't know what's inside or how it is prepared or the right dose,and worse you don't even know what exactly it is used to treat"Fara smiled."It is natural. And you of all people know how these things are""Just cuz it's natural doesn't mean it is safe"Fara frowned."You know how these things are. People have been using it for years""I know. And I'm not saying traditional medicine is inherently bad...if anything,it is an important aspect of healthcare and pharmaceutical research."She pointed at the bottle"I'm saying that you should at least know what you're taking". She finally said."You have start again with all your lectures...""Plants do contain substances that have health benefits,that is why many medicines come from plants in the first place. But the fact that something comes from plant does not tell you it's dose or it's toxic effects,whether it's pure or contaminated,or whether it can interact with other drugs or even food." Wura pointed out to her friend.Fara was quiet for a second."So are you saying my grandma's medicine can harm me?""I'm saying you cannot determine that just by looking at the bottle or just going by what is being said."Fara looked at the dark liquid in the bottle."It is very bitter though "Wura laughed."Since when did bitterness become a laboratory test?"Fara also laughed at this."So what should I do with this?""Well....I can go and carry out toxicological studies for you". She teasedFara smacked her."But really,if you want to take a traditional medicine,find out exactly what it contains and how it should be used. And that's almost impossible here. For now though,just eat healthy cuz I know you're not sick. And the only reason you want to take that is because you want to be strong or whatever indication you mentioned earlier."Fara nodded slowly."Fairs."She put the bottle back inside her bag. Then she paused."But it is really bitter o.""Fara!!!""What?" "Do not let the bitterness convince you please " 🌿Until next time,stay healthy and stay curious.

Small Stories,Big Health Lessons

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