Abstract

This study examines the perception and benefits of herbal medicine among adults in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State. Random sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents from five urban Local Governments areas out of the eleven Local Government areas in the study area. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistic were used for the analysis of the data. The result shows that 94% of the respondents have an understanding of herbal medicine as medicine made from plant. Majority (85%) of the respondents agreed that herbal medicines builds up the body’s own defenses and promotes self-healing. The study also revealed that respondents use herbal medical therapies because they feel it is cheaper, less expensive and at the same time effective when compared to conventional treatment. Also 51.5% of the respondents got to know of the herbal medicine through family members. Findings also showed that 92% of respondents believe that herbal pharmacists should be able to counsel patients on herbal medicine use. The study further revealed that there is a significant relationship between perception and benefits of herbal medicine among residents in Ibadan metropolis and that lack of scientific evidence are the major challenges facing herbal medicine as an alternative health care therapy. There is therefore need for Healthcare providers to be conversant with the commonly used herbs for the treatment of illnesses, so as to equip them to counsel their patients appropriately for best care and safety.

Key Words: Perception, Benefit, Herbal Medicine, Adult, Resident