Let’s take a moment to imagine this: deep in the forests and savannas of West Africa, powerful healing plants grow wild.
Plants that once treated everything from fevers to infections to stomach pain. Plants your grandparents probably knew about but never made it into your local pharmacy.
Today, many of these natural remedies are either unknown or forgotten, buried under modern medicine and fast-paced lifestyles.
But traditional West African medicine has always been rooted in nature. And many of these plants still hold the key to better health — if we pay attention.
In this guide, we’ll look at 10 forgotten medicinal plants of West Africa, rediscover their powerful uses, and see how reviving this knowledge can benefit our health and our environment.
The Cultural and Ecological Value of Indigenous Medicinal Plants
Before we get into the list, it’s worth asking: why were these plants forgotten in the first place? And more importantly, why should we care?
1. Passed Down Through Generations:
In many West African cultures, knowledge of medicinal plants was passed down orally — from grandmothers, herbalists, or spiritual leaders.
These weren’t just “bush remedies” — they were life-saving.
2. Healing with the Ecosystem:
Most of these plants grow in specific ecological zones — forest edges, riverbanks, or savanna grasslands.
That means when those areas are cleared or urbanized, the plants (and the knowledge of them) disappear.
3. Losing Touch with Natural Medicine:
As modern pharmaceuticals became more widespread and Western medicine gained popularity, many local remedies were cast aside or labeled as unscientific.
Add deforestation and climate change to the mix, and we’re quickly losing access to powerful healing traditions.
Reviving interest in West African herbs and natural remedies isn’t just about health. It’s about reconnecting to our roots, valuing biodiversity, and healing more sustainably.
10 Forgotten Medicinal Plants of West Africa
Now let’s get into the stars of the show.
For each plant, we’ll cover its traditional use, healing benefits, where it grows, and how we might bring it back into the spotlight.
1. Aridan (Tetrapleura tetraptera)
- Where it grows: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon
- Local names: Aridan (Yoruba), Prekese (Twi), Uyayak (Efik), Uhio (Igbo)
– What it was used for:
Traditionally, Aridan pods were boiled to make a tea used for postpartum recovery, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
It was also added to soups for its unique aroma and healing benefits.
– Medicinal benefits:
Modern studies show it has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
– Why it faded away:
Prekese became less common as traditional postpartum care declined and imported spices replaced local ones.
It’s still sold in some markets but isn’t widely promoted for its health benefits.
– Why we should bring it back:
It’s versatile, easy to grow, and has real potential in teas, herbal supplements, and functional foods.
2. Kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum)
- Where it grows: Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea
- Local names: Kinkeliba (Mandinka, Wolof)
– What it was used for:
This plant is known as a liver cleanser. In traditional medicine, it was steeped into tea to treat malaria, fever, constipation, and fatigue.
– Medicinal benefits:
Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, kinkeliba supports liver function and reduces inflammation.
– Why it faded away:
It got overshadowed by pharmaceuticals. Also, the young generation often considers tea from leaves “old-fashioned.”
– Why we should bring it back:
Its antioxidant profile rivals green tea, and it could easily become a trendy detox tea in wellness spaces.
3. African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum)
- Where it grows: Widely across West Africa
- Local names: Nchuanwu (Igbo), Efirin (Yoruba), Tchayo (Fon), Ntong (Efik/Ibibio)
– What it was used for:
Used to treat respiratory infections, toothaches, and skin wounds. Some even used it for malaria prevention and as a spiritual purifier.
– Medicinal benefits:
It contains eugenol, an oil with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts immunity and acts as a natural insect repellent.
– Why it faded away:
Though still present in some rural homes, it’s been replaced by over-the-counter cough syrups and commercial balms.
– Why we should bring it back:
Its essential oils could be used in modern wellness products: teas, oils, candles, natural mouthwash, and more.
4. Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)
- Where it grows: Nigeria, Benin, Ghana
- Local names: Ewuro (Yoruba), Onugbu (Igbo), Awonwo (Twi), Etidot (Efik/Ibibio)
– What it was used for:
From malaria to diabetes to stomach upset, bitter leaf was a go-to for detox and immune health. It was also eaten as a soup vegetable.
– Medicinal benefits:
Backed by studies, it helps regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and fight bacteria.
– Why it faded away:
The bitterness discouraged regular consumption, and many switched to processed vegetables.
– Why we should bring it back:
Its bitterness is exactly what makes it effective — and bitter herbs are making a comeback in gut health circles.
5. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Where it grows: Native to India, but widely cultivated in West Africa
- Local names: Dogonyaro (Hausa), Ogi-iyeye (Yoruba)
– What it was used for:
Treats fevers, skin infections, parasites, and even malaria. Leaves were boiled or ground for use in baths and teas.
– Medicinal benefits:
Neem has been scientifically proven to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.
– Why it faded away:
Its bitter taste and smell limited its popularity outside traditional circles.
– Why we should bring it back:
As antibiotic resistance grows, neem could become a powerful natural alternative.
6. Aidan Fruit (Daniellia oliveri)
- Where it grows: Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal
- Local names: Abo (Yoruba), Minan (Fon), Ogbagba (Igbo)
– Traditional Uses:
The bark and fruit were used for respiratory problems, skin infections, and menstrual disorders.
The pods were often cooked into soups for postpartum recovery.
– Medicinal Benefits:
Studies also show that aidan fruits also contain saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which give it antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
– Why It Was Forgotten:
Its trees are less common due to logging and habitat loss, and it lacks commercial packaging or branding.
– Revival Potential:
It could be reintroduced as a local immune-boosting tea or women’s wellness remedy.
7. Baobab Leaves (Adansonia digitata)
- Where it grows: Across the Sahel, including Mali, Niger, and Northern Nigeria
– Traditional Uses:
Baobab leaves were used as a mucilage for stomach ulcers, inflammation, and fevers. Also consumed as a green vegetable.
– Medicinal Benefits:
Rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C. The leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
– Why It Was Forgotten:
The focus shifted to baobab fruit powder for export, while the medicinal leaves were neglected.
– Why It Matters:
The leaves can be dried and sold as a nutritious tea or green supplement.
8. Senna (Senna occidentalis)
- Where it grows: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo
- Local Names: Rai-Dore (Hausa), Agbagba (Yoruba)
– Traditional Uses:
Used as a natural laxative, malaria treatment, and detox herb.
– Medicinal Properties:
Contains anthraquinones, which promote bowel movements. Also exhibits anti-malarial and antibacterial properties.
– Why It Was Forgotten:
It’s often dismissed as a weed and underutilized in modern herbal practice.
– Why It Should Return:
It can be a gentle, affordable alternative to synthetic laxatives.
9. African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata)
- Where it grows: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana
– Traditional Uses:
Used for skin conditions, fever, and spiritual cleansing.
– Medicinal Benefits:
Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bark and roots used for diarrhea and wounds.
– Why It Was Forgotten:
Overharvested for its fragrant wood and lost to deforestation.
– Revival Potential:
With reforestation and ethical sourcing, it could make a comeback in skincare and wellness.
10. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
- Where it grows: Widely across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal
- Local Names: Zogale (Hausa), Ewe Igbale (Yoruba)
– Traditional Uses:
Used to treat malnutrition, inflammation, and infections. Leaves and seeds were consumed regularly.
– Medicinal Benefits:
Recent studies show that moringa is extremely rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
It also supports immune function, skin health, and energy.
– Why It Was Forgotten:
It wasn’t entirely forgotten, but its powerful local uses have been overshadowed by its branding as a Western “superfood.”
– Why It Still Matters:
It’s time to reframe moringa as a native powerhouse, not just a trendy export crop.
The Threat of Losing Medicinal Knowledge
Many of these plants are at risk, not just from nature but from us. Here’s how:
- Deforestation destroys the ecosystems they depend on.
- Loss of oral traditions as elders pass away without passing down plant knowledge.
- Urbanization draws younger generations away from traditional knowledge.
- Pharmaceutical dominance creates a disconnect between local remedies and public trust.
How Local Communities and Herbalists Are Reviving These Remedies
Thankfully, the story doesn’t end in loss.
Across West Africa, grassroots movements are working to preserve and reintroduce forgotten medicinal plants:
- Community gardens growing medicinal herbs alongside food crops.
- Herbal apprenticeships where elders teach younger generations.
- Workshops and online platforms like Ethnobotany Africa are making traditional plant knowledge accessible.
In Ghana, for instance, the Center for Plant Medicine Research is helping validate local herbs. In Nigeria, herbal markets are seeing a slow but steady return to roots.
Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science
The divide between tradition and science doesn’t have to exist. In fact, some of the most promising plant-based drugs started as folk remedies.
- Moringa is now part of global nutrition programs.
- Neem is being researched for its role in skin care and anti-malaria protocols.
- Bitter Leaf is under study for diabetes treatment.
When researchers and healers work together, we create solutions that are both powerful and respectful of culture.
How You Can Help Protect and Promote These Plants
You don’t have to be a herbalist to make a difference:
- Grow a few of these herbs in your home or garden
- Support local herbal markets and eco-conscious farmers
- Share this knowledge with your community
- Learn from elders who still carry this wisdom
Every little step helps keep these plants — and their stories — alive.
In Conclusion
These 10 forgotten medicinal plants are more than leaves and roots. They are history, science, tradition, and hope all wrapped in nature’s packaging.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, or you just want to connect deeper with your culture and health, remember: West Africa’s forests and savannas are still whispering their secrets.
We just need to start listening again.