Fionah Njeri. Photo | Kevin Yego.
While the world of healthcare is engulfed by big pharma and modern medicine, Fionah Njeri a Kajiado based Agroecologist believes otherwise. As an environmental educator, agroecology advocate she started a herbal clinic, providing alternative medication to contemporary and lifestyle related diseases. But as a result of her work as a certified herbal doctor, she’s also an advocate for preservation of indigenous plants, promoting sustainable farming practices, and empowering communities.
Fionah believes that human health and nature are interconnected thus her decision to pursue alternative medicine rooted in traditional knowledge.
“My journey into herbalism was inspired by my deep connection to nature and a strong desire to offer alternative healing methods rooted in traditional wisdom,” Fionah says.
Growing up, she was captivated by the knowledge passed down through generations in her community. Observing elders effectively using herbs for ailments piqued her curiosity and ignited her passion for plants.
Over the years, her practice has evolved through relentless research, collaborations with seasoned herbalists, and the integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific findings.This philosophy has guided her endeavors, linking the preservation of ecosystems to the sustainability of herbal medicine.
Herbal Medicine and Conservation
For Fionah, herbal medicine and environmental conservation are two sides of the same coin. Unsustainable harvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten the availability of these plants. By promoting sustainable harvesting techniques like rotational foraging and growing medicinal plants in home gardens, Fionah supports the preservation of biodiversity.
“Many medicinal plants come from forests, wetlands, and grasslands, making it crucial to protect these ecosystems. Using and advocating for {preservatiob of} indigenous plants not only helps biodiversity but also fosters the preservation of traditional knowledge,” she remarks.
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Protection of Indigenous Trees
Fionah’s advocacy extends beyond herbal medicine to broader environmental conservation efforts. She is passionate about the role of indigenous trees in maintaining ecological balance.
However, climate change and deforestation threaten these benefits. To address these challenges, Fionah has initiated reforestation campaigns focused on planting native species.
“Schools, local farmers, and youth groups have become key partners in this initiative,” she told JEDCA MEDIA.
By educating communities on the medicinal value and ecological importance of indigenous trees, she has inspired many to adopt agroforestry practices, integrating these trees into their farms to improve soil fertility while preserving biodiversity.
Stringent Regulations
Balancing herbal medicine practice and environmental advocacy has not been without challenges. She says the formulation of herbal medicine is time consuming. Coupled with stringent regulation on herbal medicine in the country, she says journey isn’t a bed of roses.
“Time management is a major difficulty researching, formulating, and consulting with patients requires dedication, while conservation efforts demand community engagement and physical work like tree planting,” she shared.
“The process involves multiple regulatory bodies, strict requirements, and significant costs,” Fionah narrates. Yet, she remains undeterred, seeking mentorship, engaging in professional programs, and working closely with government agencies to ensure compliance.”
Resistance to change also presents a challenge. She says convincing communities to adopt conservation-friendly practices requires patience and persistence. However, by building partnerships with local organizations, schools, and communities, Fionah is creating a broader impact.
She is bullish that traditional medicine can heal a plethora of diseases, recounting cases of her patients who got healed by using a combination of bitter herbs, probiotics from fermented plants, and dietary adjustments. She says that traditional medicines can be “life-changing.” She is however emphasizes that herbal medicine should be used with proper knowledge, ethical sourcing, and in conjunction with modern healthcare.
Nexus Between Tradition and Modernity
One of Fionah’s most ambitious goals is to establish a holistic center where traditional medicine, conservation education, and sustainable agriculture coexist.
“This center would serve as a training ground for herbalists, a conservation hub for indigenous plants, and a space for research on integrating herbal medicine with modern healthcare,” she says.
“Future generations must have access to this wisdom,” she emphasizes. In addition to training and conservation, Fionah aims to document and preserve indigenous knowledge through books, online resources, and workshops. She also advocates for policy changes to recognize herbal medicine as a valuable part of healthcare systems and promote sustainable land-use practices.”
Through her ventures including the Greener Communities Program (GCP) and Tree Mendous Kenya she is creating pathways for sustainable growth. GCP focuses on empowering youth and women through agroecology and regenerative farming, while Tree Mendous Kenya provides agroforestry products and services.
“By combining indigenous knowledge systems with cutting-edge agroecological methods, I seek to create lasting impacts for communities, ecosystems, and future generations,” Kajiado based herbalist concludes.
