In a world where modern medicine often takes the spotlight, Dr. Faith David is redefining healthcare by embracing the wisdom of nature. From healing herself with herbal remedies to becoming an authority in naturopathy, David has turned her passion for holistic health into a thriving practice. In this engaging interview, she shares her expertise, the challenges, and myths surrounding natural medicine, and advocates for a balanced approach to healing that addresses not just the body, but also the mind and emotions.
Please can you introduce yourself?
I am Faith David, a doctor in Naturopathy.
How did you get into this line?
I started while I was in university because, from my secondary school days, I was always sick every three months. If it wasn’t malaria, it was typhoid or something else.
In 2012/2013, during my 200 or 300l at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria studying Biochemistry, I got tired and decided to take my life into my own hands. So, I started researching herbal remedies. I healed myself, and the frequency and severity of my illnesses reduced. I also started treating my roommates, coursemates, and friends, which earned me the nickname “Mamalawo” which has stuck with me.
After graduation, I served in Gombe State, continuing my herbal practice. In 2019, I decided to take it seriously, moved to Lagos State, and attended Green Center Academy of Natural Medicine, where I studied naturopathy after my first degree in biochemistry.
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a system of healing that uses natural methods such as diet changes, herbal remedies, sunlight, water, and other substances found in nature. It’s a broad discipline encompassing many branches like hydrotherapy, nutrition, herbal medicine, etc. I specialise in the entire spectrum of natural medicine.
How long have you been in this field?
I started in 2013, unofficially. But officially, I’ve been practicing since 2020 after completing my studies in naturopathy and getting my certificate and license.
Can you tell us about your career since becoming certified? How has this branch of medicine been accepted?
I can tell you this is the best decision I’ve ever made. Since I embraced this field, I haven’t needed conventional medication for malaria or typhoid since August 2017. Before, during my periods, I would roll on the floor in pain, cry, and throw up. But now, all that is gone. However, in the early years, people dismissed everything herbal as “fetish and quackery.” That belief is fading. Even pastors are now open to our herbs.
But we still face challenges. We need more support from the government. They are trying, but there’s room for improvement in strengthening regulatory bodies. Right now, many unqualified people disgrace the profession. They sell concoctions with harmful additives, which tarnishes our reputation.
The government also imposes restrictions. For instance, we can’t make certain claims publicly, even if they are scientifically backed. If the government could lift some of these restrictions and strengthen regulatory bodies, it would improve public understanding and acceptance of naturopathy.
Why do you think these restrictions exist?
It’s because many people make false claims about what they can treat. For example, a client once told me her husband, who had prostate cancer, was taking an herbal drug. I explained to her that cancer is a systemic disease; you can’t treat it with one herbal product alone. Diet and lifestyle changes are also crucial, but they hadn’t even adjusted his diet. Such exaggerated claims hurt the credibility of natural medicine.
Based on your last instance, what are the limitations of natural remedies?
There are cases where we need to step aside and let doctors or surgeons take over, for instance, when a tumour has grown significantly, causing severe pain or affecting an organ.
However, natural remedies can reverse early-stage diseases like cancer before they become advanced. Even in advanced stages, they can complement conventional treatments. For example, alongside chemotherapy, natural medicine can reduce adverse side effects, improve energy levels, and prolong life.
If you search Google for the definition of a cancer cure in orthodox medicine, it’s defined as keeping a patient alive for five years post-diagnosis and treatment. This is because chemotherapy is so harsh that it destabilises the body. However, with natural medicine alongside chemotherapy, patients can live longer and maintain a better quality of life.
Going back to what you said earlier, have you discovered why you were frequently ill while growing up?
When I dug deeper, I realised it was my diet. This is why, in my practice, whenever I consult with someone, I ask, “What are your favourite foods?” Often, people are unaware that their food could be the source of their illness. Natural food is becoming scarce. We now have food in boxes, ready-made meals, and fast food. These processed foods are harmful because of the chemicals, preservatives, colourings, and flavour enhancers they contain, which wreak havoc on the body.
The foods I was consuming were essentially poisonous to my system. When I took the pain and made the sacrifice to eliminate them from my diet, my health improved dramatically.
Beyond that, I discovered that trauma, especially childhood trauma, and emotions, can also contribute to illness. So, I underwent emotional healing, or what we call an emotional detox. This involved confronting my inner self, releasing sadness, and addressing memories that brought pain.
In healing, whether you’re maintaining your health or curing diseases nothing takes precedence over diet.
You mentioned that herbs, roots, and leaves are part of your regimen for making natural remedies. However, there are certain herbs, like Neem (Dongoyaro) said to cause infertility or other health issues. Could you clarify this?
Yes, this is why I always tell people not to self-prescribe, even when it comes to herbal medicine. Always consult a herbalist or naturopath for guidance. Indeed, herbs don’t have the dangerous side effects we see in synthetic medicine, but there are certain herbs you shouldn’t take under specific conditions, particularly those that aren’t food-based.
Some herbs are essentially food, like bitter leaf, garlic, or ginger, which people consume daily without much issue. But herbs like dong quai, which isn’t food, should only be taken with knowledge and under supervision. Some herbs also shouldn’t be taken for long periods. Many people read about herbs on Google, see the benefits, and jump on them, taking them every day for months without a break.
I learned this the hard way. When I began my herbal journey around 2012–2013, I consumed moringa daily, morning and night. Initially, it worked wonders. My energy levels soared, my hair grew, and people complimented my glowing skin. But over time, I developed low blood sugar because moringa reduces blood sugar levels, and I wasn’t aware of that.
I’ve also seen cases like a diabetic patient who overused king of bitters, a very potent and bitter herb. While it initially managed their diabetes, it eventually caused anaemia because the herb reduces blood volume. King of Bitters is one of the bitterest herbs on Earth and is effective for treating chronic diseases, but it must be used correctly and for a limited time.
Having mentioned the risks of overusing herbs. Are there herbs you’d recommend for regular use, maybe to detox the body or promote health?
Yes, herbs are beneficial, but they must be used wisely. In my practice, I provide clients with programmes where I recommend herbs for regular use. However, I vary the herbs they consume daily. For example, one day, you might take ginger; the next, moringa; then mahogany or senna alata. This prevents the overuse of a single herb.
For treatment purposes, you may take a specific herb for a short duration. But even for long-term use, the preparation matters. Additional herbs are often combined with the main one to prevent side effects. This is why working with a qualified herbalist is essential.
Aside from herbs and medicine, what healthy habits would you recommend people adopt this 2025?
Firstly, water intake. The idea of needing only eight cups a day is a misconception. Just by breathing, you lose eight cups of water in 24 hours. Add the water lost through sweat, urination, and other bodily functions, and an adult requires three litres daily to stay healthy.
Secondly, sleep is vital. During deep sleep, in a dark room, your body releases powerful neurochemicals that heal and repair damage. Chronic sleep deprivation prevents this process, leading to accumulated damage and chronic illnesses.
Lastly, emotional health is crucial. Suppressed emotions like fear, anger, or grief can harm the body.
Are there natural remedies for issues like drug or alcohol addiction?
Yes, there are. Herbs and fruits like bananas can help. Bananas, both the fruit and the peel, contain powerful phytochemicals that, when consumed regularly, aid in overcoming addictions. Additionally, there are herbal remedies and therapeutic approaches that support recovery from addiction.
How can the common man distinguish genuine traditional remedies?
First and foremost, I would not advise anyone to purchase herbal remedies from hawkers. One reason is that the alcohol content in their products is typically very high, some even use more than 100% alcohol. Experts recommend that no remedy contains more than 40% alcohol.
Additionally, some of the products sold by these hawkers are synthetic, containing substances like paracetamol, Viagra, or diclofenac, which can cause severe organ damage.
Secondly, if someone approaches you with a remedy claiming that it will cure your condition without first enquiring about your medical history, diet, or lifestyle, that person is merely a marketer, not a naturopathic physician or clinical herbalist. Avoid them.
Finally, you must ask anyone selling you traditional remedies for the formal training/certification that backs up their practice.
Having noted the strengths and limitations of natural medicine. What do you consider the limitations of orthodox medicine?
Orthodox medicine struggles with chronic diseases like hypertension, fatty liver, kidney problems, liver issues, and even cancer. Instead of addressing the root cause, hospitals typically prescribe pills that only manage symptoms. Over time, patients find themselves taking additional medication to counteract the side effects of the initial drugs.
This not only strains their organs but also leaves the underlying cause unaddressed. Chronic diseases require interventions that address diet, emotions, and lifestyle, a strength of natural medicine.
What do emotions have to do with chronic diseases?
Diseases often begin at the emotional level. Different negative emotions weaken specific organs over time. For example, anger can weaken the liver, fear can harm the kidneys, and prolonged grief can lead to lung issues.
Everyone develops cancer cells daily, but the body’s defence mechanisms usually keep them in check. However, factors like poor diet, inadequate sleep, dehydration, and exposure to chemicals can increase the cancer cell load in the body. When this load becomes too much, the brain identifies the weakest organ and forms a tumour, a bag to contain the cancer cells.
For instance, a person who has harboured anger for years may develop liver cancer, while someone who has held onto deep resentment might face breast cancer. This is why treating cancer effectively requires addressing its emotional root causes.
In natural medicine, we use a combination of emotional release techniques, fasting, herbal remedies, and dietary changes to reverse cancer. Patients often report feeling significantly better after undergoing this holistic process.
What are your projections for natural remedies in Nigeria over the next ten years?
The present administration is doing well in supporting professionals and working with the Integrative Medicine Practitioners Association.
There’s an initiative in Lagos State with plans to establish integrative medicine centres. This means there will be hospitals where you can even be referred to a natural medicine doctor, similar to what is practiced in some parts of Europe.
The future is bright for natural medicine, provided the government continues with the level of support they’re currently offering.
