According to DAILY TRUST,two co-wives living in the Dakwa community in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, have been hospitalized after drinking a herbal mixture they believed would help them get their husband’s attention as well as satisfy him in bed.
The husband of the women, Musa Muhammad, had recently married a third wife from Gusau in Zamfara State, which prompted the two women to try and rekindle his affection.
The herbal mixture, known locally in Hausa as kayan mata, is often used by some women in hopes of increasing their partner’s sexual interest.
However, these mixtures are unregulated and can be harmful to women’s health as credible reports revealed that the two wives took the herbs three days after their husband’s new wedding. Unlike their usual liquid herb mixed with milk, they consumed a new powdered form given to them by the herbalist.
Muhammad said he actually spent the night at the house of his new bride when he was called and told his two other wives were seriously ill after which he found them in severe pain and rolling on the floor.
A local nurse tried to help them by placing them on a drip, but their condition did not improve. He then rushed them to a clinic in Madalla, Niger State, where they were diagnosed with organ damage caused by the herbs. They underwent surgery and were discharged a week later.
Muhammad said he is now searching for the female herbalist who gave them the herbs, so she can be investigated and stopped from harming others.
Meanwhile, a medical expert, Dr. Taiye Anifowose, warned that such herbs can damage internal organs and affect fertility.
She called for increased public awareness and education from health agencies and community leaders to prevent further harm from unregulated traditional products.
