Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories

25/12/2024

MERRY CHRISTMAS

16/12/2024

SPIRITUAL KOLANUT

In the heart of Africa, where traditions breathe life into ceremonies and community bonds, the humble kolanut holds a profound spiritual significance. This cherished nut is more than a snack; it is a symbolic bridge connecting humanity with the divine and with each other. In its rituals, lessons, and shared wisdom, the kolanut offers deep insights into life and the human condition, serving as a compass guiding us toward wholeness, happiness, and authentic living.

Among many African communities, offering a kolanut is an act of profound hospitality and respect. Breaking the kolanut is an opening ritual, a call to prayer, unity, and reflection. It is often used to invoke blessings, welcome guests, and consecrate communal gatherings. Through its sharing, the kolanut embodies a philosophy of communion—an affirmation that life is best experienced in connection with others.

The simplicity of this act reminds us that small gestures, rooted in genuine care, have the power to transform relationships. Sharing the kolanut signifies inclusion, the dissolution of barriers, and the building of trust, all of which are deeply needed in today’s divided and tumultuous world.

The kolanut teaches profound truths about life and relationships, rooted in the principles of kindness, gratitude, and self-discovery.
Here are some key insights:
1. Happiness Lies in Sharing and Building Others Up
The act of sharing the kolanut is a metaphor for life’s deeper truth: true happiness comes from uplifting others, not tearing them down. Exploiting or belittling others only leads to emptiness. By nurturing compassion and finding joy in others' successes, we contribute to our collective well-being.
2. Gratitude is the Foundation of Fulfillment
Just as the kolanut ceremony begins with gratitude—thanking ancestors, the land, and the present gathering—we are called to recognize and celebrate the blessings in our own lives. Focusing on what we lack leads to dissatisfaction, but gratitude anchors us in contentment and abundance.
3. Authenticity Brings Freedom
The kolanut ritual reflects the beauty of simplicity and being oneself. Life becomes a frustrating endeavour when we try to please everyone. Instead, embracing authenticity allows us to live with integrity and confidence, free from the weight of others' expectations.

In today’s world, negativity often overshadows kindness. Criticizing others' looks, choices, beliefs, and successes has become a pastime in a world hungry for bad news. The kolanut ceremony offers a counter-narrative: what truly matters is how we treat others.
Practising kindness does not mean sacrificing your well-being—it means understanding that your happiness grows when shared with others. However, being kind requires boundaries; your happiness must not be reliant on the approval or demands of others.

The kolanut ceremony encourages a reflective state of mind. It reminds us that our subconscious, like fertile soil, nurtures whatever thoughts we plant. Feed your mind positivity—health, success, calmness—and you will see these manifest in your life. Be mindful of what you consume, both in words and actions, because what you believe shapes your reality.

Life is not without pain, failure, and fear—these are universal experiences. The breaking of the kolanut, often with prayer for guidance and resilience, is a reminder that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities. Every hardship carries the seed of transformation. In embracing this perspective, we move closer to wisdom and self-actualization.

The kolanut symbolizes the interconnectedness of life, but this connection begins with the self. To love others authentically, you must first love yourself. True love is rooted in self-care and self-respect; sacrificing your happiness for others diminishes rather than strengthens relationships. When you are whole, you bring the best version of yourself to the world.

11/11/2024

The Association of Plant Science Students of Nigeria embarked on an educational tour of Paxherbal facilities as part of their annual General Conference, which took place at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, from November 4 to 6, 2024. The conference, themed "Plantpreneurship: Unleashing the Power of Plants for a Sustainable Economy," highlighted the increasing importance of plant science in promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

The visit underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, particularly in translating scientific knowledge into practical, tangible benefits. This collaboration fosters innovation and creativity, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications. Plant science, with its diverse disciplines—including food security, food technology, sustainable agriculture, permaculture, agrology, and mental health—plays a vital role in addressing the challenges of our time.

By promoting cross-disciplinary approaches, the conference emphasized the potential of plant science to contribute to a more sustainable economy and a healthier society. This educational tour of Paxherbal not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also demonstrated how industry and academia can work together to create impactful solutions for global challenges. As the field of plant science continues to expand, collaborations like these will be key to unlocking its full potential for innovation and sustainability.

07/11/2024

MEDICINAL USES OF EMILIA PRAETERMISSA: UNVEILING THE POWER OF A NEGLECTED PLANT

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of West Africa, Emilia praetermissa, a member of the Asteraceae family, thrives quietly as a resilient w**d. From Sierra Leone to Nigeria, this plant has made its home, growing in abundance while often overlooked for flashier medicinal herbs. However, Emilia praetermissa, also known as the "tassel flower" or "wild lettuce," is slowly gaining recognition for its impressive medicinal benefits. Let’s take a closer look at this underrated gem and explore how it can help improve our health.

The Overlooked Powerhouse
The very name Emilia Praetermissa gives us a clue about its story. The genus name Emilia comes from the Latin word "Aemilia," which means "eager" or "rival." In the plant world, this is fitting because Emilia thrives as a tenacious competitor in the wild, outlasting many other plants. The species name praetermissa means "overlooked" in Latin—an apt description of a plant that, despite growing in w**dy areas, has historically been neglected in favor of more widely known medicinal herbs.

However, this "overlooked" plant is ready for its moment in the spotlight. Recent scientific studies have begun to validate the therapeutic properties that traditional healers have known for centuries. Let's dive into some of the most promising medicinal uses of Emilia praetermissa.

Antimicrobial Hero
One of the most significant discoveries about Emilia praetermissa is its potent antimicrobial activity. Research has shown that extracts from the plant’s leaves—whether in methanol, hot water, or cold water—can effectively combat a range of pathogens. For instance, methanol extracts have demonstrated powerful inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria known for causing infections ranging from skin diseases to pneumonia. Additionally, hot water extracts have shown effectiveness against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is responsible for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

These findings suggest that Emilia praetermissa could be a promising natural alternative in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. As modern medicine grapples with the rise of drug-resistant bacteria, bioactive compounds from plants like Emilia may offer new hope.

Heart Health Ally
Another key medicinal benefit of Emilia praetermissa is its cardiovascular potential. Research indicates that the plant can help reduce hyperlipidemia (excess fats in the blood) by acting as an anticoagulant or blood thinner, reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, its strong antioxidant properties help to neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing oxidative stress-related damage to the heart and blood vessels.
In a world where cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, discovering natural remedies like Emilia praetermissa offers a refreshing approach to managing heart health, particularly in areas where access to conventional medicine is limited.

Backyard Medicine: Cultivating Emilia Praetermissa
One of the best aspects of Emilia praetermissa is that it’s easy to grow and maintain, even in a small backyard garden or a flowerpot. This hardy plant doesn’t demand much attention, making it a great addition to any garden.

Propagation by Seeds
The most common way to propagate Emilia praetermissa is through seeds. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
• Seed Collection: Allow the flower heads to dry on the plant, then gently rub the heads to release the seeds.
• Sowing: Sow the seeds directly in the soil or in seed trays. Scatter them on the surface and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Ensure the seeds receive plenty of light, as this helps with germination.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 1-2 weeks, and soon you’ll have a thriving plant.

Propagation by Division
For more experienced gardeners, you can propagate Emilia praetermissa by dividing mature plants:
• Method: Carefully dig up a mature plant and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has some roots and leaves attached. Replant the sections in well-prepared soil and water them thoroughly.

A Hidden Gem Ready to Shine
Emilia Praetermissa is like that shy, quiet friend who has a wealth of knowledge and strength just waiting to be discovered. This unassuming plant, often mistaken for w**d, contains immense health potential, particularly in antimicrobial and cardiovascular applications. With minimal effort, you can cultivate this plant in your own backyard and reap the benefits of its medicinal properties.

In a world where modern medicine sometimes fails to provide sustainable, long-term solutions, turning to nature and plants like Emilia praetermissa can offer a refreshing and powerful alternative. From its antimicrobial heroics to its cardiovascular benefits, this plant truly deserves its place in the spotlight. So, why not let Emilia flourish in your garden and see how this "overlooked" plant can enrich your health and well-being?

16/09/2024

Discover the Healing Power of Colour with Our Colour Therapy Oils

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a time-tested holistic healing practice that harnesses the energy of colours to enhance your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The concept is simple yet powerful: each colour carries its own unique energy that can positively influence your mood, emotions, and overall health. This proven practice can give you reassurance and confidence in your journey to wellness.

By tapping into this natural energy, colour therapy helps balance and harmonise the body’s energy centres. Each colour corresponds to a specific vibrational energy, and by exposing yourself to these colours, you can stimulate or calm the energy flow, promoting healing and inner balance.

At Paxherbals, we believe in transforming theory into practical wellness solutions. That's why we have created our special Colour Therapy Oils—designed to help you experience the healing radiance of colours in your daily life. Each bottle comes with a simple guide, making it easy for you to incorporate these oils into your routine and experience the transformative power of colour therapy.

You can read more about the theory, practice and science of Colour therapy in Fr Adodo’s book, ‘The Healing Radiance of the Soul.’

Embrace the power of colours and bring balance to your life.

11/09/2024

Discover the Healing Radiance of the Soul.
Embark on a transformative journey with "The Healing Radiance of the Soul". This is more than a book—it's your path to holistic healing and vibrant living! The book’s poetic prose reveals "la joie de vivre" as the ultimate goal of wellness, blending science with ancient wisdom from across cultures and religions. The author explores the healing forces of nature—earth, plants, animals, cosmic energy, and even the celestial dance of the stars and the colours that shape our health.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
• Unveil the hidden power of nature and bio-essences in promoting health.
• Gain insight into the cosmic forces and their connection to our bodies and souls.
• Discover how ancient wisdom and modern science converge to unlock human potential.
• Be inspired to embrace a new era of holistic health, rooted in spirituality, mental energy, and harmony with nature.

04/09/2024

Rauwolfia vomitoria, often called African serpentwood or poison devil's pepper, is a plant widely valued across Africa for its healing properties. It grows in tropical regions from West Africa, like Senegal and Nigeria, to East Africa, including Ethiopia and Kenya, and as far south as Angola. This plant can reach up to 8 meters in height, with dark green leaves, small white flowers, and red seeds. African traditional healers have long used its roots, bark, and leaves to treat conditions like high blood pressure, mental illness, insomnia, and depression.

In the mid-20th century, Rauwolfia attracted global attention because of its alkaloid content, especially reserpine, which became one of the first drugs used to treat hypertension and psychiatric disorders. Despite this, the plant was named "Rauwolfia" after a German botanist, Leonhard Rauwolf, who documented medicinal plants. This raises a serious question: why is the plant named after a European botanist when African traditional healers had already discovered and used its medicinal benefits long before his documentation?

This is an example of the broader issue of colonialism in knowledge and plant naming. The contributions of African healers are often overlooked, and the economic and intellectual benefits of their discoveries are rarely shared with them. Today, there's a growing movement to decolonize botanical naming and to give proper recognition to those who first discovered these plants' medicinal properties—often at the cost of their lives and livelihoods, without any recognition or reward.

29/08/2024

When Nature Power was first published 25 years ago, herbal medicine in Nigeria and much of Africa was stigmatized, often linked with witchcraft, sorcery, and paganism. Many African Christians and educated elites avoided traditional medicine due to its negative associations. Nature Power emerged as a courageous voice challenging these misconceptions, showing that African herbal medicine is not synonymous with fe**shism or paganism. Since then, the book has been reprinted and revised over ten times, significantly shifting attitudes among both the government and Christians. Nature Power underscores that true health is holistic—encompassing mind, body, and soul. It reveals age-old secrets traditionally guarded by herbalists, making them accessible for the benefit of humanity. Knowledge, as they say, is power, but only when it impacts lives. Nature Power has indeed made a profound difference.

13/08/2024

05/08/2024

PAX SKIN CLEANSER: Ancient African Formula Rediscovered

Can a soap relax muscles, promote sleep, rejuvenate the body, and remove wrinkles? At Pax, we have demonstrated that it can. We have modernized an ancient African formula to create a unique soap that has become an essential item in countless bathrooms.

Pax Cleanser offers a multitude of benefits:
• Clears Skin Rashes: Say goodbye to irritating skin rashes.
• Smoothes Rough Skin: Enjoy the feel of smooth, soft skin.
• Repairs Chemically Damaged Skin: Heal your skin from the harsh effects of chemical products.
• Clears Pimples and Removes Black Spots: Achieve a clear, blemish-free complexion.
• Eliminates Skin Abnormalities: Restore your skin's natural beauty and health.

Now in its 19th year of continuous production, Pax Cleanser has weathered difficult economic seasons and production challenges. Today, it stands as the only locally manufactured liquid medicated and beauty soap in Nigeria. While hundreds of imported brands flood the market, many made with unproven and dangerous chemical ingredients, Pax Cleanser remains a beacon of trust and efficacy and a tribute to local ingenuity and innovation.

Our formula is grounded in scientific research and harnesses the power of local ingredients, including:
• Palm Tree Shaff: Known for its soothing properties.
• Onions: Renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
• Coconut: Provides deep hydration and nourishment.
• Palm Kernel Oil: Rich in antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate the skin.
• Aloe Barberdensis (Aloe Vera): A natural healer, perfect for soothing and repairing the skin.
• Other Local Plants: Carefully selected for their unique skin benefits.

The journey of Pax Cleanser is one of perseverance and creativity. It embodies the spirit of the saying, "Tough times don’t last, tough people do." Each challenge has been an opportunity for growth, leading to the creation of a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our customers. Pax Cleanser stands out for its commitment to natural, safe, and effective ingredients in a market saturated with chemical-laden products.

29/07/2024

The Black Stone: A Blend of Tradition and Science

The black stone is a traditional remedy in Africa, used for snake bites, scorpion stings, and insect bites. Made from charred bone or horn, this stone has deep roots in indigenous medicine and is surrounded by myths. Many believe it can detect and neutralize venom.

Missionaries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, recognizing its cultural importance, documented the use of the black stone and initiated scientific studies. These studies revealed that the stone’s porous nature creates a vacuum effect, drawing out venom and absorbing toxins. This scientific understanding, alongside its traditional use, underscores the stone's significance in African medicine.

One special feature of the black stone is its ability to stick to the tongue. This adhesive property is often shown to prove its venom-drawing ability. When the stone is placed on the tongue, its porous structure creates a vacuum effect. Moisture from the tongue enters the pores and evaporates or is absorbed, causing the stone to stick. This process is due to capillary action, where saliva is drawn into tiny pores and channels, anchoring the stone in place.

The black stone can also stick to open or bleeding wounds. Its porous surface absorbs blood and other fluids, creating a micro-suction effect that helps it stick. This property, along with the stone's rough texture and hydrophilic nature, keeps it in place on wounds, aiding in the supposed extraction of venom or toxins.

For over 20 years, we have been producing the PAXHERBAL BLACK STONE and documenting its effectiveness. Many in Nigeria and other African countries, especially Eastern Africa, where the stone is commonly used, are surprised to learn about our long-standing production of this 'mysterious stone’.

While the black stone's ability to absorb snake venom is minimal and not recommended for treating snake bites, it has many other uses. It serves as a remedy for food poisoning, gastritis, wound healing, and as a water purifier.

Our exploration of the myths and beliefs surrounding the black stone is rooted in a desire to understand rather than condemn what we don't know. By blending science with tradition, we demonstrate our respect for diverse cultural beliefs and our commitment to wisdom as a guide. The production process of the black stone is complex, logical, technical, objective and transferable. It is not mythical or fe**sh.

Africans must reject the educational brainwashing that makes them view anything logical and complex as a Western or 'oyibo' invention and anything crude and irrational as a 'black people's’ invention. Science is the common heritage of humankind, with no colour or race. Africans should recognize that their knowledge is not inferior to Western knowledge but a vital part of the global scientific community.