Herbalists are appealing for space in public forests to plant medicinal plants for treatment and research as the demand for traditional medicine continues to rise.

They are arguing that deforestation has led to the diminishing of traditional herbs, further affecting their availability, and hope their plea will be accorded an audience.

National Traditional Health Practitioners Association (NATHEPA) national chairman, Paul Okibo said the situation has forced herbalists to travel far in search of medicinal products.

He noted if herbs are planted in the forests and other indigenous trees, Kenyans will be taught about their value and protected for future generations.

“Our children do not know trees.  We need trees and herbs to conserve our environment and research on herbal drugs to foster health care services” Okibo told the People Daily at the weekend.

He noted the Association, jointly with the University of Nairobi is training herbalists on standards, research, improving and packaging drugs to enhance professionalism.

The official asked herbalists to register and train, stressing, that only trained ones will be certified, and licensed and allow treating patients.

“We are not to allow quacks to mishandle patients and tarnish the image of the Association. They risk arrest and prosecution” Okibo noted.

The chairman said the association has a Bill pending in Parliament to form a Council, streamline herbal medicine and domicile it in the Ministry of Health for herbalists to work closely with conventionally trained health care workers.

He urged the government to involve stakeholders from the university, culture, education, health and the Association to give views on the policies and regulations to guide the Association’s operation.