By Miriam Oparebea, GNA
Tema, March 11, GNA – Herbs have long been regarded as important sources of healing in many Ghanaian communities, where plant roots, barks, leaves and other parts are boiled, grinded or dried, to treat ailments such as malaria, infections, stomach disorders and sexual disorders.
In many cases, some herbs are believed to work better when infused in the local spirit popularly known as ‘akpeteshie.’
The production of traditional Ghanaian bitters is a practice that combines plant-based ingredients with local spirits, to serve both social and medicinal purposes.
The process involves soaking roots and plant extracts in alcohol to produce a drink that many people use as a home remedy.
Unlike standard commercial beverages, these local infusions are often prepared as functional drinks.
The high alcohol content of akpeteshie helps to extract compounds from roots, fruits and barks that do not easily dissolve in water.
Mr Francis Osew, a veteran producer of traditional bitters at Ashaiman, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), that the ingredients were carefully selected based on specific health needs.
He said mahogany bark was commonly used to address stomach-related conditions such as ulcers.
Mr Osew explained that yellow bitters containing ginger and the root known as ‘kraman-kote’ (Jollyanum sticks), were often used for muscle complaints such as waist and joint pains and also served as an aphrodisiac.
He added that a mixture of pepre (grains of Selim), garlic and ginger were commonly prepared as a tonic for body aches and general vitality, noting that some herbs were also used to address respiratory conditions.
He explained that Prekese (Aidan fruit), was also valued for its aromatic properties and was believed to help clear nasal congestion and relieve symptoms of colds.
Mr Osew said producers often layered ingredients such as mahogany and pepre to create mixtures believed to support digestion and improve blood circulation.
Mr Osew said demand for herbal bitters remained strong, especially for the mixture of pepre, garlic and ginger.
Most workers such as construction labourers preferred the mixture because it was believed to help relieve body pains associated with physically demanding work, he said.
He noted that although producers were required to obtain permits from the district assembly to produce and sell such drinks commercially, many people also prepared herbal mixtures at home for personal use.
Meanwhile, some consumers say they had experienced positive results from the herbal mixtures.
Mr Bright Opoku, a regular customer, said a mahogany-based blend had helped ease his digestive problems and general weakness, stating that he usually purchased the mixture whenever he experienced similar symptoms.
Another customer, Mr Sam Boateng, said a prekese-based infusion had helped him manage early cold symptoms and fatigue.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo