Pages: (71-84 )
Abstract
The severe pandemic, corona virus, ravaging the world has called for scientists and researchers to find a lasting solution in the form of a vaccine to the global health crisis. Herbal-spice remedies have long been used to treat infections and viruses, such as the cold, influenza and fever. Indigenous people boasted of health and longevity attributed to local herbs and spices, which enhanced their healthy living. Western socialisation and colonisation influenced the Yoruba people and other tribes in Nigeria to replace these indigenous herbs and spices such as locust beans, tiger nut etc., with synthetic seasoning and condiments in meals. The study focused on the linguistic analysis of herbs and spices' medicinal values and discussed their indigenous names, images, and botanical terms, and recommended dosage. The study established the already known importance of indigenous herbs and spices to improve people's health. It attempted to expose these herbs and spices to the younger generation and the global community. This study recommended that the use of indigenous spices be incorporated into the learning. The indigenous spices of the other cultural groups in the country should be elevated alongside the Yoruba herbs and spices.
Keywords: Indigenous, Herbs and spices, Botanical terms, Medicinal values, Nigerian languages,