Effective date: August 2025
Last reviewed: August 2026
1. Our Editorial Commitment
Healthdictive is committed to providing clear, practical, evidence-informed health and herbal-medicine information for everyday readers, with particular attention to Nigeria and Africa.
Our goal is not to promote herbs simply because they are natural or traditionally used. We aim to explain what is known, what is uncertain, what the research shows, and what readers should consider before using a health or herbal remedy.
This approach is consistent with the World Health Organization’s current strategy for traditional medicine, which emphasizes strengthening evidence, safety, quality, appropriate regulation and people-centred care. (World Health Organization)
Healthdictive content is educational and does not replace individualized diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
2. Evidence-Based Health Content Policy
2.1 Evidence comes first
We assess health claims according to the quality and relevance of available evidence.
Where appropriate, we prioritize:
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- High-quality randomized controlled trials
- Clinical studies
- Well-designed observational studies
- Authoritative health organizations and professional guidelines
- Pharmacological and toxicological studies
- Animal studies
- Laboratory/in-vitro studies
- Traditional or historical use
The level of evidence is important. A laboratory finding does not establish that an herb treats a disease in humans.
WHO similarly identifies inadequate evidence on the safety and efficacy of traditional-medicine products and practices as an important barrier to their responsible integration into healthcare. (World Health Organization)
2.2 We distinguish evidence from traditional use
Healthdictive may discuss how a plant has traditionally been used in Nigeria, Africa or other cultures.
However, we clearly distinguish:
Traditional use
from
Scientific evidence
from
Established clinical benefit.
Traditional use alone is not described as proof that a remedy works.
2.3 We avoid exaggerated health claims
We do not intentionally use claims such as:
- “miracle cure”
- “100% effective”
- “guaranteed cure”
- “cures everything”
- “no side effects”
- “better than prescription medicine”
unless such wording is scientifically and clinically justified—which will be uncommon.
Instead, we use evidence-appropriate language such as:
- “may help”
- “has been studied for”
- “research suggests”
- “laboratory studies found”
- “animal studies suggest”
- “traditionally used for”
- “human evidence is limited”
- “there is insufficient evidence to determine…”
This helps readers understand the difference between possibility and proof.
3. Herbal Medicine Editorial & Safety Policy
Herbal medicines can contain biologically active substances. “Natural” does not automatically mean “safe.”
WHO recognizes herbal medicines as products containing plant parts, plant materials, herbal preparations or combinations thereof, and emphasizes appropriate quality, safety and evidence. (World Health Organization)
3.1 Correct plant identification
Where relevant, Healthdictive articles should provide:
- Common name
- Scientific/botanical name
- Family
- Nigerian or local names
- Plant part used
- Preparation or form studied
This reduces confusion caused by different plants sharing the same common name.
3.2 Safety information
When sufficient information exists, herbal articles should address:
- Possible side effects
- Toxicity
- Contraindications
- Drug-herb interactions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations
- Children and older adults
- Relevant medical conditions
- Duration of use
- Dose uncertainty
- Quality and contamination concerns
We will not invent a dosage where reliable human dosage information does not exist.
3.3 Drug-herb interactions
Where interaction evidence exists, it should be discussed.
Where evidence is only theoretical, this should be clearly stated as such.
This distinction is important because many proposed herb-drug interactions are based on laboratory, animal or indirect evidence, while reliable clinical evidence is unavailable for many herbs. (NCCIH)
Readers taking prescription medicines—particularly medicines with a narrow therapeutic range—should be encouraged to discuss herbal-product use with their healthcare professional. (NCCIH)
3.4 Serious diseases require greater caution
Articles concerning conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- HIV
- Infertility
- Serious infections
- Pregnancy-related conditions
must avoid implying that an unproven herbal remedy can replace appropriate medical care.
4. Editorial Independence Policy
Healthdictive may publish content related to herbs, herbal products, wellness services or other commercial activities.
However, commercial interests must not determine scientific conclusions.
Our editorial content should remain independent from:
- Product sales
- Advertising
- Affiliate commissions
- Sponsorships
- Partnerships
- Supplier relationships
Where a commercial relationship could reasonably influence how readers interpret an article, it should be disclosed.
A product being sold by Healthdictive does not automatically mean that every health claim associated with that product is scientifically established.
5. Product-Related Content
Healthdictive may publish educational information about herbs and herbal products.
However, we distinguish between:
Information about an herb
and
evidence supporting a particular commercial product.
Research conducted on a plant, extract or preparation cannot automatically be assumed to apply to every product containing that plant.
Factors such as:
- species
- plant part
- extraction method
- concentration
- formulation
- manufacturing quality
- dose
can affect the relevance of research findings.
6. Authors, Expertise & E-E-A-T
Healthdictive aims to make the expertise behind health content transparent.
Where appropriate, articles should identify the author’s:
- Name
- Relevant professional qualifications
- Professional experience
- Area of expertise
Health content may also undergo review by an appropriately qualified professional when the subject matter warrants specialist review.
We do not claim that an article has been medically reviewed unless a qualified reviewer has actually reviewed it.
7. Sources & References
Important health claims should be supported by credible sources.
Depending on the topic, Healthdictive may use:
- PubMed-indexed research
- Peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Systematic reviews
- Clinical guidelines
- WHO
- National health agencies
- Professional organizations
- Pharmacopoeias and authoritative reference materials
Sources should be relevant to the specific claim being made.
For herbal medicine, we particularly value evidence relating to:
efficacy + safety + dosage + preparation + interactions.
A study demonstrating antioxidant activity, for example, should not be cited as proof that an herb prevents or treats a particular disease.
8. AI-Assisted Content Policy
Healthdictive may use artificial intelligence as an editorial assistance tool for activities such as:
- Research organization
- Outlining
- Brainstorming
- Editing
- Summarization
- Language improvement
- Content structuring
AI-generated information is not automatically considered accurate.
Healthdictive remains responsible for the published content.
AI-assisted material must therefore undergo appropriate human review, fact-checking and editorial assessment before publication, particularly where it concerns:
- Medical treatment
- Drug interactions
- Herbal safety
- Dosage
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Serious diseases
- Scientific evidence
AI must not be treated as a substitute for professional judgment.
9. Content Updating Policy
Health information changes as new evidence becomes available.
Healthdictive therefore aims to periodically review important articles, particularly content involving:
- Medicines
- Herbal remedies
- Disease treatment
- Safety
- Drug interactions
- Dosage
- Clinical recommendations
Articles may display:
Published: [date]
Last updated: [date]
An update may involve correcting an error, adding new research, improving safety information, revising recommendations or clarifying evidence.
10. Corrections Policy
Accuracy is more important than protecting previously published content.
If we identify a significant factual or scientific error, we will:
- Investigate the issue.
- Verify the correct information.
- Correct the content.
- Add clarification where appropriate.
- Update the article’s review/update date when warranted.
Readers are encouraged to report potential errors through the Healthdictive contact channel.
We welcome constructive corrections, particularly when accompanied by credible evidence.
11. Reader Safety Policy
Healthdictive content should help readers make better-informed decisions—not encourage unsafe self-treatment.
Articles should encourage professional medical assessment when:
- Symptoms are severe
- Symptoms persist or worsen
- A condition may require diagnosis
- There are warning signs of an emergency
- Prescription treatment is required
- A reader is pregnant or breastfeeding and treatment safety is uncertain
- A child is involved
- Significant drug-herb interactions are possible
Healthdictive does not recommend stopping prescribed medicines solely because an article discusses a herbal remedy.
12. Nigerian & African Context
Healthdictive is particularly interested in health information relevant to Nigeria and Africa.
Where appropriate, articles may discuss:
- Nigerian medicinal plants
- African traditional medicine
- Local plant names
- Common preparation practices
- Local health challenges
- Access to healthcare
- Nigerian consumer realities
However, cultural relevance does not replace scientific evidence.
Traditional knowledge should be discussed respectfully while maintaining appropriate scientific and safety standards. WHO’s current traditional-medicine strategy explicitly combines evidence and safety with respect for culture, Indigenous knowledge and biodiversity. (World Health Organization)
13. Editorial Standards for Healthdictive Articles
Before publication, health articles should ideally answer:
Accuracy
- Is the information factually correct?
- Are important claims supported?
Evidence
- What type of study supports the claim?
- Is the evidence from humans, animals or laboratory research?
- Are the limitations explained?
Safety
- Are side effects discussed?
- Are important interactions identified?
- Are vulnerable groups considered?
Transparency
- Is the author identified?
- Are sources provided?
- Is the publication/update date clear?
Readability
- Can an ordinary reader understand the information?
- Are technical terms explained?
- Is unnecessary jargon avoided?
Usefulness
- Does the article answer the reader’s actual question?
- Does it provide practical and safe next steps?
14. What Healthdictive Will Not Do
Healthdictive will not intentionally:
- Present traditional use as clinical proof.
- Present animal research as human clinical evidence.
- Invent scientific references.
- Invent dosages when reliable evidence is unavailable.
- Guarantee that an herb is safe because it is natural.
- Encourage readers to abandon necessary medical treatment.
- Hide significant safety concerns to promote a product.
- Deliberately exaggerate scientific findings for SEO.
- Use testimonials as a substitute for scientific evidence.
- Claim professional medical review when no such review occurred.
15. SEO and Editorial Integrity
Search-engine optimization is important to Healthdictive, but SEO will not override medical accuracy.
We may optimize:
- Titles
- Headings
- Meta descriptions
- Internal links
- Search intent
- Structured content
- Frequently asked questions
However, we will not deliberately use sensational medical claims simply because they may attract clicks.
Our objective is to create content that is useful enough to earn trust, not merely traffic.
16. Disclaimer
Healthdictive provides health, wellness and herbal-medicine information for educational purposes.
Information published on this website is not a substitute for individualized medical diagnosis, treatment or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Herbal remedies may have pharmacological effects and may interact with medicines or medical conditions. Evidence for many herbal remedies is limited, and findings from laboratory or animal studies may not translate directly to humans.
Readers should seek appropriate professional medical advice before starting, stopping or changing treatment, particularly when pregnant, breastfeeding, treating a child, managing a chronic disease or taking prescription medicines.
If you experience severe or emergency symptoms, seek appropriate emergency medical care rather than relying on information from this website.
17. Our Editorial Promise
Healthdictive’s promise is simple:
We will explain what the evidence shows, what it does not show, and what readers should know about safety before making health decisions.
We believe natural health information is most useful when traditional knowledge, scientific evidence, professional expertise and patient safety are considered together.
That principle reflects the direction of current global guidance: traditional and complementary medicine should be developed and used in ways that are evidence-based, safe, effective, culturally respectful and people-centred. (World Health Organization)
Editorial Policy Owner: Healthdictive
Last reviewed: August 2026