Young entrepreneur spicing up Nyeri kitchens with tasty herbs

IBRAHIM KAMAU is the proprietor of Global Green Plants, a herb spices business. He has been propagating healthy herbs since 2018. Kamau has also been involved in value-addition and the end products include cosmetics, medicinal and culinary products. These have not only increased the value of herbs but also seen his revenue grow tremendously. We cannot live without herbs and spices, says the farmer. Tell us about yourself and your business. I own a herbs farming business. I encourage people to embrace herbs and spices as part of alternative medicine. They are more like herbal remedies and are of great benefit to our health. We are currently working on value addition. Herbs are either culinary, cosmetic or medicinal. Some of the herbs at Ibrahim Kamau's farm in Nyeri. [Silas Nyamweya, Standard] Where is your herb spices garden located and what major herbs do you grow? My garden is located in Nyeri Town along Bishop Gatimu Road. It is opposite the White Rhino Hotel. The herbs and spices we grow include vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaf and berries such as blueberries, blackberries, wineberries, raspberries, goji berries. What informed your interest in herbs and spices? Did you have any prior knowledge? I wanted to be in the medical field but this did not happen. I ended up joining alternative medicine. I do not have any medical knowledge. I have not sat in any medical class. What I know is self-taught. I have used the Internet to acquire knowledge. This has been catapulted by my desire to make a positive impact on society. I'm not a certified herbalist. I sensitize society by sharing insights and providing seedlings as opposed to diagnosing and prescribing medicine. Please, tell us more about value addition. This mostly involves drying the herbs, whether we are talking about culinary such as Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Mint, Sage, and Lemon balm, or cosmetic herbs such as lavender, calendula, and borage. We also have medicinal herbs such as mullein, insulin plant, St John's Wort, Ashwagantha, Wormwood etc. We are also in the process of producing tinctures, infused and essential oils. Who are your customers and how do you reach them? Every member of the community is a potential customer. We welcome anyone ready to learn more about farming herbs and spices, and the positive impact they have on our daily lives, especially as far as health is concerned. We reach our customers, mainly through face-to-face interactions and social media. Agricultural shows that have been across the country have also come in handy. So far, what impact has this business had on your life and your customers? Besides being a source of income, I have employed six people. Through various tours, I have interacted with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and professions, through which I have acquired a lot of knowledge which I share with customers. There are also many testimonies of how what I do has positively impacted the lives of people. For instance, many now understand the various ways they can incorporate herbs in their meals and beverages, and they have adopted healthy lifestyles. Some of the herbs help maintain a healthy gut system, aiding processes of metabolism. These include basil, thyme, lemon balm, and mint. Others, such as Ashwagantha, are a favourite for men as it is said to boost vitality, physical endurance and mental health. On the part of women, sage is said to help deal with symptoms of pre and post-menopause. Yarrow and chamomile help in reducing the pain associated with cramps while Raspberry leaves help in ensuring hormonal balancing. What is your advice to Kenyans on growing and consumption of herbs? We all need to know that we cannot live without herbs and spices. They are part of almost every aspect of our lives. Therefore, having some in your kitchen garden, pots or troughs will not only reduce your budget but also make your house look livelier and fresher. There is that joy that comes with harvesting fresh stuff from your farm. Knowing that you have grown them organically is also a plus. What is the biggest challenge you face in your business? The main challenge is persuading people that these are superfoods and that giving them more attention will ensure a healthier society. It will also cut down on hospital visits.

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