Myths vs. Medicine: Men’s Concoctions and the Fight Against Health Misinformation

By Judith Matanire
Across Zimbabwe, whispered conversations about “secret men’s herbs” have become a common soundtrack in barbershops, bars, and commuter ranks. From powders stirred into opaque beer to bitter tonics sold in unlabelled bottles, many men swear by these concoctions, believing they boost bedroom performance or prevent prostate problems.

For Tinashe (42), a kombi driver from Damofalls, these herbal mixtures were once his go-to solution.

“Everyone said it helps you stay strong as you age,” he recalls. “I never thought it could harm me it’s what my friends were using too.”

Months later, Tinashe was diagnosed with liver damage. What he thought was a harmless herbal booster had slowly poisoned his system. “If I had gone to a doctor earlier, I would have known better,” he admits quietly.

His story isn’t unique. Health experts warn that many of these so-called traditional remedies are untested, unregulated, and potentially dangerous.

According to 2024 data from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, prostate cancer accounts for 11% of all new cancer cases, with 80% of patients diagnosed at advanced stages often because men delay seeking medical help.

Meanwhile, the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe estimates that around 80% of Zimbabweans still use traditional medicines, and a growing number of men are turning to herbal sexual enhancers and “prostate cleansers” sold in informal markets.

“The problem isn’t traditional medicine itself — it’s misinformation,” explains Malvin Nyama, a Harare-based phamacist.
“These mixtures are often contaminated or overdosed. Men use them to avoid the stigma of talking about erectile dysfunction or prostate issues, but they end up causing more harm.”

Silence, stigma, and pride remain major barriers. A 2023 mental-health report found that suicide accounts for 1.8% of all deaths in Zimbabwe, with men between 25 and 44 most at risk. Yet, the World Health Organization notes that only 0.42% of Zimbabwe’s health budget goes toward mental health, and the country has fewer than 20 psychiatrists — leaving many men to self-medicate their stress with alcohol or herbal remedies.

Even barbers often the unsung therapists for urban men have noticed the trend.

“Every day someone comes in selling ‘power roots’ or ‘African booster’ bottles,” says Taku, a barber in Harare cbd.

To challenge these myths, Cimas Health Group has been at the forefront of men’s health education. Through campaigns and community events like the Cimas iGo Half Marathon, which last year attracted over 1,500 participants under the theme “Men’s Health Champions Build Healthier Communities,” the organisation continues to promote open conversations and proactive healthcare.

Cimas Chief Executive Officer Vulindlela Ndlovu has repeatedly stressed the importance of awareness and early detection:

“Health is not just about treating illness; it’s about building awareness and preventing disease before it strikes.”

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The iGo Marathon returns this year, expected to draw thousands of participants nationwide, reinforcing messages about prostate screening, mental-health awareness, and responsible health behaviour.

Through partnerships with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe and local clinics, Cimas continues to promote free or discounted screening programs tackling myths that keep men away from hospitals and encouraging them to replace secrecy with science.

Because in the fight for healthier communities, truth not tradition remains the real medicine.