Poke Root in Nigeria: What It Is, Local Names, Price and Safety

Poke root is the root of pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a plant native to North America. It is not a traditional Nigerian herb, and we could not find a verified Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa name for it. In Nigeria it is mostly sold as dried root, as powder, or infused into castor oil as a massage oil. The most important fact to know before you buy any: poke root is poisonous if swallowed. This guide covers what the plant looks like, what it costs in Nigeria, and why you should only ever use it on the outside of the body. It also covers where to buy poke root castor oil in Port Harcourt.

Do not swallow poke root in any form: not as tea, not as powder, not in pap or drinks. Some sellers list poke root powder alongside foods and drinks. That is dangerous. Poke root products are for external use only, on unbroken skin, and must be kept away from children.

What does poke root look like?

Pokeweed is a tall, leafy plant with:

• thick, often reddish-purple stems
• large, smooth, oval leaves
• spikes of small white or greenish flowers
• drooping clusters of shiny, dark purple berries (also poisonous)
• a large, fleshy, whitish root, which is the part sold as "poke root" and the most toxic part of the plant

Poke root in Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa

People often search for poke root's name in Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa. We looked, and we could not find a verified local name. That makes sense for a North American plant that isn't part of traditional Nigerian herbal practice. Be careful if a seller offers "poke root" under a local name. You may be getting a different root entirely, and you can't check what it is.

There is a related African plant, Phytolacca dodecandra (known in Ethiopia as endod, a soap berry). It is a different species, so don't treat the two as interchangeable.

Does poke root grow in Nigeria?

Pokeweed is native to eastern North America and has spread to some other parts of the world. We haven't found reliable evidence that it is grown commercially in Nigeria. Most poke root products sold here are imported or made from imported root.

Poke root price in Nigeria (October 2026)

• Jumia and Konga: no poke root products listed when we checked in October 2026.
• Classified listings (Jiji): dried poke root seen at around ₦7,000 for 50g. Powders are also listed, sometimes in food categories. Don't buy powder to swallow.
• xHerbs Poke Root Castor Oil, 200ml: ₦25,000 on xherbs.store. A ready-made, labelled massage oil with the safety warnings printed on the bottle.

Why poke root castor oil instead of raw root?

Making your own poke root preparation means handling a toxic root with no way to control strength. A ready-made, labelled oil is designed for external massage and states clear warnings: external use only, do not ingest, do not use on broken skin, keep away from children, and avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even so, it isn't a proven treatment for anything. Our poke root and castor oil benefits guide covers what the evidence actually says.

Poke root safety in brief

• Never swallow poke root, its berries or leaves, or any oil containing it.
• Only on whole, healthy skin. Proteins from the plant can be absorbed through cuts and scrapes.
• Not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.
• Patch test and stop if you get a rash.
• If swallowed, get medical help immediately and take the product with you.
• See a doctor about lumps, cysts or swellings. Don't use poke root instead.

Where to buy poke root castor oil in Nigeria

In Port Harcourt, xHerbs Poke Root Castor Oil is stocked at Doyen Pharmacy, beside Salvation Ministry, Okuru Link, Golf Estate Road, Golf Estate (Tel: 0815 091 0417 or 0815 091 0418). Directions are in our Doyen Pharmacy guide. Elsewhere, you can order it on xherbs.store. Delivery options for your area are shown at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What is poke root called in Nigeria?

We have not found a verified Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa name. Poke root comes from pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a North American plant that isn't part of traditional Nigerian herbal medicine.

How much is poke root in Nigeria?

In October 2026, dried poke root was listed on classified sites at around ₦7,000 for 50g. xHerbs Poke Root Castor Oil (200ml) is ₦25,000 on xherbs.store.

Can I drink poke root?

No. Poke root is poisonous if swallowed and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea and low blood pressure. It should only be used externally, in products made for that purpose.

Where can I buy poke root in Lagos or Abuja?

You can order xHerbs Poke Root Castor Oil on xherbs.store. Delivery options for your area are shown at checkout. In Port Harcourt, it is on the shelf at Doyen Pharmacy in Golf Estate.

Bottom line: Poke root comes from pokeweed, a North American plant with no verified Nigerian local name. It is poisonous if swallowed, so only use it externally, in a labelled product, on unbroken skin. In Port Harcourt, xHerbs Poke Root Castor Oil is sold at Doyen Pharmacy, Golf Estate (0815 091 0417), and it can be ordered online at xherbs.store.