Feature: Zimbabweans turn to local remedies to boost immunity amid COVID-19 pandemic

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 7, 2021
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by Tafara Mugwara

HARARE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- As Zimbabwe braves the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are scrambling for traditional remedies to boost their immune system, with health experts warning about numerous risks related to some traditional herbs.

The rise in positive cases since the beginning of the year has seen a frenzied demand for a herb locally known as Zumbani which many people say helps them to treat flu-related symptoms.

Zumbani, botanically known as Lippia Javanica, has strong aromatic leaves that give off a lemon-like fragrance when crushed. The plant is a popular herbal tea, particularly in Southern Africa.

Fifty-two-year-old Loice Manjengwa from the capital Harare is one of the people who have embraced traditional methods and organic herbal supplements to boost their immune system.

She said she uses steam therapy and a mixture of ginger, garlic and lemons to combat the virus.

"I already have an underlying condition, so it's just a way of employing available methods to boost the immune system, just in case, we never know what might happen," she told Xinhua.

Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor, sometimes mixed with traditional herbs, to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus.

Petronella Kamwendo says while traditional remedies may help boost the immune system, she is aware that wearing masks and social distancing are the best ways to protect herself from COVID-19.

"But I am a vendor and I meet a lot of people daily, I use public transport every day, how can I keep social distancing," she said.

However, the growing use of herbal medicines is raising major concerns from health experts.

While the use of traditional remedies is permitted, the government says there is a need for scientific research to ascertain the effectiveness of traditional medicines.

University of Zimbabwe pharmacist and toxicologist Dexter Tagwireyi recently told state-run Herald Newspaper that there is danger and risk in the widespread use of traditional herbs by the public due to lack of adequate knowledge about the proper use of traditional plants.

"With the recent surge in reported cases and mortalities from this disease, many Zimbabweans have resorted to the use of herbal and other products for 'prevention' and home care of patients suffering from mild to moderate symptoms," he said.

"Perhaps top on the list with respect to herbal home remedies is the plant Lippia Javanica. This plant which has been used traditionally for the management of various ailments including coughs and colds is taking as a tea and or used for steaming.

"Others have reported good results and yet some remain skeptical on the efficacy of this plant for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 symptoms - all pointing to the need for well-designed systematic scientific inquiry to be conducted," he told the publication.

The rush for traditional medicines comes at a time when Zimbabwe has seen a spike in cases that forced the government to impose a national lockdown.

However, the country continues to record progress in dealing with the second wave of COVID-19 infections. The number of active cases continues to fall, reaching 4,883 on Friday, a sharp drop from the 10,326 recorded at the peak on January 16.

Zimbabwe has recorded 34,331 cases of COVID-19 to date, including 1,303 fatalities. Enditem

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