Use of natural remedies to combat COVID-19 trending in Malawi

Natural remedies have become one of the popular ways for treating COVID-19 infections among a growing number of Malawians. People are using a mixture of ginger, lemons and garlic as a remedy to boost the human immune system among many treatments.

The trend of using such remedies has been rooted in traditional medicine customs which for decades people in the rural areas in Malawi have been using to treat cold and flu.According to Beatrice Kapolo, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, the natural remedies are very powerful in boosting the immune system. She nevertheless said that people should always seek medical attention before using the mixture.

“At first, it was very hard for me to live with the idea that I was tested positive for COVID-19, but with help from the health experts, I was able to deal with the virus. For treatment, I have been combining traditional and medical ways,” she said. “People have to be careful in using these remedies because I was taught that the remedies can also be harmful to the human body.”

Kapolo is among many Malawians who believe in using natural remedies to combat the infection and its symptoms.

AlickMhango, a local trader in Blantyre, is using steaming as one way of eradicating the virus in his respiratory system.The steaming process involves inhaling hot steam through the nose and the mouth repetitively at a given period of time. According to Mhango, this process has become very popular in many households in Malawi.

“I learned about this process from a friend who was suffering from COVID-19 recently. So far, I found this treatment very helpful. I always do steaming once I get back from work,” he said.

Meanwhile, health experts in Malawi have advised people in the country that natural remedies should be used in moderation as they have the potential to cause stress on various body organs.

In a statement, John Phuka, co-chairperson for Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, said that heavy use of natural remedies can lead to death.

“Let’s ensure that we have a normal balanced diet when infected with COVID-19, take some rest punctuated with moderate activity and exercise and drink lots of water,” he said. “A reminder that COVID-19 diagnosis does not equal to death. We can beat this disease if we take care of ourselves and follow regulated procedures by the ministry of health.”

Meanwhile, traders who sell vegetables are making huge profits selling natural remedy ingredients such as lemons, ginger and garlic which are in high demand especially in the cities.

Xinhua News Agency