A clinical herbalist, Mrs Christiana Olapade-Ojo, says Nigerians should not be quick to dismiss the claims made by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on using natural herbs to cure COVID-19.
Olapade-Ojo, the Managing Director of Natural Resources Laboratories (NARL), spoke on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The royal father recently shared a video on his social media page where he explained how several herbs could be used to treat the novel coronavirus.
This had resulted in online criticisms, with many questioning the safety and effectiveness of the herbs listed by him.
Olapade-Ojo, however, said that viral diseases were not a new phenomenon and traditional medicines and herbs had helped to fight epidemics like smallpox in the past.
“The role of ethnomedicine in fighting epidemics in the past is underappreciated because unlike biomedicine, the experiences and knowledge are not written down but are passed by word of mouth from one generation to the other.
“Biomedicine prides itself in clinical experience and laboratory analysis, but that does not mean the experiences of a people do not hold as much credibility.
“We cannot discredit the experience of a people during a particular civilisation in spite of lack of verifiable scientific evidence,” she said.
“Some orally reported ethnomedicinal information has it that during the smallpox epidemics, people were instructed to ensure that the leaves of Igi Akòko (Newbouldia Laevis) and fruits of Tàgíìrì (Laganaria Breviflorus) never left their household.
“It is still a very common traditional practice to see these plants under bedposts and around the houses of our folks in the villages.
“Many laboratory studies have now established that these two plants indeed have antiviral properties.
“Clinical application is also showing promises as to their potential to “ward” off the “evil”.
“Folks were also advised to increase their consumption of jute leaves (Corchorus Olitorius) popularly known as “Ewedu” during this epidemic to boost their immune system because of its antioxidant properties,” she said.
The clinical herbalist, however, advised people to source for information on natural medicines from certified professional herbalists or nutritionists.
“When it comes to traditional or natural medicine, where you get your information from is very important so as not to endanger your life unnecessarily.
“Also, COVID 19 is a new viral disease, we do not have enough evidence to support these traditional remedies or cures that are being touted on social media.
“For instance, people have been told to drink boiled garlic water to fight coronavirus.
” While garlic has proven medicinal benefits, an overdose of garlic can thin the blood thereby increasing the risk of bleeding; it can also cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
“The difference between medicine and poison is in the quantity, it is best to seek the help of professionals,” she said.
According to her, while there’s no guaranteed traditional or herbal cure for COVID-19, there are a variety of natural foods and herbs that can be taken to support the immune system.
“Herbal remedies are, however, capable of boosting the immune system to fight off the infection.
“In addition to standard precautions like regular hand washing and social distancing, you make your immunity strong.
“Studies have shown that persons with strong immune systems are more likely to fight off infections and survive a viral infection.
NAN/Tribune
