COVID-19: Association Of Medical Herbalists Warns Against Abuse Of Herbs

Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists has advised against the misuse of herbal concoctions in attempts to boost one’s immune system amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the main advisories during the pandemic has been to engage in activities that improve one’s immune system.

In his most recent address, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, called on Ghanaians to improve their fitness and personal hygiene as a way of boosting their immune systems.

But some Ghanaians have been consuming different concoctions with the notion that those mixtures would protect them against the virus.

In a statement, the Medical Herbalists association, however, cautioned against the wanton consumption of herbs.

“Much as we attest to the health benefits of herbs generally, it is worthy of note that herbs may contain several different active phytochemicals with varying physiological effects and hence should be sourced and prepared through standard processes, and taken in required doses in order to be useful to the body.”

“In the wake of COVID 19, many across the globe have resorted to the use of herbal preparations in a bid to building stronger immunity and improve general health,” the association noted.

“Such herbs that have been combined diversely include Cinnamomum zeylanicum(Cinnamon), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Carica papaya (pawpaw), Xylopia aethiopica (Hwenteaa), Artemissia annua (Sweet wormwood), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Soobolo), Allium sativum (Garlic) etc.”

The association further warned Ghanaians to “not rely on every herbal combination shared on social media.”

“Some could be detrimental to your health. Consult the nearest Medical Herbalist in a government hospital or private health facility near you.”

Appeals For Endurance In Covid-19 Fight

President Nana Akufo-Addo has asked Ghanaians to intensify their adherence to the preventive measures put in place by the government to stop the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The president, while acknowledging the considerable difficulties the adherence to enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols, the ban on public gatherings, and the closure of schools and borders may be for Ghanaians, noted that “we have no option but to stay the course.”

In his 9th  Covid-19 address, Mr. Akufo-Addo said, “I know the difficulties each and every one of you has been through over the last two months.

“You have had to alter completely your way of life; you have had to stay at home, except for specified purposes; you cannot travel outside the country; you cannot go to Church, and you had to cancel activities usually associated with Easter; in this Holy Month of Ramadan, our Muslim brothers and sisters are having to pray at home, instead of congregating at the Mosque, and foregoing the public celebration of the Eid.”

“Parents are having to bear the extra burden of providing care for their children who, instead of being in school, are currently at home; operators of trotros, taxis, buses, markets, hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs have lost the patronage of their clients, and, as a result, lost much needed incomes; significant numbers of people have, unfortunately, lost their jobs because of the impact of the virus on our economy; most of us want to hang out with our families, friends and loved ones in a social setting, but cannot.”