Since the arrival of the Covid, many are these people who resort to traditional medicine. The phenomenon developed with the arrival of the third wave. Especially since there is a denial of the disease with this famous “flu”. The consumption of herbs, bark or infusion is not without danger. Hence the urgency of a control.
“Nger”, “Banta Maré”, “Doctor” … healers
In a video, an old man who claims to be a member of the national coordination of traditional practitioners in Senegal explains an infusion that he says “helps fight against Covid”. It is a mixture of cassia occidentalis leaves called banta maré in Wolof, nger or guiera senegalensis, combretum glutinosum or ratt and vernonia amigdalina or “doctor”. These herbs are known to be very effective in treating flu-related symptoms.
Ndeye Marie Sow, in her forties and mother of a family, supports the effectiveness of these herbs. “These herbs are effective, I have been using them for years. When I caught the flu recently, I took care of them with them. I did not go to the hospital and yet I am doing better” she says. A fan of medicinal plants who strongly believes that these plants can cure Covid.
A belief affirmed by this seller of plants housed near the Iba Mar Diop stadium in Dakar. Speaking anonymously, this old man in his fifties draped in a white boubou, found in the midst of a bargain, confides: “our grandparents have always treated themselves with these plants. The hospital has never been a priority because they found all in nature “. With this pandemic, he admits that his turnover has increased. Its customers most often buy “nger”, “banta maré” among others.
In addition to these leaves, the more “modern” choose tea made from lemon, ginger and honey. A mixture which according to its followers gives energy and helps to treat the loss of taste caused by the flu.
A significant health risk
The consumption of these plants, although effective according to its followers, is not without dangers. The especially health risks are found at several levels. “The danger with medicinal plants is that in a plant, there are several molecules. So you need a separation before consumption. Something that traditional practitioners do not do.” Explanations from doctor El Hadj Matar Ndaw, general practitioner, which are in line with those of the intern of Adama Diallo hospitals.
According to him, the treatment prescribed by traditional practitioners is limited to symptoms. “Traditional healers are not sufficiently equipped to know the cause of these symptoms. As a result, many of them come to the hospital in serious condition and especially with a respiratory infection.”
Dr. Ndaw further specifies that this symptomatic treatment can participate in the spread of the virus because there is no guarantee that the molecules making up the plant are able to kill the virus. In addition, continues Dr. Ndaw, “the dosage is also important in a treatment and it is made according to several variables such as the age of the patient, the state of his kidneys and his liver”. It is for these reasons that many followers of these plants end up with kidney failure.
These white coats therefore advise all people showing signs of Covid to go directly to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
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Author: Absa HANE – Seneweb.com
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