RBC warns public against using lemon, ginger, eucalyptus for Covid-19 self-medication
The Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has warned people using lemon, ginger and eucalyptus solutions in the treatment and prevention of Covid-19, advising that such unproved medicaments could lead to side effects like stomachaches.
The public has had perceptions that consuming a lot of lemon, ginger and applying Aromatherapy helps Covid-19 patients to recover though it was not scientifically proved.
As a result, lemon has been rare and expensive on Rwanda’s markets as some people stored them in bulk for Covid-19 treatment purposes.
Dr. Nsanzimana has told RBA that consuming quantities of lemon and ginger doesn’t add up to recovery but rather can worsen health conditions.
“I once met people carrying lots of eucalyptus. I asked them, where are you taking them? They replied that it is in context of fighting Covid-19. We don’t allow the application of Aromatherapy in health sector but rather might cause side effects. People should avoid such vice,” he said.
“Ginger tastes like chili. The more you consume much ginger, the more it damages the stomach. These lemons also contain acid. The stomach gets complications when the acid is too much. Many people have recovered from Covid-19 but claimed that stomachaches remained. We made follow up and established these complications emanate from these plants,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that all foods have specific nutrients and vitamins and discouraged people from taking excessive quantities because it becomes destructive.
“Lemons contain vitamin C. A person is not required to drink much dose exceeding recommended vitamin C. By consuming much doses, a person is putting own health at risk. To this effect, you are destroying your health if you consume ten cups of lemon and ginger per day,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that consuming average quantities of lemons and ginger is normal like other foods that overconsumption doesn’t add up to combating Covid-19.
“Drinking tea with moderate ginger lemon is helpful because it can strengthen immune system somehow but doesn’t kill the virus,” he revealed.
Dr. Nsanzimana warned evangelists encouraging people to drink lemon and ginger instead of seeking medical attention.
To date, Covid-19 has no vaccine that health facilities use existing medicaments to treat related symptoms.
Some vaccines have been manufactured but do not prevent Coronavirus infection at 100%.
