The novel coronavirus has been promoted as a dangerous virus with no cure, but other doctors and scientist have a different view. In the discourse of the coronavirus, like other novel diseases, there is divided agreement on basic treatment formulas, especially as there are deep rooted interests in conventional, pharmaceutically produced vaccines and medications which cost millions of dollars and come with their own health problems according to research.

For example, polio vaccines administered for the first time in Africa left thousands of children paralysed I addition to other serious health implications. Similar administrations of vaccines have also been linked with the spread of serious viruses, such as the HIV virus recorded in Africa for the first time after the administration of the polio vaccine.

Similar studies in the united states have underscored the danger of vaccines, as some experts have linked major vaccinations to weakened immunity and contraction of the virus for which one is being vaccinated against.

All these incidents have been documented by independent researchers, but of course debunked by other researchers who are affiliated with big pharmaceutical companies producing these vaccines and more. However, one looks at the discourse, vaccines must be looked at more sceptically than currently been viewed.

Scientists and doctors have raced to recommend the following proven methods which can be used to treat and even get rid of the coronavirus. Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections. Due to their concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favoured by practitioners of natural medicine.

This research article presents some effective local remedies which can be used to fight the coronavirus due to their anti-viral and immune boosting properties.

1. GARLIC

Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide array of conditions, including viral infections. In a study in 23 adults with warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), applying garlic extract to affected areas twice daily eliminated the warts in all of them after 1–2 weeks (16, 17Trusted Source).

Additionally, older test-tube studies note that garlic may have antiviral activity against influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that garlic enhances immune system response by stimulating protective immune cells, which may safeguard against viral infections (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/)

2. GINGER

Ginger products, such as elixirs, teas, and lozenges, are popular natural remedies — and for good reason. Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. Test-tube research demonstrates that ginger extract has antiviral effects against avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV), which is comparable to human norovirus.

Additionally, specific compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and zingerone, have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells.

3. DANDELION

Dandelions are widely regarded as weeds but have been studied for multiple medicinal properties, including potential antiviral effects.

Test-tube research indicates that dandelion may combat hepatitis B, HIV, and influenza.

Moreover, one test-tube study noted that dandelion extract inhibited the replication of dengue, a mosquito-borne virus that causes dengue fever. This disease, which can be fatal, triggers symptoms like high fever, vomiting, and muscle pain.

4.VITAMIN C

Vitamin C plays an important role in your body and has many health benefits. Along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when one is sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade(lemon juice and water) may also help.

While these drinks may not clear up your cold entirely, they can help you get the vitamin C that your immune system needs. Getting enough vitamin C can relieve upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373990)

5.NEEM TREE THERAPY

Neem is best known for its anti-aging properties. Due to its antioxidant properties, neem protects the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. The vitamins and fatty acids in neem improve and maintain the elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This make you and your skin look rejuvenated and youthful.

Neem is also beneficial in fighting against fungal infection. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties keep the harmful bacteria and fungi at bay. Thus, it protects the skin and keeps the skin related diseases away.

A new report from BioMed Central’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a peer-reviewed research journal, shows a compound in neem leaf could disable the virus from replicating and causing infections. The ideal flu protection targets the flu virus directly by disabling a critical part of the virus—a part that does not change over time, and that the virus needs for its survival. And that is what the neem compound hyperoside, contained in neem leaves, has the potential to accomplish.

Also, vaporisation neem tree leaves and inhaling the steam has been proven to help fight upper respiratory infections and disarm viruses due to its anti/viral properties and accompanying heat.

(https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1469-2­)

6. Sobolo-Hebiscus leaves (Ghanaian local drink)

Hibiscus contains high levels of vitamin C along with anti-bacterial properties. These elements combine to provide a strong foundation and boost to your immune in order to protect you from catching the flu or a cold. If you already have the flu, hibiscus can help fight your symptoms and provide you with needed relief acting as a natural source of hydration while your body fights off the virus. In one study, hibiscus leaves were reported to have high anti-viral properties which fight flu causing viruses and also prevents flu and flu-like symptoms of which the coronavirus is part. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5059367/)

In our attempt to control and contain the coronavirus, we must not lose sight of our local remedies used over the years to fight and prevent disseated remedies described above have been scientifically proven and have been used widely as alternative medicine to fight complications.

Recent research and widely documented and peer reviewed journals also support the use of these recommendations. For example, in one research paper, coronavirus patients were successfully treated with Chinese herbal medicines including the use of hibiscus leaves and other roots (Yang et al 2020, https://www.ijbs.com/v16p1708.htm).

The writer of this article is a journalist and researcher. He is currently a masters degree student at the ghana institute of journalism(Masters in Development studies) and NLA University College, Norway (Global Journalism).

You can follow him on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/redes.bane

Written by: Redeemer Buatsi