Shouhardyo Kundu: With the new COVID-19 variant “JN.1” emerging in Bangladesh, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed its presence in samples from several individuals. This underscores the urgency for a swift response from health authorities. Amidst this, the use of herbal medicinal plants gains attention, offering a mix of cultural heritage and modern strategies in the battle against the JN.1 variant.
Herbalodge, an organization that conducted a recent survey on the effectiveness of herbal medicinal plants in treating COVID-19 among the people of Bangladesh. The investigation focuses on ten specific herbs—Tulsi, Neem, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon, Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, and Black Seed—exploring their historical significance, current relevance, and potential contributions in the fight against COVID-19.
Survey participants overwhelmingly shared positive experiences with the herbal plants they initially used. Notably, tulsi (holy basil), turmeric, and garlic stood out as the top choices, indicating their widespread popularity and perceived effectiveness among the respondents. However, it’s worth noting that 27% participants expressed unawareness about herbal medicinal plants and their role in this context, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education on the subject.
In conclusion, as societies worldwide grapple with the pandemic, there’s a notable shift towards exploring alternative approaches to enhance immune resilience.The healing power of nature, it seems, has much to offer in our collective battle against a formidable adversary. It’s vital to acknowledge the natural healing properties of these methods, especially when addressing the treatment of this new subvariant.
The writer is 11th grade student, Notre Dame College