As Nigeria continues to respond to COVID-19 Pandemic, and especially with the easing of the Lockdown directives from the Federal Government, the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) and the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) based on their Questionnaire Survey Research findings, between March and April 2020, and in collaboration with Traditional healthcare providers, note the following as published on IADS website,:

That there are four basic natural remedies among others that Nigerians are using to prevent and respond to the symptoms of COVID-19.
That Nigerians affirm the benefits of natural immune boosters in the prevention of COVID-19.
That the four common natural supplements used by many Nigerians are: i) Garlic – Allium sativum, ii) Turmeric – Curcuma longa, iii) Ginger – Zingiber officinale and iv) Lemon – Citrus limon, combined in regulated quantity while the Country awaits the approval of tested drug for the treatment of COVID-19.

That the natural agents are consumed after either boiling or extracting active ingredients through blending and sieving of sediments. Active ingredients are usually refrigerated or warmed daily to prolong use.

That the ordinary dosage is half cup (4 ounces) in the morning and half cup (4 ounces) at night for adult; and 1/4 cup (2 ounces) in the morning and 1/4 cup (2 ounces) at night for children. Half a cup is consumed anytime of the day with meals or added to tea or any type of drink with honey as sweetener.

That the shelf life after boiling is 3 days and if blended, 7 days for best results.

Note: In addition to the baseline drink, the Questionnaire Survey Research findings show that Nigerians add other herbs to the baseline drink, such as: i) Onion- Allium cepa, ii) Guava leaf – Psidium guajava, iii) Paw paw leaf – Carica papaya, iv) Neem leaf – Azadiracha indica, v) Wormwood leaf – artemisia absinthium, vi) Anise – pimpinella anisum, vii) Lemon grass -Cymbopogon citrates, viii) Bitter leaf – Vernonia amygdalina, ix) Scent leaf – Ocimum gratissimum, x) Detox-tea.

Disclaimer: Persons who are on any medication or pregnant, are to avoid these drink. In as much as one is using these natural supplements and the symptoms of COVID-19 appear, one is to contact the closest NCDC Office for help. People with health issues are strongly advised to consult with Nutritionists and Alternative healthcare providers before or while taking these remedies.

Research Team
Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko (IADS)
Dr. Oluwagbemiga Aina (NIMR)
Dr. J. O. Idowu (RITAM)
Anji Tinkol (Bio Genesis Nigeria Enterprises)
Ogunlade Olayinka (Prapromer Healthcare, Wellness and Research Institute)

Feedback can be sent to:
pakin-otiko@unilag.edu.ng       or     gbengaaina2003@yahoo.com