PEOPLE'S PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF SPICES AND HERBS IN THE MANAGEMENT/ MITIGATION OF COVID -19 INFECTION

Résumé

The lack of definite treatment for COVID-19 during the pandemic led to the search for alternative
treatments such as herbs and spices. This study aimed to sample people's opinion on the use of herbs
and spices in the prevention/management of COVID-19 infection. An online questionnaire was
designed with Google forms and administered via WhatsApp in August 2020 and February 2021. The
questionnaire consists of 19questions; Seven (7) have to do with the demography while the remaining
12questions are on the health benefits of herbs and spices and people's opinion on their uses in the
management of COVID-19. Five hundred and sixty-four responses were received. From the
responses, 95.3% knew herbs and spices, 69.1% stated that there was an increase in the consumption
of spices during the pandemic, 70.4%of the respondents took spices in the form of soup while 79.6%
have used it to relieve symptoms of illnesses like cold, fever, cough and sore throat. On the health
benefits of spices, 81.9% were aware of their health benefits,82.6% believed they could boost the
immune system, while 83.7% and 72% believed they could relieve symptoms related to COVID-19
and help in the management of COVID-19 symptoms. Ginger, garlic and turmeric are the three top
herbs and spices being taken by the respondents; ginger, garlic, lemon grass and scent leaves were the
most chosen spices and herbs that can manage COVID-19 symptoms. This research thus has revealed
that people used spices and herbs to prevent and manage COVID-19 during the pandemic; their use
should further be encouraged because of their health benefits.