Covid-19: Doctors warn against excessive use of herbal concoctions

HYDERABAD: As the use of homemade herbal and immunity boosting concoctions grew with the outbreak of Covid-19, medical experts have warned against taking these dietary supplements in excess.

Doctors say that the natural characteristics of home remedies may help in treating minor infections and boosting immunity, but one must ensure that they exercise all caution.

Dr Raghu Ram, a noted cancer specialist and president of The Associations of Surgeons of India said: “Since the effects of Covid-19 are likely to be higher for those who are immuno-compromised, these products are being taken in an overdrive. But we need to be aware that while these natural ingredients do have certain anti-viral properties, a lot of research is still needed to prove their efficacy in the long term.”

“It is also important that the patients reveal the details of these supplements in case they are undergoing any treatment or scheduled for a surgery,” he added. A few doctors are also taking to Twitter to reveal the lesser known side-effects of homemade immunity boosters.

Dr. Raghuraj Hegde, an eye plastic surgeon tweeted: “Yesterday my patient on the operating table bled buckets. He wasn’t on blood thinners. After surgery he told me he was taking a herbal concoction of Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric & Asafoetida thrice daily to prevent covid. (sic).”