Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, has warned against the use of herbal products among Nigerians in protecting themselves from coronavirus (Covid-19).
Mamora said in Abuja on his appearance at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum that Nigerians should not panic but be “ruled by facts.”
“There have been so many claims by some Nigerians that bitter kola can be used to cure coronavirus,” he said.
“It is true that bitter kola has anti-viral properties, but I am not sure how the anti-viral properties affect coronavirus.
“I have also heard of garlic, lemon, palm wine and even chloroquine. We caution against the use of so many herbal drugs because science has a basis and there is a procedural process to laying claims to whatever.”
The minister said the best prevention was to practice good personal hygiene by washing hands under running tap water with soap or ash, as well as the steady use of hand sanitisers.
