Use of medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention and respiratory symptom treatment during the pandemic in Cusco, Peru: A cross-sectional survey

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant portion of the population in Cusco, Peru, turned to medicinal plants for both prevention and treatment of respiratory symptoms. A cross-sectional survey involving 1,747 respondents revealed that 80.2% used plants preventively, while 71% used them therapeutically. Key plants included eucalyptus, ginger, spiked pepper, garlic, and chamomile, with their usage significantly influenced by factors such as age, education level, and personal or familial history of COVID-19. Notably, individuals with higher education levels were less likely to use medicinal plants for treatment, while older adults and those with a family member or friend infected with COVID-19 were more inclined to use them preventively. This study highlights the cultural and practical significance of traditional medicine in response to pandemic-related health challenges.

Villena-Tejada, M., Vera-Ferchau, I., Cardona-Rivero, A., Zamalloa-Cornejo, R., Quispe-Florez, M., Frisancho-Triveño, Z., Abarca-Meléndez, R. C., Alvarez-Sucari, S. G., Mejia, C. R., & Yañez, J. A. (2021). Use of medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention and respiratory symptom treatment during the pandemic in Cusco, Peru: A cross-sectional survey. Plos One, 16(9), e0257165. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257165