Due to a significant shortage of medications in Cuba, many individuals are turning to natural remedies to tackle illnesses like chikungunya. This viral infection, spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is known for causing high fever, severe joint pain, and general weakness.
Zami Suárez, a Cuban content creator recognized on TikTok as @zami_suarez6, posted a video demonstrating her method of preparing a papaya leaf brew to relieve viral symptoms.
"There are no medicines available, so this plant is what we're using to combat the symptoms left by the illness," Suárez explained in her video.
The remedy involves boiling a liter of water with five or six papaya leaves and consuming it several times throughout the day. Suárez claims that this concoction has been beneficial for her family members suffering from chikungunya.
In the video’s comments section, numerous users mentioned that Cuban health authorities are endorsing the use of papaya and cherry leaves as part of green medicine due to the severe lack of pharmaceuticals in pharmacies and hospitals.
Other commenters shared stories of sick relatives who have been enduring fever, swelling, and intense body aches for days without access to basic medications.
Recommendations include drinking plenty of fluids and consuming gelatin and broths rich in collagen, such as those made from chicken or pork feet, to boost platelet count and support recovery.
However, there is insufficient clinical evidence in humans to confirm that papaya leaves can cure chikungunya. To date, no official medical guidelines or scientific studies endorse their use as a standard treatment.
The healthcare crisis and medication scarcity in Cuba have forced countless citizens to rely on traditional medicine and natural remedies while the authorities struggle to ensure access to essential drugs.
Chikungunya and Natural Remedies in Cuba
What is being used in Cuba to alleviate chikungunya symptoms?
In Cuba, papaya leaf brew is being used as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of chikungunya due to the shortage of medications.
Are Cuban health authorities recommending any natural treatments?
Yes, some reports suggest that Cuban health authorities are recommending the use of papaya and cherry leaves as part of green medicine amid the severe lack of pharmaceuticals.