Page 86 - IJPS-11-5

International Journal of
Population Studies Therapeutic resilience during COVID-19

3.3. Natural healing methods Unfortunately, there is still much to learn about the

Natural healing, commonly referred to as “herbal or condition and treatment possibilities for post-COVID
traditional medicine,” has been an integral part of cultural symptoms. Therefore, experts are unable to offer a specific
practices for centuries, serving as an essential resource for response. We may look at what we do know, such as some
health and wellness. The utilization of traditional medicine of the virus’s mechanisms and how other viruses react, to
elicit suggestions and provide some possibilities. The good
worldwide significantly increased during the COVID-19 news is that research has demonstrated how particular
pandemic, since many individuals sought herbal remedies foods, lifestyle choices, and nutritional supplements can
to alleviate symptoms when contemporary medical systems enhance a healthy, balanced immune and inflammatory
faced overwhelming challenges. In this case, a wide variety response.
of herbs were recognized for their therapeutic properties,
which helped alleviate respiratory symptoms and/or It is important to acknowledge that the information
enhance immunity. In many areas, the authorities (both in this study does not aim to replace the advice or
officially and unofficially) supported the application of therapy provided by healthcare practitioners. It simply
traditional remedies, due to their cultural significance and demonstrates how the community actively adopted
perceived efficacy. This practice highlights the significance various concepts to facilitate the healing and well-being of
of cultural beliefs, geographical location, and historical individuals. Table 3 summarizes the indigenous treatments
medical knowledge in influencing the responses to public asserted by community members for the treatment and
health crises such as COVID-19 (Umeta Chali et al., 2021). prevention of COVID-19.
The significance of traditional medicine in the context As shown in Table 3, the consumption of nutrient-rich
of COVID-19 was especially evident in Pakistan, where foods, such as greens and beetroot, not only represents
the healthcare infrastructure is lacking and communities a focus on nutrition but also a significant connection to
frequently depend on established healing practices. As cultural healing practices. In this study, the participants
mentioned earlier, individuals sought natural remedies, often talked about adding steamed or roasted beetroot.
including herbal teas and home decoctions, not only This root vegetable is known to increase the production of
to alleviate symptoms but also to obtain psychological nitric oxide (NO), which protects against oxidative stress
reassurance during such a period of uncertainty. This and inflammation. This is consistent with local practices
exemplifies the broader global trend of incorporating of utilizing natural foods to enhance the body’s inherent
conventional treatments in response to the pandemic. On immune responses, especially in the respiratory system,
May 4, 2020, the WHO recognized the significance of these which was pivotal to the symptoms of COVID-19.
practices, advocating for global innovation in the pursuit Similarly, the consumption of bone broth, known for
of effective COVID-19 treatments, which included the its rich mineral content and glutathione precursors, was
repurposing of pharmaceuticals and traditional remedies regularly consumed in Faisalabad to enhance the immune
(Brazzaville [Producer], 2020). In this regard, Faisalabad function. This cultural practice exemplifies the local
presents a significant case study of how cultural resilience
(manifested through traditional healing practices) enabled Table 3. Indigenous treatments asserted by community
the community to successfully deal with the crisis while members for COVID-19 treatment and prevention
balancing contemporary public health measures with No. Type Details
established cultural beliefs. Moreover, traditional healing
emerged as both a health strategy and a means of preserving 1 Greens and • Black mustard, black cumin, jalapeno, Bergamo
adi, togo, and garden cress (either steamed,
beets
cultural continuity, enabling individuals to uphold their roasted, or juiced).
sense of control and identity during the tumult of the 2 Bone broth • Bone broth, either homemade or obtained from
pandemic. the market, is derived from the bones of various
The interaction between contemporary medical animals such as cows, elks, buffalos, and chickens.
practices and traditional methods in Faisalabad also 3 Anti- • There is a wide array of fresh fruits and
represents a wider global movement toward the integration inflammatory vegetables available, along with whole-grain
food
foods such as oats, porridge, brown rice, and
of cultural beliefs with scientific health interventions, whole-grain bread.
highlighting the significant role of culture in influencing • Consuming oily fish as well as nuts and seeds is
health behaviors and outcomes during the pandemic. In recommended for a balanced diet.
this regard, one of the most significant observations was • The topic of discussion pertaining to grass-fed
given by a 42-year-old dietician working at the city’s main beef.
hospital: 4 Probiotics • Zinc, Vitamin C

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 80 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4109