In light of the shortage of medications in Cuba, many people turn to natural remedies to cope with illnesses such as chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that causes high fever, intense joint pain, and general weakness.
The Cuban content creator Zami Suárez, known on TikTok as @zami_suarez6, shared a video showing how she prepares a brew of papaya leaves to relieve the symptoms of the virus.
"There are no medicines, and this is the plant we are using to counteract the symptoms left by the illness," Suárez explained in the recording.
The remedy consists of boiling a liter of water with five or six papaya leaves and drinking it several times a day. The young woman claims that this brew has helped family members suffering from chikungunya.
In the video comments, several users claimed that health authorities in Cuba are recommending the use of papaya and cherry leaves as part of green medicine, due to the severe shortage of medications in pharmacies and hospitals.
Other internet users recounted cases of sick family members who have been suffering from fever, inflammation, and severe body aches for days, unable to access basic medications.
The recommendations include drinking plenty of fluids, consuming gelatin, and enjoying broths rich in collagen, such as those made from chicken feet or pork, to increase platelet levels and promote recovery.
However, there is not enough clinical evidence in humans to demonstrate that papaya leaves can cure chikungunya. To date, there are no official medical guidelines or scientific studies to support their use as a standard treatment.
The health crisis and shortage of medications in Cuba have forced thousands of people to turn to traditional medicine and natural remedies, while the authorities are unable to ensure access to essential drugs.
Filed under:
