Herbalist urges Jamaicans to boost immune system

Herbalist Cynthia 'Princess' Dennie is convinced that the secret to good health lies in the use of many plants that may be growing in people's backyards.

'Princess', who operates from the Cross Roads Market in St Andrew, said that herbal products have been proven to be effective immune system boosters. She told THE STAR that she expects increased demand for her product in the near future as people seek to fortify their bodies against the coronavirus disease.

"Persons are spending their monies in food and other things now, which is understandable, but right here in my shop I have the cure for everything, including the coronavirus, just in case anyone gets ill," she said.

Her claims about having products that can cure the dreaded COVID-19 may be way over the top, as scientists are yet to identify products to combat the disease. Researchers are also working overtime to develop an effective vaccine for Covid-19. Princess, however, convinced that there are merits to her 'all-purpose cleaner', which contains 'shamey macka' and dandelion, as well as other herbs. She claims that these kills viruses and builds the immune system.

"Ecaluptus, king of the forest and trumpet plants are very effective when they are drawn with ginger. Remember, the coronavirus doesn't survive well in heat, so right now I would recommend that we drink a lot of bush tea and clean out the stomach while building the immune system," Princess said.

She added: "Cayenne pepper is also very useful as well as honey. These are serious times, and our immune system have to be up and running to fight this.

"Coronavirus has symptoms similar to the common cold and the chest will tighten, so there are a lot of herbs that can clean out the respiratory system."

The World Health Organization said that "there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus" to date.