The informal trade in indigenous herbs for steaming purposes is booming in Limpopo as many people believe doing so reduces the chances of contracting the coronavirus.
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has voiced her concern about the growing number of people buying indigenous herbs for steaming purposes. She says that people have been using steam therapy to treat Covid-19 but warned about the dangers associated with this practice.
Some steam procedures use pure water, while with others, traditional herbs are added, such as Tshiumbeumbe. The belief is not backed by any scientific evidence. Ramathuba says people with underlying conditions, such as hypertension, must not steam. She says steaming should also not be done every day.
"Not everyone can steam. This is where the danger is. People with other medical conditions are continuing to steam. Even when you go to your beauty spa, they will tell you that if you have hypertension, don't enter the steam room because we know your medical condition can complicate things," she warned. Ramathuba said that people who steamed could also sweat a lot, which could cause them to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes. "If you have renal problems, you might complicate your condition. If you want to steam, you must first seek advice from your physician," she said.
Mr Phathutshedzo Ramabulana, a resident from Murunwa, sells a traditional herb called Tshiumbeumbe on the streets in Louis Trichardt for R10 and R20 per packet, which generates an income for his family.
"This Tshiumbeumbe helps people. You boil it and steam your face. It opens your lungs and nose. We get it from the mountain and many people are supporting us. We started today to sell this, and so many people are buying. Tomorrow, we can buy bread. It is a long time since we have had bread. I lost my job due to corona, but now I am making money to put food on the table," he told Limpopo Mirror.