True / false ideas, what should we admit?

While some products can have a beneficial effect on health, no evidence has been shown regarding their effectiveness in the fight against Covid-19, said a WHO expert.

It is certainly possible to consume lemon and ginger to preserve one’s health, said at a press conference in Geneva Michael Ryan, Executive Director in charge of the Health Emergency Management Program for WHO. However, he points out, no curative effect of these foods against Covid-19 has been proven.  

“Anything that makes us feel better, anything that gives us confidence and anything that you consider harmless can, no doubt, have a positive effect on health.” But it is not the same thing as saying that it is effective against the disease, ”

said the specialist.

And to recall that for the moment, there was no therapy whose effectiveness in the fight against Covid-19 would have been proven. It was in such terms that he answered the question of whether ginger was able to protect against or heal Covid-19.  

Ongoing tests

Michael Ryan said that the WHO is currently conducting large- scale tests of the most promising Covid-19 drugs . 

“So I would advise people if they have preferred agents, such as lemon, ginger or honey, to continue using them to maintain themselves during the illness.”

Michael Ryan

 But let’s avoid making unfounded assumptions that something could cure the Covid-19. For the moment, no confirmed therapy exists.

A sharp increase in demand for ginger on the European market due to Covid-19 has caused the price of the spice to soar.

Due to the recent coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19, people have turned to multiple home remedies and natural ingredients such as ginger or lemon to improve their immune systems and prevent respiratory problems. 

The high demand has caused a serious shortage on the ginger market in recent weeks, especially in Europe. “The situation has a very simple explanation,” explains Marcel Verdellen. “After weeks of confinement, China is emerging from isolation. 

The Peruvian season is now over, Brazil does not wait until the first dry ginger until July and the Thai harvest has been disappointing due to the drought. The supply is very limited and the prices are exceptionally high. ”  

Prices are currently around 60-65 euros for 12.5 kilos. “Those who have ginger are lucky right now, but hardly anyone has a product. The imbalance between supply and demand has pushed up prices. Air transportation is also not an option today, as there is almost no air freight available. In addition, the price of ginger is already too high in itself, “notes the importer. 

“Normally, China starts the new harvest in January / February, but now there is a supply deficit. However, now that life is resuming in China, I anticipate that we will be inundated with ginger again in a few weeks. Until then, there will always be a shortage of ginger in the markets. ”

According to the Organic Consumers Association, ginger removes mucus from the airways. It also destroys conditions caused by bronchitis, cough, flu and colds, due to its anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

However, ginger does not reduce the possibility of contracting the coronavirus . Similarly, it does not in any case not to present serious symptoms. Currently, the risk of contagion is only reduced by following WHO health recommendations.