Traditional remedies for common colds

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Friday May 6, 2011 00:00

Many Batswana admit that they have traditional ways of dealing with such infections even though the Ministry of Health usually advises against this.  As such, many do not see any reason to visit health centres or private doctors.

Abueng Rankosa of Chadibe says that they use motswere leaves in their home to fight the cold. 'You boil the leaves and steam with the water (go aramela), before long the cold will be gone. It has always worked and the older generations relied on it a lot,' he said.

Again he says that pepere leaves are equally effective. 'It is the youngsters who use it. My children use it and it works for them,' he claimed.  Sina Kesenogile of Chadibe said that she gives babies magwatane plant to avoid catching common colds and other infections. 'This is a plant that grows by the swamps. You put the root to boiling water and it will be ready. Give it to your baby several times and he or she will not be sick all winter,' she said.

Susan Olyn of Jwaneng said that in her house they use honey with hot water to help dry coughs. She also uses lemon or garlic with hot water to keep the cold away. 'You can get these things from the chemist and you will be fine. You can get the garlic powder for children over seven years. Put in their food or give them as a hot drink,' she said.

Mmapula Gaebete of Mahalapye says that motlalemetsi plant has always worked wonders for her family and others. This is a plant that grows in no particular area. 'You boil the leaves and steam yourself (go aramela) with the water. You can spare some water to drink it. In just a day the cold will be gone. I was sick a few days ago but I am fine now,' she said.

Again, she says that one can boil a naartjie fruit and drink the water. You can also burn bloekom leaves and inhale the smoke to beat the cold infection.

Seweditswe Lesolle of Mmopane said that she has always relied on lemon and cinnamon. 'there are instructions for everything that you want to take it for. There are instructions of how to use it for common colds and flu on babies. It also has instructions if you just want to boost your immune system,' she said.

Goitsemodimo Galeboe of Palapye said that they use mosukujane at all times so they do not have any problems even in winter. 'This plant is just like the common green teas that people take. It is medicinal, you do not even have to worry about common colds and dry coughs,' she said. She advised that even just plain hot water is good for dry coughs.