Perceptions and Practices of Herbal Remedy Usage during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call for Evidence-Based Healthcare in Pakistan

Objective: To determine the prevalence, perception and practices towards the use of herbal remedies by Pakistani population during the era of covid 19 pandemic. Methodology: This cross-sectional explorative study was conducted at Department of medicine Sir Syed Medical College Karachi 2021 from the month of August 2021 to December 2021. An online google form well written by primary investigator was distributed generally to various what’s up forum throughout Pakistan with no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. First section of the questionnaire included demographics of participants, second section include about the use of herbal remedy types, perception, beliefs of their use, source of getting them and the remedies used for the prevention of covid virus  Results: This study, was conducted from August to December 2021 spread through google online forms, included 332 respondents, 52.1% of participants utilized herbal remedies for COVID-19 prevention, with 55.5% belonging to the 25-45 age group with 81.3% of them were educated females. A significant association (p<0.05) was observed between herbal remedy usage and age group, gender, education, and occupation. Senna Makki (38.8%), ginger (17.7%), and kalonji (10.2%) were commonly used herbs. While 37.7% reported health benefits, 15.1% believed these herbs had no side effects, and 22.3% used them for virus prevention. Attitudes toward herbal remedy usage revealed that 47.4% agreed these herbs could prevent disease, and 36% believed no additional preventive measures were necessary while using them. Family tradition (19.3%), health professionals (14.5%), and internet/media (14.2%) were key sources of information, while Hakeem stores (16.6%) and family members (7.8%) were common herbal remedy providers. Conclusion: This study highlights an urgent need for evidence-based healthcare interventions in Pakistan regarding the utilization of herbal remedies during the virus pandemic especially when there are risks associated with the improper use and potential influence from media. Key words: Covid 19 pandemic, Herbal remedies, Perception, Practices