This week, coronavirus cases in the UK surpassed 100, leading to widespread panic about the spread of the disease.
Health experts have highlighted several preventive tactics that the public can use, including regular hand washing and sneezing into a tissue.
However, it seems that many people are turning to alternative options in the hopes of protecting themselves from the coronavirus.
The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health has warned against using these alternative remedies, and even warns that some may not be safe to consume.
It explained: “Some people are seeking ‘alternative’ remedies to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 or to treat the 2019 coronavirus disease now called COVID-19.
“Some of these purported remedies include herbal therapies and teas.
“There is no scientific evidence that any of these alternative remedies can prevent or cure the illness caused by this virus. In fact, some of them may not be safe to consume.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has reiterated that herbal remedies are not recommended to protect yourself.
It added: “The following measures are not effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful: smoking, taking traditional herbal remedies, wearing multiple masks, taking self-medication such as antibiotics.”
Instead, the best was to avoid the virus is regularly washing your hands with soap and wate, according to Dr Babak Ashrafi from Zava.
Speaking to Mirror Online, he said: “The primary advice is using soap and water to wash your hands - that’s the best way to get rid of bacteria. Hand sanitiser isn’t as good, but is better than nothing, especially if you’ve been out in public.”
