This archive report was first published on 25 April 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, herbalists in Nakuru County are feeling the pinch of a dwindling market for their traditional medicine.
According to John ole Pasha, a Masai herbalist with six years of experience in Nakuru town, the pandemic has led to a significant decline in demand for his herbs, leaving him and his fellow herbalists struggling to make ends meet.
"My herbs have treated many type-2 diabetes patients since it removes fats from the body and that rejuvenates the pancreas to start balancing sugar, and I am worried about their progress since they are no longer picking their herbs," he stated.
Despite the challenges, Pasha praised the government's efforts to halt the spread of Covid-19 and said he and his fellow herbalists are following the government directive of social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks in public.
However, he expressed concern that some of his patients, mainly those with diabetes, may start taking Western medicine and make their condition worse.
Published on April 25, 2020, by KNA, Veronica Bosibori.
