How Nigerians seek cure in ‘weird’ remedies

In a bid to get remedies during disease outbreaks, many Nigerians embrace strange medications. While some of the folk medicines are surprisingly evidence-backed roots, others are purely bizarre historical curiosities.  Weekend Trust takes a look at some of the weird remedies many people turned to during disease outbreaks.

From drinking salt water during Ebola outbreak to consuming horse urine to prevent or cure COVID-19, history has repeatedly shown that fear and uncertainty push people towards dangerous and unproven remedies in search of cures to diseases not common in the society. Across continents and generations, outbreak of deadly diseases has often been accompanied by a flood of misinformation, myths and questionable cures. While some of these practices stem from cultural beliefs and traditional healing systems, others emerge from rumours spread through word of mouth, or more recently, the social media.

Health experts warn that such remedies can worsen illnesses, delay proper treatment, and in some cases, lead to death.

As the world continues to battle emerging and re-emerging diseases, medical professionals say understanding why people resort to these remedies is crucial in combating health misinformation.

Salt water for Ebola and other dangerous myths

One of the most notable examples occurred during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As panic spread across Nigeria following the confirmation of Ebola cases, rumours circulated through text messages and the social media, claiming that drinking and bathing with large quantities of salt water could prevent infection.

The advice spread rapidly, prompting many Nigerians to consume excessive amounts of salt.

The result was tragic. Many people reportedly required emergency medical attention after suffering complications linked to excessive salt intake, while some deaths were associated with the practice.

Medical experts explain that there has never been any scientific evidence showing that salt water can prevent or cure Ebola.

Ebola, caused by a virus transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, requires strict infection-prevention measures, early diagnosis and supportive medical care.

Public health specialists say the saltwater episode remains one of the clearest examples of how misinformation can become a secondary public health threat during disease outbreaks.

From horse urine to cow dung: A global pattern

Nigeria is not alone in witnessing the rise of unusual remedies during health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports emerged from several countries of people consuming substances ranging from herbal concoctions to animal products in the belief that they could prevent infection.

In parts of India, some groups promoted the use of cow dung and urine as preventive or curative measures against COVID-19. Health authorities repeatedly warned that there was no scientific evidence supporting the practice.

Similarly, horse urine has been promoted in some communities around the world as treatment for various illnesses, including viral infections despite a lack of medical evidence.

Health experts note that animal waste products may contain harmful bacteria, parasites and other pathogens capable of causing serious infections.

Other unconventional remedies promoted over the years include drinking bleach, ingesting industrial disinfectants, consuming excessive quantities of garlic, taking high doses of vitamins, and using kerosene mixtures to treat symptoms, ranging from coughs to infectious diseases.

In some parts of Africa, herbal mixtures marketed as cures for HIV/AIDS have also attracted followers despite the absence of scientific proof.

Medical researchers say such practices often emerge when conventional treatments are unavailable, poorly understood or viewed with suspicion.

The weird remedies don’t stop at the health challenge listed above as there are also common unproven remedies people use for piles, malaria, HIV and stroke.

Pile (haemorrhoids)

Health workers note that many sufferers of pile often resort to unconventional remedies before seeking medical attention.

Some commonly reported practices include drinking concentrated mixtures of bitter herbs; inserting herbs, oils or chemicals into the anus; applying kerosene, mentholated ointments or locally prepared substances directly to affected areas; consuming large quantities of aloe vera mixtures marketed as cures; and patronising unqualified traditional healers who promise permanent cures.

Doctors warn that some of these practices can cause burns, infections, bleeding and worsening of symptoms.

Malaria

Despite the availability of effective anti-malarial drugs, many people still rely on home remedies. Among them are drinking mixtures of gin and bitter herbs; consuming excessive amounts of garlic, ginger or lemon; taking unregulated herbal concoctions; drinking “agbo” and other traditional mixtures as substitutes for diagnosis and treatment; and self-medicating repeatedly without laboratory confirmation.

Medical experts say that while some herbs may relieve symptoms, they do not replace proper malaria diagnosis and treatment.

HIV/AIDS

For decades, HIV has been surrounded by myths and false cures. Some remedies promoted over the years include herbal mixtures claiming to completely cure HIV; spiritual healing sessions advertised as eliminating the virus; fasting regimens promoted as alternatives to antiretroviral therapy; animal-based products marketed as immune boosters; and expensive supplements sold as cures.

Experts say no herbal product has been scientifically proven to cure HIV, while discontinuing prescribed medication can lead to treatment failure and increased risk of illness.

Stroke: Stroke survivors and their families often become desperate for quick recovery solutions.

Some reported practices include drinking herbal mixtures believed to dissolve blood clots; massaging affected limbs with hot oils and chemicals; consuming large quantities of alcohol-based herbal preparations; seeking spiritual interventions while delaying hospital treatment; and using animal products and traditional concoctions believed to restore movement.

Neurologists stress that stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care.

Why people believe unproven remedies

According to behavioural scientists, fear is one of the strongest drivers of health misinformation. When faced with a poorly understood disease, many people seek immediate solutions that offer hope and a sense of control.

The rapid spread of information through social media platforms has amplified this tendency.

A message shared by a trusted friend or family member may appear more believable than official guidance from health authorities. Experts say cultural traditions also play a role.

Many communities have long histories of using traditional remedies for common ailments, leading some individuals to assume that natural or familiar substances can cure newly emerging diseases.

Another factor is distrust in government institutions and health care systems.

Where confidence in public institutions is weak, rumours often flourish. Public health experts stress that addressing misinformation requires more than simply debunking false claims. It also involves building trust, engaging communities and ensuring timely access to credible information.

The medical consequences

Health professionals warn that the dangers associated with unproven remedies extend beyond the substances themselves.

One of the greatest risks is delayed treatment. Patients who rely on ineffective remedies may postpone seeking medical care until their condition becomes severe.

Doctors say this delay can significantly reduce the chances of recovery, particularly in diseases that require early intervention.

Excessive salt consumption, for example, can lead to dehydration, dangerously elevated blood pressure, kidney complications and neurological problems.

Consumption of animal waste products may expose individuals to bacterial infections, parasitic diseases and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Similarly, ingesting chemical substances such as disinfectants can result in poisoning, organ failure and death.

Medical experts also warn that some herbal products may interact negatively with prescription medications or contain undisclosed ingredients that pose additional risks.

According to infectious disease specialists, the promotion of unverified remedies can undermine public health responses by creating false confidence among populations.

Individuals who believe they are protected by ineffective treatments may ignore proven preventive measures such as vaccination, hand hygiene, mask use during outbreaks and prompt medical consultation.

Experts argue that misinformation should be treated as a public health emergency in its own right.

The World Health Organisation had previously described the flood of false information accompanying disease outbreaks as an “infodemic” capable of hampering effective response efforts.

Public health researchers note that misinformation often spreads faster than scientific evidence, making early communication essential.

They advocate proactive health education campaigns, partnership with community leaders and stronger monitoring of false medical claims online.

For health care professionals, the challenge is not merely correcting misinformation but understanding the fears and concerns that make people vulnerable to it.

As new diseases emerge and old ones resurface, experts say the lessons from Ebola, COVID-19 and other outbreaks remain relevant.

The history of strange remedies demonstrates that when fear takes hold, people may grasp at any promise of protection.

Yet medicine consistently shows that effective disease control depends not on rumours, myths or miracle cures, but on evidence-based interventions grounded in science.

For public health advocates, the message is simple: When illness strikes, the safest remedy is not the one that spreads fastest, but the one supported by credible medical evidence.

Experts weigh in

Speaking with Weekend Trust, a senior doctor at Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja who asked not to be named, warned that misinformation during outbreaks could be as dangerous as the disease itself because it drives behaviours that increase risk and discourage people from seeking appropriate care.

The doctor stressed that trust, accurate information and community engagement are critical components of outbreak response, noting that rumours and misinformation can undermine disease control efforts.

According to a physician, Chukwudi Ifeanyi, false information spreads faster and more easily than viruses, making access to accurate health information a vital part of disease prevention.

Ifeanyi emphasised that public confidence in scientific evidence is essential during health emergencies, warning that misinformation can weaken response strategies across communities.

Dr Hammed Alausa, another physician, cautioned that there’s no substitute for evidence-based medicine, noting that unproven remedies may create false reassurance while exposing individuals to additional health risks.

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