PROBLEM: Bilharzia? Try: doum tea
Doum is commonly known in northern Nigeria as goruba. Folklore in the region have long claimed haematologic effects of its fruit, pulp, seeds and root in a number of bleeding-related ailments—from bilharzia and haematuria to bleeding after childbirth.
Analysis of the extract revealed presence of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and sodium in moderate concentration.
A 2013 research supported claims by traditionalists and herbalists that this plant was useful in managing anaemia in council areas as Askira-Uba and Maiduguri.
To get the best of this wonder plant, soak the root in water overnight. By morning, the content is ready for sieving and drinking. A cup by morning and another by night has been claimed useful in managing “fitsari da jini”—that’s Hausa for bilharzia.
Courtesy: Isiyaku Muhammed