UNAIR NEWS – Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread in Indonesia. The number of confirmed cases continues to increase every day. Until now, researchers have not found a special vaccine that can be used to prevent the Covid-19 virus. Therefore, one of the ways that can be done by the community is to maintain the body’s immunity so that it is not easily exposed to any virus.
A group of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Community Service Program (KKN) students in Genaharjo Village, Semanding, Tuban took initiative to distribute herbal drink to the community. It was done on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, to maintain and improve the immunity amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Nurul A’ilda, a person in charge of the program who is also a student of UNAIR Pharmacy, explained the various benefits of herbal drink for physical health. According to her, ginger has properties to overcome digestive problems, anti-inflammation, and reduce nausea; curcuma is beneficial for antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood flow, and increase appetite; while turmeric is effective to fight infection, prevent osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, and other benefits.
“These efficacies show that herbal drink is very healthy, does not contain preservatives and chemicals, and is safe for community in a vulnerable pandemic situation like this,” she explained.
The system of herbal drink distribution was carried out by the student group by going around the village and giving herbal drink which was ready to drink. They prioritized distribution of herbal drink to the elderly and people who often work outside the house.
“The elderly and people who work outdoor are more susceptible to illness, so they are our top priority to be given herbal drink to maintain their physical health,” explained the student known as A’ilda.
A’ilda hoped that the community could be educated and be more aware of their health by producing their own herbal drink, especially considering that their area is rich for spices, greatly facilitates the community in producing and consuming herbal drink to improve immunity every day.
“In addition, by diligently consuming herbal drink, the community also preserves traditional Indonesian drinks,” she concluded.
Author: Nikmatus Sholikhah
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
