Therapeutic effect of lemon leaves in patients convalescing from COVID-19
Keywords:
COVID-19, LEMON LEAF, PHYTOTHERAPY, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, CONVALESCENCEAbstract
Background: post-acute COVID-19 syndrome involves prolonged clinical manifestations. Phytotherapy, particularly the use of lemon leaves (Citrus limon), is postulated as a therapeutic alternative for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties. Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lemon leaves infusion in convalescent COVID-19 patients.
Methods: a quasi-experimental study of therapeutic intervention (before and after, without control group) was conducted in 60 patients from the No. 6 Medical Consultation from Guillermo Tejas Silva Polyclinic, Las Tunas, from November 2021 to June 2024. A standardized infusion of lemon leaves was applied. Clinical variables and knowledge level were evaluated. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and significance tests (p<0.05) were used.
Results: the female sex (60 %) and the group of 60 years and over (50 %) predominated. Post-intervention, 100 % of patients increased their knowledge about the disease. Psychological symptoms showed greater improvement: anxiety (73.3 %), depression (73.3 %) and sleep disorders (85 %). Conclusions: the infusion of lemon leaves was effective in reducing psychological and sleep symptoms in convalescent patients, proving to be a useful tool in primary health care.
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