The use of medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19 in Nepal

Abstract Background Medicinal plants are the fundamental unit of traditional medicine system in Nepal. Nepalese people rich especially folk (ethnomedicine), and this is gaining much attention after 1995. The use medicinal has increased during COVID-19 pandemic as a private behavior (not under control government). A lot misinterpretations to treat or prevent have been spreading throughout Nepal which need be managed proactively. In context, research was needed document used, their priority society, cultivation status, source information follow them. This study aimed present status plant make important suggestion concerned authorities. Methods used web-based survey collect primary data related COVID-19. total 774 respondents took part survey. calculated relative frequencies citation (RFC) for recorded plants. relationship between different covariates (age, gender education, occupation, living place, treatment methods) assessed using Kruskal-Wallis test Wilcoxon test. sources respondent characteristics chi-square Results found that most recommended 60 belonging 36 families. leaves were frequently used. Zingiber officinale cited species with frequency 0.398. Most (45.61%) getting from home garden. significantly associated education level, location home, mode, gender, age class. method treatment, family, lockdown caused by Conclusions People more claiming they can cure should taken seriously authorities validity these flow false spread through awareness programs.