Table of Contents
1. Bacterial, parasitic or heavy metal contamination
2. Allergic reactions
3. The dose is not measured and can be dangerous
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
High number of fever cases
typhoid
in various regions, some people still rely on medication
traditional
.In some areas, giving boiled water from earthworms is one of the treatments passed down from generation to generation.
Even though it is considered effective by some families, this habit is not free from health risks that need to be watched out for.
Typhoid fever itself is an infection caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria through contaminated food or drink.WHO records that around 17 million cases occur every year throughout the world, with a death toll reaching 600,000 cases.
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, water boiled with earthworms is considered ‘second aid’ after medical treatment.Some parents even give a decoction of worms once their child starts to have a fever, others combine it with medication from a doctor.
This practice is based on various reasons, including feeling more comfortable with traditional medicine, cultural factors, the belief that healing is faster, and the belief that natural ingredients are definitely safe.
However, the assumption that ‘natural means no side effects’ is not always true.Using water boiled with earthworms can actually carry a number of health risks, especially for children whose immune systems are still developing.
Following are some of the health effects of consuming worm boiled water, according to various sources:
1. Bacterial, parasitic or heavy metal contamination
Earthworms live in moist environments rich in organic material such as soil, mud or compost.This condition makes it vulnerable to exposure to bacteria, parasites and heavy metals.
If worms are not cleaned and processed hygienically, the cooking water has the potential to carry dangerous microorganisms.Worms that come from polluted soil can also contain heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which are dangerous if they enter a child’s body.
This contamination can trigger digestive infections or poisoning, especially if the boiling process does not completely kill germs.
2. Allergic reactions
The absence of a standard dosage for using water boiled with earthworms makes the risk even greater.Every child has different immune sensitivities, so allergic reactions can appear at any time.
Some side effects that may occur include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching or a rash on the skin.Because there are no clinical trials to confirm its safety or benefits, its long-term effects are unknown.
3. The dose is not measured and can be dangerous
There are no standard guidelines regarding the number of worms, boiling time, or the amount that should be given to children.This opens up the possibility of overdose or underdose.
In some cases, the use of traditional medicine without medical supervision actually causes parents to postpone treatment that is proven to be safer and more effective.This condition has the risk of worsening typhoid infections which should be treated appropriately using antibiotics according to the doctor’s prescription.
If your child shows symptoms of high fever, weakness, nausea, or indigestion, take him to a health facility immediately.Typhoid treatment requires appropriate medical examination and treatment.Traditional medicine should not be a substitute for primary therapy.
(tis/tis)
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