TUOB — Traditional Home Remedy In The Philippines
Tu-ob and why most Filipinos resort to this traditional home remedy today?
Since the Global pandemic started, many Filipinos have been looking for ways to prevent them from catching the novel coronavirus. Some people who experience one or two of the virus’s symptoms straight away set off to the internet for home remedies or a cure. One of the many DIY cures that trended in social media is steam inhalation or commonly known as tu-ob or uslob in the Visayan (Philippine dialects)language or su-ob in Tagalog Filipino.
Some local leaders in the Philippines have been vocal in supporting this practice. I remembered back when I was still in my elementary days, whenever we get the flu or catch a cold, my father would boil water with salt and guava leaves. I can’t actually remember if there were other things or ingredients that he puts in but I am extremely certain there were guava leaves.
After it boils, he would let it cool down for a bit and look for a basin or a big bowl then pour the concoction there. He would then get a blanket or a towel and call me to face the basin. He will cover me with the blanket then allow me to inhale the steam for a few minutes. This health practice can be easily done at home.
Steam inhalation or tuob is one of many Filipino traditional health practices that most households use to relieve symptoms of colds or flu-like sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and headache. A number of Filipino families have been doing this as far as they can remember. This practice has been passed down from previous generations. Filipinos as well as traditional health remedies, if you noticed, seem inseparable.
Early this year, my husband caught a cold. Imagine the fear we both felt. Thankfully, it only lasted for a few days then he recovered. I got sick right after. If it was just like old times or if there was no pandemic, I wouldn’t be so worried. But ever since the novel coronavirus plagued the world, a simple cough wasn’t so simple any longer. I started to panic when I was still not feeling well after almost a week. What made it worse was that I was also having anxiety attacks making my hands numb as well as my legs. Not a good combination.
That’s when I tried tuob. I have been seeing posts about it on social media. I wasn’t really a fan of it even though I’ve already tried it when I was younger. I was scared of scald injuries. But hey, I wanted to alleviate my nasal congestion and I truly wanted to feel better. There were kids in the house and I didn’t want them to catch whatever virus I had. Getting rid of my cold symptoms immediately was a must. I can honestly say that it worked for me. I felt better after a few days of doing it but I also know that it was not solely because of tuob. I was also taking more fluids and vitamins at that time. There was also a lot of praying involved.
What I am trying to say is that people, especially those who cannot afford to go to a hospital or get a swab test, will without doubt resort to home remedies and cure. The fear of being admitted and testing positive for COVID is also one of the reasons. It is after all human instinct to do everything we can to survive. Most people also think that since our hospital capacities are now full, they might as well help themselves rather than do nothing at all. Majority of the people I’ve talked to believe that this treatment or health practice is harmless and it is highly accessible to the public. So, why not give it a try?
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
According to the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care or PITAHC, there are certain measures that they recommend for the beneficial use of tuob or stream inhalation if the public wishes to give it a try.
- Individualized use bowl, towel, or blanket in order to prevent cross-infection
- Use water with temperature not exceeding what is bearable to one’s skin
- Prevent steam from making contact with your eyes
- A person with facial lesions or infection is discouraged to try this practice.
- If done on children, adult supervision is required.
- Don’t do it if you are in doubt.
If you are considering doing tuob as an alternative therapy, you will need these materials:
- Boiling Pan
- Basin (optional)
- 8–10 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of salt
- A thick blanket
- Towel
- Clothes
Boil the water. Put 4 tablespoons of salt. Some people put slices of ginger, lemon, or a little amount of Vicks vaporub. It depends on your preference. Let it boil for 8–10 minutes. Cover the pan. After it boils, remove it from heat. Place the pan (covered) on a flat surface. Cover yourself with a thick blanket or towel. You may sit on the floor or use a chair. Make sure that you are in a comfortable and safe position. Put your face above the pan or basin but not too close. Open the lid slowly. Inhale the vapor through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Do this for 15 -20 minutes once daily or every other day.
Difference of Opinion
The Spokesperson from the Department of Health, Maria Rosario Vergeire issued a statement last June 2020 warning the public against tuob or steam inhalation. Spokesperson Vergeire reiterated that this practice doesn’t kill the COVID-19 virus and that this is not part of the ways to steer clear of the said disease. Other medical professionals also said that there is no scientific evidence that DIY cures or home remedies like tuob can fight the virus. DOH also stated that steam inhalation might increase or worsen nasal secretions that can possibly cause infections and be transmitted to others by means of sneezing and coughing. They said that it might also cause accidents like scalding or other burn injuries.
Some would argue that this home remedy has been tried and tested even before the medical profession was institutionalized or commercialized. A friend of mine said that nebulizers are their modern counterpart. However, since tuob doesn’t use commercialized medicines that they usually put in nebulizers, it is logical that most medical practitioners don’t promote it. Others dismiss it because they haven’t tried it.
Let’s pause, think carefully, and let us try to understand. These medical professionals are promoting public health safety by giving us medical guidance. We do not need to bash them. We may have different views on the matter but I believe that we all just want the best for everyone. A health worker relative of mine said that if the public believes and is that confident that tuob can help them fight this virus, let them.
We cannot force our beliefs on others and vice versa. However, let us not forget about the health protocols given. It is there for a reason. The DOH and other medical professionals have already given their thoughts and warnings. It is up to us, the people, to decide what to do with the information. If it works for some then good for them, If not then that is unfortunate. Let us not blame others. Nevertheless, let us broaden our minds and our views. The pandemic has impacted everyone and almost every corner of our lives.
This disease is not like the usual cold or cough. This virus can be fatal to those with weaker immune systems and comorbidities. According to recent reports, the newly discovered strain is highly contagious. And with this latest covid virus strain, unlucky people, depending on their immune systems, will develop severe symptoms within 3–5 days. Unfortunately, if their body can’t take it they will die within 7 days. The sad reality is that death which came 2 weeks last year now comes within 7 days.
Conclusion
Stating all these, I can honestly say that I see nothing wrong in giving it a try. Many have tried this practice way before the pandemic even started. There is also nothing wrong with educating people that this alternative therapy does not cure corona. Let us remember and remind other people that while this practice may relieve some of the symptoms, like nasal congestion, it won’t kill the novel coronavirus. It is not a cure for COVID-19. Most people are willing to give it a try because it is highly accessible and easy to do.
Prevention is still and always will be way better than cure. Let us help ourselves and the government. Let’s observe the preventive measures given. Take plenty of fluids, exercise, eat healthy food, sleep well and strengthen our immune system. Let us follow health protocols which are frequent hand washing, the use of face masks and face shields, avoid going to crowded places, observe physical distancing, and staying home.
Thank you for reading.
Elvie Lins is a Singapore-based photographer.
An educator, motivator to others.
Covering articles related to true-to-life experiences.
Create travel videos to be able to share her experiences that may provide and inspired others to do better in life.
I have written some article about health below:
